Chapter Eighteen
Val had not expected Bao to bring anyone with him on the Taris mission: Bao worked alone in his dealings with the ex-Mandalorian. Yet for some reason, there were two human teenagers–presumably apprentices–and a young adult Twi'lek, a woman who had put her hood back up before he was able to see her face, and a Cerean in his thirties. Judging from their white-bladed lightsabers, they were more likely Imperial Knights than Jedi. And finally, they came with a patchwork droid who wouldn't be quiet.
Everyone had attempted to ask about the girl's healing ability, and her only response was, "It's something I discovered some time ago. Few people know." Val assumed that it was a Force ability, one only she could use or something. Then again, he was no expert.
"These two are unique," the droid commented, "Similar me."
"Niner," the hooded woman asked,"Would you please stop talking for a second?"
"Very well," the droid paused, and then he just resumed talking. Val didn't know what to say.
One Imperial Knight removed her hood.
"Empress Fel," Val commented, "I didn't realize that the mission was important enough to demand royalty."
"I needed to stretch my legs, Val…." Thalia paused, not knowing Val's surname.
"Sorry," Bao interrupted, "I don't think I've introduced anyone. This my contact, Val Fett."
No one seemed to recognize Val's adopted surname, save for the shy boy, who grew wide-eyed.
"It's adopted," Val assured him, "Scares the osik out of criminals."
"Oh," the boy responded quietly.
"I am Harkaq Oqerio," the Cerean introduced himself.
"I'm Kara Ryn," the green-skinned Twi'lek introduced herself.
"These are my apprentices," Bao introduced the two adolescents in the group, "Jade Skywalker and Riko Nai-Jal."
Val's heart seemed to freeze at the name Nai-Jal. That had been Miranda's last name! Was this boy…
"A pleasure," Val shook Jade's hand, covering up his surprise, "So you're a Skywalker, eh?"
"Yep," Jade said proudly, though Val's gaze was still on the boy. He did look a lot like Miranda. His eyes were the same emerald hue, he had the same tan skin, and his hair was the same shade of black. His cheekbones and chin were not unlike Val's. It was possible.
Val made a mental note to ask Emdee to perform a DNA test at her earliest convenience. He needed to know.
Apartment 2001, Pana Apartments
Bao found Val's apartment in the Middle City to be somewhat small. It was comprised of a living room with a holonet feed, a kitchen with a table next to it, a refresher, a bedroom, and an emergency exit leading to a fire escape. Val had neglected to explain where he kept his ship and where his escape plans were.
Bao had sent Riko, Jade, Niner, and Kara out into the city under the pretense that they would search for a restaurant. Bao was hungry, but he wanted to ensure that the apprentices did not find out until they were ready.
When they came back, Bao would tell them that Val had only revealed the secret to the masters.
"Ok, here we are," Val said as he entered the room. He hadn't removed his helmet, or taken off his sidearm: he claimed that it was for security reasons. Bao knew that in fact, Val only allowed trusted friends, like Bao, to see his face.
It was a little comical, seeing a Mandalorian in full armor and gear relaxing on a couch in a rented apartment.
"Riko and Jade are out with Kara and the droid, they should be fine," Harkaq began, sitting down in another chair, "I think it is time that we found out who these agents are."
"Agreed. Who's our mole, Val?" Bao asked.
"Okay," Val walked to a desk and pulled out a holoprojector and a datachip, "So when I infiltrated the Archive, I found these messages between agents in the Jedi Temple and Asharr's headquarters, as well as a second set between Asharr and Moff Itecht. I went through them, and this is the one that pulled the cloak off."
Val activated the holoprojector.
Jedi Temple, Atarashi'ie
"The day approaches," Vicis Libre, the youngest master on the council declared, "Are you ready?"
Tau Skywalker had dreaded it for a long time, but he knew it must be done.
"Yes, Vicis. I am ready."
He opened his eyes. He was in the Order's lowest chamber, deep in the heart of the mountain. Joining him in meditation were his most faithful followers; Master Vicis Libre and the Jedi Knights Vals Narrekk, Ukai Venn, and Yanas Illa. All of them were dressed in robes of black and white, the colors of the Omnists. All were loyal, faithful, and understood the stakes of what would transpire. None of them had been forced to endure Asharr's conditioning, all of them knew what had to be done. They were the only ones who knew what had to be done, and would spare the rest of the order from the terrible truth.
Tau stood up, "The Council will reunite here, in four days, when the sun is highest in the sky," Tau declared, "At that hour, we will save the galaxy."