In hiding for generations, the Sith have waited for the precise moment to reveal themselves to the galaxy. Hoping to catch the Jedi unaware, Lord Sidious and his deadly apprentice, Darth Maul, have planned and waited patiently for their moment to pounce. Unfortunately, in the days before the Trade Federation blockade of the planet Naboo, Lord Sidious becomes aware of a threat to his plans. This threat comes from the deadly galactic crime organization Black Sun. But Sidious won't stand for any opposition, and Darth Maul is sent to deal with Black Sun—as only a master of the dark side can!
In the LiMerge Building on Coruscant, Darth Maul undergoes a trial by cutting through and destroying various droids who are attacking with lethal force. Maul is successful in completing the trial, and directly after Darth Sidious informs him of a task. With plans for the invasion of Naboo in place, Sidious worries of his dependence on the Neimoidians and the Trade Federation. Despite this, Sidious wants no interference from any outside forces, and orders his apprentice to strike at the heart of the criminal organization Black Sun. To aid Maul in his task, Sidious gives him an armed Star Courier that has been redubbed a "Sith Infiltrator" for his apprentice's use. The starship includes a cloaking generator for invisibility as well as a speeder bike and a trio of Dark Eye probe droids. As Maul leaves Coruscant, Qui-Gon Jinn senses his dark presence through a disturbance in the Force but is unsure of what he has sensed. Jinn tells his Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi that even though Force-sensitive beings do not always understand what is being told to them, he is certain the meaning will eventually reveal itself.
- Star Wars: Darth Maul TPB
- Star Wars: 30th Anniversary Collection Volume 3: Darth Maul
- Star Wars Omnibus: Rise of the Sith
- Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: Rise of the Sith Vol. 2
- Star Wars Legends: Rise of the Sith Omnibus