Prologue

"Your noble flaw is a weakness shared by you and your Duchess."

A strangled gasp broke over the comlink.

"No," Korkie whispered while he listened to the live feed. The comlink that connected him to his father was silent for now. He felt his knuckles tighten on the table, the frown on his face deepening. "No."

"You should ave chosen the Dark Side Master Jedi."

The lights seemed to flicker ever so slightly. The walls of the Nite Owls compound shook. The civilian families glanced at each other nervously, stepping away from the holoprojector.

Fenn Rau stepped through the crowd surrounding the prince, putting a hand on the young man's shoulder.

Footsteps echoed from over the speakers, barely covering the pained sounds of someone choking. "Your emotions betray you...your fear...and yes, your anger! Let your anger deepen your hatred!"

"Don't...listen to...him...Obi."

"Quiet!"

Fenn glanced upwards, watching the sconces swing and the cargo crates tremble. He...he knew this kid was odd. It was suspected this kid, their crown prince...well, he was probably the son of the Duchess. That would make him a bastard, unable to take the throne of Mandalore or govern his clan in the old tradition. Bastards simply did not have a place in Mandalorian history.

Neither did pacifists.

Or the son of a ginger, flirting Jedi.

Funny how that is changing in a single generation...maybe.

General Kenobi's voice broke through the silence. "...you can kill me...but you will never destroy me...it takes strength to resist the Dark Side. Only the WEAK embrace it!"

"It is more powerful than you know."

"And those who oppose it will be more powerful than you'll ever be!" There was a faint growl. Obi-Wan's voice softened. "I know where you're from...I've been to your village...I know the decision to join the Dark Side wasn't yours. The Night Sisters made it for - "

"Silence!"

"...Dad..." Korkie murmured. "Come on."

"You think you know me?!" Maul shouted. "It was I who languished for years thinking of nothing but YOU! Nothing but this MOMENT!"

A whimper was barely heard over the speakers.

"And now...the perfect tool for my vengeance...is in front of us...I never planned on killing you...but I will make you share my pain...Kenobi."

A scream echoed over the comm, followed by rapid footsteps.

Korkie buckled, only being supported by Fenn's arm.

"Satine…" Master Kenobi shouted.

"Kid, turn it off."

"Mom…" Korkie whispered brokenly. He leaned all of his weight against the holoprojector, tears falling down his pale face. In the dim light, he looked more like a famous Jedi than a member of the Kryze clan. "Mom…"

Bo…you're too late, Fenn thought while a few people widened their eyes at their prince. Suspecting the legitimacy of their prince was one thing...but to find it out now

"Remember my dear Obi-Wan...I've loved you always...I...always will..."

"No," Korkie whispered. His fist that held the comlink clenched. The little machine, one of their only ways to communicate...was gone in a crunch and a faint sizzle. He bowed his head, shoulders shaking silently, tears

"Kid -" Fenn began.

"NO!"

Satine Kryze was, without a doubt…dead.

Author's Note: I had to watch Satine's death for this prologue. But hey...angst ;)

Let me know how you think this fic is gonna go. I'm really excited for it.

ii Digestive Reader ii