Disclaimer: I do not own "Star Wars" or "Star Wars: The Old Republic." No profit is being made from this story. It is written purely for fun.
Author's Note: This is my third Kory story (I love the rhyme). I'm happy to say that while references will be made to the game's storyline, this time the plot is totally original.
Well that went well Kory thought.
Her latest mission from the Jedi Council had brought her to Alderaan. After the Barsen'thor had prevented Master Sidonie from escalating the conflict between the various noble houses they had agreed to a truce until the summit could reconvene to determine a formal peace agreement. Following the arrest of Boris Ulgo the peace talks had resumed at the ancient Sendoth Ruins and she had been sent to assist.
She looked around the conference table as the delegates began to stand up and leave now that the summit had concluded. Soon the only people remaining were her and the delegates from Houses Organa and Teral.
"Thank you Jedi" said the Organa delegate, a tall distinguished man with silver hair. "You have done a great service to all of Alderaan."
"I was happy to help but I did very little" she replied. "You and the other delegates are truly responsible for what was achieved today."
He chuckled. "Your modesty seems to know no bounds but don't sell yourself short Jedi. Your compassion and clear mind was invaluable."
"Indeed" the Teral delegate agreed.
Kory had not spoken much throughout the talks, instead allowing others to speak and listening to them. When needed however she had stepped in with a firm but gentle voice, soothing tempers and encouraging everyone to set aside grudges and egos in favour of what was best for Alderaan and its people.
Thanks to her guidance House Panteer had agreed to accept Charlie Organa as the new king of Alderaan, pacified by her assurance that in doing so and bringing peace to their world they were still honouring their late Crown Prince Gaul. House Ulgo likewise had agreed to lay down their arms, realising that they would not be recognised as the planet's legitimate rulers and continuing to fight would only lead to their own undoing.
She smiled. "You are very welcome."
"Now that the summit is concluded perhaps you could stay awhile? Our libraries are filled with many fascinating tomes" said the Organa delegate.
"This is a beautiful planet and I would truly love to spend more time here but I need to report back to the Jedi Council" she replied. "They'll probably have another assignment waiting for me. Still I'll come back as soon as I have an opportunity."
"When you do so, know that you will always be welcome at House Organa."
"And at House Teral."
"I am honoured. Thank you both."
Once aboard her ship, the Jewel Bird, Kory checked the ship's computer to see if she had received any messages from either Uatu or Dr. Hale. She knew that her first priority should have been to contact the Jedi Council to deliver her report but she was concerned about the fact that she hadn't heard anything from either of them for nearly a month now. As she had expected there were no new messages.
"I don't have a good feeling about this" she said quietly. She felt in the Force that something was very wrong.
Leaning back in her chair she closed her eyes and breathed deeply. With a calm, clear mind she made her decision. Accessing the ship's galaxy map she brought up the co-ordinates for Nar Shaddaa.
"I'm sorry Masters" she whispered. "But I have to find out if they're all right."
With the co-ordinates entered she engaged the ship's hyper-drive. Seconds later the Jewel Bird vanished into hyper-space.
One good thing about Nar Shaddaa was how easy it was to deal with customs authorities. There was no need for official registration or clearance papers. All she had to do was pay the docking fee.
Kory wasted no time in hiring a droid-piloted taxi speeder to take her to Uatu's shop. As soon as she had paid the fare the droid sped off. Clearly it had been programmed not to linger.
A smart move. Although the shop was located in one of the less rough areas there was nowhere truly safe on the corruption-riddled moon.
She walked up to the entrance and was surprised to see that it was closed. Almost as soon as she saw that however the door unlocked and opened. On the other side was Uatu's protocol droid, a modified C2-N2 that he had nicknamed Rusty.
"Oh Miss Kory thank goodness you're here" he exclaimed.
"What's wrong Rusty? Where's Uatu?"
He looked around furtively and then said, "come inside and I'll tell you."
She did so and he immediately re-locked the door. Kory looked around at the shop. Uatu's Electronics looked the same as she remembered. The walls were lined with shelves filled with all manner of electronic and mechanical components and devices. Against one wall was the main counter with Uatu's computer behind it. There was nothing to suggest anything unusual.
"Master Uatu and Dr. Hale left about a month ago and I've heard nothing from them since then" Rusty explained. "He instructed me to keep things in order until he got back."
"Do you know where they went?"
"Yes Miss Kory. Their destination was the planet Hutta."
"Hutta?" she repeated in dismay. This was bad. If they had gotten into trouble with the Hutts…
"Yes Miss Kory" he repeated.
She sighed. The Hutt Cartel had remained firmly neutral in the war between the Republic and Sith Empire in order to maximise their profits by trading with both sides. A Jedi acting against them could lead to a huge diplomatic problem for the Republic. But she couldn't just abandon the people she owed her life too either.
"Did he tell you specifically where on the planet? Or who he was meeting?"
"Oh yes, Master Uatu said that he was going to a town called Jiguuna to meet an Evocii named Huttsbane."
"Then that's where I'm going" she said firmly. "Don't worry Rusty. I'll find them and bring them back."
"Oh thank you Miss Kory."
As she was leaving the shop Kory did not realise that she was being watched by two Sith followers hiding in a nearby alley. One was a young man with a scarred face and the other was a woman with shoulder-length black hair.
"Do you see this Rylee? That's the girl the boss told us to look out for!"
"I see her Destris" she replied calmly. "We should contact our lord immediately."
"I'll say. This'll definitely make us look good."