The Road Back Home

[Brandon Rhea]

There was a side of Jhon that always wanted to get away from it all. No, not just recent troubles of destiny and self-loathing, but everything; galactic affairs, Jedi diplomacy, Alliance politics. All of it. He would sometimes imagine himself lying on the warm beach of a deserted planet, awash with the tranquility of solitude as he watched the waves break upon the shore. Cool mists would gently dance across his face while the tides nipped at his heels. The hot sand would morph around his body, and he'd just lay there, basking in a simple, peaceful life.

He imagined himself there now. All the worries and cares he carried for so long were gone in his mind's eye. It was in this place that he knew that the burdens he shouldered were unnecessary. He did not need to weep for past mistakes, nor fret about future struggles. All he needed to do was make the best of the present, living in wisdom and following the Way.

Such a revelation was something Jhon wasn't used to, after his time in Imperial Space. Now he felt a calm, a peace he hadn't known for... well, forever. A weight was lifted, one that had been there for decades, ever since the disaster on Ardos. He never really moved on from that, yet now he felt more in tune with the Force. He felt detached from his self, from his ego, seeing only the currents of the Force and the peace that the light could bring. It was a sense deep within his soul, into the very fiber of his being. Not one he could put into words, but a tranquility that could only be felt.

It was when he experienced that feeling, just now, when he realized something was very, very wrong. He shouldn't have felt that peace. He should have felt nowhere near centered. The last thing he remembered, his soul was twisted into knots, wallowing in self-pity over his mistakes with Andraste and everything else. He was standing in a rainy back alley, watching Ebberla Daw leave, returning home to the Jedi where he, pretending to be Darth Vitium, goaded her into returning to.

Darth Vitium. It was a name that the galaxy knew him as now, even though no such man existed. The illusion that the Jedi suspected was conjured by Geist Weiss, a master of Sith deception and propaganda, spread like wildfire across the galaxy. Whereas Jhon had gone into hiding, faking his death, to protect himself, the Sith took it upon themselves to destroy his legacy and public reputation.

He was losing his centering now; not by much, but enough for his mind to be ripped away from the peaceful shoreline. Now he was somewhere different. The stench of decay and garbage was everywhere. The defeaning buzz of tens of thousands of speeders and people was overhead. There was an artificial breeze close enough to the real thing to be passable but far enough away from a true breeze that let him know exactly where he was: Coruscant.

"There is still no word on the whereabouts of the missing Jedi Master," a voice from a loudspeeker said. "As we've reported, Jedi Master Jhon Cordatus was believed to have been killed at the hand of former Emperor Darth Exodeus, but he recently broadcast a HoloNet transmission revealing to the galaxy that he had, in fact, become a Lord of the Sith called Darth Vitium. We will continue to bring you all updates relating to the former Grand Master's whereabouts."

His eyes slowly opened, seeing that he was, in fact, in the streets of Coruscant. He looked up to find an image of him right smack in the center of the screen, letting all of the HoloNet news viewers remember what he looked like. He looked back down, seeing the eyes of the people lock onto him. It was then he realized that his hood was off, and he was in plain sight. The only natural response from the people around him quickly followed.

Panic. Sheer, unadulturated panic. Dozens, and soon hundreds, of Alliance citizens ran away in terror at the sight of a so-called Sith Lord. He, too, only had one option.

Run.

 

[GABA]

There was a familiar ripple in the Force, tranquil, at peace, but distant. One that would have teased the senses, to catch one's attention and leave them looking for more. Though some wouldn't have given second thought about it, there were plenty of force users who would.

That was certainly the case for the Grand Master of the New Jedi Order. His own curiosity piqued while talking to a few younglings on the Force, dividing his attention, he went to explore this ripple. Though no matter how cautious one could be, no one would have been able to brace for the massive wave that followed that ripple.

A wave that followed with terror, panic, and fear.

The Grand Master was jerked from his focus as he conversed and what more than an appropriate moment too to feel a disturbance in the Force. It was enough of a shock too that some of the more experienced young ones in the room felt it too, their curious questions flowed one right after another in trying to decipher what they had felt. Though Sigur knew this lesson would have to be cut short. Dismissing the class, he left also, wasting no time and made his way to the Council Chambers.

Once inside, he begun entering the encryption codes calling for his two other council members. Switching on the holonet as he did so, it was immediately swarmed with breaking news broadcasts from every station, every reporter with a holocam and a microphone pouring in their stories.

"This Breaking News, if you're just joining us, reports of the Sith Lord Darth Vitium was seen on Coruscant. Correspondent Twisha White is on the scene now, Twisha is it true the Sith Lord known as Vitium was seen?"

"Yes, yes, the civilians are cleared out, eyewitness accounts say that Darth Vitium was standing here in this plaza behind me only moments ago. Alliance officials are on the scene, the area is blocked off for..."

He cut the message short for his councilors, and instead commed for Master Master Vashee, he would consult with his council after this urgency was under control.

"Holo security vids from local business are being detained for further confirmation..."

"Master Vashee, please meet me immediately in the council chambers, bring every able body Knight you find on your way up here." the Grand Master ordered. Gaining confirmation the message was sent, he proceeded to set temple security on high alert, feeds of check in reports flooded onto the projection screen while other the other screens carried the continuous news reports.

He centered himself, listening to the subtle changes in the Force as he waited for Ashara and her team to arrive. There was still a blanket of panic and fear, the Grand Master kept vigilant, but he also felt for any deception hiding in those weaves.

He had hoped the Darth Vitium sceme was only a cruel trick, another propaganda ploy made by the Sith, like they had so commonly done right before the Lightell Emperor rose to the throne. However, the surprising return of the former Sage Master set those hopes aside, as she had reported Jhon was alive, and well, and taking claim to the name of Darth Vitium. He had of course questioned her about the validity of claim, having had mentioned she was having memory issues, he wondered if it was side effect from that. However, Ebberla had reassured the Grand Master it was the former Jedi Leader she had encountered and no one else.

Sigur folded his hands in front of him and turned to face the door were the Jedi would enter. If the reports flooding in were true about the former Grand Master, the Jedi would need to do what they can to apprehend him first. He was suspicious to know why a Darth would so wiling show face in the middle of a public plaza, then a top of it, flee. The Grand Master's gut turned with thoughts of what devious acts the Sith Imperium could be up too.

Though, there was always time later to worry about the what ifs, right now, they had a Sith Lord to catch.

 

[Master Maverick]

"Yes, good. 'A Jedi respects life, in all forms it may take." A dark hued Togruta, rather petite in size, commended a young girl for remembering this particular line of the Code. "Now, tell me what that means to you." Her eyes widened slightly as she anticipated the answer. Ashara had learned that this particular youngster was quite perceptive and understood things beyond her years at times.

This would be the third of a set of five classes the Master would be holding within the Temple before returning to Empress Teta to continue her work. Not necessarily her favorite planet, though she did find a bit of beauty in the whole thing. The evil in this place, that could be found, was far more disturbing than most anything she would find on Tython. For that reason, she disliked Coruscant just that little bit more. Indeed, her mission here with her niece only a few months prior only solidified her stance on the planet.

It was at this point, after the question was posed, that a disturbance washed over her. It was different. She wasn't sure what or who it was, though there was something vaguely familiar about it. However, she had a class to teach. The Grand Master could handle the issue, she was sure.

The girl was thinking on an answer when a young Jedi, an Initiate perhaps, burst into the room. First Ashara was offended and almost annoyed. However, she saw the concerned look on his face and gathered it must have been rather important. "Master Vashee! I have a message for you! It's from the Grand Master!" He was gasping for air at this point, not yet conditioned for such an exciting run.

Wordlessly the Togruta took the holorecording. Turning away from the class, she activated it and watched and listened. The volume was down so only the young messenger could hear it. Not wasting a moment, she turned and announce, "Class is dismissed. We willcontinue later." Her breath was caught in her throat as she hurried out of the room before anyone even rose from their seat. The younglings were clearly confused, but Ashara had no time to explain. Not that she could even if she wanted to. She was quite unaware as to the reason for this, but it must have been serious.

Practically fleeing the classroom, her eyes flitted back and forth on the lookout for Knights to accompany her. She was almost annoyed that she had been called for such a mission. Was she really the only Master in the Temple right now? It was unlikely at best, but she just dealt with it. An older Jedi, bald and close to her age, was spotted. Rushing over to him (Jay), Ashara told him to follow her. That the Grand Master needed their presence. She wouldn't wait for the answer, rather continuing on her way. She'd assume that any and all Jedi would heed the call.

Spotting another, a younger Jedi she had just read about having been Knighted, she turned to the older Jedi and told him, "I'll meet you there." Turning off in the young man's direction, she told him (Guhoo) of the same thing. Almost frantically her head whipped around looking through widened eyes to find another capable looking Knight.

It was then that a Nautolan, one that she had heard about and seen only a few times over the years caught her eyes. "Shi-Gel-Hu!" She hoped the name was right as she rushed over to him. "The Grand Master requests your presence. Meet him in the Council Chambers immediately. I'll be there shortly." She was obviously rushing, and it was only at this point that she started to make connections. Was it that ripple she had felt?

Looking around, after Shi-Gel-Hu, she tried to find another Jedi. They were either too young or not the Jedi needed for the assumed job. Starting after the Nautolan, she made her way up to the Council Chambers. Getting up a few levels, she found another Jedi she had met before. "Moridin!" She called after him, raising a hand. "Moridin Zerga! Please, follow me. The Grand Master asks for us!" With that, she turned and rushed up to the Chambers. Her bare feet padded rather quietly on the metal floor, her light robes fluttering as she moved. It took a few minutes, but she finally reached her destination.

"I apologize for taking so long, Master." She was almost gasping for breath, needing to take a few deep breaths to calm herself after all the excitement. Moving to the front of the group, she waited for their briefing and mission.

 

[GABA]

There was a rush of light presence that spilled through the halls before Ashara and her team entered the council chambers. She stood before him, apologizing for her lack of speed in between her breaths. Sigur raised a hand signalling there was no need for apology. He looked over the group before him and then spoke. Many of them he knew, their skills with the Force and blade would surely pose as a overwhelming force against the Sith Lord and anyone he had with him.

"As the Holonet has been breaking, Darth Vitium is on Coruscant." he begun, "We cannot let him leave. In entrust the five of you to bring him in alive if you can, do not doubt if he is cornered he will put up a fight. Do not underestimate him, this is not the Jhon Cordatus as we had remembered him. Be cautious, be mindful, and may the Force be with you."

Sigur's words and orders were direct and simple. He trusted the group before him and was confident they would undoubtedly see to Darth Vitium would not escape.

 

[Master Maverick]

Widened eyes and parted lips bore the expression of disbelief. Of all the things that it could have been, this was probably the least probable. The return of Jhon Cordatus!? Thoughts began to rush through the mind of the Togruta to the point of blankness. This lasted for several moments before she finally gained control of herself. The momentousness task of bringing him back, surely for questioning, was a tremendous weight that now rested on her shoulders. She was to be in charge of this operation? Surely there was someone more qualified than herself to accomplish this task.

Realizing the rising doubt that boiled within her, she knew the Grand Master would be less than impressed, just as with her previous bout of uncontrolled rushing thoughts. Not a very good start for the Master. She was just unprepared for the news. The conversation she had with a young Jedi by the name of Nero passed through her mind as well. The fact was interesting, surely, but it was at this point that her mind was emptied of such miscellaneous thought.

Finding calm within her, she cleared her mind and readied herself for the task. A curt nod was given to the Grand Master before turning around to look at the group she had assembled. The fact that it was all males was a fleeting thought. "Let's go." Her voice was not it's usual light self. A deep determination had risen within her and she had to now lead a group of more than capable men.

A hurried walk out of the Temple ensued and she began organizing the situation. "We're going to need to spread out at first, but we need to keep in communication the entire time. Coordination is going to be key and we can't allow him to take any one of us alone. We're going to have to surround him. If we can, we need to try to direct him towards the Temple, but primarily away from heavily populated areas." The absurd notion that there was a place on Coruscant that wasn't heavily populated crossed her mind, but she went with it.

"Shi-Gel-Hu, you, Cameron and Zerga go ahead and find his location. Check the holo and with new reporters and anyone who might know where he's been and try to figure out where he's going. Armstrong, you and I will coordinate with Coruscant Security so we're working together and they don't get in the way. Make sure they're taking necessary precautions and that all docks and ports are shut down. If you stumble upon him, let the rest of us know immediately. I don't need to tell you that time is against us. Any questions?"

The question was quite rhetorical for there simply wasn't time for questions. When they reached the courtyard of the Temple, they'd split ways. Prior to this, of course, a connection among the Jedi participating was worked on so they could, at the very least, send emotions, perhaps pictures but ideally words to one another during this retrieval mission.

Without hesitation, Ashara dashed off only as one touched by the Force could. Within only several minutes they'd reach the location of the initial sighting after acquiring a speeder that Guhoo was instructed to pilot. Once there, Ashara would start working to find a ranking officer in order to get this whole thing started.

 

[Brandon Rhea]

It was difficult running away when Jhon felt that Jedi were near. He didn't recognize them, he didn't know them, but he sensed conflict from some, or at least one. Perhaps conflict about what they were being sent to do? It was obvious why such a large group of Jedi was out on the streets: to capture him. Jhon had wondered what the Jedi thought of the Darth Vitium propaganda, if they believed it or dismissed it. Maybe this was a clue.

He wanted to let them take him. He wanted to explain the situation, and let them know that Darth Vitium was a lie and that there only was, and always would be, the Jedi Master Jhon Cordatus. Yet, he couldn't. Part of him was still afraid. What would the truth mean for him? What would it mean for Lana, for destiny? The guise of death was a burden he knew he didn't have to carry, but he didn't know if he still wanted to.

Although she wasn't there, Jhon had hoped that Skhai would have been. He knew she could've helped him now, helped him escape or at the very least come to terms with whatever decision he would make. She was always there, always helping to guide him. He recalled a lesson he taught her, one of the Way. She told him that when a tree was planted, no matter how fierce the wind that blew upon it, it would never topple if its roots were firm. Only weak roots could topple mighty trees. As such, even a weak person would never stumble if those around him were strong. Skhai was that strength for him, and he had tossed it aside. Not again.

Perhaps he could find her soon and set things right, but, first, he had to escape. He turned down a side street, running into a back alley towards the Galactic Market, away from the Jedi Temple.

 

[Wit]

Moridin had been on his way to the Archives, arms full of sheets of flimsiplast, when Master Vashee had called out to him from across the corridor. He had been quick in handing over the sheets to a passing padawan and instructing him to deposit them in his chambers, but had arrived at the Council chambers with a bleeding finger, courtesy of a paper cut while transferring the flimsi. He had felt something in the Force moments before Master Vashee's arrival, her appearance and the sense of urgency emanating from her only convincing him that something was indeed amiss. Even so, he had been quite surprised by what had been revealed to them outside the Council Chambers.

Jedi Master Jhon Cordatus was something of a legend in the Order, a former Grand Master, a pillar in the halls of the Jedi Order, a man that he himself had looked up to as a young Jedi padawan. His death had been a shock, the later revelation of him being alive and having taken up the mantle of a Sith Lord even more so. There were elements within the Order who did not believe that Master Cordatus was Darth Vitium, some did not want to believe, hoping that it was another Sith ploy, meant to sow disarray within the Alliance. Moridin himself was torn, honestly he did not know what to believe. But with the man himself now having been spotted on Coruscant it looked like he would soon know what to believe. That is once they managed to bring him in.

As per the Togrutan Master's orders, Moridin had rushed ahead with the other two, searching for Darth Vitium aka or Jedi Master Jhon Cordatus, both through the Force and more mundane means. His droid Arty, currently in his chambers in the Temple, was scouring the various holonet and other informational channels on the planet, and was keeping him updated with the latest information on the reappearance of the fabled Jedi Master. The droid had been slicing into the various holocam feeds available in the area where he had been last spotted and had been attempting to follow his trail. Moridin was confident in the droid's abilities, so when a message showed up in his datapad, he was not surprised. "Side alley leading up to the Galactic Market, hundred feet ahead from your current location."

Reaching out through the Force in the direction Arty had suggested, he attempted to locate the Jedi Master. But he was not attuned enough to the Force to actually pinpoint his location. A Jedi Master might have been able to do that, but all he could pick up was a vague presence somewhere up ahead, shining even through crowded Coruscant. "Up ahead, he's heading towards the Galactic Market, side alley a hundred feet ahead of us. Do we follow or try and cut him off?" He had already instructed Arty to share any and all information he gathered with the Grand Master in the Council chambers and with Master Vashee, and Moridin himself had sent a similar query to her as well.

 

[Dmitri]

Coruscant was a tranquil place, surrounded by the carnage of populated disorder, an island in the midst of a sea of busy bodies, each little life a frantic fish struggling to find their raison d'etre in the vast abyss. But the Jedi Temple was a beacon of hope. Several times it had been trampled upon, by the gust of the wind from the Sith wolves. But the temple would remain brick, resistant against the Sith's efforts. It returned time after time, a phoenix of the vast city-planet.

Even still, Shi-Gel-Hu preferred Empress Teta. Both held city-wide planets, but Empress Teta felt homely. However, here was where the Council was, or at least part of the Council. Shi-Gel-Hu was still out of the loop on many topics, having only awakened from a coma a week earlier. In fact, kidnappers had attempted to snatch his comatose body, but he had prevailed, with the help of several Padawans. After the event, Shi-Gel-Hu came to Coruscant to report on this incident. After all, the employer of the body-snatching Hocus Pocus Brothers had been working with someone claiming to be a Sith Lord, though Darth Crux had not been much of a challenge in the Jedi's combined might.

Shi-Gel-Hu wondered privately if the four Padawans were on the planet too, to give their reports. As he walked towards the Library, in order to do a quick glance to see if Coruscant's archives held any information on this "Darth Crux", he noticed Ashara Vashee hurrying past him. As she passed, she shouted for Shi-Gel-Hu to get to the Council chambers immediately.

Are they ready to hear my report already? wondered Shi-Gel-Hu. That didn't seem right. He had only recently submitted his abstract report. It was unlikely the Council had even read it yet. No, something was up. Ashara was concerned. He could sense the adrenaline pumping in her. No, something was wrong.

And in a time of war, something wrong could be very wrong.

Shi-Gel-Hu chased after Ashara. The null hypothesis of his suspicion was rejected as Ashara invoked another Jedi to follow her to the Council chambers. Shi-Gel-Hu hoped it wasn't another attack. So far the Sith, to his knowledge, had struck the Will of the Force, the Coruscanti temple, and the Sage Halls. Their mode of operations suggested they didn't attack twice. Or were they attacking again since the temple had been resurrected? He hoped not.

Shi-Gel-Hu arrived with Ashara Vashee and the other Jedi whom the Master had called "Moridin Zerga". However, they weren't alone. They were joined by other Jedi. Among them was Sigur Vainikainen. He had heard from others that Sigur had risen to Grand Master. He felt proud for the man, having been his instructor for a time. He had felt proud of his old friend Garth Dovhann too when he had been Grand Master briefly. He hoped Sigur's reign would last longer. Much longer.

However, this was not the time to catch up in memories of reminiscence. Nor was this likely a summons to give his report on the Hocus Pocus Brothers and Darth Crux in their attempt to kidnap him from Lucius Stark Hospital on Empress Teta. No, something was wrong. It was written on Sigur's face, though strained with lack of breath, which he was attempting to regain. Ashara's face too spoke of haunted concerns. The Force spoke words silently.

"As the Holonet has been breaking, Darth Vitium is on Coruscant." Sigur informed the group. This revelation disturbed Shi-Gel-Hu greatly. A Sith Lord on Coruscant?! And just less than a week since one had shown up on Empress Teta? It could be a coincidence. Shi-Gel-Hu prayed for the Force to shed light, but shadows clouded any vision on the probability. They were dead in the water, on whether the two events were connected.

But his worry on a Sith plot was overshadowed by the next piece of information to leave Sigur's lips. Jhon Cordatus was Darth Vitium. His eyes widened in surprise, though with blackened pupils, not many would likely notice the facial expression, unless attuned to such changes, such as continued exposure to his species. He felt his two hearts pump a little faster. He almost made an outburst in disbelief, but held him back. He had been in a coma for months. He still didn't know everything, which could include Jhon Cordatus being alive and conducting Bogan practices.

But Jhon Cordatus? Out of all the former Grand Masters the Jedi Order had seen during this war, Shi-Gel-Hu had pinned Jhon Cordatus as the least likely to turn to the dark side. Beric Kanasur had his hatred, especially when ousted by his own brethren. Lecchaememnon was a bit of a downer, and came to no surprise when he vanished, rumored to be stalking Necropolis. Apollo Ratler may have held a grudge from his injury. Even Garth Dovhann had once been plagued by fits of anger, proof found in Shi-Gel-Hu's scar. Anyone but Jhon Cordatus.

However, the fact remained that Jhon Cordatus had apparently threw away his old life and had enveloped himself in darkness. Whatever the case may be, Jhon Cordatus needed to be detained, if only to answer the questions to his disappearance.

Ashara showed shock by Sigur's revelation, just like all the other Jedi in attendance. This showed Shi-Gel-Hu that not even this Master had yet known this. And apparently the story was being broadcasted on the Holonet. He knew many Jedi disliked the media conglomerate, believing it to not always given accurate indications of events spurning in the galaxy. Shi-Gel-Hu held slightly higher regard on them, having met some of the men and women of Sigma 6 during a mission a couple years back, before the war broke out.

However, Ashara was back on her feet and began issuing out orders. She was a true Jedi, ready to put her emotions on side in order to remain in calamity. She motioned for the Jedi to hurry out. As Shi-Gel-Hu was leaving the chamber, he asked Sigur, "Jhon Cordatus is a Sith Lord? When did that happen?" However, he did not wait for an answer. He rushed out of the temple, tapping his communication piece, to indicate that Sigur could fill him in later through the earpiece.

Ashara wanted to avoid populated areas, which would be a challenge considering their location was Coruscant. The proposition to herd Vitium towards the temple held merit, though would be difficult. With good coordination, it could work... hopefully. Ashara in fact wanted him, the Jedi she had called "Zerga" and another named "Cameron" to locate Vitium, coordinating with the reporters and Holo. Shi-Gel-Hu acknowledged with a nod.

"I have a contact in Sigma 6," informed Shi-Gel-Hu. "He can get me their data, and probably some other stations' as well." Pulling out a comm, he said, "I'll give him a call." Shi-Gel-Hu ran in a different direction than Moridin. Strength in numbers would be best once Cordatus was found, but they needed to find him first. And splitting up allowed them to accomplish that easier. They were connected to the Force, so they'd know if they were in distress. Besides, he only ran in adjacent to Moridin, so he'd only be a building away.

Shi-Gel-Hu made a call. A gruff voice with a hoarse sound that indicated years of smoking answered. Nearly immediately, the Nautolan noted. The man was called "Da Chief" by those at Sigma 6; Shi-Gel-Hu wasn't even sure if he remembered the man's real name. Regardless, he was one of the bosses at the network. Three of his reporters -Wayne Barrel, Yessa Na'a, and Evler'ra'billa- had been kidnapped by a Hutt crimelord and it was thanks to Shi-Gel-Hu and another Jedi that they had been rescued, with some help from Da Chief. Since then, they had occasionally kept in contact. In fact, he sometimes fed the Nautolan information before they were publicized on the air, when it regarded Sith matters.

And Shi-Gel-Hu needed his help again. "It's me. Shi-Gel-Hu," he greeted plainly. Da Chief wasn't the type for extended greetings.

Shi-Gel-Hu heard something on the line that sounded like something being spit out; he guessed that Da Chief was spitting out one of his cigars (he numerously had tried to dissuade the man from smoking, but doubted even Mind Tricks could persuade the stubborn man). Da Chief spoke, "Didn't think I'd hear from you, Shi-Gel-Hu. Last I heard, you were in a coma."

Shi-Gel-Hu wondered how Da Chief had learned that little piece of information. The roster of injured Jedi wasn't exactly public knowledge. Considering Director Peiss and a doctor had been killed by Hocus and Pocus, one of those two hospital staff had been the informant, since Da Chief had not known about his awakening. He was about to inquire how Da Chief knew about his coma, but decided against it. He had come to ask Da Chief for help. Best not to submit inquiries.

Before he could speak, Da Chief continued. "Wayne's dead." There was a somberness in his voice. "Killed on Koda Station. He was founded with some cultists. Probably got himself into another mess."

Shi-Gel-Hu had never liked Wayne Barrel much, but he didn't hate the reporter either. His dead saddened the Nautolan a bit, but he had work to do. "Sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, I have more pressing matters. As you no doubt know, Jhon Cordatus has been spotted on Coruscant. We need to find him."

"And you want me and my people to help you track him down," finished Da Chief, guessing the Jedi's intentions. He sighed. "Fine. I'll send you all that I have." The clicks of typing could be heard. Data was rushing to Shi-Gel-Hu's datapad; apparently Da Chief still had the Nautolan's frequency on file. The datapad was larger than the standard, so more data was visible at once. He slowed down his pace slightly in order to examine the data better.

"Get me the other networks' too, if you can," added Shi-Gel-Hu. "Tell them it's Jedi business. Very urgent that they comply."

Da Chief acknowledged. Shi-Gel-Hu suspected the man would likely use this to his advantage, to boost Sigma 6's coverage of the story, but if that was the cost of coordinating the media and locating Jhon Cordatus before anything bad could happen, it was worth it. Using data from Sigma 6 and GIZKA Network, he found a trail leading to the Galactic Market.

Yoda's chin! thought Shi-Gel-Hu. If Jhon Cordatus reached the market, they were in trouble. The former Grand Master could easily hide himself in the crowd. Worse, he could hurt a lot of people. However, while he was heading that way, he could change course. Regardless, he sent out a warning to the Galactic Market. It was unlikely the market could evacuate in time, but some could flee in time and security would be ready, though unlikely a match against one as powerful as Jhon Cordatus.

Shi-Gel-Hu's theory was strengthened by Zerga Moridin's report that Jhon Cordatus was headed for the Galactic Market. He contacted all the Jedi he could: "I've checked in with the media. Their data supports a direction towards the Galactic Market. So far no change in direction, though that could change any moment. I've contacted the market to be on alert, but I don't think that they can evacuate in time, if they even took my advice to evacuate." Part of him doubted it. Security types thought they could handle any problem that came at them. They had a false sense of security, knowing that Jedi had a temple was nearby. After all, who would be foolish to attack a Jedi stronghold?

That same question puzzled Shi-Gel-Hu. Jhon Cordatus was definitely no fool. So why did he come back? It was unlikely to be nostalgia, as the Sage Halls had been more of the former Lore Master's home. No, Cordatus had a purpose. One that was unknown, and hopefully not connected to Darth Crux. However, even if remote, the others needed to be informed.

"Hard to say," Shi-Gel-Hu to the entire group, primarily to Zerga, via the comm. "We can try, but we should be cautious. I think stopping him should be recommended. Less than a week ago, a group of Jedi and I encountered a Sith Lord named Darth Crux on Empress Teta. He tried to kidnap me when I was in a coma. I don't know if Crux's mission is connected to why Jhon Cordatus being here, but we should be on our guard. We don't know what the Sith are up to, if he's a Sith. But if he is, and in league with Darth Crux, only bad things can come from this. Our priority should be to capture him alive if possible, though we need to be wary of both the citizens and ourselves." Remembering that he was only a participant, he needed the opinion of the Jedi leading the operation. From Sigur's demeanor, Shi-Gel-Hu deduced it was Ashara, unless Sigur himself was heading. "Ashara, I'm guessing you're calling the shots. What do you think? Sigma 6 doesn't have live feed, so I don't know how close he actually is, for whether we can succeed in intercepting him or not."

 

[Gaja]

It had been quite the peaceful day until the Togrutan Jedi Master approached him, for Guhoo had actually gotten to relax a little after the battle against the Sith on Tund. The first time he had gotten a good night of sleep since the battle was followed by a big breakfast after which the young man planned on visiting the archives and just downloading something on his datapad and reading for a bit. It wasn't like he had any prior obligations for the day so he figured he’d take the day of physical training and maybe further focus on his connection to the force by meditating later in the day.

His plans were obviously delayed for a bit when he was summoned to the Council chambers along with several other Knights where the Grand Master welcomed them with disturbing news. Guhoo looked around, all around him were well respected and capable Jedi, some of them quite a few years older which made the blond stand out a bit in terms of age, though certainly not so much in terms of looks if one considered they had a Nautolan and a Togruta as well. This was a good team any day, though the objective today was a tall one, find and capture Jhon Cordatus. The name alone inspired fear and respect from Guhoo in a way, he had heard of the man and read a bit about him, though he never had the pleasure of meeting him. It saddened him to think that they would do so under such circumstances, but at that point he brought himself back in to the present since they actually had to find the man.

There wasn’t much time for introductions though, at least Guhoo was familiar with Moridin whom he undertook a Simulation Mission back on the Light of the Force a while back. The imposing man that was Jay Cameron he met on Tython during his time as a mere Initiate years ago. It was good to see that he was still alive and kicking, despite his, you know, baldness. Those two were familiar faces that Guhoo could say he knew from before, not counting of course the Grand Master himself. Wearing his standard combat outfit the young Knight was actually ready to go out immediately as was expected of someone holding the rank of Knight.

After everything that has happened Guhoo was actually a bit sad that Kiro was not present in the room, though maybe it was better that way considering they were pursuing a Sith Lord. It wasn't long before the brief meeting that Guhoo was instructed to pilot an air speeder. Certainly he did his best though he wasn't exactly in the running for the best driver in the galaxy. He did a good enough job in that he kept it on course, steady enough for Ashara to coordinate everything with the police and security forces.

When they received information that the subject suspected to be Cordatus was moving towards the market Guhoo made a somewhat sharp right turn and accelerated quite a bit. He knew that sector reasonably well, considering that he passed through it quite often on his way to visit 'Uncle' Beil. "This is Armstrong. We're over the market, look for the silver air speeder and direct us if you spot the suspect." The pressure was rising bit by bit as this pursuit started and the jedi made their move, trying to circle in the man they believed to be Jhon Cordatus. And while Guhoo couldn't feel the presence of Jhon, he could feel tension in the air around him and despite all that he tried to remain open and listen to the force as best as he could, though he certainly would depend on his comrades in this situation...

 

[Brandon Rhea]

Jhon kept running. He was directionless, though, with no idea as to where to go. There was a conflict within him, confusion. He still didn’t know why he was here, or how he got to this planet. All he knew was that he had arrived—just as everyone on Coruscant now knew he had arrived. Therein was the problem.

On the other side of the market, he felt the Jedi closing in. There were Jedi everywhere; not only the ones looking for him, but there were Jedi in the vicinity. There was only one way he could go, and it wasn’t down in the streets.

Summoning the Force, Jhon leaped upward, landing on the nearest rooftop. This area of the city was relatively low, with rooftops around the same height as those around them, so he kept harnessing the powers of the Force and sped across more rooftops—knowing full well the Jedi nearby likely saw him.

 

[Master Maverick]

"There he is!" She called out over the noise of the planet-city, but also through the Force to those she was still connected with. "Try to control his path, but don't get too close and don't provoke him. We can't take him on singly if he chooses to attack." There was obvious concern in her voice as they raced towards his figure Ashara pointed to and Guhoo was supposed to follow. Other fleeting figures could be seen out of the corners of her eyes, but she kept focused on their target.

His speed was impressive, but that was only to be expected. It was simply unfortunate that he was practically out-running the speeder she was in. "Get me as close as you can! Keep with me!" It'd be up to him to infer what she meant and what she was about to do.

When he rose the speeder to the top of the roofs, her eyes focused on the figure running along as simply a blur. Or she at least tried to. Motioning him to get down towards the tops of the roofs, which she was quite glad these happened to be largely level with one another, she jumped. Falling the several feet onto the surface, she landed more heavily than she wanted. Loosing a few seconds, she lost sight of the man. She found it interesting that he had yet to conceal himself in the Force. "What is his game?" she thought.

Charging forward as only one touched by the Force would be able to, she joined Shi-Gel-Hu, Jay and Moridin as they chased down the man. Her mind would have been full of doubt and endless questions were she any less focused than she was right then. For now, though, she simply performed her task as best she could. In a few moments, when she was up to speed, she caught sight of him again. However, there was a steep rise in the height of buildings up ahead. It would be rather difficult following him up them, but Ashara was not yet worn from all the running. Even so, she was not of the impression the former Sage and Grand Master was either. His constitution would outstretch her own without question, regardless of how impressive her's might have been.

Twitches in the connections between the three men running were sent in order to organize them around her. Shi-Gel-Hu and Jay were tasked with getting ahead and trying to cut him off. However, they were not to go too far ahead of Moridin and herself and Guhoo was to stay close by, keeping in contact with the authorities and organizing their efforts around that of the Jedi task team.

 

[Wit]

Ashara's voice had reverberated through Moridin's head, such was the urgency behind those words. He and the others had been running towards the markets when they had seen him jump up to the rooftops. With Ashara's voice still ringing in his mind, he had reached out to the Force and jumped up to follow. Landing on the rooftop, their pursuit had resumed once more, only this time their query was actually visible to them. But that had made things no easier, the former Grand Master was no easy fish to catch. While Shi-Gel-Hu had followed immediately after him, he and Jay had split to run in parallel paths on either side of them, trying to prevent him from turning off to either side.

Having been joined by Master Vashee on the ground, he had made a few jumps to end up close to her. While Jay and Shi-Gel-Hu had headed off to try and cut him off, Moridin had followed with the Togrutan Master to follow directly in his wake. He had taken the time to contact Arty once more and had told him to get in contact with Guhoo and share any information he received with him as well. He had also used that momentary pause to catch his breath, running and jumping with help from the Force was tiring and it looked like there was a long night ahead of them all.

 

[Gaja]

Even though he was focused on the task at hand, trying to keep up with the movements of the suspect Guhoo had one thought that passed his mind. This was a god damn scene from a movie! Like the ones, nevermind he, everyone saw when they were kids. That was the one that was happening in front of Guhoo's eyes right now. "Got it!"

The blond yelled out as his blonde hair had trouble staying in one place as he tried to keep up with the running man while Master Ashara went ahead and pulled a stunt of her own, doing a perfectly safe force assisted jump to join the pursuit along with Moridin and Shi-Gel-Hu. Certainly looked impressive, as long as she landed properly, which the very next moment appeared to be the case as she started running at inhuman speeds after the man they assumed was Jhon.

Over their heads a lone speeder followed, controlling it was Guhoo Armstrong. The blond had the easiest assignment in following via speeder though he too had to dodge some incoming traffic, even though the local security forces tried their best to clear the area. Still this was Coruscant and Guhoo was realistic in that evacuation was a whole lot harder here than on, for example, Commenor. After lining up with the man they assumed was now a Sith Lord the blond haired man wondered briefly what this was leading to. Was it leading in to a trap?

Why was the man on Coruscant in the first place. Was he spotted by chance and now tried to get away and the real reason he was here was to further hurt the Jedi Order? Sadly if a certain red haired jedi master had shared a bit more with Guhoo he might have seen this situation in a different light, but he couldn't really blame her for that. He was a padawan back then...

Either way focusing on the man who jumped higher and higher and was now making his escape over several of Coruscants rooftops Guhoo had to give it to the man, he sure as hell hadn't lost the spring in his step. "Where does he plan to run..."

 

[Brandon Rhea]

Jump after jump, minute after minute, Jhon found his way to the highest rooftop in immediate area, when he finally saw a clearing in the buildings. The entire skyline stretched out towards the horizon, abuzz with millions of speeders for miles on end, but in the center of it all was one structure that couldn’t be missed. A reminder of days long since past, and a future yet to be claimed.

The Jedi Temple.

The ivory towers reached high into the sky atop the plateau on which it rested, and Jhon caught his first glimpse of them. He hadn’t seen it in months, not since he had fled from the bowels of the city beneath it. He had just met Bhikkhu Bo, trapped in the Rakatan mind prison, and learned more about the illusive Ussej Padric Bac.

Part of him never thought he would see it again. The little voice in the back of his head told him that if he went into Imperial Space, he would never make it back out. It was a suicide mission. All he cared about then was finding out what happened to Andraste, something he never learned… or if he did, something he’d since forgotten.

What happened to him in Imperial Space? He remembered nothing since watching Ebberla Daw leave that back alley, nothing since the feelings of anger and hatred that knotted in his stomach. Those feelings were gone now, replaced with a newfound sense of purpose. He just didn’t know why, yet it begged another question: why was he running?

The Jedi were not his enemy. Darth Vitium was not real. At least some of the Jedi had to realize that. They may not have yet been ready to trust him—he did fake his own death without explanation, after all—but to believe that Jhon Cordatus had become a Sith Lord required a suspension of disbelief like no other. At least, based on how the public knew him. The last few months saw him closer to the dark side than he had ever been, perhaps even more than his exile decades ago.

Instead of running, he stopped. His lightsaber ignited, its shimmering blue blade coming to life. He let it idle there was a signal to the pursuing Jedi. They could take the blue blade one of two ways: as indication that he was not a Sith Lord, or that he was a Sith Lord attempting to trick them—or attack them.

“Don’t let your better judgment fail you now, my friends,” he whispered.

 

[Master Maverick]

The beam of light that erupted from the tiny figure, one of blue that suggested peace, caused the Togruta to stop in her tracks. Hopefully those with her would feel her pause through their connection, at least slowing and turning their attention on her a bit more.

He stopped moving, but at the distance she was at she couldn't quite tell his posture, his intention in activating the symbol of a Jedi. It wasn't red, so she supposed that was 'good', but Sith were hardly bound by such artificial signs anymore. At least as she thought of it.

She had followed him up a few stories, but was still quite the distance away. The men with her, spread out and unable to physically communication with, were reached through the Force. Her head lowered and she felt it flow through her. Following the waves with comfort known only by years of immersion, she touched on the minds of each of the Jedi with her."Remember our Ways..." Her voice echoed, bodyless, in the heads of the task force she had gathered. "We do not attack first, but we will surely end anything started...

"Keep your blades close by, but do not draw them unless he moves against us. Surround him...." Her voice was strong, sure and straight. However, the discomfort, the unsettling feeling within her would be known. Not even she was skilled enough, in this incredibly stressful situation, to hide this.

Raising her head, she looked up towards him again. He still hadn't moved. Her heart was relieved, a weight of sorts having been lifted. A small sigh passed her lips as she continued onward and upward. Pulses and twitches along the connection would be sent, suggesting them to make a star around him, all points of light in the Force. She wouldn't be the first one to reach him, but she'd step forward when she had, her eyes shifting to the others yet her focus on the man before them all to make sure they were steady.

"Jhon Cordatus!" She called out over the din of speeders rushing by. The volume was lessened substantially, due to security forces finally getting their job done, but still a good number passed. She paused, gauging the man's reaction to the name both physically and through the Force. "Please, lay down your blade. We only wish to bring you back to the Temple. The High Council requests your presence." Each of the men with her were watched just as carefully as this Vitium character was before her. While she had hardly believed the whole thing, truth was not entirely impossible. Even so, he'd be hard-pressed to fight his way past all of them. She knew it wasn't impossible for the man, but Ashara would do her duty when called.

Her voice was almost pleading as she requested his compliance. She didn't want blood spilled this day. She only ever wanted peace, serenity and harmony. Mentally she pleaded with the Force to grant her wish, but knew the Force didn't work in that way. Or did it? She hardly had the mindset to think of such a possibility and forced herself to concentrate on the man, if he was still a man, before the Jedi. Her own hands were kept away from her lightsaber, suggesting peace. She hoped he'd take that, but was still ready for a nightmare to come true.

 

[Dmitri]

Shi-Gel-Hu followed the others after Jhon Cordatus. He was in sight, and within range. Attacking range, to be precise. However, it was not the Jedi way to attack first. A way Jhon Cordatus once followed. Even now, Shi-Gel-Hu was having troubles wrapping his mind around the fact that Jhon Cordatus was a Sith Lord.

Shi-Gel-Hu shook his head. No. Jhon Cordatus was suspected as a Sith Lord. There was hope, always there was hope, that Jhon Cordatus was being framed as an agent of Bogan. Sure, he had struggled in the past, but he had grown from that experience. This wasn't Oro. The human wasn't brazenly and arrogantly rushing into battle. No, he was on the run. Which made Shi-Gel-Hu ask: Why is he running?

If he had something to hide, then the situation was not good. A cornered beast was a dangerous beast at best. When a man has lost everything, it was not a good idea to push them any further. Yet the Jedi had to push, had to go after Jhon Cordatus. The man had been Grand Master of the Jedi Order, a man respected and idolized. If he was indeed a Sith Lord, he would need to be captured.

Jhon Cordatus stopped and lit his lightsaber, a pillar of blue energy. Such symbolism did not forget Shi-Gel-Hu. Red was the favored color of the Sith, the color of blood. However, just because it was popular didn't mean it was always used. When Shi-Gel-Hu had tried to escape Imperial Space with Hamal during the Purge, some of the attacking Sith had yellow and green colored blades. Jhon Cordatus held a blade symbolically Jedi, but he was definitely weathered by time. Only answers could learn the truth if the Jedi in him remained.

Ashara, standing next to Shi-Gel-Hu, took charge, and declared her requests. Shi-Gel-Hu aided in the observation of the man before him. Ashara examined Jhon through the Force, so Shi-Gel-Hu implemented his species ability to detect hormones. He would react at a moment's notice though like Ashara, hoped he wouldn't need to.

"That is correct," pitched in Shi-Gel-Hu. "You shall not be harmed. We implore you to disarm yourself. Don't let this turn to violence. Remember the Jedi way. Our way. Your way." If the Jedi Councilor Jhon Cordatus existed in that shell, he hoped to invoke it with his words.

 

[Gaja]

With Moridin Zerga and Jay Cameron rounding out the team of Jedi was Guhoo Armstrong. The Jedi Knight was the only member of the jedi team that need not join the pursuit on foot, instead he piloted his way through the sky in the speeder. Therefore it could be argued that he was the one least out of breath as he too joined the situation. Landing his speeder opposite of Master Ashara's and Shi-Gel-Hu's position and shutting the vehicle down the blond haired Knight exited the vehicle and walked on to the roof. His clothes weren't the traditional jedi robes, but his presence in the force revealed him a jedi.

Moving his beige trench coat to the side the young man said nothing as the two most senior jedi addressed Jhon Cordatus. He saw the blue lightsaber and while he would have liked to believe that it meant that Jhon wasn't an enemy he couldn't take that chance. He had to stay strong and do his duty as a jedi. He wouldn't risk endangering the other jedi by being naive and trusting that everything would work itself out on its own. He couldn't just sit this one out...

And while the situation was incredibly tense Guhoo kept his eyes on the suspect, being quite proficient duelist he knew of the man, he respected him and he feared him in a way too. He didn't want to see him switch sides too, but he'd seen it happen before... His master, his sister... All of them were now Sith... And he saw what both of them were like, therefore he wouldn't just assume that Jhon was the good guy, he needed to give the jedi something to calm this situation down.

Either way he Jedi Knight that was Guhoo stood there, his senses sharp as his hair was kept under control by his black bandanna. Ready to pull out his lightsaber at a moments should he need to defend himself Guhoo prepared to use some form of telekinesis should the man indeed turn out to be a Sith Lord and possibly attack a member of the Jedi...

 

[Brandon Rhea]

He didn’t know if the Jedi could see it, or even sense it, but Jhon lowered his head and, for the first time in perhaps months, smiled. If he weren’t in this situation, he would be beaming, ecstatic over being around Jedi again. Even on Coruscant, with the stench of corruption and the blight of poverty, Jhon felt at home. It wasn’t Tython or Empress Teta, but it still a home, and the light side was here. So pronounced around the Jedi.

Jhon had known nothing but darkness for the weeks and months leading up to his last memory. He was twisted and distraught about Andraste’s fall and disappearance. He blamed himself for what happened to Tyrn Lightell all those years ago. Most of all, he blamed himself for the future that Lana would have to face as a result of what he had done in the past.

Yet now he had a smile on his face, just happy to be home. Happy for the simple moments in life, like a return from a long trip, even if the circumstances meant he would be brought to the Jedi Temple in captivity. At this point, he was alright with that.

The azure blade slid away, its energies back into the hilt of the lightsaber that he held in his hand. Jhon looked back up to Ashara, and tossed the hilt towards her. He was uncomfortable letting go of it—that blade had more meaning to him than any of these Jedi could realize—but he let it go for now, as a sign of trust.

“When you guys realize I’m not a Sith Lord, I want that back.”

 

[Master Maverick]

A crimson arm snapped up, catching the luke-warm metal device in the palm of the left hand. It was a reaction, reflex if nothing else. She was confused, still, yet there was relief. As though a weight lifted off the shoulders of the Togruta. She said nothing, the words bouncing within the confines of her mind as she stood there, Shi-Gel-Hu beside her. She looked at the hilt of the man's blade. It was a relatively simple design, much like her own. She appreciated that about him. It reminded her of a simpler time, before this conflict. It seemed so far away now. A distant memory on the edge of remembrance.

Her guard was lowered at this point. whether or not that was a wise decision, Ashara didn't care that much. Master Cordatus, Darth Vitium, whoever he was, had declared peace. How genuine it was she had yet to see, but she had to trust. Trust in the Force. Though, it was more a little girl's wish for their father to not be the killer, the evil man everyone said he was. Naive perhaps, these thoughts passed through her mind in a moment before she looked up, her dark eyes upon the man to study him for a time.

Finally her consciousness caught up with her. Blinking hard, the sign of a change in thought, she looked at Shi-Gel-Hu. "See if you can not get a security escort on our way back to the Temple. Make sure they stay out of our way, though. Take Cameron and Zerga with you. Meet up with us if you can."

Turning, then, to Guhoo, she gave him a knowing look. Then, to Cordatus, she informed, "Jhon Cordatus, you will be escorted back to the Jedi Temple by myself and Knight Armstrong." Turning to Armstrong again, she said, "Get in contact with the Temple." No further command was given. It was assumed the young Knight knew what to do, and she let him handle it.

Looking back at Jhon she paused for a moment before finally approaching. She knew procedure told her to restrain the man, but that would be an insult and quite useless. There was a look of thanks on her face, but she'd keep her thoughts to herself. Looking at the tool in her hand, she said, "You have my word." Her eyes had lifted up to meet his once more. She knew she had no place to make such a promise, but this whole situation had her acting strange. She didn't want to anger him and ruin this chance of a peaceful transport, so she figured appeasing him, treating him as a sort of equal might help in that. She knew the foolish nature of such actions, yet didn't regret them.

Her arm lifted as she stepped forward to signal that he follow ahead of her to the speeder. She'd have him sit beside her, in the back seat as she sat behind Guhoo. The captive's lightsaber would be placed in her lap, under her hands with the emitter facing towards in the inside of the speeder. She had gathered some sense back and would use it if necessary, but sensed it wouldn't be. Even so, the Force was far from clear here and in her mind, so she couldn't fully trust it. Her head was also turned towards him a touch, though she didn't look at him, but rather ahead as they took off for the Temple, finally.

 

[Dmitri]

To the Nautolan's relief-and dare he say surprise-when Jhon Cordatus forfeited the lightsaber. Still, Shi-Gel-Hu was not happy. He wasn't happy with any part of this damn situation. Hell, it was huge mess that needed sorting. Jhon Cordatus was suppose to have died, then revealed as a Sith Lord, now here. There was too many facts going on. He was certain parts were false, agents of the Imperium's propaganda. But which parts? Cordatus had his share of weathering and wasn't the same man anymore that had led the Galactic Alliance to war.

But part of Shi-Gel-Hu hope, hell, prayed, that the truth before them was the correct one: that Jhon Cordatus was alive and not a Sith Lord. If proven true, the human would indeed get his lightsaber back, likely. But hope did not mean he would let his guard down. He was surprised by Ashara's reaction, but he remained impassive. She likely hoped the man before them was not a machinator of Bogan. However, she wasn't convinced all the way it seemed, as she handed Shi-Gel-Hu an assignment.

"Certainly," agreed Shi-Gel-Hu. He motioned for Zerga and Cameron to follow him as he walked off towards the nearby soldier, who had been patrolling the area. "Corporal, get us an escort, pronto. Tell your superiors it is very important that we get it. Let them know the Jedi request it." As the corporal nodded nervously and spoke into his communicator, the Nautolan faced Zerga and Cameron. "I leave you two to oversee the escort for a couple minutes. I need to secure our route."

Shi-Gel-Hu took a couple paces away from the trio and contacted Da Chief once more. He informed the man to have the paparazzi disperse, due to military involvement and a critical situation. Da Chief was unhappy, but obliged. A notice would go onto HoloNet in the nearby neighborhoods to remain in doors until further notice, both for their protect and, Shi-Gel-Hu mentally added, the Jedi and their charge's safety.