Prologue

Immediately after Relsor’s defeat.

Lian opened his eyes following his meditation and walked back to the place where Relsor’s Holocron lay. He stared at it for a moment, its deep blue hue glowing sinisterly as if beckoning. He could try to search it further, unlock more secrets, but the troubling truth that Lord Void was Relsor’s father lingered. The dark lord had not given him cause to doubt his allegiance despite the fact he was a Sith Lord. However, Lian knew full well how Void had been cunning and deceitful in the past. He could not let this go. But he could not decide what to do alone.
            He looked at the chrono in the room and realised it was already the next morning, or almost, in standard time. His friends surely would have celebrated their victory late into the night, and on Mandalore day was still several hours away. However, on Coruscant, he knew, his call would be answered.
            He contacted Grand Master Herl’unik and informed him of the situation.
            ‘This is indeed ill-received news,’ the Zabrak master said.
            ‘Lord Void has been an ally to this point, has helped us in our fight against Relsor. Now I understand part of the reasons that may have fuelled his decision to aid us. I trusted him.’
            ‘You feel betrayed?’ Master Herl’unik’s tone was gentle.
            ‘I’m not sure. I feel there is more than we know to this story,’ replied Lian, several emotions conflicting within him. ‘But this cannot be ignored. What Lord Void created affected the entire galaxy.’
            ‘We could put him on trial,’ Master Herl’unik suggested, ‘find out what his full implications are and hear his side of the story, decide whether or not it’s best to exile him or not.’
            ‘And what of the rest of the galaxy?’ asked Lian. ‘If we alone put him on trial, then it only includes the Jedi!’
            ‘Involve the Dark Council, involve Mandalore, and whomever else wishes to deliberate on this matter. Let us all judge Lord Void’s past actions.’
            Lian thought for a moment. ‘That would make it more fair.’
            ‘And during the process, we need to keep Lord Void in a place where he can be watched,’ said Master Herl’unik.
            Lian looked around. Nriwe and Thera were currently on Mandalore; they’d be safe there. He could lock and seal any door in the Crypt at his command. Hence, he knew what had to be done.
            ‘I can call Lord Void over to the Crypt,’ he said at last. ‘Ask him to come view the Holocron. Then, he will stay here while we all connect via holo for a grand trial. We will need to contact Mandalore and the Dark Council.’
            ‘Let me contact Mandalore,’ said Master Herl’unik. ‘And I’m sure once the Jedi from Clan Kandera know the news, they will contact Master Usharr. I will contact the Chiss Ascendancy as well.’
            Lian nodded. ‘Very well.’ He sighed and signed off. He took a deep breath before contacting Lord Void on the holochannel he had shared with him. ‘Lord Void, there is something in this Holocron you must see.’
            ‘You sound troubled,’ replied the dark lord.
            ‘Indeed. It is a matter of great importance and only a trusted Sith should view it right now. It would be imperative for you to come to the Crypt at your earliest convenience.’
            ‘This sounds ominous.’ Lord Void sounded suspicious. ‘Are you certain there is nothing you’re not telling me?’
            ‘Nothing that can be told via holocall,’ replied Lian, keeping his voice even. ‘I must speak with you. Trust me as you once asked me to trust you.’ Lian tried to smile. ‘There are things I must understand.’
            There was a long pause before Lord Void spoke again, his voice grim. ‘You know.’ He paused again. ‘Very well. I will come and I will explain everything.’

“Trials in the Force” is written by Celinka Serre (2022).

Disclaimer: The Characters in this Fan-Fiction are new and have original names. The story is an original written work. The story is derivative and consistent of Fan-Fiction since it borrows the franchise world of Star Wars. Certain jargon and places, or concepts mentioned, along with the SW Old Republic universe belong to Lucasfilm Ltd. and Disney. No characters or story lines from the films are used. No story lines or characters from the games or books are used. A handful of characters from the games may be referenced, but are not the main focus in this fanfic story.  This fan-fiction story falls under Fair Use.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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