On Coruscant, the Emperor is in his private chambers, seated at his desk. Standing in front of the desk is Intelligence Director Ysanne Isard, the Emperor's mistress. The director is holding a datapad in her hand and seems to be enraged.
"This… is a disaster! Four Jedi? Rebel warriors with vibroblades? Three Inquisitors, a Hand, and one of our best ISB agents… all dead? Not to mention... nearly a full battalion of troops, twenty nine officers, including two generals, and a moff!" Isard says.
"I am fully aware of what has transpired." Palpatine says.
"The forces on Saldaris were deployed as Thana ordered, and this happens! Whatever strategy she had in mind here has obviously failed!" Isard says.
"So it would seem." Palpatine says.
"It's clear to me that she's not ready for this responsibility you've given her! I think you should recall her to Coruscant and assign someone else to..." Isard says. She stops speaking when the Emperor raises his hand.
"I will decide what my daughter's responsibilities are, director." Palpatine says.
"Of course. You decide all things, my lord." Isard says.
"You give sound advice, my dear, but… this was my daughter's first mission as commander of my forces. She will... need time to adjust to her new duties. We must be patient with her." Palpatine says.
Why does he not see the truth? Thana is not ready to command the fleet! It's like he's completely blind when it comes to her! The only way he will see… is if there's clear evidence. Yes.,.. That's it. If he had proof that she wasn't ready, then… maybe he would take action. He'll get his proof, even if I have to create it! Isard thinks.
"Yes, my lord." Isard says.
"You may go now, director." Palpatine says.
Isard bows to the Emperor, then leaves his chambers.
Several minutes later, Isard enters her office, and approaches a small holotable. She presses a few buttons, and a hologram of Kamron Varr appears.
"Madam Director." Kamron says.
"Agent Varr… I would like to debrief you regarding the recent events on Saldaris. Tell me what happened." Isard says.
"I've already sent my report to the Emperor, per standard protocol." Kamron says.
"I am aware of that, and I have already read the report! Regardless of that, I have given you an order, and I expect it to be followed!" Isard says.
"Yes, director." Kamron says.
"Very good. Now, proceed with your report." Isard says, as she picks up a datapad lying nearby.
"According to the Intel, Ahsoka Tano and Ezra Bridger were on Saldaris for some unknown reason. Lady Thana dispatched three Inquisitors, along with myself and Vegrus Teth to investigate. We found no evidence of any organized rebellion. Only the Jedi, and a few of their known associates. Upon reaching Saldaris, Lady Thana came to the surface with a battalion of stormtroopers and personally assumed command of the mission." Kamron says. Isard types on her datapad as Kamron speaks.
"Stormtroopers only? No Purge Troopers?" Isard asks.
"Lady Thana didn't want any Purge Troopers. I don't know why." Kamron answers.
'I see. What happened next?" Isard asks.
"Lady Thana split our forces into three groups. I was assigned to accompany Vegrus and Ninth Brother as they searched the northern quarter of the capital city." Kamron answers.
"I understand your team ran into some trouble soon after." Isard says.
"That's right. Our group split in two to cover more ground… and we were ambushed. Ahsoka Tano was there, along with some mercenaries, and another Jedi who I've never seen before." Kamron says.
"Your report mentioned the other Jedi. Mirialan female… about forty years of age, who you believe to be First Sister… somehow back from the dead." Isard says.
I can't believe Barriss actually wants the Empire to know she's alive! That seems reckless to me! But, what do I know? I'm not the one making the plans here! I'll leave that to Jyn. I'm supposed to just tell Iceheart the bare minimum to keep her from being suspicious of me, so that's what I'll do. Kamron thinks.
"That's right. I only saw her face for a few seconds, but I got a good look at it. I know First Sister's face from the records. The first Inquisitor to turn traitor. Lady Thana ordered me to study her as an example of what happens to those who betray the Emperor. I have no doubt that it was her on Saldaris." Kamron says.
"Lord Vader's report from twelve years ago stated that he destroyed First Sister's fighter while engaging her in combat. If she's alive… then that calls into question Lord Vader's competence. Perhaps even his loyalty." Isard says.
"Since Vader's dead, I don't think the Emperor will care about something he did twelve years ago." Kamron says.
"I suppose not. I can investigate Vader's past activities another time. Now, returning to the subject at hand… your report says that Ninth Brother and Vegrus Teth were killed. How did you manage to get away?" Isard asks.
"Lady Thana ordered me to report to her position. She ran into some trouble, and needed assistance." Kamron answers.
"Your report says that the rebels were using snipers." Isard says.
"That's right. One of the snipers killed Salja Turon and a few troopers. The Jedi killed Fourth Sister, and… Second Brother was executed by Lady Thana for treason." Kamron says.
"I am aware that the Emperor ordered Second Brother's death due to him being Vader's secret apprentice. What I wonder… why did Thana kill him during a battle? That seems to be a tactical mistake on her part." Isard says.
"I'm not sure I can answer that for you. I'm not exactly privy to Lady Thana's strategy, Madam Director." Kamron says.
I need more information. I need to know what Thana's up to. Isard thinks.
"I suppose not. In your report, you say that the rebels managed to escape after wounding Lady Thana." Isard says.
I can't believe Jyn… cut herself with a lightsaber! That was crazy! But, I did the same thing, so I guess I'm crazy too. At least Jyn's weird powers allowed her to heal us both. Kamron thinks.
"That's right. She engaged the Jedi, but they overwhelmed her." Kamron says.
"And what were you doing when your princess was being attacked by a Jedi?" Isard asks.
"Fighting First Sister. Or I should say, trying to fight her." Kamron answers.
"If she truly was First Sister, and has maintained her skills, then I could see her being a challenging opponent." Isard says.
"She was unpredictable, almost crazed. She fought dirty. More like a mercenary than a Jedi... or an ex-Inquisitor." Kamron says.
"I see. Your report says that she surprised you with a flash grenade, then injured your leg while you were disoriented." Isard says.
"That's right. She sliced her saber right through my thigh. It wasn't enough to sever the limb, but it was enough to immobilize me. I saw Lady Thana go down soon after, and there wasn't a thing I could do. Once Lady Thana and I were out of the fight, the rebels ran for it." Kamron answers.
"They didn't try to kill either of you?" Isard asks.
"No. They seemed to be in a hurry. I did happen to overhear Ahsoka Tano say something about their mission being complete and that they needed to leave." Kamron answers.
"Did the rebels happen to say where they were going?" Isard asks.
"No, director." Kamron answers.
"According to your report and Lady Thana's report to the Emperor, you were both found by a team of stormtroopers not long after, and you were both taken back to the Executor for medical treatment." Isard says.
"That's right." Kamron says. Isard stands in silence for a moment as she types on her datapad.
"Very good. I'm satisfied that you have performed your duties to the best of your ability. I have new orders from the Emperor." Isard says.
"You… have orders from the Emperor. Does he not wish for me to report to him?" Kamron asks.
"The Emperor is in meditation, and is not to be disturbed for any reason. Only myself, the Grand Vizier, the Grand Inquisitor, or Lady Thana are allowed direct contact with him." Isard answers.
"Understood." Kamron says.
"Effective immediately, you are to report all of Lady Thana's activities to me, no matter how insignificant." Isard says.
She wants me to spy on Jyn? Great. Iceheart's no fool, so… maybe we need to move against her sooner than Jyn plans to. Kamron thinks.
"I'm supposed to spy… on a Sith Lord?" Kamron asks.
"Yes. The Emperor commands it. Remember, you serve him above all else, as we all do." Isard answers.
"Yes, Madam Director. I will carry out this assignment as ordered." Kamron says.
"Very good. You are dismissed, Agent Varr." Isard says. The hologram of Kamron vanishes.
Now, to see what Thana's next move is. Either she truly is unfit to command the fleet, or… she is planning something, and whatever happened at Saldaris was… deliberate. No. That's not possible. The Emperor's programmed Thana to be loyal to him. She's not capable of defying him. Whatever she's up to, I will find out. Nobody keeps secrets from me. Isard thinks.
On the Super Star Destroyer Executor, Jyn is in her quarters, meditating. Suddenly, the door chime sounds.
Ah. Kamron. Jyn thinks.
"Enter." Jyn says.
The door opens, and Kamron enters. He stops walking when he sees Jyn seated on the floor.
"I'm… sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you. I can come back later." Kamron says.
"It's alright, Kamron. What's on your mind?" Jyn asks, as she stands up.
"I was just contacted by Director Isard." Kamron answers.
"What did our beloved Iceheart have to say?" Jyn asks.
"She wanted an additional report of what happened at Saldaris." Kamron answers.
"That was to be expected." Jyn says.
"I told her what you told me to say. She seemed to believe me." Kamron says.
"Well done. Fooling Isard is… challenging." Jyn says.
"Good thing you're smarter than her." Kamron says. Jyn chuckles.
"I don't know about smarter, but wiser and saner, maybe." Jyn says.
"There's something else. She… ordered me to… report all of your activities to her." Kamron says.
"Her? Not the Emperor?" Jyn asks.
"She says the Emperor is in meditation and is not to be disturbed." Kamron answers.
Iceheart… wants Kamron to spy on me. I had planned to keep her alive long enough to watch me kill the Emperor and sit upon his throne, but… she's a dangerous one. If I keep her around for too long, she might very well figure out what I'm up to and warn the Emperor. I can't allow that, so… I'll have to kill her soon. I know… I have an idea. Jyn thinks.
"Inform the director that she may debrief me after tomorrow's council meeting." Jyn says.
"You're… going to cooperate with her?" Kamron asks.
"No. She won't get the chance to ask me anything. Isard will be dealt with at the same time as the Ruling Council." Jyn answers.
"So… you're going to take out the entire council… in a single attack. That's going to make it very difficult for the Empire to function." Kamron says.
"From a political viewpoint anyway. The military will barely be affected, other than losing the grand admirals and a few other key officers. I'll have all the power, and I plan to act against the Emperor before he can do anything to stop me!" Jyn says.
"So, once the council's taken out, you'll… go straight to the old man and kill him?" Kamron asks.
"I suppose I could, but… it would take too long for me to do it alone, and take control of the palace. I'll need help. Once I receive word that the council is dealt with, I'll head to Rhen Var, and retrieve my allies. Then, on to Coruscant. I will kill the Emperor, then we will build a new Empire. A better Empire." Jyn answers.
"I'm with you, but what about the rest of the Empire? The military?" Kamron asks.
"I've been evaluating the admiral in command of this ship. He seems… promising. I'm going to approach him, and inform him of my intentions." Jyn answers.
"Even if this admiral decides to support you, what about his crew? This was Vader's flagship until a few days ago." Kamron says.
"I know. It's too soon to say what the rest of the crew will do. I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it." Jyn says.
"Fair enough. Since I'm staying on board for now, is there anything you need me to do?" Kamron asks.
"Since you and I are supposed to be recovering from our 'injuries', I suggest you take it easy. Have yourself a little trial run of the freedom you'll enjoy after the Emperor's dead." Jyn says.
"I've been meaning to ask… once you've… taken the throne, what are your plans… for me?" Kamron asks.
"I plan for you to… do whatever you want. You will be a free man, able to choose your own path." Jyn answers.
"Whatever… I want. I don't really know what I want. Maybe I should just stick with you until I figure it out." Kamron says. Jyn chuckles.
"So, he has a sense of humor after all." Jyn says.
"I guess I picked it up from you." Kamron says.
"Maybe so. By the way, what do you think… about all of this? Me taking the throne. Changing the Empire. Is there anything you don't agree with?" Jyn asks.
"It's not that I don't agree, it's just… I'm curious. Do you still think of yourself as a Sith Lord? The last time we talked privately, you said you were, but that you were a new kind of Sith. I'd just like to know… " Kamron says.
"You'd like to know where I stand in regards to the force. That's a good question, Kamron. Honestly, I don't consider myself a Sith anymore. I'm not a Jedi either. I'm just… someone that uses the force. That's about the best answer I can give you at the moment." Jyn says.
"So, you just… use the force. On a much higher level than the rest of us." Kamron says.
"Yes… the ancient powers I've unlocked. I'm still learning, but I have come to see things much more clearly than I used to. I hate what I used to be, and I hate the way I trained you. I was cruel and unforgiving. I'm sorry for that." Jyn says.
"You were doing what you thought was right at the time. Yeah, you were hard on me, but you gave me a better life than what I had before. I'm alive now because of what you taught me." Kamron says.
"You never fully gave in to the dark side. You were too strong for it. I suppose that you now operate in between the light and dark, as I do." Jyn says.
"I guess so. Maybe you could… teach me more about how that works." Kamron says.
"I'd like that. I won't punish or insult you. I'll encourage you, and I'll welcome your input. I think that's how the teacher/student relationship is supposed to work. So I'll do it right this time." Jyn says.
"I'm looking forward to it... master." Kamron says. Jyn chuckles.
"Oh no. You still have to call me Jyn. None of this master nonsense." Jyn says.
"Understood. Since you were meditating, I should probably let you get back to it." Kamron says.
"Of course. We'll talk later, Kamron." Jyn says. The man nods respectfully, then leaves.
Kamron supports me fully. I'm glad for that. Now, to approach Admiral Piett. Unlike most Imperial flag officers, that one actually seems to have a soul. Based on my observations, he mainly serves the Empire to benefit his family and provide a better future for his children. Admirable. What will he think when I tell him of my plans? We shall see. Jyn thinks.
I have made a decision regarding the future of this series. I had planned for another story after this one, to be called From Chaos To Order, but I've decided to cancel that one. This series will now end with Peace and Justice, which I am planning to have 13 chapters. Most of the major events that I've planned will still happen, but a few will now only be discussed in the epilogue chapter. To those of you that enjoy this series, thanks for reading, and I hope you stay to the end.
