Welcome back to Season 2! I honestly can't believe how quickly I wrapped up Season 1, and I am truly excited to continue this series. Before we start, I just want to thank those who have supported these Fan Fics over the past 2 years, even in a time where the site is mostly dead, for it shows that remaining activity is still there. But without any further ado, let us begin.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....

57 ABY - The Millennium Falcon

A full year had passed since the battle of Nur. Anakin Solo, now a true Jedi Knight of The Jedi Empire, found that his life was now more peaceful than ever. No longer was he being sent on missions to hide within enemy territory, in order to secure information for The Galactic Federation. No longer was he needing to worry about when the current war over the galaxy would end. And no longer was he thinking about how long he would live for. Though thoughts like these had crossed his mind a few times before, now, it seemed, his dreams for a life of peace were finally becoming a reality. 

''How long before we're there?'' Asked Jedi Knight Ri-Lee Howell. After The Fel Empire collapsed, Anakin continued his missions with Tahiri Veila, Jaden Korr, and Rosh Penin, as per usual. But he had also begun to expand the number of allies he had. One of those was Ri-Lee Howell, a Knight only a few years older than him whom Anakin had looked up to himself. Ri-Lee had made himself known as one of the greatest Jedi that the Empire had to offer, and Anakin couldn't help but admire Ri-Lee as a warrior, having seen him fight alongside the Enforcers of the Federation many times.

Anakin turned to face Ri-Lee. ''We're coming up on Barton Four.'' Anakin replied. ''Any questions before we land?'' ''Why are we going there again?'' Ri-Lee asked. ''The Federation is still investigating into the creation of those Fel Imperial operatives.'' Anakin replied again. ''Senator Rayencourt seems to have reason to believe one of a few unseen operative factories is in the Barton system. Or at least a facility that served as a template for those operative factories, much like Tantiss.'' A soft purr could be heard from across the hall of the ship. ''What is it, Chewie?'' Anakin called out.

Chewbacca let out another purr in response. ''What did he say?'' Ri-Lee asked. ''We're here.'' Anakin replied, walking down the hall of the Falcon into the cockpit. Up ahead, Anakin saw a planet covered almost entirely in snow. ''Chewie, take us down.'' Anakin said. Chewie nodded, flying the ship through the planet's atmosphere. Anakin kept his gaze on what lie outside the cockpit, searching through the clouds for any sign of an outpost. When the clouds cleared up, Anakin pointed towards a few mountains. ''There. Take us down.'' Chewie nodded again, flying towards a landing pad near the outpost. The Falcon flew more slowly, touching down on the snow-ridden ground outside.

''We'll be right back, Chewie.'' Anakin said, exiting the cockpit almost as soon as the ramp of the ship lowered to ground level. Both Anakin and Ri-Lee exited the Falcon, walking towards the outpost. ''You think anyone's here?'' Ri-Lee asked. ''I doubt it.'' Anakin replied. ''At some point, the heating generators inside this base would have broken down, and any Fel Imperial troops stationed here would have already frozen to death.'' He continued. As they got closer, however, Ri-Lee began to notice small pieces of armor appearing in the snow. Armor belonging to Stormtroopers of the first Galactic Empire. ''I get the feeling you may be right...''

The two of them continued walking towards the entrance, bones and armor appearing scattered across the base. Finally, they approached the door, where Ri-Lee motioned towards the control panel. He pushed a few buttons, attempting to open the door, but to no avail. ''Dank Ferrik!'' He exclaimed, pounding on the panel. ''This thing's frozen...'' Anakin unclipped his Lightsaber from his belt. ''Well, it looks like we're gonna go in the old fashioned way...'' He said, igniting the amethyst blade and thrusting it into the door. 

A loud, screeching noise coming from the door echoed across the horizon as Anakin slowly cut through it in a perfect circle. Ri-Lee covered his ears, unable to bear the noise. Pulling his Lightsaber out of the door, Anakin threw one leg forward, kicking the center of the door. The door violently fell down, blowing snow into what lie inside. Anakin looked at Ri-Lee, who then proceeded to follow him inside the base. Behind Anakin, Ri-Lee ignited his Lightsaber, providing a light in the darkness. Just like outside, several frozen bones and armor appeared scattered throughout the halls. ''Wonder how long it's been since the last time this place was warm...'' Anakin murmured to himself. 

The two of them continued walking, the halls of the base getting darker and darker the further they went. Suddenly, a glint flashed in Ri-Lee's eyes, causing him to squint. Anakin quickly caught notice of the glint, seeing a reflection of his Lightsaber blade on a round, glass tube. Several lights on the ceiling flashed soon after, revealing row after row of frozen cloning tanks in another room that looked like it hadn't been used in years. Ri-Lee looked over Anakin's shoulder, seeing the tanks. His eyes widened with shock. ''What the...'' He began, following Anakin inside the laboratory.

Some of the tanks appeared to be smashed, with bones and bodies with decaying flesh lying around the area. ''Why do I sense something familiar about these tanks...?'' Anakin asked himself, stepping over fallen clone bodies. He walked up to one of the tanks, placing his hand on the glass and using the Force to clear the ice away. In the tank, there lie an unconscious man looking to be about Anakin's age, with red hair. Anakin shuddered as soon as he laid eyes upon the man, sensing his blood was in the clone's body. ''What is it?'' Ri-Lee asked. 

''I can sense my blood in these clones...'' Anakin replied. ''Ri-Lee, did I tell you my mother was Emp-'' Anakin began, feeling his knees buckle randomly. At that moment, he could sense someone was standing behind him. Against his own will, Anakin slowly turned to face the individual. It was a man, as far as he could see. A man clad in all black armor. Fighting against the grip on his legs, Anakin swung for the man's neck, but his blade was quickly stopped mid-strike, deactivating with the push of the ignition button. ''Anakin, try fighting back!'' Ri-Lee exclaimed. ''I can't! He has me locked in place!'' Anakin replied, his eyes darting to Ri-Lee. Anakin then heard a small clipping noise, before a Lightsaber ignited beside the masked individual. The individual twirled the blade around in their fingers, revealing a crimson hue between them and Anakin.

The individual raised his other hand close to Anakin's face, flicking his wrist and sending Anakin straight into two cloning tanks. Ri-Lee leaped towards the stranger, but was quickly blasted backwards with the Force. Ri-Lee smashed into a nearby control panel, which instantly flew from it's hinges. Ri-Lee collapsed to the ground, his back aching with pain. Sitting up, Ri-Lee reignited his Lightsaber, scanning the room for the stranger. Yet he could only see the unconscious Anakin, next to two dead clones. Ri-Lee's eyes darted across the room, as he looked further for the stranger. He heard a Lightsaber ignite, and quickly snapped around, locking blades with his new opponent.

''What are you!?!'' Ri-Lee demanded. The stranger did not respond, breaking the blade-lock. Ri-Lee thrusted one arm outward, attempting to Force Push the stranger. But the stranger countered it, firing the Force Push back at Ri-Lee. Ri-Lee skidded across the ice-ridden floor, just barely maintaining his footing. He charged the stranger, leaping towards him. The stranger held his left forearm out in front of his face, letting his armor collide with Ri-Lee's blade. Almost as soon as Ri-Lee struck the stranger's arm, he stumbled forward, his Lightsaber now deactivated. ''Cortosis...? What???'' The stranger swung for Ri-Lee while his Lightsaber was deactivated. Although, Ri-Lee fought back, stopping the stranger's Lightsaber with the Force and blasting him back across the lab. The stranger lunged towards Ri-Lee, but a purple-bladed Lightsaber stopped the attack.

Anakin leaped forward, pressing his attacks on the stranger. The stranger, in one swift motion, kicked Anakin in the chest, sending him sliding across the icy floor. ''Anakin Solo...'' The stranger finally said. Anakin sat up, now entering a defensive position. ''Who are you?'' Anakin asked. The stranger cocked his head. ''You don't remember me?'' The stranger replied, charging Anakin and slamming against his defenses. ''Not after everything you did to me?!?'' The stranger yelled. Ri-Lee's Lightsaber finally reignited at that moment. He charged the stranger from behind, continuing the clash.

The stranger ducked at the last minute, kicking Anakin's legs out from underneath him. Thrusting his free hand outward, the stranger blasted a massive torrent at Ri-Lee, who deflected it with ease. Anakin leaped upward, kicking the stranger in the mouth from below. The stranger staggered back, allowing Anakin to rise. ''We have to leave!'' He exclaimed to Ri-Lee, who nodded in agreement. The two Jedi rushed out of the lab, just as the stranger began to chase after them. Anakin turned around at the last second to block an attack from the stranger, who grabbed Anakin's hilt with one hand and slammed his head against Anakin's blade, instantly deactivating it.

The stranger swung at Anakin's chest, attempting to exploit his now open defenses. Anakin ducked and weaved under the stranger's Lightsaber, pulling out his blaster and firing at the stranger's chest. The blaster bolts disintegrated upon making contact with the stranger's armor, forcing Ri-Lee to press his attacks. The stranger fought back, continuing the fight down the halls of the facility. Anakin kept jamming on the ignition button of his Lightsaber, until it finally reignited. Charging the stranger, Anakin swung for his head, but the stranger dodged the attack, blasting Anakin into the wall with the Force and continuing the fight with Ri-Lee. ''Show your face, stranger!'' Ri-Lee yelled.

The stranger growled in response, pushing Ri-Lee further out of the hallway. Sparks flew everywhere with each time they clashed. Ri-Lee swung for the stranger's neck in an attempt to decapitate him, but the stranger ducked, kicking Ri-Lee in the chest. Twirling his lightsaber around in his fingers, the stranger charged Ri-Lee, slamming against Ri-Lee's defenses with all of his fury. Ri-Lee entered a blade-lock with the stranger, pushing as hard as he could for an opening. The stranger twirled his weapon, yanking Ri-Lee's Lightsaber out of his hands. Closing his free hand into a fist, the stranger jammed his knuckles into Ri-Lee's face, before reaching out with the Force and hurling two sharp pieces of metal towards Ri-Lee, watching them slice through Ri-Lee's abdomen.

Ri-Lee screamed in agony, as his stomach was instantly torn open. He collapsed to the ground, blood already pouring out from the wound. ''NO!'' Anakin yelled from behind. The stranger turned his head, but as he did so, Anakin kicked him in the face. Slinging Ri-Lee over his shoulder, Anakin ran as fast he could out of the facility, deactivating his Lightsaber and pulling Ri-Lee's own hilt to his hand. He took his comlink off his belt, activating it. ''Chewie, prep the ship!'' Anakin yelled into the comlink, placing it back on his belt. Just then, he heard a Lightsaber humming, and ducked in the snow bank, dodging the stranger's Lightsaber. Thrusting both arms forward, Anakin launched a huge pile of snow towards the stranger, knocking him over backwards onto the ground. A massive gust of wind swept by, coupled with the sounds of engines roaring, and Anakin looked up, seeing the Falcon was already in the air.

Carrying Ri-Lee in his arms, Anakin ran towards the ship, jumping onto the open ramp. The stranger ran after him, using Force Speed to outrun the Falcon's cannon blasts. The stranger leaped high in the air, just as Anakin threw Ri-Lee's body further into the ship. He turned his head, and kicked the stranger in the face, watching him fall back down onto the landing pad below. Rushing inside the ship, Anakin slung Ri-Lee over his shoulder, carrying him towards the medical bed, as the Falcon made the jump to Hyperspace.

57 ABY - Tatooine, Jedi Imperial Council Chambers

On Tatooine, Jedi Knight Tahiri Veila would be meditating quiety in her quarters. Ever since the war with The Fel Empire had ended at Nur, Tahiri had continued her relationship with Anakin Solo. Only now she felt more at peace than ever. There was no war to worry about, and there were barely any missions the Federation had assigned her and her companions to. Suddenly, the doors to her chambers opened. ''Tahiri?'' Rosh Penin asked. Tahiri turned her head to lock eyes with Rosh, who was sweating and bore a pale look on his face. ''It's..        It's Anakin.''

Tahiri stood up, a look of concern having come across her face. ''What about him?'' She asked. ''Just come out.'' Rosh replied. Tahiri did as she was told, following Rosh down the halls of the building, until they reached the hanger bay. When they entered the hanger, Tahiri's mouth dropped. Anakin was carrying fellow Jedi Knight Ri-Lee Howell over his shoulder, and blood was stained all over his shirt and pants. ''Call for backup! We need a medic NOW!!!'' Anakin screamed from across the hanger bay. ''Go get Jaden!'' Tahiri demanded. Rosh complied, running back inside, while Tahiri ran towards Anakin and Ri-Lee. ''Anakin, what happened!?!?'' She demanded.

''We were attacked!'' Anakin replied. ''We were investigating the outpost, and this stranger in Cortosis armor attacked us, and...'' He continued, still placing his hand on Ri-Lee's stomach. ''Ri-Lee had his guts ripped open during the fight, and I can't keep them from spilling out much longer!'' He exclaimed. ''Hold on, Anakin...'' Tahiri began, slinging Ri-Lee over her shoulder. ''Did you say...          Cortosis?'' She asked. Anakin nodded. ''Yes. And he held a red Lightsaber, and said something about me doing something to him too...'' Anakin replied. Just then, Rosh reappeared, this time, with Jaden Korr falling not too far behind him. ''I heard what happened back there, Anakin. Are you alright?''

''I'm fine, Jaden...'' Anakin replied. ''Just get him into medical attention and see what you can do!'' Jaden nodded, taking Ri-Lee out of Tahiri's arms and rushing inside with Rosh. Anakin stood there, completely frozen, as he watched Jaden, Rosh, and Ri-Lee leave his line of sight. ''Hey...'' Tahiri whispered to Anakin, placing a hand on his cheek. ''It's going to be okay...      Ri-Lee will make it, just like we all did..'' Tahiri continued, throwing her arms around Anakin's body and hugging him. Anakin shuddered, placing his hand around Tahiri's head. ''I need to speak with the High Council about this...       Before it becomes a bigger threat than it needs to be.'' Anakin whispered into Tahiri's ear.

''I understand. Do what you need to.'' Tahiri replied, letting go of the embrace. Anakin rushed past her and outside the hanger bay, entering the turbolift leading to the chambers where the Jedi Imperial High Council often held their meetings. As soon as the doors opened, Anakin stepped forward, hearing the Masters talking about something to do with the Federation, before they all turned their heads to face him. ''Commander Solo...'' Grand Empress Shin Hati acknowledged. ''What brings you to these chambers?''

Anakin sighed heavily before he spoke. ''Masters, I apologize for interrupting this meeting...    But I have something important to tell you all.'' Anakin began. Immediately, a few different Council members exchanged looks at each other. ''Unfortunately, Jedi Knight Ri-Lee Howell and I were unable to find out whether or not the base on Barton Four was linked to the Fel Empire's old operatives...         But that doesn't mean I don't have anything to share.'' Anakin continued. ''Ri-Lee and I were ambushed...     Ambushed by a man in all black armor that held a red Lightsaber. The man's armor also happened to be made out of Cortosis in all areas..''

The Council members all exchanged looks at each other. ''He was trained in the Jedi arts...'' Anakin added. ''As far as I'm aware, no one in The Fel Empire was Force-sensitive apart from the Royal Dynasty, and no one in The Jedi Empire has fallen out of touch with the light...'' Jacen Syndulla, the High Emperor, leaned in closer, listening intently. ''What are you saying, Anakin? Who do you think your attacker was?'' Jacen asked. Anakin swallowed hard. ''...My only conclusion can be that it was.. A Sith Lord.'' He replied shakily.

Murmurs broke out amongst the rest of the Council in that moment. Murmurs that quickly turned into outbursts of discussion. ''Silence.'' A voice said loud and clear. Anakin looked to see that it was his father, Ben Solo, who had given the command. ''Anakin, when you fought your attacker...         Did you get an idea of who he was under that mask?'' Ben asked. ''No.'' Anakin replied. ''But he said something about me not remembering him...        Something about me 'doing' something to him..      That can't be a coincidence.'' Grand Empress Hati shook her head. ''This can't be possible. The Sith have been extinct since the fall of The Immortal Empire at Dromund Kaas, nearly six years ago.''

Anakin turned to face Shin, looking her directly in the eye. ''Grand Empress Hati, might I remind you that the Sith have come back before? They would almost certainly come back again...'' Anakin replied. ''Furthermore, I remember the day that the Fel Royal Dynasty was killed on Nur...    During the confrontation, I remember Roan Fel saying something about the conflict between the Federation and his family being the beginning..      I have a feeling the conflict wasn't his idea, and someone else was pulling the strings from the shadows.'' Anakin added on. ''Regardless...'' Ben replied. ''This is a threat we cannot let slide, if it really is a Sith you faced on Barton Four. I will speak with The Galactic Federation Council tomorrow. In the meantime, go get some rest, son. You had to walk away from a nerve-racking mission, and you need time to process it. I will inform you if the Federation approves of the investigation into what was left behind in the wake of our war with the Sith in the past.''