**Chapter 692: Shadows of the Core**
**Scene 1**
**Skako Orbit**
**Nebula-class Star Destroyer, Abyssal Devourer**
**Jedi Master Taron Malicos POV**
Taron Malicos stood motionless on the bridge of the *Abyssal Devourer*, hands clasped behind his back, his dark robes swaying slightly with the subtle vibrations of the ship. The blue tunnel of hyperspace had just dissolved, replaced by the cold blackness of realspace and the sprawling, smog-choked globe of Skako below.
*Was it odd for a Jedi to be doing this?* he wondered. *Or was it not?*
Militarily, it was sound. From the perspective of a concerned Senator, it was justifiable. But a Jedi — especially one of the old Order — would debate endlessly whether it was right or wrong depending on the era.
He watched the tactical holomap intently. Red enemy markers flickered and vanished one by one, replaced by steady green Republic icons. The Battle of Skako had been surprisingly straightforward.
Only eight Munificent-class frigates, thirty-two Techno Union frigates, and a single Recusant-class heavy destroyer had been left to guard the planet. It seemed even the Separatists couldn't predict when their own core holdings would be targeted. Most likely, all essential materials and personnel had already been pulled back into deep Separatist space for the war effort, leaving Skako high and dry.
"Target the remaining Recusant," Malicos ordered calmly. "Venators, focus fire on the frigates. Nebulas, provide long-range support."
The fleet under his command — twelve Venators, fifteen Accumulators, and five Nebulas — moved with practiced efficiency. Turbolaser fire lit up the void as the outnumbered CIS defense force was systematically dismantled. Within minutes, the last red markers disappeared.
"Orbital superiority achieved," his second-in-command reported.
Malicos nodded. "Begin precision bombardment. Target only the largest military and industrial structures as per General Marek's orders. Minimal civilian casualties where possible."
Bright green streaks lanced down from the fleet toward the planet's surface. Massive explosions bloomed across Skako's endless cityscape — targeted strikes on key power centers, military command hubs, and industrial foundries. The planet-wide ecumenopolis trembled under the assault.
*Perhaps ten thousand dead,* Malicos thought grimly. *Hundreds more injured. But after the nuclear attack during supposed peace negotiations… everything is history now.*
He had once been a staunch traditionalist, but the war had changed him. Dagon's leadership had changed the Order. Sometimes mercy required a demonstration of overwhelming force.
"Signal the surface," Malicos said. "Demand immediate surrender. Inform them that continued resistance will result in further strikes."
The reply came swiftly. Skako's leadership, pragmatic as always, surrendered within minutes.
Malicos allowed himself a small, weary exhale. "Secure the planet. Begin occupation protocols. The 18th Sector Army will handle long-term administration."
**Scene 2**
**Skako Orbit**
**Venator-class Star Destroyer, Alliance**
**Jedi Master Hiram Mardin POV**
Jedi Master Hiram Mardin stood in the forward observation lounge of the *Alliance*, staring out at the burning world below. The Feeorin Jedi was tall and imposing, his deep blue skin marked with the ritualistic tattoos of his people. He had been one of the few who refused to leave the Order when so many others departed at the start of the war.
The Balance Corps — the quiet, contemplative group he led — had always existed on the fringes of Jedi tradition. They were not warriors by nature, but seekers of deeper truths. Their role was to sense grand imbalances in the Force across the galaxy, particularly signs of Sith activity. They were often confused with the Corps of Seers, but while the Seers focused on specific planets or events, the Balance Corps sought the larger currents.
Now, those currents had led them here.
Hiram turned as twenty other members of the Balance Corps entered the lounge. They were a solemn group — Jedi who preferred meditation and study over lightsaber combat, yet all were capable fighters when necessary.
"Master Mardin," one of them said softly, a human woman named Lira Gloss. "The planet has surrendered. But we sense something darker beyond this system."
Hiram nodded. "Dagon has given us a new mission. We are to accompany him to Dromund Kaas — the ancient stronghold of the Prophets of the Dark Side."
A ripple of unease passed through the group.
The Prophets of the Dark Side were an ancient cult, founded by the rogue Sith Lord Darth Millennial on Dromund Kaas after he rejected the Rule of Two. They specialized in peering into possible futures, twisting the Force to serve their visions. During the Empire's reign, they had been led by Supreme Prophet Kadann. Their black-robed, black-bearded members were dangerous not just for their combat ability, but for their ability to manipulate destiny itself.
"Dromund Kaas," another Balance Corps member whispered. "A world steeped in dark side energy. The jungles themselves are said to be alive with it."
Hiram's expression remained stern. "That is why we are going. The Balance Corps was created for moments like this — to confront the darkness at its source. Dagon believes the Prophets are still active, perhaps even advising the current Sith Lord. We will help end that threat."
He looked at each of them in turn. "Prepare yourselves. We leave within the hour. Meditation first. Clear your minds. The dark side will try to tempt us, to show us futures where we fall. Do not let it."
As the Jedi dispersed to their quarters, Hiram remained at the viewport, watching Skako burn.
*My student has become Grand Master,* he thought with a mixture of pride and concern. *Now the student teaches the teacher what true balance requires.*
The *Alliance* turned slowly, aligning itself with the *Talon* and the rest of the strike force. Their next destination was far more dangerous than Skako.
Dromund Kaas awaited.
**Scene 3**
**Venator-class Star Destroyer, Talon**
**Dagon POV**
I stood in the ready room aboard the *Talon*, reviewing the final preparations for the assault on Dromund Kaas. The Skako operation had gone exactly as planned — a swift victory with minimal Republic losses. The message had been sent: no CIS world in the Core was safe.
Now came the true test.
The Prophets of the Dark Side were not just another cult. They were a splinter faction of the Sith Order with deep knowledge of dark side foresight. If they were still active — and I believed they were — they represented a hidden hand guiding much of the Separatist strategy from the shadows.
"Master Malicos reports full control of Skako," a clone officer informed me. "The planetary government has formally surrendered. Shipyards and industrial centers are being secured."
"Good," I replied. "Tell him to hold position until the 18th Sector Army arrives for occupation. Then rejoin the main fleet at Coruscant."
I turned to the gathered Jedi — Hiram Mardin and his Balance Corps members, along with Masters Baylan Skoll and Taron Malicos.
"This mission is different," I told them. "We are not simply conquering a planet. We are striking at one of the oldest sources of Sith power in the galaxy. The Prophets see possible futures. They twist probability itself. Do not let them into your minds. Stay grounded in the present. Balance above all."
Hiram Mardin bowed slightly. "We understand, Grand Master. The Balance Corps is ready."
Baylan Skoll's expression was grim but determined. "The dark side is strong there. But so are we."
I nodded. "Then prepare your forces. We jump in one hour."
As the Jedi left to ready their troops, I allowed myself a moment of quiet reflection. The girls were returning to the Temple. The bond would be temporarily closed. For the first time in over a year, I would be truly alone with my thoughts.
It was necessary.
The war was entering a new phase — one where the hidden masters of the dark side would finally be dragged into the light.