After an unexpected three months of peace, the Zoiji family was called to action on the icy world of Ilum. A gathering of Sith Lords led by Darth Arho was attempting to provoke the Republic into war once again. Once at the forward base Orono received a private transmission. As soon as he was alone, an image of Darth Malgus, the Sith he had made immortal so many years ago appeared.
"Malgus? I didn't expect to hear from you again."
Eyes like pools of lava, the domineering Sith Lord looked him over.
"So this is the Jedi that made me immortal. You have my thanks."
"I'm not a Jedi anymore, my friend. We no longer share the same goals."
"Explain."
An impish smile on his face, Orono said,
"Stop me if you've heard this before, but the Jedi are blind idiots."
After a short silence, Malgus let out a gravelly laugh.
"Jedi-"
"Orono", the wizened human stated.
"Orono. You would have made a valuable ally to our order."
Laughing in turn Orono said,
"No, I intend to begin anew. And I would like you on my side before the Great Genesis."
A curious look on his face, Malgus asked,
"Tell me, what is this 'Great Genesis' you speak of?"
Sitting in the iron-wrought chair, Orono replied,
"You see Malgus, I have realized throughout the millennia I have spent in this galaxy, that for their strengths, both the Jedi and Sith are flawed. I have tried to change both but they would not listen. I intend to destroy both and create a new empire from the ashes."
"And what is my role in all of this?"
"Don't look so concerned. I didn't make you immortal just to kill you again. You will be the champion of my armies, expanding my empire to greater glory."
"Conquest? Through all eternity?"
"Of course. Now you can indulge your passion as much as you wish. I only ask this favor."
"And what is that?"
"I know that Arho's death will fracture the Dark Council, but spare Lord Vowrawn if you can."
Kneeling before Orono, the hulking Sith Lord said,
"You have my word as a warrior."
Smiling, the ancient immortal said,
"Excellent."
The next that followed was a week of intense battle. Orono and Nadia led the vanguard, with the remainder of House Zoiji helping the other platoons and divisions. Then, bombers flew across the sky burying Sith and Jedi alike in rubble. Eventually they encountered Darth Arho. An intense duel took place, and the cave rumbled as ice and lightening was exchanged. Arho initially attacked Orono, but after sensing his one weakness, began to attack Nadia.
"You have taken much from me, Jedi so I WILL take your wife!" the dark-skinned Sith taunted.
Jumping in front of ice and stone, Orono roared back,
"Touch her, and you will beg for death!"
With three quick slashes of his lightsaber, Arho's legs and saber arm fell to the ground, bloody stumps. Then a blast of Force energy threw him back, crucifying him on a wall of ice. Helping his wife stand up, Orono asked,
"Are you all right, Nadia?"
Grinning the silver-haired beauty said,
"Of course. You don't have to guard me all the time."
"I know. I just couldn't forgive myself if you were hurt on my watch."
A look of warmth in her eyes, Nadia said,
"After all these years you're still the same man I fell in love with."
"Always and forever, my love."
After a tender kiss, they returned to the Cadfael where Malgus awaited them, Lord Vowrawn in tow...
