VIII: QUESH

It was a world of poison. Most lifeforms couldn't exist on its surface without respirators or special injections. But even poison has its uses - from the toxic atmosphere and deadly lakes came the most sophisticated adrenals in the galaxy. The Republic, the Empire and the Hutts were all here, processing the planet's venom into strength for some and wealth for others.

Imperial forces on the ground had tracked Admiral Monk's descent through the hazy skies. When they searched the area where he'd reportedly touched down, Baras' team found several abandoned pods scattered across the withered landscape near a Republic chemical refinery, just one of hundreds on Quesh. Since unprotected travel across the surface was hazardous at best, the refinery seemed the most logical place to look for their escaped admiral.

And he was there. He wasn't even trying to hide. Monk, along with a few of his senior officers, just seemed to be... waiting.

When Sanguis walked onto the factory floor with her companions, the admiral approached her fearlessly. "What does Baras think he's doing, sending you here after me?" he said, both furious and bewildered. "Is he trying to make it look good, give himself an alibi? Because you can tell him 'mission accomplished.' Almost all my men are dead. You've done a great job making this look legit. Now back off!"

For the second time that day, they were all staring at the man in front of them in disbelief. "You are in league with my master," the Sith said at last.

"Aren't you smart? Yes, of course, idiot. We all defected over a decade ago and have been working for Baras since." He looked at the three of them, frowning. "Wait. You - you honestly didn't know? He didn't tell you we were following his command?"

"No. He did not." Sanguis sounded confused as well, and a little hurt.

"Weren't you on that ship? Didn't you wonder - even a little?" Admiral Monk was getting less angry and more frustrated, but Sanguis regained her detachment quickly.

"I don't question my master's orders."

"You should start." The admiral began pacing, speaking as much to himself as the Sith. "This is foolish. We've been loyal to him; our covers are intact. Why would he destroy something so valuable?"

"I have no answers for you. I only know that this is an important step in my master's plans."

Monk turned on her. "He can't think we're going to take this lying down," he said, jabbing a finger at Sanguis. "Men, our master has decided we're expendable! Let's prove otherwise!"

The admiral and his men were excellent officers, but not front-line combatants. They posed little more challenge than Moff Masken had a few hours ago. This time, Sanguis did not hold back; she had her orders.

As the admiral lay on the floor, his life ebbing away, he looked up at his executioner with an expression of resignation. "I pity you, his blind, obedient lap dog. No one's safe... with Baras. Not even you."

Sanguis shook her head. "I am his right hand. I am faithful. My master knows he need not fear me."

Monk chuckled softly. "Fool. What makes you so... special..."


When they returned to the Imperial Garrison with the news that Admiral Monk was dead and his attack on Vengean's flagship avenged, the place virtually erupted. While Lord Sanguis retired to have a long, private conference with her master, her companions did their best to field questions and congratulations from base officials. Everyone expected this to be the opening salvo of renewed war with the Republic.

For once, everyone was right.

Vette and Quinn heard it directly from Sanguis once her conference was over. Their masters' purposes had been fulfilled. The Treaty of Coruscant was broken. But, in contrast with the celebratory mood outside, Sanguis was quiet and distracted. She mentioned that they were being sent to Hoth, then said little more until they were actually on the shuttle pad preparing to board their transport back to the orbital station. She turned there and looked back toward the yellow-orange horizon, as if she'd heard someone call her name.

"My lord?" Quinn was just behind her. "Is something wrong?"

"I... don't know." She tilted her head as if trying to catch whispers on the wind. "Something yet awaits us here. But not today."