| Among past threats to the republic-the great hyperspace war stands above all other wars in galactic history. In fact, the battle we fight today is in many ways an extension of this same conflict. The sith empire we believed we had destroyed in this war has now returned to avenge its defeat. The historical factors that set the stage for the modern conflict bear close examination. I believe the greatest factor of all may have been the way the republic concluded the great hyperspace war. The great hyperspace war began at a time when the republic had enjoyed several millennia of peace, growth, and consolidation. In contrast, the sith empire was ending its centuries-long adolescent period. Undiscovered by the republic, the sith had conquered all the star systems near korriban. they were now seeking new opportunities for expansion. At this time, a brutal power struggle had broken out following the death of the sith ruler. Among the contenders was the dark lord, naga sadow. Whether by chance or by destiny, it was at this time that two republic explorers stumbled onto korriban. Naga sadow seized this opportunity to gain political advantage. The explorers were imprisoned as spies, but naga sadow staged an attack to liberate one of explorers and left evidence suggesting the attack was a republic military operation. Leveraging the widespread fear of an impending republic invasion, naga sadow rallied the sith to unite behind his cause—a pre-emptive strike against their newly ... |