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Zekk closed his dark-ringed emerald eyes and drew a deep breath to focus his thoughts, center his concentration. He let her anger wash over his mind and drain away. His greatest concern was Master Brakiss and how he would face him. His teacher had such high hopes for him, and he might be even more displeased than Tamith Kai. Contemplating the probable disappointment of his mentor hurt Zekk more than any display of rage by the continually bothersome Nightsister from Dathomir.

Squaring his shoulders, he straightened his padded leather armor and adjusted his crimson-lined black cape. He tossed his long dark hair behind him and turned toward the assault craft's hatch, making himself an imposing figure, ominous and menacing. He had learned such posturing from observing Tamith Kai herself, and it amused him to think he could use her own techniques of intimidation against her.

With the tall Nightsister following him, Zekk strode down the ramp like a conquering hero. Inside his heart, though, dread grew.

The sculpture-handsome teacher stood at the edge of the airlock bay, watching the proceedings. As Zekk emerged, Brakiss glided forward with smooth, even footsteps. His silvery robes clung around him like whispers.

Zekk held his chin high, looking into the open, clear gaze of Brakiss.

The master of the Shadow Academy folded his hands in front of him. "Young Zekk, my Darkest Knight, you have returned from your first mission.

Report. Were you successful?"

Zekk swallowed hard and gave his straightforward account. "Unfortunately, Master Brakiss, our mission did not come off as smoothly as we had planned. During our battles at the fortified Wookiee facilities, we lost fourteen TIE fighters and bombers, as well as eleven ground assault troops.

"It is also my duty to report that we lost two of our Nightsister companions: Vonnda Ra in the lower levels of the forest, and Garowyn, who was apparently murdered when she tried to reclaim our Shadow Chaser."

Brakiss showed no reaction and waited.

Finally he said, 'But the computer components-the guidance and tactical systems?

Did you succeed in obtaining the vital resources the Second Imperium requires?"

Zekk flinched. "Yes, Master Brakiss. All of the computer equipment is stored inside this assault transport, ready for distribution to the Second Imperium." Brakiss clapped his hands together. "Excellent! Then your mission was a success, with, acceptable losses of personnel. Those other... inconveniences are insignificant in our overall conflict. You have achieved our most important goal."

Tamith Kai's eyes widened with anger, and her normally pale face flushed a blotchy red.

"Master Brakiss!" she hissed. "Zekk also claims to have removed those Jedi brats.

But although Vonnda Ra accompanied him to this confi-ontation, Zekk returned alone... claiming victory."

Zekk stood rigid. "The young Jedi Knights are no longer a problem," he said. "This I swear."

Tamith Kai obviously didn't believe him.

But Brakiss did, and that was all that counted.

Zekk didn't know how long he could keep up the charade. He had fallen to the dark side-and he had also protected his friends.

The two seemed incompatible. Sooner or later, Brakiss would learn what he had done-and then Zekk would face an impossible choice.

But, as always, no one else would make Zekles choices for him... and no one else would face the consequences.

"The Second Imperium applauds your efforts, Zekk. The history of the galaxy will remember you as an instrumental fighter in our grand cause."

Zekk knew he should have felt better, prouder... but he could summon no emotion other than dread. And disappointment in himself. He was no longer sure of where his past decisions would lead him.

One of the stormtroopers standing in ranks within the hangar bay shifted uneasily. Zekk focused his attention on the burly trooperinstinctively identifying Norys. Qorl stood beside the bully, frowning in disapproval at his white-annored trainee.