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Republic Reckoning 4.14.87

We spend a Dark and Stormy Jedi Knight in Kast's Temple.

Republic Reckoning 4.15.87

In the morning, Marke Sarkin herds us into a large audience room within the temple. Kast is there waiting for us. She's speaking with Rel-Nor and Marcus Dormammu. She's been expecting us.

Kast tells us that she has the Heart of Darkness already and that, no, we can't see it. The natives already knew about it but couldn't use it. Kast tells us a parable about how 1000 natives were captured and later released by the military. When they returned home, their families slaughtered them for being "tainted". She says that the Jedi need such zealous-ness and the HoD? can give it to them. The Jedi need to bring the wild galaxy under control by any means necessary. She says that she will relinquish the HoD? to anyone who proves themselves worthy. When we ask how we prove ourselves worthy, she says that we will know and then will find the HoD? and embrace it. We're beginning to think that the HoD? is a philosophy rather than an artifact.

Kast dismisses us from her presence. Marcus says that he will do whatever is necessary if it comes to it. He's ready to kill Kast and take the Heart.

Quindo returns later, alone, to argue with Kast. She claims to be one of 2 survivors of a massive suicide bombing. She's tired of losing to the bad guys with resolve. She is determined to accomplish good with the same zeal. Quindo points out the massacred villagers. She insists that it was "necessary" but will not explain further. She states that the Heart can be tapped by anyone but first you have to possess it. Kast - "I am the same Jedi I have always been, but now I see clearly." Quindo - "The person named Kast who accepted the title of Jedi Guardian from the Council would never have condoned your actions." She dismisses Quindo.

Marcus Dormammu says that Bellisarius is coming soon, a few hours at most. He wants to kill Kast and take the Heart. His ship is 200 miles north, on an island in the swamp. We still don't even know what the Heart is.

Brojen and Dabai go to talk to Kast. They warn her about Bellisarius. He'll destroy everything that she's worked for and take the Heart. Kast insists that she can defend it. (But what will prevent Bellisarius from using the Heart against her once he's here?) They try to tell her that she can't use it against him, he's too powerful. Our only hope is to destroy it. She dismisses them both.

We receive word that Sith are landing at the spaceport.