The Warrior Rises

Chapter 1 The Journey Begins

Many weeks had passed since the defeat of the Sith Empire and since Andrew became one with the force. Vinny and Allison had rebuilt the gray order from several holocrons, ancient texts and everything that Andrew had taught. It had not been easy but things were slowly returning back to normal. Jack and Mavis found it difficult to adjust to celebrating without Andrew. While Andrew was still alive, the two brothers struggled to live without their parents and enjoy the holidays like nothing had happened. A memorial statue had been built in honor of Andrew and his sacrifice to help defeat the sith. Vinny found it difficult to cope with fact that if he didn't fall to the darkside, his friend would still be alive.

Gray Master Vincent: Allison, I need you to keep an eye on the students until I return.

Gray Master Allison: Where are you going? Can I go with you?

Gray Master Vincent : I was requested to meet with senators from the New Republic and former allies of the Sith Empire for a peace negotiation. This was supposed to be Andrew's job before he died. I had offered to take his place and I was accepted.

Temple Guards: Master Vincent, your shuttle is ready.

Gray Master Vincent: Thank you. [Turns to students] Master Allison will continue teaching everyone until I return. Listen to her as she knows what she's doing.

Vinny boarded his shuttle and flew to a different planet. He had lied when he said that he was requested to be present at the meeting. He traveled to a planet that was incredibly strong with the light side of the force. As he left earth, he had to stop to refuel as his journey would take him near the unexplored region of the galaxy. He stopped on the planet of Dantooine where Commander Toriyama had failed to destroy the rebel base. He arrived at a docking station where he left his ship to be refueled.

Gray Master Vincent: Here is 15 credits for the fuel. How long will it take to refuel and will it need any maintenance?

Manager: 15 credits should definitely cover the fuel and if there are any repairs needed, this will cover it. [Turns around] Hey Manny, we got a ship that needs to be refueled. It's a Eta-2 Actis-class light interceptor.

Manuel: Okay boss. I'll be there in a few minutes. I just have to wait to refuel this ship.

Manager: It may take awhile because that ship also needs some major repairs.

Vinny went to a diner not too far from the station. As he walked into the diner, a droid showed him to an open booth. As he looked at the menu, a booming voice shouted from the kitchen.

Voice: Hey Vinny, how are you old buddy?

Vinny looked up and saw his old friend Talon come out to greet him. Talon was a besalisk from the planet who once lived on the planet of Coruscant during the war with the Sith Empire. After the victory on Korriban, Vinny and Allison went throughout the galaxy and administering aid to those those who were affected by the war. When Vinny first arrived on Dantooine, Talon desperately needed medical attention as his home had been crushed during a battle. At the hospital, Vinny paid for his treatment and his medical bill. Talon was extremely grateful as his family had left the planet during the war and never returned. He later found out that his family’s ship had been mistaken for a rebel cruiser and was shot down.

Gray Master Vincent: How are doing Talon? It's been awhile.

Talon: Business is booming my friend. Ever since I expanded the place and hired new workers, this place has been busier than ever. What would you like my friend? It's on the house.

Gray Master Vincent: You don't have to do that Talon. I have credits on me.

Talon: Nonsense Vinny. You're a great friend of mine and it's the least that I can do. Besides you don't come to this corner of the galaxy that often.

Gray Master Vincent: I'll take a bantha burger and a milkshake.

Talon: Coming right up. [Turns around] Hey Melinda, one bantha steak and a vanilla milkshake for Vinny.

Melinda: It'll be ready in 15 minutes.

Talon:[Turns back around] So Vinny, what brings you out this far? Like I said, you don't come this way too often anymore.

Gray Master Vincent: Does the name Andreas or Andrew sound familiar?

Talon: Wasn't he that gray jedi who died in defeating that Darth Valen on Korriban?

Vinny only nodded in agreement. He didn’t have the heart to tell him that it was the orders of the emperor that a blockade would be placed on Dantooine and it was his orders that anyone who was trying to escape would be shot.

Gray Master Vincent: He was a good friend of mine. We lost contact shortly before the war started and I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to him before he died. I know of a power to bring him back to life but I need to find a temple where I can perform the ceremony.

Talon: I heard rumors of a temple on a planet not too far from here. No one knows the name of it because the natives of the planet never leave. I do know of one native who left the planet but he hasn't stopped here in a few weeks.

Gray Master Vincent: Do you know where I can find him?

Voice: I think that I can be of assistance.

Gray Master Vincent: Who are you? {Right hand on lightsaber}

Stranger: My name is Cassian Bandet. I was once a temple guard on the planet of Sorreno before the rise of the Sith Empire. Let's go to my ship and we might be able to bring your friend back to life after your lunch.

[30 minutes later]

Gray Master Vincent: Thank you Talon. I'll see you soon.

Talon: See you old buddy. Come back soon.

Gray Master Vincent: Thank you Cassian for your help.

Cassian Bandet: We will need to travel to the planet of Sarish. There is a temple where I believe that you can perform your ceremony Darth Valen.

Gray Master Vincent: How did you know who I am?

Cassian Bandet: You are incredibly powerful in the force with both the light and the dark side. When the war ended, the emperor was pronounced dead but his apprentice was never found. You said that you lost contact with your friend shortly before the war started so I figured that either you were in hiding during the war or you were his apprentice.

Gray Master Vincent: Aren't you afraid of me? Surely you must have heard about the horrible deeds that I did.

Cassian Bandet: Those deeds were done by Darth Valen. You struck down your former master and helped to eliminate the empire that you led into battle.

Gray Master Vincent: If I didn't fall to the darkside in the first place, Andrew would still be alive.

Cassian Bandet: You couldn't have known what was to happen because of your decision. It was the will of the force that Andrew was to die. Now, let's get going to Sarish. I know of a temple where you can bring Andrew back.

Meanwhile on the planet of Korriban, a figure was was watching as several ships were being restored and sith warriors were in training. Unfortunately for Vinny, Chaos had always known that Valen would betray him and sent several sith apprentices into exile to escape Valen's purge of the Sith Order.

Soldier: My lord, the fleet is almost ready.

Unknown Figure: What about the warriors?

Soldier: They are prepared to fight and die for the empire..

Unknown Figure: Very good, you are dismissed commander. I will have my revenge and the Sith Empire will return.

He continued to watch his empire rise from the ashes. It wasn't a large fleet but it was a start. He would make him pay for his treachery against the Empire. Vinny had sent a message to Allison informing her about his true mission. She immediately left to help him. Vinny and Cassian waited for her to begin.