Chapter Twenty-Six
The older woman finally looked up from her mug, passing her gaze between each of the Sith. The Executors reciprocated, eyes glued to the Jedi sitting deep within the Imperial base. In all manners, she was plain, especially compared to the figures before her. Her robes were absent any flare or flourish, her long hair was restrained in a neat bun, and her face lacked any semblance of scarring or fatigue that typically graced the participants of the Great War. Instead, she possessed little more than the occasional wrinkle and a touch of gray.
All was silent as the two sides did little more than stare, until Rederick stepped into the simple chamber.
"This… is Master Kesara, Jedi Consular and diplomat," the Commander revealed as he circled the table, soon standing by the seated woman's side.
The Sith hesitantly passed the threshold of the room, spreading out as much as the cramped quarters would allow. Fay stood front and center, while her fellows took their respective places against opposite walls.
"What's she doing here?" asked Asher.
"Like I said, she's here to help us locate the Jedi hiding on Balmorra," Rederick replied.
"I was more so referring to the room. You know, the one that looks like a holding cell?"
A quaint chuckle from the older woman, her lips curling into a soft smile as she lowered her drink. "I'm not a prisoner, if that's what you're implying. Well, I suppose that would depend on your definition of the word 'prisoner'."
The Jedi's words were calm, but lacked the coldness possessed by some of the stoics of her Order. She instead possessed a softness in her voice. A kindness.
"This room was merely a safety precaution," Rederick explained. "She's here at the behest of the Imperial Diplomatic Service. The conditions of the Republic's withdrawal dictate that the Jedi are responsible for recalling their members, and that a representative be present until said members are offworld."
"Complicating matters is the fact that we no longer consider those still on Balmorra members of the Order," said Kesara. "We've denounced these rogues, but without specific identities we cannot officially excommunicate them. Therefore, I'm forced to stay here until they are all captured… or killed."
"Rough deal," Asher nonchalantly offered.
"It's not so bad," Kesara replied, maintaining her pleasant demeanor. "I've time to meditate… and they keep me supplied with tea." The woman brought the cup to her lips before taking a quick sip. "Granted, if I'm unable to locate these Jedi, I'll likely receive the punishment in their stead. I guess no matter what, the Empire gets to put at least one Jedi to death."
"Well, at least you've sufficient motivation to track down your fellows," said Asher alongside a flippant waft of his hand. "Sorry, former fellows."
"I would consider it my duty to locate these individuals regardless of the blade your government holds to my neck," Kesara admitted, tone growing slightly sharper. "The Order does not tolerate those committing misdeeds in its name."
"Well, I suppose that would depend on your definition of the word 'misdeeds'," Asher plainly stated.
"Regardless, we're all after the same thing here," Fay spoke up. "None of us want to see a war break out on Balmorra."
"It is pleasing to know that not all Sith are adverse to peace," said Kesara. The Jedi paused as she passed her gaze between the Executors. "I'm afraid I never received your names."
"Fay."
"Graves."
"Asher."
"I see. Well, here's to cooperation," said Kesara, raising her cup high. There it stayed for but a moment, before finding itself drawn back to the woman's mouth.
As the Jedi continued to partake in her drink, Graves slightly cocked his head. "Rederick didn't tell you who we were?"
Finishing her sip, Kesara shot a sidewards glance toward the Imperial looming over her shoulder, before returning toward the scarred Sith. "I was given the basics, but… the Commander has been rather reluctant in passing along information."
Asher smirked. "I guess we've something in common, then."
"The withholding of details was a necessary measure, I assure you," Rederick declared. "I can explain in greater detail back in the command center. Follow me, if you would." The Commander stepped around the table, slipping between the Sith and exiting into the corridor beyond. He glanced back into the chamber, only to see the Jedi remain calmly seated. "That includes you, Master Kesara."
"Isn't it risky letting me out?"
"Don't worry, we'll protect you," Fay offered.
"Yeah, you wouldn't be the first Jedi we've kept safe," Asher added.
"What do you mean by that?" asked Kesara.
The burned Sith offered a brief sigh. "Long story."
"We encountered three Jedi on our last mission," Graves spoke up. "Two wanted to fight us, one didn't. When the pair turned on their fellow, we stepped in, protected her."
"Okay, not so long after all," Asher muttered. "I mean, there is more to it, but… eh."
The Jedi arched her brow as her eyes bounced between the trio of Sith as they left without another word. Calmly, Kesara rose from her seat and stepped toward the room's exit, tea in hand. "What a curious bunch."
Together, the motley quintet traversed the cramped halls until they graced the dim hub of the command center. Rederick raised one of his metallic hands, and the others took pause. As the Force-users waited patiently on the outer ring of the circular room, the Commander went to work visiting the various terminals that graced the lower floor.
"Whether through ignorance or malice, there has been evidence of classified information falling into the hands of rebels across Balmorra," Rederick said as he continued to move about the command center, not stopping for even a moment. "As a precaution, the usage of data and communications equipment has been kept to a minimum and heavily monitored. This applies across all currently operating outposts. We, however, find ourselves under unique circumstances prompting extra precaution. From this point forth, certain information stays strictly between those in this room."
The hums and static of machines coming to life filled the chamber. Rederick moved with a tempered haste guided by mechanical efficiency, before stopping in front of the central holoprojector. The Commander raised his hand once more, but this time beckoned the others to approach. As they did, the central console glowed brighter and brighter, until a three-dimensional map manifested above it. The image reproduced several hundred square kilometers of terrain, detailing with utmost accuracy the local geography and points of interest.
Rederick turned, backlit by the blue hologram, to face the others. Although the augmented man possessed a sturdy frame, he was only of average height. But as he folded his hands behind his back and straightened his posture, the cyborg managed to stand tall before the Force-users in both body and spirit.
"This shall be an operation of finesse, rather than brute strength," Rederick declared. "We are currently at a supreme disadvantage in the way of available intelligence, thus we must utilize our own. Executors… though your organization has promised me your cooperation with the rogue Jedi, you are officially here to protect and oversee the transition of several manufactories. The process, which involves the transfer of previous stock and the implementation of new Imperial schematics, makes them a prime target for a rebel attack. We, however, are not interested in the rebels. They are the concern of the local governor and our forces in Sobrik. Nonetheless, these installation are your official reason for being on Balmorra."
The Commander pivoted, just enough to tap a button on the holoprojector behind him. Seven red blips appeared on the map above as an irregular string along a mountain ridge, several kilometers apart.
"These are the facilities you are tasked with protecting," Rederick continued. "You will visit each one, oversee the transition process, and move on to the next."
"How long does the process take?" Graves asked.
"Each facility will require a full day," Rederick replied.
"Which means we've seven days before we can even begin focusing on the rogue Jedi," Asher muttered as he began scratching his chin. "I suppose that's not that long, all things considered."
"Balmorran rotations are around forty seven hours long," Fay plainly stated.
"Oh..." the burned Sith muttered.
"There is, however, a way to carry out both missions at the same time," Rederick declared. Once more, the Commander pressed a button on the holoprojector and the seven blips disappeared, a new batch taking their place. This time, more than a dozen red markers dotted the map. "These are the locations of all attacks in the area since the Republic's withdrawal."
A few of the blips disappeared.
"These are the locations we suspect might have had Jedi involvement."
A few more vanished.
"These are the locations we've confirmed the presence of lightsaber marks."
Finally, only a single red dot remained.
"And then there's this…" Rederick began, before directing everyone's attention toward the back wall. There, a large viewscreen began playing a video.
From the perspective of a ceiling-mounted camera, a scene unfolded within one of Balmorra's many manufactories. The floor and walls were of a more rustic design than what was expected of Imperial structures, dull grays and browns composing the metallic surfaces. In the center of the camera's view, three beings. Two mechanical. One organic.
Between two battledroids, a black-clad figure stood, eyes forward. The armored and robed man remained utterly motionless, until suddenly he reached for his belt. With a flick of his wrist, he ignited his lightsaber, baring its crimson beam as the metallic beings flanking him took aim in the same direction. The scene shook, and the droids were flung back and out of frame by some invisible force. The Sith, meanwhile, braced himself, only sliding back a few centimeters as the powerful kinetic wave washed over him.
But before he could properly recover, a white blur appeared from off camera, rushing up to the staggered defender. In one smooth action, a blue lightsaber emerged and batted away the Sith's blade. Continuing the motion, the newcomer spun on their heels, swinging their weapon in a complete circle. The Sith froze, standing completely still for a few second before finally falling to his knees. Only then did the defender's head drop from his shoulders.
Motionless, the blur now appeared as a white-robed humanoid, visage hidden by a raised hood. The still-standing figure turned ever so slightly toward the ceiling mounted camera, face still obscured, before extending their free hand. Fingers stretched out, the attacker then offered the swift clench of their fist and the video went black.
"Well..." Asher began, breaking the silence. "Thank goodness their security camera recorded in color."
The chamber returned to a state of quiet, except for the soft sounds of Kesara taking a sip of tea.
"That was our first and only visual confirmation of a Jedi," Rederick explained, redirecting everyone's attention back to the map. The previously lone remaining blip flashed as the others returned. "But by examining that attack and others like it, we've found a way to separate them from unrelated rebel strikes, and determine a common trait amongst them. Their locations are scattered and follow no geographical pattern, meaning it is not matter of distance. Their targets have been manufactories that develop different products, meaning it is not a matter of value."
"Then what are they targeting?" asked Fay. "Or is the common trait that there isn't an actual target?"
"There is indeed a target. Sith," Rederick declared. "Each of these locations possessed a Sith defender, and at each one they were slain. Rarely were there any other casualties or infrastructural damage. The attacks were efficient. The Jedi knew what they were after and for the most part were able to carry out their task without a trace." The Commander's head dipped, before repeating with a whisper, "for the most part."
"I'd call showing up on camera a pretty big trace," Asher offered.
"Maybe they got sloppy," Graves suggested.
"Or maybe they're running out of Sith, and wanted to issue a challenge," said Fay.
"A challenge I'm sure many would willingly accept," Rederick stated, lifting his gaze. "Which is why we've been keeping as tight a control on information as possible. We cannot allow the order we've instilled on this world to give way to chaos. Sith running around, tearing apart facilities in search of Jedi, it benefits no one. Not Production and Logistic. Not Diplomacy. Not even the Ministry of War. But now that we know what these rogues are targeting Sith…"
"We can give them Sith," Fay suggested.
"Precisely," Rederick quickly replied. "You've seen the others outside. In this outpost, we have gathered all the Sith defenders previously stationed outside Sobrik. With such a gathering, the Jedi would never attack here. But if a few Sith were to leave this outpost, operating on a strict schedule at predesignated locations…"
"The Jedi would have nowhere else to attack," Fay finished the Commander's sentence.
Asher scoffed."So, we're supposed to be bait."
"The attacks will continue, that is an inevitability," Rederick declared. "If the Sith are scattered amongst a dozen locations, there's no way we can predict where the next one will occur. But if we can limit the possibilities, and provide incentive, we can guide the Jedi right to us."
"Right," Asher muttered. "And what's our Jedi friend here supposed to be doing while all this is going down."
"We still do not know how many Jedi we are dealing with," Rederick admitted. "If we can identify any of these rogues, Master Kesara can likely supply us with additional information. Associates. Loyalties. Agendas."
"So she'll just sit around sipping tea for the next few days while we stick our necks out, got it," Asher grumbled.
"If you're upset, you could ask for some tea as well. I'm sure there's plenty to go around," Kesara calmly stated, raising the mug to her lips once more. The burned Sith shot an arch of his brow toward the Jedi, who offered the slightest sharpening of her eyes in return. "I will also be meditating. There remains the chance that the Force will guide me toward these rogues."
"Well, good luck with that," Asher loudly whispered.
"So what do we do now?" asked Graves.
"For now, we rest and prepare," Rederick replied. "You will move to your first target tomorrow. Remember, to everyone else, your sole purpose here is to provide security for these facilities. Do nothing to rile up the other Sith, if you would. I will remain here to monitor operations and keep this outpost in order."
"Understood, Commander," Fay said with a dip of her head. "We'll be on the ship, so if you need anything, you know where to find us. Will Kesara still be safe here?"
"Don't worry. I managed to make it by before your arrival," the Jedi offered with a smile. "I'll be fine."
The tall woman nodded and departed toward the building's front entrance.
Graves followed, but stopped a moment in front of Kesara. "Nice meeting you."
Asher was the last to budge from his spot, and similarly paused before the Jedi. "Have fun meditating or whatever."
"I will, thank you," Kesara kindly replied, taking one last sip of tea.
The burned Sith sighed and made his way toward the exit to join his fellows.
Stepping back into the daylight, the three Executors stood together, passing their gazes between one another and their surroundings. No one was nearby.
"So, initial thoughts?" Asher spoke up.
"The plan seems sound," Fay plainly stated. "Plus there's the matter of who it came from."
"What, you know the guy?" asked Asher.
"Not directly," Fay admitted. "I didn't recognize the name, but the face… you remember the recruitment posters in Kaas City? Back during the war?"
"Uh… there were quite a few," Asher muttered.
"'The Empire endures', 'Duty never dies', those ones?"
Asher offered the dismissive waft of his hand. "Didn't spend much time on Kaas while the war was going on. So, what, we're working with a literal poster boy?"
"Tell me, what's Rederick's rank?" Fay asked.
"Commander, right?" Asher answered.
"Commander's a title, not a proper rank," Fay replied. "For as rigid a hierarchy as the Imperial Army, do you know what it takes to get an honorary title, let alone have everyone refer to you by it? He's up there with people like Odile Vaiken, Rycus Kilran, Derro Kaven-"
"Who?" Asher interrupted.
The tall woman released a low sigh. "Did you ever pay any attention to the soldiers you were stationed with?"
"I guess he only knows of old war heroes named 'Murel'," Graves stoically offered. "Though I suppose he did pay attention to their supplies when he stole that grenade."
"No one's going to miss one freaking grenade!" Asher barked.
Three black-clad figures sat huddled under the shade of their makeshift tent. One, a monster of a man encased in a suit of plated armorweave. Red-skinned, bald of head, the middle-aged warrior was a Sith Pureblood who wore the marks of conflict upon his visage. A deep gash ran along his left cheek, a wound that had clipped the fleshy tendril that previously hung in its path. He was sturdy, broad, yet equally sharp.
Sitting across from him, almost in reverence, were two Humans in hooded robes. A man and a woman, both slim, both young, both inferior in both physical and social stature.
The Pureblood panned his sharpened gaze to peer at the courtyard beyond his tent. Catching his eye were the trio of Sith exiting the command center. He watched them, studied them, until finally, his eyes shot open.
"What is it, master?" asked the hooded woman.
"It can't be… it's him..." the Pureblood muttered.
"Who, master?" asked the hooded man.
The Pureblood's lips curled into a smirk, revealing the sharp teeth that waited beneath.