Sequel time!

Warning: If you haven't read "Lord Starkiller", stop reading right now. Don't try and sneak past and spoil the whole thing. Go back, read it, then return here. You have been warned.
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The shimmering blue hologram was draped in a black cloak, his face hidden in shadow. But he had an aura... An aura of one who was cruel, wicked, evil. At his feet kneeled a senile old man, who looked apprehensive.

"It would appear Starkiller has betrayed us," Count Dooku said to his master as he stood up. Darth Sidious nodded gravely. "I am not surprised. He never possessed the true anger and hate required of Dark Side," Sidious said, his voice slightly scrambled from the hologram.

"Master... He found the items on Raxus Prime," Dooku reported. Sidious appeared to tense up, if only for a fraction for a second. It died down as soon as it appeared.

"I have not foreseen this. It would appear that he is reverting to the Jedi way once more," Sidious said, deep in thought. He then smiled cruelly. "What does he know?" he asked his apprentice.

"From what I've been told, he still doesn't have his full memory. He has forgotten what happened to him," Dooku said, relaying information he had received. Sidious nodded and said "Good. If he proves a threat, we could use that information against him."

Dooku seemed confused. "What use would it be to us?"

Sidious gave a wicked grin. "It will infuriate him. It will surely drive him mad. And then he will come for you, all focus gone. Then you may finish him... Properly this time."

Dooku grinned back, picturing what would happen if his master was correct. "I understand, master. And based on further information, it would appear that Starkiller is rid of the suit. He is no longer... crippled."

"Excellent. If we can turn him back to our side, he will be stronger than ever," Sidious said, relish in his voice. Dooku felt slightly nervous from that last statement. Would Sidious try to replace him with Starkiller? The old man decided he'd handle that later, resuming conversation with his master.

"The attack on Ryloth is about to begin, master," Dooku reported. Sidious nodded and said "Good. Proceed as planned." His hologram shimmered, and the hooded man was gone. Dooku turned to the other person viewing the events.

"Let me handle Starkiller," Asajj Ventress said from the shadows. Dooku shook his head. "No. Starkiller is much too powerful. And with his conversion to the Jedi way and removal of the suit, he'll be more dangerous than ever."

Ventress growled in anger. "Then what am I to do against him?" she asked.

"Nothing yet. First we find his weaknesses, then we strike. The first thing I want you to do is go to Ryloth," Dooku commanded. Ventress raised an eyebrow at him.

"Am I to assist in the invasion?" she questioned. "No. The Republic will show up soon. I believe Starkiller will go with them. I want you to stay hidden and observe his actions. We want to be extra careful around him," Dooku explained. He then paused, as if reluctant to say what needed to be said.

"The truth is, we can't afford mistakes with him. Starkiller is one of the most powerful warriors I have ever fought. And if he continues advancing with the Jedi, he could destroy us. Me, you... And perhaps, even my master," Dooku admitted.

Ventress was stunned. "Understood," she said shakily, walking away with a slight sense of fear. Dooku turned away and sighed.

This war just got a whole lot tougher.
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Galen Marek felt great. He had never been this energetic and thrilled since... Well, he couldn't remember. He walked out of the hospital, lightsaber strapped to his waist. He was forced to wear a medical robe, however, considering he refused to wear the old Starkiller suit. (Yes, the medical robe from TFU)

The young man had woken up to find out he had been out cold for four days after the surgery. Then had woken up to see Ahsoka lying there. So, they went through three days of recovery, swapping stories of the war and things that could have happened. For instance, it was Galen who was originally intended to kidnap Jabba the Hutt's son. But, Galen being honorable even as a Sith, refused to do so.

Though one time, Ahsoka caught Galen without a shirt. She was shocked at the number of scars she had seen on his body. He had seen many bad things. And had taken a large number of beatings in the past. But Galen didn't seem to care, instead focusing on the new scar that came from the surgery done to his lung.

Then Galen got tired of sitting around and suggested they spar. At first, Ahsoka was nervous, afraid of getting in trouble and of further injury. But when Galen offered to show her some new moves, her willpower crumbled.

They had been sparring for a while, Galen showing her a few new tricks. Galen had discovered that he moved even faster without the suit on. He figured that the suit was heavier than he had realized. After about fifteen minutes, Anakin had arrived, telling them that Galen was to report to the Jedi Temple.

Now, they were walking through the hallways of the Temple, ready to speak to Master Yoda about the Trials. Soon, they found Yoda, in a hallway near the Archives. He was talking to Master Windu, but the discussion ceased when the two saw Galen approaching.

"You seem to be in good condition, young one," Windu noted, examining Galen carefully. "I haven't felt this good in years," Galen smirked. Yoda chuckled a little and said "Good to hear, that is. Need all your energy for the Trials, you will."

"So when do we start?" Galen asked, ready to begin immediately. "The first Trial can proceed tomorrow. You will face the Trial of Skill. For now, you may train for the upcoming test. You will also receive the required robes," Windu explained.

Galen nodded. "So how does this Trial work?" he inquired.

"For a standard Padawan, there's a special hologram that projects a foe you must battle. However, you're too powerful for the simulation. You will fight a real Jedi opponent," Windu told him.

"Do I get to choose who I fight?" Galen asked. He would have loved to challenge someone powerful, like Skywalker or Kenobi. Maybe even Master Windu...

"Someone has already volunteered for the task," Windu said ominously. Galen felt a slight sense of disappointment, but figured that if Windu and Yoda believed this Jedi up to the task, then he should provide entertainent...

Galen snapped himself out of those thoughts. It was Starkiller who had enjoyed the rush of combat, the feeling of one lightsaber pounding against another. Galen knew this was no joke. The Trials were not supposed to be entertaining, they were supposed to be a test of ability.

Then Galen realized where he was. He looked around, remembering this Hallway...

"Masters, I have something I need to tell you about," Galen said. He then added, "In private."
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In the meditation room, Galen finished telling about his vision. Skywalker and Ahsoka's surprise was evident upon their faces. Windu and Yoda's however, was better hidden. But Galen could still sense it.

"Skywalker, Tano. Could you please excuse us?" Windu asked. He made it sound like a request, but it was quite clearly an order. Skywalker and Ahsoka nodded and stood, heading for the door.

"Ahsoka," Galen said. The young Togruta stopped and turned. "I'll see you in the training room," Galen said lightly. Ahsoka smiled and walked through the doorway, the door sealing shut behind her. Galen turned back to the two powerful Jedi in front of him.

"Remember young Kento, I do. Good student. Reckless, indeed, but a good student," Yoda said, remembering the old Jedi. "It would appear that Ahsoka's theory was correct," Windu noted.

"And what theory is that?" Galen inquired.

"She believed that you may have been the offspring of a Jedi. And both of your parents were, indeed, Jedi," Windu explained. Galen smirked. He knew Ahsoka was gonna use that as an argument for a long time.

"It seems the Force is at work again," Windu said quietly, mostly to himself. Galen cocked his head in confusion. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"The one who volunteered to duel you was your father's old master," Windu told him. Galen blinked in surprise. It seems the Force was more than at work. It appeared to have a very strange sense of humor.

"And what is the name of my opponent?" Galen asked them. Windu paused for a second before answering.

"Rahm Kota."
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Okay, the new story is beginning. Short first chapter, I know, but the others are longer. Much longer. So feel free to review, and stay tuned for more.

Next chapter has an epic duel between our boy Galen and old man Kota.