A magnificent edifice located on the edge of a cliff in Naboo’s capital city, Theed serves as the the Royal Palace for the Royal Houses of Naboo. It also houses the planet’s monarch and acts as the nerve center of government. Despite a Separatist Trade Federation invasion and a failed Imperial attempt to render Naboo uninhabitable, the palace has weathered each storm.

The massive complex was designed with sandstone-like blocks that help make the palace the largest structure in the city. The blocks form into tall towers and rotundas with cupolas that are covered in green tile. A central, drum-shaped structure takes up the majority of the complex while a narrow tower signifies its highest point. Watch towers overlook the cliff face, strategically placed to detect a rear attack from the valley below.

Surrounded by a vast garden, the palace boasts a hangar and secret passages leading to the various buildings in the complex. Resembling a moat in design, a pool in the garden is capable of being drained to close off access after the bridge is raised. Entrance and exit into the garden require a passcode to circumvent the security gate.

Inside, the palace is filled with vast, cavernous corridors embellished by Naboo’s own artisans. Its splendor is a showcase of the planet’s greatest sculptors and craftsmen. The main entrance is located at a terminus of the Palace Plaza, a broad promenade which was crowned at the opposite end by the Palace Courtyard, erected in the aftermath of the Trade Federation invasion. The Triumphal Arch stands halfway between the fountain-filled courtyard and the steps of the palace, which are lined with towering statues of famed philosophers who helped shape the constitution of Naboo's government.

Within one of the lower rotundas near to the entrance lies the throne room of the planet's monarch, a vaulted chamber with tall windows. The throne rests behind the desk of office with several chairs around which to accommodate members of the court. The throne was made not only for comfort to reflect the calm serenity maintained on the planet, but also for functionality. Control panels on the armrests monitor incoming transmissions and several holdout pistols are kept securely in reach.

In response to the initial Separatist invasion, the entirety of Theed was converted into a massive EMP generator and, once a series of activation terminals throughout the city have been triggered, can be activated from the throne room. It is an involved process that requires working knowledge of the system.

Naboo was like a time capsule to a time long forgotten. Despite the number of invasions this world had seen, it somehow maintained its radiant beauty. Sunshine sparkled off of the clear seawater. The sand was softer than perhaps anywhere else in the known galaxy, and the architecture of the city of Theed was a marvel to behold.

The gentle wind brushed Ria'd's face, and he couldn't help but inhale a deep breath as the bright sunlight beamed upon his pale features. It was like a warm massage upon his skin, and the Zabrak Jedi almost wished he could have basked in it for just a little bit longer.

Naboo was a quaint little world on the Outer Rim, but it was incredibly resourceful. Such qualities would naturally attract the attention of other various Factions who sought trade agreements and partnerships. One such group were Clan Vizsla of the Brotherhood. A Clan of mercenaries as far as Ria'd understood. Or was it Mandalorian's? He could never quite remember. Appius had explained it to him once, but the Zabrak tried not to involve himself with such matters.

As such, Ria'd wouldn't normally bother getting involved with such affairs. However, one particular detail had managed to catch his attention. Whispers among the local populace and merchants spoke of the Vizsla delegate being a Sith of all things. The Jedi's eyes had opened wide at that revelation, and he immediately set course for the Theed Palace. After Dandoran, Ria'd was on a personal mission to eradicate the dark side of the Force from the galaxy. Naboo seemed like a good destination to rest before moving on to another target, but it seemed the dark side had come to him.

It made things much easier this way.

Ria'd waited for the right moment to sneak into the Royal Palace. Guards wandered on patrol outside the elegantly designed complex. It honestly was easier than expected. Even given the planet's history, the new monarchs of the planet never wanted to give outsiders the impression they were hostile. Once inside, Ria'd reached out into the Force, searching for that familiar dark aura that all Sith possessed.

The Theed Palace was majestic, displaying the kind of beauty rarely seen in the rest of the galaxy. Beautiful archways decorated the entrances to each room as paintings told stories of Naboo's storied past. The smooth floor was gentle on the Zabrak's feet as columns made of sandstone and marble created a sense of wonder. Servants and handmaidens passed him by, some giving Ria'd a curious glance whilst others seemed to ignore him, which was probably for the best given what he was about to do…

'No.' Ria'd mused to himself. 'I must not falter. I must remain vigilant.'

'There is no emotion, there is peace…'

The galaxy would understand one day when the dark side was finally slain. They would thank him, they just had to deal with these necessary acts for now.

Following his senses, Ria'd finally reached perhaps the most glorious set of double doors in the palace. They reached towards the ceiling, and whoever this Sith was, he was behind them, Ria'd could feel it! The Zabrak's two hearts thumped in his chest like a pair of drums as his fingers grazed the edge of his curved hilt lightsaber.

Tha-thump, tha-thump.

Suddenly, the giant doors began to open, aided by what Ria'd assumed were members of the Theban Royal Guard. Ria'd quickly darted behind one of the giant marble columns, hoping to stay out of sight for the moment. The Jedi carefully peered around the marble structure to see two individuals walk out of the throne room. One was perhaps the most sophisticatedly dressed Human woman he had ever seen and the other…

'That has to be him.' Ria'd deduced. The being in question was a tall Anzat with tanned skin and a bald head, but the most distinguishing features were the eyes. They were bright yellow, the sign of submission to the dark side of the Force.

"I trust this deal is in your best interest, your majesty?" the Anzat spoke pleasantly, no doubt in deceit. At least that's what Ria'd thought.

"Indeed. Naboo is a peaceful planet, but we require security. Mandalorians are fierce warriors, or so I've heard. I can trust Clan Vizsla to defend Naboo so long as we provide the Zsoldos System with our resources, yes, Mr Ricmore?" the Queen inquired with a sophisticated lint in her voice.

"Clan Vizsla will defend Naboo like it was Mandalore itself, but please, call me Von," the Sith said with a smile.

"Wonderful! In that case, I shall get this alliance written up at once! If you wouldn't mind waiting here, I'll be back in a few minutes," the Queen more ordered than requested, but then left Von alone as her Royal Guard followed her out of the chamber.

'This is it. This is my chance!' Ria'd thought to himself. This was the Jedi's moment to wipe a part of the dark side out of the galaxy forever!

The Zabrak emerged from behind the column, pouring the Force into himself as he increased his speed. The power was exhilarating, and Ria'd was able to close the distance between the two Force users in moments. The Anzat went wide-eyed as the Jedi drew his weapon, sparking a clear, white blade that lunged towards the Sith's skull.

Luckily for Von, the Force had warned him just in time to allow him to react. Von sidestepped as the lightsaber sliced grazed the side of a second column right where the Vizsla member previously stood.

'Damn it…' Ria'd thought as he quickly flicked his wrist, bringing his saber into a position to cut the Anzat if he got too close. That was when Ria'd had the sudden sense of forewarning enter his consciousness, and he braced himself for the inevitable attack.

Von unleashed a primal scream with the kind of volume behind it that only a banshee would be proud of. Ria'd immediately dropped his lightsaber and covered his ears with his hands. The screeching in his head intensified as he dropped onto both of his knees and grit his teeth through the pain. Von, however, did not get off free. He felt the pressure in his throat from injecting the Force into his vocal cords and staggered back. Quickly, the Sith composed himself and drew his weapon. A crimson-red blade echoed throughout the chamber as Von readied to bring it down on the Zabrak's head.

Ria'd immediately felt the danger coming. His eyes shot open, and on instinct, he rose to his feet and struck at Von, striking the Vizsla member in his nose.

"Gah!" Von cried out at the throwing pain, though the Jedi was far from done. He continued to strike, allowing his compact, yet flexible punches to roll off one another into the Sith's face. Von retreated a few paces, which proved to be a mistake as Ria'd aimed a low kick just below the Anzat's hip, throwing him off balance and sweeping Von off of his feet.

Von landed on his back as Ria'd took the moment to regain his composure. His ears still hurt, but the ringing had stopped and he could see his moment to end this fight right now! He reached out with the Force to his lightsaber as it flew back to its owner's hand. The bright-white blade re-emerged as Ria'd readied to plunge it through the Anzat's heart.

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!?" the Naboo Queen screamed, gaining the Jedi's attention. She had returned with her Royal Guard and their blasters were primed towards the Zabrak intruder.

A bead of sweat dropped from Ria'd's face. This was exactly the last thing he wanted to happen, though he remained steadfast, even if his face didn't show it.

"Your majesty, please, allow me to handle this," Von declared as he used the distraction to rise back to his feet.

"Are… are you sure?" the Queen inquired.

"More than sure," the Vizsla member responded, though something was different. Gone was the usual cheery, jovial attitude the Anzat possessed. Instead, it was replaced with a serious expression, one that commanded authority, one that was shared amongst all great warriors of the galaxy.

"Very well. I shall consider this the first act of our alliance, Von Ricmore," the Queen stated as she ordered her Royal Guard to follow her out of the chamber.

Silence fell between the Jedi and the Sith as the two stared intently at each other.

"I don't know what has warranted this assault, but it doesn't matter," Von stated as he reached for his lightsaber. The red blade hissed back to life, illuminating the Anzat's face in a bloody hue. "You made a terrible mistake attacking me. You managed to get the jump on me before. You won't be so lucky this time."

Ria'd brought the saber up to his face, the signature opening challenge from a Makashi duelist.

'They will understand eventually… they will have too.' Ria'd forced himself to believe. The Zabrak held firm as he waited for the Sith to make the next move.

Von Ricmore stared at the intruder, the Zabrak with the audacity to assault him during a diplomatic negotiation. A small part of the Anzat respected the initiative; one should take advantage of their opponent when an opportunity arises. But this wasn’t a tactical maneuver. This was a vengeful assault that reeked of desperation.

It was disgusting. Yes, Von thought to himself, such an open display of desperation was quite repulsive indeed.

Unable to stop a scowl from forming on his face, the Sith made an attempt to parlay with the attacker.

“I do not know why you are here or why you have attempted to slay me. Might I know the name of the creature with the audacity to interrupt diplomatic talks?”

The Zabrak snarled. “That is not for you to know darksider. Soon your kind will be eradicated and the galaxy will know peace.”

Von’s scowl deepened in irritation. Of course he was dealing with a zealot. One who likely favored Makashi if the opening salute was anything to go by. It was just his luck that the Anzat would encounter a foe he could not negotiate with, one who could probably best him in Saber combat as well. Still, he had to know for sure.

The Sith submerged himself in the chill of the dark side of the Force. The speed of his movements increased as he launched himself towards his opponent and unleashed a blistering barrage of strikes.

Ria’d met each strike blow for blow, curved saber against curved saber. Illuminant white clashed against blood red.

The Zabrak parried each blow with the grace of a master. Defense changed swiftly into offense as the Makashi wielder began to overwhelm his opponent.

This isn’t a fight I can win, Von realized. While proficient with a lightsaber he was far from mastery, something made quite evident by his opponent's combat capability. I’ll have to find an opportunity to retreat to the hangar and escape there.

The combatants continued to clash as they moved through the halls of Theed Palace. Von gave ground as he slowly retreated towards the hangar. But this action did not go unnoticed.

Ever Perceptive, Ria’d observed as his foe continued to give ground. He was confident that he could vanquish the darksider, the Force had decreed it so. But he had to act to ensure such a victory. His Jedi predecessors had grown too secure in their own power and hubris. The Zabrak would not repeat such a mistake. Whatever the Sith was planning he would not permit.

Ria’d called upon the Force, deftly flipping over Von and cutting off the Sith’s path of retreat.

“There is no escape.” The Jedi declared as he prepared to strike down his foe.

Von hastily retreated into the Theed Royal Palace chamber. Ria'd just about heard the Anzat cursing his luck that he didn't act quickly enough and move their battle to a location of his choosing. However, what Ria'd wasn't aware of, was that what Von may have lacked in pure combat skills, he made up for with a tactical know-how that few in the Brotherhood could dream of.

The Zabrak carefully approached, white blade held forward as the Jedi advanced in a straight line towards his opponent. Ria'd was trained to watch his opponent extremely carefully, and now it was the Anzat who seemed desperate, as the Sith's eyes darted from one side of the chamber to the other.

'I can do this…' Ria'd thought, his twin hearts beating in his chest as he willed himself forward. 'It's just like before… back when I got this crystal, back when I killed my first Sith. .'

Suddenly, Von had pressed himself against one of the many marble pillars that littered the chamber. Ria'd's eyes widened, this was his opportunity! The Zabrak grit his teeth as he thrust his lightsaber towards the Vizsla member's heart.

Von, who felt the strike coming, allowed himself a small smile, a detail that Ria'd had noticed as the Sith moved out of the way of the lethal attack. The Deathwatch Quaestor had moved to the side, allowing the Jedi's white blade to plunge cleanly into the marble.

"It's over now!" Von cried out, using his weapon to cut into the foundation of the pillar. From there, the Sith poured the dark side of the Force into the palm of his hands and sent a wave of energy into the pillar, toppling it over towards the Jedi.

'Kark!' Ria'd exclaimed in his mind as he leapt out of the way of the marble tower that suddenly shadowed over him. A resounding crash thundered throughout the chamber with white dust clouds forming from the collapsed marble. The Jedi had to deactivate his weapon and shield his eyes from the particles in the air lest they temporarily blind him.

That was when Ria'd heard the distinct roaring of flames coming from above him. His ears followed the sound, and with the Force, he followed Von's movements as the Sith landed several feet away, just out of the way of the dust. The Jedi's senses came alive, the Force warning him of impending danger. Ria'd spun to face the threat, gripping his lightsaber in his hand, but with his sight impaired, he failed to see the attack before he heard it.

Hissing and sparking noises pierced the chamber, echoing off of the walls and pillars. The stream of lightning collided with Ria'd, and the Zabrak howled with a pain he'd seldom experienced before. It was like fire burned across his body, searing his flesh and organs both inside and out like he had touched a live electrical cable. The agony was unbearable at first. Ria'd wanted to scream, but the pain took over every sense his body had. Eventually, the sensation began to subside, slowly becoming more tolerable, but it had already brought the Jedi to his hands and knees, his lightsaber hilt rolling beside him.

"No wonder Appius likes Force Lightning so much. It does wonders for finishing a fight," Von couldn't help but comment, panting between ragged breaths.

But that name, Appius, that had gotten Ria'd's attention. The Jedi didn't want to believe it, but rumours that his former Jedi comrade had turned to the dark side lingered in his thoughts. If true, that would mean he would have to confront Appius sooner or later, but to hear his name here? Right now? From this Sith that all but confirmed Appius used Force Lightning?

"Y-You know Appius?" Ria'd managed to sputter between the twinges of pain. The Zabrak's armor was coated white from the dust, though a light smoke lingered from him from how his skin had blistered from the lightning. Ria'd's burnt flesh could be smelt throughout the chamber.

"Did," Von corrected. "Don't get me started, though. The last time I saw him he kriffing left me on Crait with one arm less!"

Ria'd glanced at both of Von's arms, but saw no sign of a cybernetic replacement.

"I had to transfer my essence into another body after that battle. Thankfully, this one suits me much better."

Despite the horrifying revelation, the Zabrak remained still with a stoic, if somewhat pained expression on his face.

"You disgust me," Ria'd stated.

"It doesn't matter," Von said as he slowly approached the downed Zabrak. "You won't be around much longer to feel disgusted, Jedi."

The Sith made sure to put extra emphasis on that last word.

"You are exactly the reason the dark side must be destroyed," Ria'd stated.

"Destroyed?" Von questioned. "You can't destroy the dark side. The Force is like two sides of a coin. One cannot exist without the other. Darkness always exists where there is light, the same as light illuminates where shadows may form. The sooner you accept that, the sooner you can face reality."

"Nonsense. The dark side's evil must be stopped. Am I supposed to just sit back and allow your kind's corruption to spread across the galaxy? To form another Sith Empire and plunge the galaxy into fear and subjugation? Absolutely not, and if that means killing you, even killing Appius, then so be it. I will do what I must," Ria'd tried to return to his feet, but found himself unable to do so immediately. The battle thus far had drained him, and the slightest movement created burning sensations in every limb and joint.

"You are little more than a hypocrite. How is what you are doing any different from what the Sith have done in eons past?" the Vizsla member questioned.

Suddenly, Von reached out with the Force and lifted the Zabrak back to a standing position before clasping both his hands around Ria'd's skull.

"No answer? Then you will die like the zealot you are!"

Then, nothing.

The Anzat seemed to be lost in a world of concentration. Von had closed his eyes and seemed heavily focused, but suddenly, they snapped back open. The Sith had poured the Force into his hands to drain the Zabrak of his life source and use it to heal himself. Sure, it was slightly There, but drawing upon the Force had suddenly become a far more difficult task than the Sith was used to.

Ria'd remained stoic, almost an emotionless mask plastered on his face. His pupils dilated as he saw what might be his one opportunity to end the fight whilst Von's ability to tap into the Force was suppressed. The Jedi quickly summoned his lightsaber to his hand, pressed the hilt against the Anzat's abdomen, and pressed the ignition switch.

A clear-white lightsaber blade plunged through the Anzat's gut as the Sith himself gasped from the sudden pain. Ria'd felt Von's saliva hit his face as he retracted his weapon, allowing the Vizsla member's body to slump to the floor. Von's eyes half-closed as every breath he took became heavy and raspy.

Ria'd staggered back, using one of the marble columns to keep him upright for a moment. After a few seconds of catching his breath, the Zabrak stepped forward to inspect his handiwork.

'He's still alive.' Ria'd noted as he noticed the movement in the Anzat's chest. Carefully stepping towards the body, the Jedi pointed his saber at his enemy.

'There will be one less Sith in the galaxy, one less evil to spread corruption.' Ria'd decisively thought as he readied to end the Sith's life with a flick of his wrist. That was until the pitter-patter of footsteps could be heard coming towards them.

Ria'd sensed them before he saw them. A swarm of Theeb Royal Guards entered the chamber and surrounded the two Force users, blasters all pointing at the Zabrak. Somehow, Ria'd couldn't help but feel the irony that it was the Jedi being held at gunpoint instead of the Sith.

"Excellent work. Detain the Zabrak at once and get Mr Ricmore to the nearest medbay at once. I want him fully recovered as per our new alliance with Clan Vizsla," the Queen had reappeared, giving her orders. "As for you, lower your weapon, or they will open fire."

Ria'd knew he had no choice. He was outnumbered, exhausted, and injured. There wasn't much he could do. Not now. Reluctantly, he deactivated his weapon and let it drop to the ground with a clang. The Jedi could do nothing, and showed no expression on his face as he was apprehended, and his arms forced behind his back as they were cuffed together.

"Jedi, in the name of the Naboo you are under arrest for interrupting negotiations between the Queen and an outside diplomat, and assaulting said diplomat. You have the right to remain silent, and anything you say or do may be used against you in a court of law."

The Royal Guard read off Ria'd's rights as both the Jedi and the Sith were taken in different directions. All the Zabrak could do now was plot his escape and hope Von succumbed to his injury.

Ria’d lunged forward aiming to skewer his opponent and end the fight.

Von backstepped, barely bringing his blade up in time to deflect the blow.

The pair continued to exchange blows as the Jedi pushed the Sith farther and farther from the hangar he hoped to escape to.

Von began to stumble under the barrage of blows. He was outmatched and there was only a matter of time until he made a fatal error. The Anzat knew he had to do something before it was too late. If he could not win through his skill with a lightsaber then it was time to rely upon his knowledge of the Force.

He stared directly into his opponents eyes, projecting fear itself towards the Jedi. Ria’d froze mid blow; his body temporarily overwhelmed with terror. He broke free from the paralysis after a mere moment. But a mere moment was all it took to change the battle entirely.

Lashing out with his rage and hatred, Von tightly gripped his opponents throat with the Force as he began to choke the life from him. The Zabrak’s legs kicked as he struggled against the loss of oxygen. The Sith began to gloat. “You were an excellent opponent, truly I feared for my life. But it’s all over now.”

That confidence returned to panic when he felt his foe break out of the Telekinetic grip. Fear roared through his veins as the Anzat reached for the Force, hoping to project fear once again. His eyes opened wide in shock as his connection to the Force was practically nonexistent.

Von gasped in pain as the white beam of his opponent's saber pierced his abdomen.

“Now the galaxy is one step closer to peace.” Ria’d uttered as he gleefully looked upon his dying opponent.

The Force had favored him this day. One day the darkside would be eradicated and the universe would know balance.

Confident of his victory, Ria’d left the Sith to die in agony.

Unbeknownst to the Jedi, Von began to heal his wounds, holding onto life with the hope of being rescued by the Naboo guards. His thoughts were dominated by a singular thing, he would have his revenge.