Darth Vectivous

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Darth Vectivous
Author: Ben Bangemann
Length: 78,064 words
Source: FFN
Publication Date: May 16, 2023
Timeline Placement: 1771[1]–1744 BBY[2]
Preceding: Following:
Dark Days V: Nadir by Mortis "The Price of Knighthood" by Sakaros


Back Cover

For 250 years, the New Sith Wars have raged on, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake. Now, in 1750 BBY, the New Sith Empire, under the leadership of Darth Underlord, is relentless in their quest for galactic domination. But with Underlord's demise at the Battle of Malrev 4, his ambitious apprentice, Darth Nomus sees an opportunity to seize control.

Plot Summary

Prologue

Set nearly 1,500 years after the fall of the Eternal Empire, the galaxy, once a bastion of peace and prosperity, has fallen into chaos once again. After a millennium of stagnation and only minor skirmishes, the resurgence of the Sith threatens to destabilize the galaxy.

As the New Sith Wars progress, new Sith leaders like Darth Underlord emerge. The Republic counters with powerful fleets, but the Jedi's interventions often come at a high cost, with even their victories marred by darkness, as seen when Jedi Master Murrtaggh defeats the Underlord, only to fall to the dark side himself. The war drags on, with no clear end in sight, as both the Sith and the Republic inch closer to total collapse.

Underlord's true origins remain a mystery, with some believing he was a resurrected ancient Sith Lord using essence transfer, a forbidden technique. His ability to defy death and extend his rule fueled paranoia within the Sith ranks, particularly his apprentice, Darth Nomus.

Chapter 1: The Fall of Darth Underlord (1750BBY)

As the Sith wage their campaign against the Republic, Darth Underlord overextends his forces along the Zona Miki route, leaving his fleets vulnerable. The Republic, seizing an opportunity, launches a counteroffensive at Malrev IV, a key Sith stronghold. The battle is fierce, and in the end, Underlord is slain, his forces shattered. His death leaves a power vacuum in the Sith ranks. Underlord’s apprentice, Darth Nomus, receives news of his master’s death. He had long suspected that Underlord’s leadership was flawed, and now, with his master gone, he sees an opportunity to claim the mantle of Emperor. But the Sith are ruled by strength, not inheritance. Nomus’s claim is immediately challenged by rival Sith Lords, most notably Darth Gravus, a cunning and powerful Sith sorcerer.

Nomus does not only seek power for himself but envisions a centralized Sith Empire, breaking away from the chaos that plagued previous Sith regimes. He has already implemented reforms, including the creation of the Imperial Intelligence Agency (IIA), but faces opposition from Sith Lords who prefer a decentralized and feudal Empire.

Chapter 2: The Rise of Darth Gravus (1 month later)

Nomus returns to Korriban, expecting to be declared the new Emperor. Instead, he is met with opposition from the gathered Sith Lords. Darth Gravus, a Sith known for his mastery of dark rituals, has already maneuvered himself into a position of influence. The Sith Lords, unwilling to follow an unproven leader, reject Nomus’s claim. Instead, Gravus ascends to the throne, declaring himself the Emperor of the New Sith Empire. Rather than killing Nomus outright, Gravus offers him a position of power—but one that keeps him subordinate. He names Nomus the Supreme Military Commander of the Sith forces and tasks him with launching an invasion of the Republic’s Perlemian Trade Route. Nomus, despite his resentment, accepts, knowing that proving himself in battle is the only way to reclaim his ambitions.

Interlude: Krylon (1762BBY)

Darth Nomus is tasked by Darth Underlord to find the perpetrators of a terrorist attack on the planet Krylon. He talks to the monarch of the planet, who points him to a terrorist cell. When Nomus arrives, he massacres the rebels and interrogates the rebel leader, who tells him that he knows nothing of the attack. Nomus returns to Underlord and accuses him of staging the attack to test him. Underlord confirms this and commends Nomus for his reasoning.

Chapter 3: Jedi Master No Karr

Meanwhile, the Republic is in turmoil. The Senate, plagued by corruption and bureaucratic gridlock, is reluctant to fully commit to the war. The recent victory over Darth Underlord has emboldened pro-peace factions within the Senate, who argue that the Sith are no longer a significant threat. The Senate even temporarily forbid any aggressive military action. Jedi Master No Karr, a scholar and historian, finds himself increasingly frustrated with the Republic’s inability to act. Once dedicated to studying the past, Karr has been drawn into politics, hoping to push the Republic toward a more decisive strategy. However, his efforts are met with resistance, and he begins to question his place in both the Jedi Order and the Republic itself. In an attempt to quiet the growing tension, the Jedi Coucil assigns Karr a mission requested by Admiral Hegeto, to Felucia, a key world on the Republic’s border with Sith space. His task is to negotiate with the Gossam leaders of the planet, persuading them to allow a Republic military presence to strengthen border defenses. While preparing for his mission, he encounters his former padawan, the Twi’lek Jedi Master Kaya Taroh, who was recently granted the rank of Master.

Chapter 4: Darth Nomus gathers his forces

With six powerful Sith task forces under his command, Darth Nomus prepares a massive assault on the Perlemian Trade Route at Bosthirda, a Sith shipyard and dock. His goal is to establish a foothold in Tion cluster and prove his worth to Gravus. Leading his fleet aboard the Indiquidator, a modified Harrower-class dreadnought.

Chapter 5: Karr’s Vision

On Felucia, Jedi Master No Karr struggles with his diplomatic mission. The Gossams are hesitant to allow a Republic presence, fearing it will make them a target for the Sith. As Karr meditates in his quarters, a vision strikes him. He can see various future events, thousands of years into the future. However, most importantly, he can also see the Republic falling. He is so overwhelmed that something in him snaps. Isn’t it his duty as a Jedi to prevent such things? After that, news arrives that a Sith invasion fleet is approaching the sector.

Chapter 6: The Battle of Felucia

The Sith fleet descends jumps to Felucia. Republic forces, led by Admiral Hegeto, caught off guard, struggle to mount a defence. A Sith flank overwhelms Republic forces and eventually, they are forced to retreat to Lianna as Nomus peruses them while leaving a small force to launch a ground attack.

Chapter 7: Battle of Lianna

Hegeto receives news that his reinforcements have been declined. Shortly after, the Sith fleet arrives, threatening the wealth of Lianna. Hegeto focuses on the center, trying to get to the Indiquidator. However, a gap allows the Sith fleet to force Hegeto to retreat once more leaving Lianna to fight alone. More than half of his fleet was destroyed while the other half is in need of urgent repair. After the battle, Nomus is able to convince the Liannan government to peacefully surrender. He then learns that a Republic force had defeated his battalion on Felucia. He then orders a larger division to assault Felucia once more. However, after learning that a Jedi Master was on Felucia, he joined the invasion force.

Interlude: Felucia

General Karr and Major Dintion devised a strategy to protect Felucia’s capital, Kway Teow, against an imminent Sith attack. With limited time and resources, they abandoned the Republic’s base, fortifying the city instead. Using natural terrain like the surrounding ridges and forests, they set traps and deployed troops at choke points, especially securing the vulnerable eastern side. As the defense progressed, Private Ebb Dayon and Corporal Dub Nuyu shared personal stories while stationed on the Akh Gau ridge. Their bond was cut short when Sith forces attacked, killing Dub. Alone and injured, Ebb fought bravely, managing to destroy a Sith assault vehicle, aiding his comrades.

Chapter 8: Nomus vs. Karr

Nomus leads an assault on Felucia, but his initial strategy falters as his platoons fail to secure key objectives. Upon landing, Nomus personally engages Republic soldiers at the spaceport, swiftly overpowering them. He orders a large-scale bombardment to breach a reinforced building, then infiltrates it with his squad. Inside, Nomus encounters his former Jedi Master, Karr, triggering a fierce confrontation. Karr defends himself but is rather easily defeated. When Darth Cartridge insists on killing Karr per the Emperor's orders, Nomus defies him, asserting his desire to personally deliver Karr to Korriban for punishment. Nomus brutally attacks Karr with Force lightning, fueled by years of bitterness and a thirst for revenge.

Chapter 9: The captive Jedi

Darth Nomus stands before the high-security prison cell holding Jedi Master No Karr. The Jedi, once a figure of great influence within the Republic, is now drugged and restrained, suspended on a durasteel plate, his body kept barely functional by life-supporting tubes. Nomus enters, his expression filled with satisfaction. This is the moment he has been waiting for. He begins his interrogation, demanding to know why Karr was on Felucia. To extract answers, Nomus tortures Karr using the cell’s built-in electric shocks, causing the Jedi to scream in pain. He forces Karr to speak of the Jedi Order, the Republic’s leadership, and their strategies against the Sith. During the exchange, Nomus’s bitterness resurfaces—he questions why Karr never recognized him, why he was cast aside by the Jedi, and why he hasn’t heard of his existence. Karr explains to Nomus that he never intended to leave him behind but that they were separated after they came under attack by Sith forces. He had no choice but to leave him to protect the other younglings. Nomus remembered the day, he also remembered that Darth Underlord came to him after he fell and granted him the honour of serving him. Nomus left, leaving Karr to rot in his cell.

Chapter 10: Kaya Taroh (1745 BBY: Five years later)

Kaya Taroh listens to a speech in the Senate. The Senate discusses the Sith Invasion of the Tion cluster and the trial of Admiral Hegeto. A headed debate follows between the peace faction and moderates in the Senate. The peace faction envisions a peace treaty similar to the Treaty of Coruscant. Kaya talks to the Senator of Coruscant, Olgo Valorum, who offers Kaya his condolences for the loss of her former master, No Karr. Olgo tries to lobby for Jedi support, since the supreme chancellor is a jedi, in his bill to nationalize certain arms industries to lower the inflated prices. After that, Kaya discusses this issue with the Jedi council, however, the council decides not to interfere. She returns to the Senate, where a vote is to be held. However, the debates escalate and some Senators started to leave. All of the sudden, blaster shots could be heard and chaos erupted. Kaya rushed towards the danger, finding HK droids shooting at Senators and staff. She quickly dispatched them with the help of Senate guards. One of the guards informed her that the Senator responsible has been arrested. She rushed to the landing bay, where she was summoned to. There she met with Grand Master Kosmar Thal, who informed her that large corporations like Czerka and KDY have embargoes the Republic, halting all trade and blockading worlds like Corulag and Alderaan. This was clearly planned. The corporations have sent a list of demands, including immunity and protection from nationalization. A guard informed them that the attack had 74 victims, including 12 senators in favour of nationalization.

Chapter 11: Darth Vectivous (1744 BBY: 8 months later)

Darth Nomus gives a speech in the capital city of Irena, Korriban, celebrating six years of growth and militarization under the Empire. He boasts of economic stability, military power, and governmental organization, all achieved under what he publicly credits as Darth Gravus’s rule, though in his heart, he knows it was his doing. The crowd erupts into chants of loyalty, but as Nomus steps down from the podium, his triumph is cut short by an unexpected encounter with the Emperor himself. Gravus confronts Nomus with a dangerous accusation, that he has been holding his former Jedi Master, No Karr, as a prisoner in secret. Nomus realizes someone betrayed him, but he maintains his composure, dismissing Karr as a worthless relic of the past. Unconvinced, Gravus demands to see the prisoner. Forced to comply, Nomus leads the Emperor and Darth Fyrou, his “assistant”, into the depths of the Imperial Spire, where No Karr has been kept in a drugged and weakened state. However, to the Emperor’s surprise, the dark side radiates from Karr, suggesting that he may have already fallen. Instead of execution, Gravus orders Karr’s transfer to his own prison, believing him to be a potential Sith asset. As Fyrou removes Karr’s restraints, chaos erupts. In a swift and unexpected attack, Karr seizes Fyrou’s lightsaber, kills him instantly, and lunges at the Emperor. The elderly Gravus is caught off guard, barely defending himself against Karr’s relentless assault. Regaining his footing, the Emperor retaliates with Force lightning, but Karr blocks the attack. In the ensuing clash, Nomus is forced to choose a side. Karr offers him an alliance, a chance to overthrow Gravus together and reshape the Sith Empire under their rule. Though reluctant at first, Nomus realizes that siding with Gravus would only ensure his continued subjugation. Finally, he turns against the Emperor. Together, Karr and Nomus overpower Gravus, striking him down and leaving him pleading for his life. In a desperate attempt to survive, Gravus reveals a long-held secret, a prisoner deep within his cellblocks who possesses knowledge of essence transfer, the Sith’s key to immortality. The prisoner’s name is Darth Andeddu. But before revealing more, Gravus is executed by Karr and Nomus. They then go to Andeddu’s cell, interrogating him. They are convinced that this is Darth Underlord, who inhabited the Togorian Murrtaggh’s body. Karr embraces his transformation into the Sith’s new ruler, taking on a new name: Darth Vectivous.

Chapter 12: A fragile peace

Months after the Senate Massacre, the Republic has managed to negotiate a fragile peace through the Pijal Accords, a treaty that offers minor concessions to the galactic corporations in exchange for lifting embargos and blockades. Though the Republic succeeded in securing some economic and political gains, the price was steep; corrupt senators avoided prosecution but were merely replaced by like-minded successors, and major corporations secured tax reductions and protection from nationalization for two centuries. Jedi Master Kaya Taroh, reflecting on the scars of war as she walks past a memorial for the Sacking of Coruscant, makes her way to the Senate. There, she meets Olgo Valorum. Valorum now faces political exile as corporate-backed senators move to suppress his influence. Kaya warns that the Jedi Council is already mobilizing for an inevitable Sith offensive. Intelligence reports from the SIS confirm that the Empire has been undergoing a political, technological, and economic renaissance for six years. Contrary to past Sith regimes, this Empire is not plagued by infighting; a high-ranking Sith Lord, ruling in de facto leadership under the Emperor, has transformed the Empire into an economic powerhouse.

Chapter 13: The Rise of Darth Vectivous

In the aftermath of Darth Gravus’s death, Darth Vectivous summons the Sith Lords of the Empire, including ministers appointed by Darth Nomus, to a gathering in the throne room of Korriban. Among the assembled Sith, Darth Phon, the Lord Minister of Finance, stands defiant. Loyal to the late Emperor, Phon questions Vectivous’s legitimacy, scoffing at the idea of a non-human Sith claiming the throne. He demands to know why they should follow a self-proclaimed ruler, especially one who ascended through treachery. Phon refuses to submit, igniting his lightsaber to challenge Vectivous in single combat. The duel is brief but decisive. Vectivous overpowers Phon, severing his limb, and as the Sith Lord begs for mercy, he is swiftly executed. The other Sith Lords, now witnessing his undeniable power, fall to their knees in submission. With his rule solidified, Vectivous steps onto the grand podium in Irena, addressing over a hundred thousand Sith soldiers and citizens, as countless more listen across the Empire. Standing beside his apprentice and Imperial Minister, Darth Nomus, Vectivous delivers a speech. He claims credit for the Empire’s recent victories, including the conquest of the Tion Cluster, positioning himself as the true architect of Sith prosperity. The crowd erupts into cheers, embracing their new Emperor with fervor. As the Sith fleet amasses in Korriban’s exosphere, Vectivous initiates Phase One of his master plan. Using advanced signal jammers, they prepare to disrupt Republic communications across entire star systems, crippling their defenses before launching the first wave of invasions.

Interlude: Voss

Voss Jin-So informs the Three that the Mystics have seen the destruction of Voss. The Three refuse to take action, accepting the Vision as fate. Jin-So tries to inform the public anyway but is interrupted by the arrival of the Sith fleet. He flees aboard a Republic ambassadors ship watching Voss being bombarded from orbit.

Chapter 14: Probing attacks

Admiral Hegeto learns of Darth Vectivous’s rise and braces for an imminent Sith attack, yet their silence is unsettling. When reports flood in of simultaneous Sith assaults on multiple worlds, Hegeto realizes they are probing strikes rather than a full invasion, meant to test Republic defenses while jamming communications. Seizing this rare opportunity, Hegeto orders his fleet to launch a counteroffensive at Lianna, hoping to cut off the Sith forces before reinforcements arrive.

Chapter 15: Kaya’s mission

Kaya Taroh is urgently summoned by Grand Master Kosmar Thal. Upon arriving at the Jedi Council chambers, she learns of a devastating Sith offensive, where Republic fleets have been obliterated in surprise attacks and entire worlds have been left in ruin through orbital bombardment. However, the true shock comes when the Council reveals the identity of the new Sith Emperor; her former master, No Karr, now known as Darth Vectivous. The Council entrusts Kaya with a critical mission: not to destroy Vectivous, but to turn him back to the light, as she alone understands his tactics and mindset. Additionally, she is given a chance to reach Darth Nomus, once known as Niktor, her childhood friend and another fallen Jedi.

Interlude: Coruscant (1771 BBY)

Kaya Taroh, still a youngling at the time, exits a Jedi training session. She talks to Master No Karr about the force. He explains that while both the Jedi and Sith use the Force, their philosophies differ vastly. The Jedi allow the Force to guide them, embracing discipline and restraint, whereas the Sith bend the Force to their will, fueled by their emotions. Karr emphasizes that the Sith prioritize power above all else, using it for personal gain rather than the greater good.

Later, after a training session, Kaya and Niktor ask Karr about joining in on one of his expeditions. At first Karr declines because it is too dangerous. However, later he gives in. This will culminate in Niktor being left behind on Bakkah after the expedition runs into a Sith task force commanded by Darth Underlord.

Chapter 16: The Art of Fear and Control

As Darth Nomus commands the Sith fleet in battle, he receives a transmission from Darth Vectivous, who orders the initiation of Phase Two of their master plan after Admiral Hegeto launched a predictable counteroffensive at Lianna. Unbeknownst to the Republic, a hidden Sith fleet, is poised to ambush Hegeto’s forces from behind, ensuring their total annihilation. Vectivous shares his philosophy of power with Admiral Coros, expounding on the dangers of hope and the necessity of fear as the ultimate tool of control. He asserts that only realists can achieve victory, while optimists cling to false hope and lead themselves to ruin, applying this to Hegeto.

Chapter 17: The Trap at Lianna

Admiral Hegeto believes he is on the verge of defeating the Sith fleet at Lianna, unaware that he has walked into a trap. As Hegeto launches his final assault, Vectivous’s fleet emerges from hyperspace behind him, devastating his forces with overwhelming numbers. Realizing his mistake too late, Hegeto attempts to negotiate surrender, but Vectivous dismisses him, knowing his enemy is already lost. Forced into a desperate retreat, Hegeto barely escapes, leaving the battlefield in Sith hands. With the Republic fleet in shambles, Vectivous moves forward with Phase 3 of his grand strategy; ordering Darth Nomus to capture Columex, cutting off the Republic from the Outer Rim.

Chapter 18: The Escape of Darth Andeddu

Darth Vectivous oversees the expansion of the New Sith Empire, securing worlds along the Salin Corridor and the Triellus Trade Route to double the Empire’s size. While methodically integrating occupied planets, he receives troubling news from Admiral Coros: Darth Andeddu, the Sith Lord once imprisoned on Korriban, has vanished without a trace. Enraged by the oversight, Vectivous immediately abandons his campaign and sets a course for Korriban, determined to uncover the truth behind Andeddu’s disappearance. Meanwhile, Darth Nomus secures another Republic world and grows weary of the routine conquests. However, his complacency is shattered when Vectivous summons him to Korriban, revealing the crisis at hand. With Phase 4 of their war postponed, Nomus travels to Korriban.

Chapter 19: The Hunt for Andeddu

Darth Vectivous arrives on Korriban under the guise of a security inspection, but in reality, he seeks answers about the mysterious disappearance of Darth Andeddu, the Sith Lord who once held the secret to immortality. As Vectivous and Nomus investigate the prison where Andeddu was held, they uncover two treacherous Sith guards who aided his escape in the hope of gaining forbidden Sith knowledge. Under brutal interrogation, the guards reveal that Andeddu vanished without a trace, deceiving them as easily as he had the previous Sith Emperor. Enraged, Vectivous executes them in a storm of Force lightning, leaving Nomus to clean up the mess and track Andeddu’s whereabouts. With Korriban in turmoil and Sith politics growing unstable, Vectivous returns to the frontlines to enact Phase 4 of his war plan, leaving Nomus in charge of Sith affairs on Korriban. Nomus orders Darth Caustic to handle negotiations with the Hutts, ensuring their cooperation or subjugation.

Interlude Ansion:

Dr. March Dorman and her assistant find a derelict shuttle while exploring Ansion. They conclude that it recently crashed. This shuttle belongs to the escaped Darth Andeddu.

Chapter 20: Road to the Mid Rim

Darth Vectivous returns to the Indiquidator to reassess his war plans. With the Outer Rim increasingly under Sith control, he directs his forces to further isolate Republic-held territories, cutting off supply lines and solidifying Sith dominance over key trade routes. His fleet is divided strategically, one force secures the Nilgaard and Tion sectors, while another prepares for an eventual push into the Mid Rim. Meanwhile, Mon Calamari falls under blockade, with its valuable shipyards occupied.

Chapter 21: Governance of the New Sith Empire

With Darth Vectivous absent on his latest military campaign, Darth Nomus manages the New Sith Empire. Unlike the previous Emperor, Darth Gravus, who largely ignored the day-to-day operations, Vectivous is deeply involved, scrutinizing the actions of his lord ministers. This shift in leadership has led to growing unrest among Sith Lords accustomed to unchecked autonomy. Nomus, the Imperial Minister, once believed his carefully designed government would maintain order, but now he sees that the Sith Lords are more interested in their personal power than true loyalty to the Empire. This becomes particularly evident in a confrontation with Darth Caustic, the Lord Minister of Trade and Diplomatic Relations, who openly disrespects him, dismissing his authority and revealing the fragility of Nomus’s control. At the same time, Nomus seeks to track down Darth Andeddu, de facto his former master. With no official records of Andeddu’s presence in the Sith database, Nomus resorts to investigating the last known location of a stolen shuttle linked to the escape. His search leads him through military intelligence channels.

Interlude: Nar Shaddaa

Darth Caustic travels to Nar Shaddaa where he speaks to Del the Hutt about an agreement, with the main issue being the slave trade. Eventually, they come to an agreement.

Chapter 22: The Republic shifts towards Total War

Kaya listens to a news announcement above Kuat: The assassination of Senator Olgo Valorum, shot by a sniper during a gathering at the Coruscant Opera. Marking the fourth politically motivated killing in a month. The peace faction, once staunchly against military action, now aligns with the preservationists, voting to revoke the Treaty of Pijal and lift the ban on Republic offensives against the New Sith Empire. She meets with Admiral Hegeto, where she contemplates the cost of war and the moral compromises made by those in power. Hegeto, though saddened by the political turmoil, sees an opportunity. Finally, he can engage the Sith without bureaucratic restrictions. However, Kaya remains uneasy. Hegeto’s appetite for battle and his apparent disregard for past Republic losses disturb her, reinforcing her doubts about his leadership. Their conversation takes a more personal turn as Hegeto probes into Kaya’s past, particularly her relationships with two former allies who betrayed the Republic: Niktor, now Darth Nomus, and her former master, Karr, now the Sith Emperor Darth Vectivous. Kaya recalls her childhood friendship with Niktor, recognizing in hindsight the early signs of his susceptibility to the dark side; his competitive nature, his need for validation, and his emotional struggles. In contrast, Karr was a mentor and father figure, shaping her as a Jedi and instilling in her a deep appreciation for knowledge and diplomacy. His betrayal remains a painful mystery to her, a wound she struggles to comprehend.

Chapter 23: Vectivous’s philosophy

Vectivous and Nomus walk across the deserts of Korriban. Vectivous shares his personal journey; from a life of emotional detachment as a Jedi to finding purpose through the Sith and the power of emotions. Unlike traditional Sith Lords who rule through fear and oppression, Vectivous asserts that trust and loyalty form a stronger foundation for power. He acknowledges Nomus’ role, albeit small, in his transformation and reaffirms their partnership. Their conversation turns philosophical, delving into the nature of the Force. Vectivous presents a metaphor of a cave, symbolizing the layered understanding of the Force. The Sith, he argues, fail not because of their philosophy but because they lack control over their emotions, unlike the Jedi, who channel their power with discipline. He critiques both orders, revealing his ambition to forge a new path—one that balances power, wisdom, and restraint. Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Darth Traya (Kreia), he rejects the fragile alliances built on hatred that have plagued the Sith for millennia. Vectivous probes Nomus about Darth Andeddu’s whereabouts, but the trail has gone cold. Frustrated yet undeterred, he shifts focus to the ultimate objective of their campaign. Nomus assumes Coruscant, the Republic’s heart, is the target. However, Vectivous dismisses the idea, stating that Coruscant is merely symbolic; difficult to control and ultimately insignificant in comparison to the true linchpin of the Republic’s power: Kuat. The industrial powerhouse of the Republic, Kuat supplies the fleets, warships, and weapons that keep the Republic’s military machine running.

Chapter 24: The Battle for Balmorra

Vectivous and Nomus face an unsettling mystery: Why is the Republic offering so little resistance? While Nomus speculates that the Republic lacks the necessary forces, Vectivous rejects the notion, suspecting a trap. The Republic, he reasons, should have more than enough naval strength to counter their advance. With Kuat, the heart of the Republic’s war machine, set as their true objective. Vectivous hypothesizes that the Republic is concentrating its forces at Kuat in preparation for a decisive confrontation. To counter this, he devises a plan to divert their fleet, using feints along the Perlimian Trade Route to mislead the Republic into thinking Coruscant is the target. While Nomus pushes toward Onderon, Vectivous moves to secure the strategic world of Balmorra, a major Republic arms manufacturer, only seven parsecs from Kuat. With this foothold, the Sith will have a vital base from which to launch their final assault. However, upon arriving at Balmorra, Vectivous is met with an eerie sight, only a handful of Republic corvettes guarding the planet. It defies logic that such an important world would be left virtually unprotected. Suspicious of a potential ambush, Vectivous orders a cautious approach, swiftly eliminating the corvettes and securing the planet’s orbit. As Nomus arrives with his fleet, the invasion of Balmorra commences. His suspicions are soon justified. Just as the Sith forces solidify their control over Balmorra, the Republic fleet emerges from hyperspace, poised for battle. Vectivous quickly organizes his defenses. The Republic has numerical superiority. He lets the Republic forces push forward, luring them into an overextension. As the enemy fleet overcommits, Vectivous executes a brilliant tactical maneuver, using a Harrower-class heavy cruiser to pierce through a gap in the Republic formation, cutting off their corvettes and exposing their capital ships to a devastating counterattack. As the Republic ships scramble to reposition, the Sith unleash their bombers, destroying the enemy command ship in a spectacular explosion.

Interlude: Balmorra

Leomis, a boy from Balmorra refuses to work in the arms industry which dominates Balmorra. Instead, he wants to study art off-planet. His parents get furious and he eventually runs away.

Chapter 25: Nomus’s defiance

As the Sith Empire tightens its grip on Balmorra, Darth Nomus and his forces oversee the planet’s brutal subjugation. Amidst the carnage, Darth Vectivous arrives earlier than expected, taking an unsettling interest in the battlefield’s aftermath. While Nomus remains focused on consolidating their military gains, Vectivous instead embarks on a cryptic excursion into Balmorra’s history. He leads Nomus to the ruins of Sobrik, the once-great city that played a key role in an ancient Republic victory over the Sith. However, Nomus is growing restless. He sees Kuat, the Republic’s lifeline, within reach and is eager to strike. Yet Vectivous, ever the tactician, urges restraint, analyzing the best way to lure the Republic’s fleet into a disadvantageous position. As Nomus wrestles with his frustrations, Vectivous challenges his military acumen, pointing out that luck played a greater role in his past victories than Nomus is willing to admit. This stings Nomus’s pride, deepening his dissatisfaction with Vectivous’s leadership. Just as tensions mount, Nomus receives a transmission from IIA (Imperial Intelligence). Republic forces have mysteriously withdrawn from Kuat, redirecting their defenses to Brentaal and Trellen. But Nomus hesitates. In a fateful decision, Nomus withholds the information, believing that Vectivous’s cautious nature will squander this chance. Instead, he orders the Sith fleet to mobilize immediately. Admiral Coros, caught between duty and fear, reluctantly follows his command.

Chapter 26: Battle of Kuat

Admiral Hegeto and Jedi Master Kaya Taroh set a trap for the Sith, feeding false intelligence through a compromised Imperial spy network. The ruse convinces Darth Nomus that Kuat is unguarded, prompting him to launch a reckless attack against what he believes is an undefended target. Realizing he has been deceived, Nomus finds himself in a desperate battle against overwhelming odds. Despite his tactical acumen, the Republic’s superior numbers and the orbital defenses of Kuat prove too much. The Sith fleet suffers devastating losses, and Admiral Coros urges Nomus to retreat. Reluctantly, Nomus orders an emergency hyperspace jump, fleeing to Balmorra to regroup. As the Republic fleet pursues the retreating Imperials, Kaya leads a team of Jedi aboard the Indiquidator to capture Nomus. The Republic fleet provides cover as Kaya, alongside Jedi Master Suuk and a strike team, infiltrates the Sith flagship. Fighting through waves of Sith and soldiers, Kaya finally reaches the bridge, only to find a grisly scene—Nomus has slaughtered his own crew in a fit of rage and frustration. Kaya confronts her former friend, now fully consumed by the dark side, and the two engage in a ferocious lightsaber duel. Though a formidable warrior, Nomus finds himself hesitating in the final moments. Confronted by their shared past, he falters, allowing Kaya to turn the tide. Overcome with emotion, he surrenders, acknowledging that something within him prevented him from killing her. Despite his crimes, Kaya sees a flicker of redemption within Nomus and offers him a chance at justice rather than execution. As he is taken into custody, she turns her attention to a greater threat: Darth Vectivous.

Chapter 27: The Wrath of Vectivous

After the disastrous defeat at Kuat, Darth Vectivous, unaware of the unfolding catastrophe, explores the ruins of an ancient Sith war factory on Balmorra. As he marvels at its historical significance, he is suddenly interrupted by an urgent call from his subordinate, Darth Karath, who informs him that the Indiquidator has fallen to a Republic boarding assault, and an invasion force is imminent. Worse still, Nomus had acted without orders, leading to a humiliating defeat that now jeopardizes the entire New Sith Empire. Seething with fury, Vectivous realizes that Nomus was the fatal flaw in his plans, his recklessness allowing the Republic to gain the upper hand. As he sprints through the treacherous landscape, Vectivous eliminates Republic scouts along the way, feeling disgusted by such menial work beneath an Emperor of the Sith. When he reaches a Republic stronghold, he launches a one-man assault of terrifying efficiency. Scaling the defenses with unnatural speed, he deflects turret fire, crushes soldiers with the Force, and cuts a path through the enemy with merciless precision. He summons lightning strikes that incinerate over a hundred troops before confronting two Jedi. Reaching a hangar, Vectivous finds a squad of Republic soldiers rigging the remaining fighters to explode. One of them foolishly attempts to stall him, but Vectivous casually snaps his neck with the Force. However, another soldier succeeds in activating the detonator, triggering a massive explosion that consumes the remaining ships, sealing off his escape route. However, he spots a fighter approaching.

Chapter 28: Kaya vs. Vectivous

Determined to confront her former mentor, Jedi Master Kaya Taroh disobeys orders and heads to Darth Vectivous. Upon arrival, she is met with a horrifying sight; hundreds of mutilated Republic soldiers litter the battlefield. Their conversation reveals Vectivous’s chilling philosophy. He claims to be no monster but a visionary, willing to make whatever sacrifices necessary to bring the galaxy under a stable, meritocratic rule. He offers Kaya a place at his side, insisting that the Republic is no better than the Sith Empire. When she refuses, their ideological debate turns into a deadly duel. Vectivous proves to be more powerful than Kaya anticipated. His relentless assault forces her onto the defensive, using devastating Force lightning, telekinesis, and masterful lightsaber combat to overwhelm her. Though she fights with skill and determination, he ultimately disarms her and impales her through the abdomen, leaving her dying at his feet. As Vectivous kneels beside Kaya, he expresses regret, but she only smiles in response. With her last breath, she utters a cryptic declaration: “You have lost.” Confused at first, Vectivous quickly realizes the trap; Republic ships have targeted his position for orbital bombardment. Turbolasers rain down from the sky, engulfing the battlefield in flames. Vectivous erects a Force shield in a desperate attempt to withstand the barrage, but the firestorm intensifies. His mask is blown away, exposing his weary face as he glares at Kaya in fury. “What have you done?!” he roars, realizing she has sacrificed herself to ensure his downfall. As the world around them burns, Kaya finds peace in her final moments. She closes her eyes, knowing that, in death, she has dealt a crippling blow to the Sith Empire.

Epilogue:

With the recent victories at Kuat and Balmorra, the Republic Senate undergoes a dramatic shift. The peace faction is completely dissolved, and even the most hesitant Senators now clamor for a full-scale offensive to eradicate the Sith once and for all. The war effort is further solidified by an emergency measure, officially mandating that only Jedi can serve as Supreme Chancellor, reflecting the Senate’s belief that the Jedi must lead the Republic’s defense. Admiral Tim Hegeto, instrumental in these victories, stands before the Senate, mourning the sacrifice of Jedi Master Kaya Taroh, who gave her life in battle against Darth Vectivous. However, he reassures the Senate that her sacrifice was not in vain. Her actions led to the capture of Darth Nomus, Vectivous’s second-in-command, dealing a devastating blow to the Sith leadership. With Sith forces in disarray, the Republic has reclaimed vast Mid and Inner Rim territories, bringing an end to active Sith irridentism. As Supreme Chancellor Sion Takar publicly commends Hegeto for his bravery and leadership, the Senate erupts in thunderous applause. For the first time, the Republic stands on the precipice of victory.

Appearances

Characters

Sith Empire

Republic

Neutral

  • Lirin Far’n (First Appearance)
  • Tina Harlok (First Appearance)
  • Jin-So (First Appearance)
  • Dr. Dorman (First Appearance)
  • Dome Mountainlaw (First Appearance)
  • Rinio the Hutt (Mentioned Only) (First Appearance)
  • Del the Hutt (First Appearance)
  • Leomis (First Appearance)

Planets

Major

Minor

Organizations

  • Czerka Industries
  • Kuat Drive Yards
  • New Sith Empire
    • Imperial Intelligence Agency (IIA)
  • Galactic Republic
    • Peace faction
    • Preservationists
    • Jedi Order
    • SIS
  • Rendili Star Drive
  • Taerab Starship Manufacturing Company
  • Hutt Empire
  • The Mystics of Voss
  • Kiliks
  • Zygerrian Slave Empire

Events

Continuity

  • The Dark Underlord is referred to in-text and in jacket copy as "Darth Underlord". This has been done for a more logical official name while still acknowledging "Dark Underlord" as the colloquial name.
  • Darth (Dark) Underlord becomes Darth Andeddu after inhabiting Murrtaggh body.


Sources

Notes


References

  1. ↑ Darth Vectivous, Chapter 15.5: Interlude—Coruscant
  2. ↑ Darth Vectivous, Chapter 11
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