I look upon his broken body, unable to cry, not one tear falling. They ran out days ago, after the night I learned of my beloved's death. All I can feel is emptiness, my heart torn from my chest, ripped into little pieces and strewn across the expanse the galaxy. He was my love, my life, my body, mind, heart and soul…and now…he is gone. And as that realization comes over me, I feel a dark fire growing within me, a fire fueled by despair, pain, hate and rage…and it is slowly growing, consuming me.

The Darkside.

His once brilliant eyes shine no more; those soft lips will never kiss mine nor speak my name again. I will never hear his sighs of pleasure when I caress his horns, never feel the heat of his body, never feel the life of him within me…all taken from me by the brief moment of fortune of a Jedi. Jedi…the Sith's most hated and despised, ancient enemy. How I despise them…and he – the one who has taken my love and life from me… he shall pay dearly.

I see my husband's master standing nearby, looking over his lost apprentice's lifeless and still form, his icy blue eyes harder than I have ever seen, his brow vaguely creased and the corners of his tight lips turned downward. He acknowledges me with the faintest touch of the Darkside upon my mind, remaining silent and without the slightest movement of his black hooded head.
Lord Darth Sidious is not at all pleased at the loss of his student, having spent almost a lifetime in his apprentice's training and education to create the greatest, strongest, most deadly weapon to ever be. A waste – utterly, totally and completely, and by the hands of their greatest enemy - the Jedi. But not just any Jedi – a padawan learner still to complete his trials before joining the ranks of Jedi Knighthood. A terrible waste and a terrible loss. My beloved's place as apprentice and second of only two Dark Lord's of Sith, will be very hard to fill, if not impossible.

Lord Darth Maul, Khameir Sarin, a Zabrak from the planet Iridonia…and my consort. His death has left a hole in my heart and soul that will never be filled nor repaired. But the death of the one who had done this to my first, last, and only love and consort…he will pay – pay with his life as I slowly torture him beyond anything he would ever dare to conceive.

The room is dark as burning candles fill it and surround the alter. Incense smoke wafts about, filling the air with sweetness, musk and spices. It reminds me so of my beloved. I cannot even sigh with longing – there is nothing in me…nothing but the seductive and violent tide of the Darkside. And at the moment, it gives me strength and the taste for sweet revenge.

Suddenly I see the faintest movement out of the corner of my eye and as I turn my head, I find Lord Sidious slipping his right hand from within the arm sleeve of his left arm and moves it ever so slightly, just enough for me to notice. It is time for the body of my dead husband to be placed in a suspension chamber.

I give a silent nod of acknowledgement and, rising to my feet from my kneeling position before the alter, I slowly reach out and place my hand upon his gloved one. I lean over to kiss his lips one last time. His skin is so cold. Once his lips burned my skin with their touch, searing my senses and setting me on fire for him. His kiss would make me burn with need for him, make me ache for him like no other would ever be able to. His kiss was sweet and so passionate, and now I will not feel that fiery touch again… denied to me by the one whose hand slew the only man to have touched me, loved me, cared for me, protected me – died for me, should the need have arisen.

Slowly I straighten to my full height, running my fingertips along the length of my beloved's lightsaber, remembering all the times he allowed me to be present to watch him train, the times when I had seen him fighting against his foes. They were weak, unworthy of even his attention, dying quickly with a sweep or thrust of the double blades of crimson light. I will never see it again because of that accursed Jedi.

Lord Sidious says nothing, remaining motionless once more as he patiently waits for me to leave the room, that he may complete the final preparations for my consort's preservation. With one last look, one last touch, I turn from my husband's body and make my way to the main door. But I suddenly stop, hesitating a moment as I near Lord Sidious, not turning my eyes to look upon him, keeping my eyes toward the doorway ahead of me.

"I will not allow this to go unpunished, my Lady." Lord Sidious finally speaks as if hearing my unasked question. His voice is cold, calculating and filled with such a chill that a shiver races up my spin and back down, I feel his Darkside energies all about me, sensing his utter rage.

I bow my head low, remaining silent…but my silence says a thousand things all at once. Then I continue on my way from the room and return to the room my beloved and I shared for three years…but it does not even seem to have been so long – as if I had met him only days previous.

The Jedi…they will pay…pay dearly…I shall have my revenge – even if I must storm the Jedi Temple itself to find Obi-Wan Kenobi and take my vengeance on him. And anyone who stands in the way of the Consort to Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Maul, will wish they had not.

*********

One year later – Present.

"The Jedi Council has made its decision and it is final – we cannot go against their wishes, Kerri," Obi-Wan Kenobi exclaims as he walks alongside a fellow Jedi as they move along the corridors, having just met with the illustrious Jedi Council.

"But Master Kenobi, I don't see why I have to wait to take the trials. I've been padawan to several different Masters in so many years, learning everything from them until I can learn no more," Padawan Kerri Vexa returns, her brilliant gold and red eyes flashing like fire at her frustration and anger, throwing her hands in the air. " I'm destined to be a padawan till the day I die – I just know it!"

"Now don't think like that! You will be a Jedi Knight – you'll see!" Kenobi attempts his best to soothe his padawan friend’s frayed nerves, the lift doors opening immediately as they near it.

Suddenly, just as they are about to enter the lift, they hear a voice calling to them.

"Jedi Kenobi, Padawan Kerri Vexa – hold, please return to the Council chamber immediately."

The two turn and look at eachother for a moment with surprise, then exit the lift and make their way back to the Jedi Council chamber. Once again, they stand in the center of the circular room with its massive transparisteel windows that allows one to see in ever direction of the cityscape that is Coruscant. Again, they are in awe at the sight beyond, but only for a moment as they sense of something of great importance and urgency.

"Jedi Kenobi, Padawan Vexa, you are to depart immediately for the Forest Moon of Endor in the Endor system of the Moddell sector as soon as possible," Master Mace Windu informs the two, his dark eyes intense and very serious in the matter.

"Received disturbing reports we have from planetary surveyors exploring the system," Master Yoda adds, his small sharp-nailed fingers moving slightly as they are crossed between eachother, his eyes not once moving from the two figures standing before the circle of Council members.

"There appear to be traces of newly discovered Sith structures hidden deep within the forests of the Northern Hemisphere of the planet," Master Ki Adi Mundi explains, his tone serious as his eyes look from one young Jedi to the other and back. "You are required to search for any sign of artifacts of importance, ascertain the severity of the Darkside presence there and report back to the Council as soon as you complete your mission."

"Your transport's computer has been downloaded with the necessary information that you may require for your mission and a more detailed layout of your mission to Endor," Master Windu says as he leans forward, his dark brown hands clasped together, his face giving no sign of emotion except an aura of expedience.

"Yes, my master. We shall depart immediately," Obi-Wan answers, his hands hidden within the long sleeves of his tan robe.

"But be warned, great danger I sense in this mission," Yoda finishes, his eyes looking upon the two before them as the youngsters bow then turn and exit the Council chamber. "May the Force be with you Jedi Kenobi, Padawan Vexa."

Continued in Part II

*****