The Dominator, 3 1/2 years ago.
Viksuni felt sick to her stomach. Something was very wrong.
"There's something off," Vector muttered. "Like rot within the hive."
Darth Jadus towered above her, and she was tall even for a Togruta. "Agent. I knew you would find me eventually. You are a credit to your species."
Of course. Backhanded compliments. "So...you're the Eagle's secret patron."
"Precisely. You see, I have many plans for the Empire." He was dreadfully monotone, not even the slightest emotion in his voice. His daughter Zhorrid always sounded like she only needed to stub her toe to go into hysteria. That was Jadus' fault, of course. Viksuni had never liked him.
"By killing everyone in it?"
"No, Agent. My plan is for a new era of fear. Have you not seen my rivals vie for my resources while they thought me dead? They are holding the Empire back. Once I eliminate them, I will usher in a new era of terror for the Empire."
I don't think so. "How about no?"
The Dread Palace, Oricon
Viksuni had been proud when she had managed to talk Jadus out of his plans. She knew she wasn't going to be so lucky here.
Aayes was already up from being knocked out and staring down Tyrans coldly. Viksuni realized that this was going to get ugly.
"The traitorous gnat returns," sneered Tyrans.
"It's not betrayal if you were never loyal to the person in the first place," Aayes returned coldly. She had her hand on her lightsaber hilt, and her emotions kept at bay.
Viksuni checked her ammo. Aayes had warned her that Tyrans moved fast and thought faster. She needed to find any opening and take the shot quickly.
"Look how foolish you are. Bringing another insect for me to crush." Tyrans paced around Aayes, his eyes burning with...anger. Hate. Pain? It did not matter to her. It couldn't. "I would have preferred to meet your sister and see if she's as full of shit as you are."
"Adira is actually quite accomplished, thank you very much. And Xenli is too, before you insult her."
"So you bring me a bloody spy?"
"I know what you're doing." Aayes kept herself steeled. "You won't throw me off my focus. You know why I did what I did. I had to understand you."
"Wouldn't say we more than understand each other? You did a lot of studying with me."
"Should I really be hearing this?" Viksuni interrupted.
"An Agent of the Empire should gather all the intel she can, correct?" Tyrans drew his lightsaber. "In the end, it will not even matter. Despair, and die!"
Viksuni barely dodged the lightning bolt aimed at her, singeing her boots. Aayes returned it with her own lightning. The former cipher knew her friend was pissed; the Twi'lek rarely used lightning unless necessary.
She realized Aayes was keeping Tyrans distracted. He only needed to turn his back to the sniper, and...
Two shots, one in each heel. Tyrans collapsed to the floor. Viksuni approached him, scowling. "Your move, creep."
Tyrans looked up to Aayes. "I...always..."
Viksuni didn't want to hear it, and took the last shot needed.
Aayes turned away. "We need to go. It's raining."
Viksuni understood. "Yeah, it is."