Author's Note and Disclaimer: The Star Wars franchise does not belong to the author in any way, shape or form. This is not for profit. The setting begins roughly a hundred years after the Yuuzhan Vong Wars in the New Jedi Order series and summarily ignores any novels that took place afterwards. The plot and characters are all mine.
The Sith Insurgency – Chapter I V – Assignment
"They need manifests that detail every shipment that left Sedaris, between one year and three months ago," Rel told his parents.
The Dryden patriarch frowned at the request. "That is sensitive information. The company might turn a blind eye if I hand it over to Jedi, because of my position, but..."
"The danger is worse than you think. Sentients have already been killed over our current investigation, and I do not want to think what will happen if the perpetrators find out you were involved. I would prefer if Lorna and Apprentice Niseer snuck into the facilities and stole the manifests. Can you give them the information they need to break into Shilling Corporation's computers?"
A frown was the expression that came most naturally to Gador Dryden. One formed on his face whenever he was deep in thought, such as now. His son's request was a lot to ask. "I never said no to my sons in the past, and I won't now. I love you, and of course I want to do anything I can to help." He flashed Rel a smile, and rose from the table to find Lorna.
"I think the chiss woman likes you," said Rivva, Rel's mother. "Did you know that chiss and humans are physically compatible? I looked up the genetics last night, and it turns out that even the chromosomes align."
"Mom, I came to visit so I can see the two of you and my brothers. You don't need to play matchmaker." In fact, he had not known about the genetic similarities between the two species. Many species across the galaxy looked similar to one another, and yet had drastically different genetic material. Twi'leks and chagrians were a perfect example, two species with headtails and blue skin. The main physical differences between them was the precise location of the headtails, and that chagrian males sported long horns. Genetically, they were nothing alike. Even the nucleotides in their genetic structure were different. Such things were only of passing interest to Rel, since he had given up life as a field medic. "Can we arrange a family get-together for today? I don't know how long we will be in Sedaris, and I don't want to miss them. It's been too many years."
Rivva smiled. "Of course, Rel. Dag and Nic can't wait to see you. Now, let's go place a call..."
XxxxX
The list of shipments was endless, but Lorna and Perhi eventually found what they were looking for. A freight of circuitry had been sent to Bastion, seven months prior. If she understood the numbers properly, then the shipment was large enough to make millions stealth suits. The perpetrators were not just making assassins.
"We need to head back to Dovac, immediately," Lorna told her Apprentice. "Return to the Lucky Streak and prepare the ship for flight. I will retrieve Jedi Dryden." She made several copies of the information, and then the two Jedi left to continue their mission.
Perhi ran off towards the landing platform, while Lorna headed for the Dryden residence. Lorna mentally prepared herself for the upcoming conversation with Rel, and she hoped that he would not be too upset. Her thoughts were interrupted by an emotion that flooded through the bond between Apprentice and Master. Her Apprentice was in distress!
The Force flowed through her and assisted her muscles as she ran off in the direction of her Apprentice. Assassins!
Perhi was wounded, and one of four black-clad attackers was dead on the ground. The others were wary, as if they had never fought a Jedi before. Despite her rank as an Apprentice, Perhi's abilities were actually on-par with most Knights. The assassins were skilled, however, and even a Knight was in danger against so many. Lorna's arrival evened the odds.
The Jedi Knight leapt into the fray and cut down one of the assassins from behind, and then the other two were quickly dispatched in the confusion. "There might be more, Apprentice. Be careful." With nothing more than those words of warning, Lorna continued back to the Dryden residence. She prayed that there were no more assassins hidden on the planet.
XxxxX
Though Rel lacked the experience of a true Jedi Knight, he was still trained as one. He sensed their intent before they appeared. "Run," he said to his family, in a commanding voice. "Hide."
Before they could ask why, the assassins made their appearance. He called upon the Force to knock them to the ground in a wave of telekinetic energy, and the Force did his will. It was another quartet, just like on Ogden. They were knocked to the ground, stunned, but only for a moment. His family knew enough to escape.
Rel switched on his lightsaber and engaged the assassins as they struggled to get up. One died before he reached his feet, and a second was killed while the assassin's guard was still down. Two-on-one were good odds, for a Jedi Knight.
The remaining assassins attacked with their vibroblades, and Rel was immediately forced to defend. He blocked both their attacks with movements that were too fast for an ordinary human. The Jedi Knight dropped to a knee and swung his blade in an upward movement that sliced the hands off of one of the assassins, and then quickly pulled back to defend the second assassin's attack. He pushed with the Force, knocking down the disabled assassin.
One-on-one. Skill could not match speed and reflexes that were assisted by the Force. Rel predicted every swing and thrust, and he countered by not being where the vibroblade struck. Two, three, four, then six attacks were completely dodged. Frustration made the assassin's movements sloppy, and then Rel struck back. His lightsaber cut through his opponent's chest, and the assassin dropped, dead.
Of the four, one had survived. Rel switched off his lightsaber and approached the last, only to see that he was unmoving. A quick scan with the Force showed that the assassin was dead. "Suicide," he surmised. If the assassins had tracked him to the Dryden residence, then his entire family was in danger. His parents, brothers, and their families were potential targets or hostages for whomever was behind the attack on Das'f'k.
Slowly, his family came out of hiding. "Who were they?" Nic asked. He was a technician in the planetary garrison, and therefore the most military-minded of the Drydens.
"They are the reason the Jedi came to Ivri," he told them. "I wasn't part of the mission, so I assumed they didn't notice me."
"Good job," Dag snapped, bitterly. "Now they're going to come for all of us."
"I'm sorry." He turned to them and stood a little straighter. "Come with me to Dovac. The Jedi can protect you, until this crisis is over."
The family quickly erupted into an argument, as Rel expected. No one liked being uprooted from their homes, and Dag had always been the most stubborn person that Rel ever met. His father was a close second.
They continued to yell at each other, until Lorna arrived. "I'm too late."
Everyone turned to face the Jedi, who held a lightsaber in her hand. "I must apologize for what happened here. Was anybody hurt?"
"Only them," Dag said, pointing to the dead bodies.
"My big brother is the best Jedi in the Galaxy," Nic added with a grin.
Gador was the only one who noticed Lorna's apology. "Why do you think this was your fault, Lorna? Rel is the one who involved us. If anyone is to blame, it's him. I also know that if my son, a Dryden through-and-through, brought those invisible assassins here, then it was not his fault." His words were rebuke for Dag and those who argued against Rel, as well as assurance of cooperation. "Rel said that we would be safe on Dovac. Can you transport all of us together?"
"The Lucky Streak has enough room for all of you," Rel assured, "along with any possessions you want to bring."
"We don't have enough time to pack," Lorna pointed out. "More assassins could show up at any time. They don't want anyone to know about their cloaking technology, and they will kill to keep it quiet. Once we have returned to Dovac, the entire Galaxy will know about them. I doubt our enemy will waste the resources to hunt you down, after their secret is ousted."
Something about Lorna's statement bothered Rel. The details eluded him. He would have to meditate on her words, later. In the meantime, "I will make all the necessary arrangements en route. Let's return to the Streak. I promise to do everything I can to keep you safe."
XxxxX
They arrived at the Lucky Streak without incident, and the Ghtroc-720 lifted off of Ivri's surface with perfect grace. Gador, a longtime flight enthusiast, marveled at the ship and the pilot's ability. He sat in one of the rear cockpit seats during takeoff and was quick to ask questions about everything. Rel delighted in the opportunity to teach his father how to fly.
Once the ship jumped into hyperspace, Hathes engaged Gador in conversation. Rel slipped out of the cockpit to let them speak. The past couple of days had completely changed Rel's opinion of Lucky Streak's captain. The man was more than a mere scoundrel, he was genuinely friendly and possessed a caring side that Rel never noticed. Once again, Rel was faced with inevitable conclusion that he was too quick to judge others.
In the lounge was a gaggle of womanly conversation, where the wives and female Jedi had gathered. Rel managed to escape from the constant chatter with only a few words. Towards the aft, at the engineering station, Nic and Arson conversed. Nic was learning the ship's systems. He was so involved, that he did not even notice Rel approach.
Rather than interrupt, Rel walked into the port cargo hold. His parents had been given his sleeping quarters, so the port hold was the only privacy to be found. Now was the perfect time for contemplation of recent events...
XxxxX
Lucky Streak settled down on the Dovac landing platform. Everyone remained patiently aboard for him to finish the power-down cycle. It seemed that they liked the ship.
Lorna and Perhi met him at the boarding ramp. "Master Roke has requested to meet with us both," Lorna told him. "Perhi will see to arrangements for your family."
Rel gave a bow of acknowledgment. "It has been a long time since I saw my old master. How is he?"
"Wise and patient. He is now one of seven members of the Dovac Council." Much had changed in eight years. Quaad had become a respected Jedi Master, a title that was richly deserved.
"Did he ever marry?"
"Not to my knowledge. Surprisingly, however, he is pushing for marriage to be a prerequisite for the Grand Council. He contests that it is impossible to truly understand emotion, without marriage." Those words were an echo of what Rel had once said to his old master. It was remarkable to hear them said in Quaad's name.
The Praxeum complex was made of polished, gray marble, with blue stone accents. Beneath them were matte, black floors that always looked clean. Everything seemed to have a new shine that was absent in most of the Galaxy. The sight of the Praxeum inspired visitors with hope, with the high ceilings and elaborate architecture. Dovac felt more like home than Ivri, even though so many of Rel's sensibilities were born from his homeworld.
Jedi walked the halls and a few greeted Lorna as they passed. Few gave Rel a second look, and no one recognized him. Apparently, the beard was more of a disguise than he expected.
The waiting room outside the Council Chamber was a beautiful garden, with three open entryways. A fourth entrance was blocked by blast doors, and a protocol droid stood guard just outside. It recognized Lorna as soon as the two Jedi approached. "Master Tier'lor'nuruodo, Master Roke will see you now." The doors opened on remote command from the droid.
Seven seats formed a semi-circle around an emblem on the floor. It was the symbol of the Jedi Order, going back more than ten thousand years. The blue insignia was a reminder of their history and identity. When Rel approached Master Roke and stepped onto the emblem, he began to think of himself as a Jedi Knight.
Master Roke was alone in the room, in the seventh seat. "Welcome back, Jedi Lorna. Please, deliver your report."
Lorna handed over datapads with the information they had collected, and she summed up the relevant events that had taken place from Das'f'k to Ivri. She was careful not to mention anything about her conversations with Rel, other than the fact that he had been told he was technically a member of the Order.
"Thank you, Jedi Lorna. Master Varuuk will be sent to investigate the planet Bastion. If there are any signs of insurrectionists in the system, he will uncover them. You may go."
Once she was out of the room, Quaad gave his former apprentice his full attention. "It has been a long time, Rel."
Rel swallowed back his nerves. "It has been." He turned away, as his confidence was slowly sapped by the presence of his master. Quaad had been as much a father to him as Gador Dryden, if not more so. Rel could not help but feel like he had disappointed his master. "There is one thing I do not understand. How did I pass my Trials?"
"The final Trial was meant to be a confrontation with the Dark Side. You were able to stand evil in the face and walk away without fear, but your emotions still got the better of you. The Council decided that if you ever overcame your philosophical conflict, then you will become a capable Jedi Knight."
The logic was sound. Despite blindness to certain flaws, the Jedi Council had remarkable foresight and understanding of individuals. The Council's patience and empathy instilled in Rel a sense of gratitude. He owed the Order a debt, and they needed his help.
"I recommend running through the Courses to refresh your knowledge of the Force. Your room has been kept for you, along with your lightsaber."
Rel opened his binoc case and drew his other lightsaber. "I made another," he confessed. This was his first blade, the one he had made before his Trials ever began. He had even tweaked the parts over time, improving the quality of the blade. Rel switched on the lightsaber, and a yellow blade snap-hissed into existence.
"The blade of a Sentinel," Quaad noted. He accessed a panel hidden on his Council chair. The systems that normally monitored everything within the Council Chamber were disabled. "Appropriate, for the tasks I have planned for you."
Rel switched off the blade and put it away. Crystals of high enough quality to be used for a lightsaber were difficult to find. The color was a result of availability, rather than an active choice. "What do you mean, Master?"
"Your warnings about emotions were correct, Rel. Too many Jedi misunderstand basic feelings, like love and hate. Without a bound relationship, how can they know what those words mean? That was what drove me to find my destined mate. With the help of the Force, I will soon find her." His words shocked Rel, and the former apprentice wondered if he should give congratulations. The serious look on Quaad's face kept Rel silent. "I believe that these invisible assassins are tied to an Insurrection plot, as Jedi Lorna suggested. What she does not know is that I also believe that Dark Jedi are behind it."
"The Sith have returned," Rel muttered in shock. He always suspected that Dark Jedi were on the horizon, but for them to come so soon... "Was there an incident?"
"Not exactly. Just a feeling. A number of Jedi in Wild Space have begun to act oddly, and a handful have even disappeared. With so many Jedi in the Galaxy, the Grand Council is unconcerned with a few casualties."
"Wild Space is on the other side of the Galaxy from Bastion. Do you really think there is a connection between the two?"
"Das'f'k and Mudjara are right alongside a Hyperspace Lane that leads to Wild Space," Quaad informed him. "With enough chaos along the Lane, the Insurrectionists could jump from one side of the Galaxy to the other, without notice. A few more incidents like Das'f'k, and they can position an entire armada of warships in strategic locations across the Galaxy – and no one would be the wiser. Your self-imposed exile from the Jedi has put you in a unique position to infiltrate the enemy."
Rel reeled at the information. Evidence was sparse, and only a Jedi would presume that events were leading towards a Sith Civil War. So far as Rel knew, his master was a lone opinion. With Jedi behaving oddly, the only others who were aware of anything were potentially part of this Insurrectionist plot. "I understand. Where can I find Trillen Cartel and Seline Piett?"
"Both are currently on Dovac. Do not trust either of them – Jedi Cartel and Jedi Piett are both to be suspected."
"Perhi Niseer can be trusted, but we cannot work together, given our history," Rel decided. "I would feel more comfortable with some assistance."
"You may take two Antarian Rangers," Quaad offered. "Jedi tend to underestimate or ignore sentients without Force abilities, so I do not believe they will be a danger to you." Though the offer was generous, it was clearly not what Rel expected. Quaad considered the possibilities. "After you have finished with the Courses, the Jedi at the Praxeum will quickly hear about your return. I suggest you take on an Apprentice, if you wish Jedi assistance. Jedi Lorna will be regularly assigned nearby, in case you need more help."
This was to be Rel's first mission for the Jedi Order, without a Jedi Master to fall back on. In fact, he could not even report to his Master on his progress. It would be too dangerous, unless... "I also request that Rangers be available to act as couriers, for periodic reports. And I want Apprentice Niseer assigned to their protection."
Quaad gave a bow of acquiescence. "Very well. Is that all?"
"I want ownership of the Lucky Streak given to the Rangers, and all the necessary parts and supplies to completely repair the ship. And personality algorithms and hardware upgrades for an R6 astromech droid." If Arson was going to become Ranger property, the droid needed a proper personality.
"Consider it done." Quaad produced a datapad and wrote a letter with the necessary authorization. The datapad floated through the air, into Rel's hand. "That should allow you to requisition everything you require, along with ten thousand credits of spending money. You have my complete trust, Rel. May the Force be with you."
Rel bowed, and left the Council Chamber. It was time to beat all of his old records.