Lost Tribe of the Sith: Precipice

The Sith Order operates under a strict code where failure is absolutely unacceptable. It's an offense warranting execution—a destiny Commander Yaru Korsin is determined to avoid. However, during a vital mission to transport troops and essential crystals to a critical battle zone in the Sith's conflict with the Republic, Korsin and his crew aboard the mining vessel Omen are ambushed by a Jedi starfighter. The Sith ship is left crippled and crash-lands on an isolated, unknown planet. The battle-hardened captain now faces a crew on the verge of rebellion and his own vengeful half-brother, who is determined to seize control.

Korsin is resolved that, whatever the cost, he will not be left to die on this unfamiliar world. The Sith way allows for little compromise and absolutely no mercy.

The short story titled Precipice unfolds in 5000 BBY and is narrated from the perspective of Yaru Korsin, the captain of the Sith transport vessel Omen and a servant of the Sith Lord Naga Sadow, a prominent figure among the last leaders of the Sith Empire. The ship Omen is in a state of disrepair, and Captain Korsin is making every effort to salvage it. He is in conversation with the engineer Lohjoy when she meets her end due to another hull breach. Even Gloyd, the gunnery officer, struggles to find any humor in the situation. The crew is devoid of ideas on how to save the ship and withstand the planet's atmosphere.

The Omen holds greater desirability among the ships of the Sith. The Harbinger is also present, but it is under the command of the recently appointed Sith Lord, the fallen Jedi Saes Rrogon, whom many Sith view with distrust. Both vessels departed Phaegon III earlier that day carrying substantial quantities of Lignan crystals, when a Jedi starfighter launched an assault on the Sith's defenses. The Blades were tasked with eliminating the Jedi while the Omen initiated a jump to hyperspace, however, the Harbinger sustained damage and, before the Omen could make the jump, the Harbinger collided with the Omen, sending it off course.

The Omen was caught in a gravity well, which led to the destruction of its shielding and the subsequent explosion of its armory. The destruction in hyperspace prevented the ship's complete annihilation, resulting in its apparent disappearance. Devore Korsin arrives and places blame on the navigator, Boyle Marcom, who had previously served under Yaru Korsin's father during Marka Ragnos's rule. Yaru's father served the Sith Lords for numerous years without ever losing a ship, and Devore was born to a mother from another planet. Yaru chose to work independently of his father and, within five years, attained the rank of captain, surpassing his father in ten years to command the Omen.

As the ship descends further into the planet's atmosphere, the crew observes rain and briefly entertains the notion that they are above a gas giant. Something with wings makes contact with the ship's exterior momentarily before vanishing. A section of the ship is breached, causing air to rush in; breathable air.

Seelah, Devore's wife, enters the bridge carrying her child, Jariad Korsin. Devore instructs her to proceed to the lifepods, but they are non-functional. At that moment, land becomes visible, necessitating a significant reduction in the ship's speed. The Omen deploys its torpedo doors to generate drag, effectively slowing the ship down. This maneuver allows them to clearly see what lies below: mountains. Yaru decides to attempt a landing on solid ground to salvage the cargo, rather than landing in the sea. The Omen crashes into a cliff and slides down a slope towards the cliff's edge, stopping just before going over.

The majority of the Omen's crew originated from what would eventually become the Tapani Empire. Naga Sadow required the Lignan crystals for the Battle of Kirrek. During the evacuation of the 355 individuals from the crashed ship, 21 perished. They evacuate the still-burning ship and about halfway down the mountain they find a grassy clearing they could stay at. Ravilan Wroth, the quartermaster, is responsible for the Massassi, who are falling ill and dying due to elements in Kesh's atmosphere. A third of their numbers have already died since leaving the ship.

Yaru Korsin ascends the mountain with the three healthiest Massassi. They all die before reaching the ship. Back at the camp, night brings colder temperatures than anticipated, leading to further deaths. A six-legged mammal also attacks, requiring five guards to subdue it. Consumption of its meat results in immediate death. A dispute over a foodpack escalates into a fight, resulting in another Sith's death. Yaru acknowledges the ship's irreparable state but hopes the transmitter can send a message, enabling Naga Sadow to retrieve the Lignan crystals. He is aware that failure in the Battle of Kirrek will result in Sadow taking his life.

Devore reaches the Omen before Yaru. Inside, Yaru attempts to activate the transmitter, but it is inoperable; nothing functions. Yaru searches the ship for useful items for those at the camp, but finds little to take. Yaru hopes they can shift the blame onto the Harbinger, given Naga Sadow's distrust of Saes. Devore had previously discussed with Sadow the possibility of commanding the Omen, implying that Yaru Korsin lacked full control of the ship. As Yaru contemplates, Devore activates his lightsaber. Devore uses the Force to hurl objects at Yaru. His spice-induced rage amplifies his power beyond normal levels.

Their duel on the Omen causes the ship to tilt, ejecting Devore from his chair. Yaru then uses the Force to propel Devore through a window. As Yaru exits the ship, he injures his ankle and tumbles down the slope. Yaru climbs back up and spots another of the winged creatures that struck the ship during its crash landing. Devore then knocks him against the side of the ship. Devore batters him along the edge of the ship, when they get to the torpedo tubes, Yaru shoots open the door hitting Devore's shoulder. Yaru helps his brother to his feet, who can no longer stand on his own. Yaru faces the sun and then lets go of his brother, who falls into the abyss below.

Yaru Korsin doesn't return to the camp until sunset. He brings the remaining foodpacks and blankets from the Omen. Ravilan approaches Yaru upon his return, inquiring about the beacon's status. Yaru simply tells him they must wait. Seelah seeks information about Devore's whereabouts, but Yaru remains silent. Seelah understands what has transpired. Yaru addresses the group, assuring them that they will be found and that they must make the best of their situation and claim the land as their own. With the Massassi dead, Yaru recalls seeing a rider on the winged creature at the ship and sensing the Force within them. He smiles at Seelah, who reluctantly returns the smile. She will patiently await her opportunity to exact revenge on Yaru Korsin.