"Do you have to do that?" Kira asked. She'd found Agenord in the cargo hold, training, with his shirt off.
Agenord finished his pushups and stood up. "Do what?"
"Could you put a shirt on?" Kira said.
"Sorry," he said and pulled on a thin shirt. "Twi'lek can't regulate our temperature as well as humans."
"I thought that was just a cliche'," Kira said.
"Not a cliche'. Just be glad I'm not Yvie."
Kira could only imagine.
"While you're here," Agenord said. "I want to show you a move." He handed her a training saber. "Like this." He showed her the move.
"I registered maybe half of that," she told him.
"Fine." He went more slowly.
"Like this?" she asked and tried it herself.
"No," he told her. "Not like that either. Wait." He stepped behind her and put a hand on her shoulder and the other on her wrist. Kira held in a gasp. "Like... this. Now try." She tried again. "No." He moved her hand slowly through the maneuver. "Again. Better, but you're missing this part." She tried again. "There. Do that again. Good. Practice that a hundred times." He stepped away from her and grabbed his things.
"Any word about Agent Galen?" Kira asked.
"The General needs to clear SIS red tape," Agenord told her. "But it won't be long. Keep practicing."
"You seem edgy," she said while practicing the maneuver.
"It's something about Nar Shaddaa," he told her. "A presence, but too weak to identify. Don't worry about it. When you're done with that, do a round of calisthenics."
"Sure thing." You son of a bitch.
Two hours later, Kira stood in her shower moaning, "I hate him." She reached for the soap with a wince. Sometimes, she thought. Not all the time. She poured on some soap. Sometimes, he was a good guy. Sometimes, he was an arrogant ass. But, once you had his trust, that was it. As much as she hurt, she never felt safer in her life. She had to tell him, before he found out on his own, or he'd hate her. She found herself thinking of his arms around her, training her, not protecting her, treating her with respect. His arms. Around her. She noticed her hand was between her legs. No, no, no. He was way too perceptive. She was not about to feel something like that within range of him. She rinsed off and got dressed.
She found him in the conference room with General Var Suthra on holo.
"The bureau chief's name is Rieekan," Var Suthra said.
"Understood," Agenord replied.
"I'm transmitting the location coordinates and turbolift security code to you. Good luck- Var Suthra out."
Agenord said, "Kira, Teeseven, let's go."
"That's the second field agent who's missed a check-in," a Twi'lek agent said as Agenor, Kira, and Teeseven arrived. "Our network's under attack."
"We don't know that," a human replied.
"We know Agent Galen was captured," the Twi'lek continued. "He's telling the enemy where to hit us!"
"Galen wasn't stationed on Nar Shaddaa," the human countered. "He doesn't know every field agent. Send out an omega alert. That will give us what we need for now."
"Omega alert?" Agenord asked.
The human turned toward him. "Respond with status then go to ground. Standard response if we believe we're compromised. You must be Master Agenord. I'm Bureau Chief Rieekan. General Var Suthra speaks highly of you."
"Right," the Twi'lek sneered. "The Onoka. I guess all our problems are solved."
"The what?" Rieekan asked.
"My family," Agenord told him. "We have a reputation among the Twi'lek for Force Sensitivity. Some Twi'lek respect us; some don't." He turned to the other Twi'lek. "I'm here to find Agent Galen. That's all that should matter."
Rieekan said, "Tander, I gave you an order. Send out that signal. And keep your personal issues to yourself."
Tander nodded to Rieekan and left.
Rieekan said to Agenord, "Here's what I know: Agent Galen came here to secure a top secret operation. He disappeared in the Nikto Sector while pursuing a contact. Fortunately, he left a trail, coded progress reports at SIS dead-drops."
"Why haven't you recovered them?" Agenord asked.
"Someone passed out military grade weapons to the street gangs," Rieekan replied. "That whole area's gone hostile."
Agenord groaned. "That's the same thing the Empire did on Coruscant."
"Thank goodness," Kira said. "For a second, I thought this might be too easy."
Rieekan said, "I've marked the locations of Agent Galen's dead-drops. Download his messages to your holo, and contact me. We'll decode them."
Agenord said, "Agent Galen sent me a message right after he arrived on Nar Shaddaa. He said SIS had located Ako Domi. Do you know anything about that?"
"Supposedly, the Empire is holding him prisoner on Nar Shaddaa," Rieekan replied. "The Shadow Town base would know more."
"I'll contact them when I can," Agenord said. "Thank you."
"Chief Rieekan?" Agenord said some time later. "I've downloaded all of Agent Galen's messages."
"Any trouble?" Rieekan asked from the holo.
"Nothing serious," Agenord replied.
Kira looked at the carnage around them and sighed.
"We're decoding data now," Rieekan said. "I'll play back Galen's messages."
After the playback, Agenord said, "The recruitment center is nearby. We'll check it out."
"Took guts," Kira said. "Going in there alone."
"No," Agenord told her. "He should have called for backup. Chief, any reason why he wouldn't?"
"If he didn't have time," Rieekan said. "Or he didn't trust his backup. Or, someone ordered him not to."
Agenord sighed. "I have an idea which one."
Rieekan said, "Only half my team responded to the omega alert. I have to assume we're compromised. We'll be on a skeleton crew until the base is shut down. If I don't respond, contact Var Suthra. He'll be able to reach me."
They reached the recruitment center and met immediate Imperial resistance. After a short fight, they secured the command center and released a group of refugees from ray shields. Most of the refugees remained on the floor, too beaten by the Imperials to stand. One of them, an Anomid male, struggled to his feet and approached Agenord.
"You'll be all right," Agenord said. "I'm here to help." He contacted Rieekan. "Chief, the recruitment center was overrun with Imperials. No sign of Agent Galen, but I've just freed some refugees."
"Not refugees," the Anomid said. "Heroes. These people put their lives on the line for victory over the Empire." The others moaned in agreement.
"Those people asked to become test subjects?" Rieekan said.
"The Empire stole their homeworlds," the Anomid said. "They jumped at the chance for payback."
"What happened here?" Anenord asked.
The Anomid told him, "I was organizing fresh recruits when Imperials stormed inside. They rounded us up, threw us in the cage. Don't know how the Empire found us, but they control the whole project now."
"A Republic agent named Galen came here," Agenord said. "What happened to him?"
"They captured him alive," the Anomid replied. "Their leader wanted him. They'll have taken him to the main lab. Casekal knows where that is."
A female human looked up and nodded. "I can show you where."
"Very good," Agenord said. "Chief Rieekan, Kira and I will contact you after we've cleared the lab. Agenord out."
At the lab, they found a contingent of Imperial soldiers, but not nearly enough.
Kira sighed and said, "They've already moved the lab, haven't they?" Agenord nodded.
In the main lab, they found Sadic on holo. An Imperial Special Forces officer stood next to the emitter. Three inactive Power Guards lay on tables behind them.
The officer said, "You killed good men at that recruitment- ahh!"
Agenord pulled him with the Force and impaled him.
"I promised Commander Graul he could execute you personally," Sadic said. "Darth Angral told me you defeated Watcher One. Impressive. He has promised great rewards to whoever kills you."
"If he gives you anything, you should delouse it first," Kira told him.
"We're not here to banter, Kira," Agenord said.
"Not even a little?"
"You captured a Republic agent," Agenord said to Sadic. "What have you done with him?"
"Something extraordinary," Sadic said. "But, you won't live to see it." The Power Guards activated. "Destroy the Jedi and the droid," he told them. "Cut out the Padawan's tongue and bring it to me." He turned to Agenord. "Goodbye, Jedi." The transmission ended.
Teeseven whistled nervously at the Power Guard.
"Whatever he said," Kira added.
Agenord scanned the Power Guard and said, "Stab into the left armpit, just above the chest plate. Stab toward the base of the throat, not the heart." Agenord rushed the nearest opponent, slipped past his weapon, and stabbed his armpit. The Power Guard sputtered and shut down. Kira, with Teeseven's help, broke through the defenses of a second Power Guard and stabbed the armpit. She had to twist her saber a little to reach the right spot, but the Guard finally sputtered and dropped. The last Power Guard was already on the ground next to Agenord. "Prototypes," he said with a sigh. "The next generation won't be as easy."
Teeseven squeaked at Agenord. Kira nodded in agreement.
"My father is a cybernetics engineer," Agenord said. "I'm pretty sure I mentioned it. He taught me a lot, and I've continued studying it." He examined the officer and found a datapad, then took out his holocomm. He got no response from Rieekan and contacted General Var Suthra. "General, I'm not getting a response from Rieekan. And you should know, the Power Guard are active and under Sadic's control."
"Understood," the General said. He tapped a control panel. "I don't get a response either, and I'm getting reports of fighting on the Promenade."
Agenord said, "I thought that was a secure zone."
"I guess Sadic doesn't agree," Var Suthra replied. "I'm sending in a team. They will meet you there."
"Tell them to aim for the control module at the base of the neck," Agenord told him. "That's the fastest way to bring them down. If that fails, power core, spine, and head in that order. Targeted attacks over scattershot. Don't waste attacks trying to burn through their armor."
"Got it," Var Suthra said and disconnected.
They reached the Promenade and ran past, or over, security to get to the SIS base. At the entrance to the elevator, they found Havoc Squad and a small Republic walker droid engaged with two Power Guard.
"Armpit?" Kira asked.
"They covered the hole," Agenord said. "Cyr'rnin! Slow down the one on the right. Jorgan! Hit the control module at the base of the neck."
Havoc Squad focused their fire on the first Power Guard while jumped over them and engaged the second. He dodged the Guard's attacks and hit it twice. The first hit slowed it down, the second knocked it to the ground. Agenord stabbed into the Guard's neck, pushing hard on the hilt, until he melted the armor and destroyed the control module.
The first Power Guard was battered but still moving. The Republic droid fired a concussive shell that cracked the armor on the Guard's neck. Sergeant Jorgan, armed with an anti-walker rifle, hit the damaged spot and destroyed the Guard.
"Well done," Agenord said. "It looks like they shut down the elevator. Teeseven! We need this running."
The droid rushed over and began working.
"Master Jedi!" the walker droid said. "It is an honor to meet a great hero of the Republic! I am M1-4X, the newest member of Havoc Squad, and I am ready to fight or die at your command! With you leading the assault, we will surely vanquish the contemptuous Imperial cyborgs and rescue the proud Republic citizens below!"
"Right," Agenord said.
Teeseven whistled.
"He said the elevator is now functional," Forex told them. "And could you tell that walker to shut up? He's annoying as hell!"
Once they were on the elevator, Cyr'rnin said, "Master Agenord, General Var Suthra couldn't tell us much, only that he knew you'd trust us."
Agenord sighed. "This is an SIS base. It's being evacuated, so minimal complement. The cyborgs are... complicated. I'll let Var Suthra explain them when he can."
"How do we stop them, sir?" Jorgan asked. "We were told target locations but not much else."
"Their armor has a phrik coating, thin but durable," Agenord said. "Sustained burn from a lightsaber with a softening technique, or crack open a hole. Don't waste your time with the joints or anything with thicker plating."
"Ion grenades?" Cyr'rnin asked.
"Magnetic only," Agenord told her. "AOE won't get past the shielding. Sergeant Jorgan, they're heavy but less than your droid."
"Understood," Jorgan said and loaded concussion shells into the rifle.
"I can sense four of them near the elevator," Agenord said. "Forex, rolling mode." Everyone squeezed against the walls while the droid curled into a ball. The elevator opened, and Agenord threw Forex into the group of Power Guard. The team rushed forward, destroying the Guards while they were disoriented. The other Guards were split, attacking two different barricaded offices. Agenord sent Cyr'rnin after one group, while he and Kira attacked the other. By the time they finished the first group, Havoc Squad had only one Guard left. Agenord leaped at it and stabbed through a hole Jorgan had created, finishing it.
Special Agent Tander emerged from behind the barricade and surveyed the damage.
"Chief Rieekan?" Agenord asked.
"Dead," Tander replied. "Where were you when the Power Guard attacked?"
"Fighting a different group of Power Guard," Agenord told him.
Cyr'rnin said, "Dorne, we have wounded." The sergeant got to work.
Tander sighed. "How did they know where this base was?"
Agenord said, "They have Agent Galen."
"Great," Tander said. "Var Suthra should be brought up on charges for this."
"No shit," a female agent said, leaning over a Power Guard. "This was Clabry."
Tander said, "With Rieekan dead, I'm acting bureau chief. This operation is over. Sorry, Master Agenord, but you're on your own."
"Wait a minute," another agent said. "He's the only person who can stop those things."
"Those troopers did a good job," Tander said. "They're not even Onoka."
"Excuse me?" Cyr'rnin asked.
"One of his many fans?" Tander sneered.
Cyr'rnin stood over Tander and said, "Lieutenant Cyr'rnin Onoka, Commander, Havoc Squad. At your service. Sir."
"It figures," Tander said.
Agenord said, "Decrypt this datapad, and we're done."
"We're leaving," Tander said.
"Do you really want the Empire to have this technology?" Agenord asked.
Tander sighed and looked at Clabry's remains. "No. I don't. Agent Diyaz, decrypt the pad."
"I'll help," the female agent said and closed the eyes of the Power Guard. "I really want Master Agenord to tear the Imperials apart."
Kira said, "That I can guarantee."
"Cyr'rnin," Agenord said. "Thank you for the help, but this is as far as you go."
"Understood, Master Agenord," she replied.
"Master Agenord!" Forex said. "Allow me to express my gratitude! We have emerged victorious against the forces of the vile Sith Empire! Fighting at your side was truly an honor!"
"Thanks," Agenord said.
While Diyaz and the other agent worked, Agenord and Kira helped clear the bodies.
Kira said, "Mark threes, more armor?"
"I doubt it," Agenord replied. "Phrik is too heavy for more than a thin coating. They'll improve the AI and add backup systems. They're biggest mistake was using the volunteers and the captured agents. Every one of them was fighting against the control. They wanted to die."
"Decryption complete," Agent Diyaz said. "The enemy took everything from the Power Guard lab to a fallback position, an Imperial-controlled factory on the industrial level. I've marked the enemy's position. Good luck down there."
"Make those scum pay for what they did to us," the other agent said.
Special Agent Tander said, "I've contacted headquarters. They're sending a team. I will also update General Var Suthra. And... thank you for what you did. We wouldn't have survived."
Agenord nodded his acceptance, and they left.
When they reached the factory, Agenord surveyed the Imperial troops and said, "We can't let them warn anyone. We'll have to stealth our way in." Kira stared at him in shock. "Yes, I actually know stealth. Let's go."
They reached the Power Guard lab with minimal conflict and found Agent Galen inside. He'd been fully converted, and the suffering was evident in his eyes.
"You shouldn't have come," Galen told them. "He'll make me hurt you. He already forced me to give up my fellow agents. Now they're all dead or converted. I try to resist, but... he always wins."
"Not this time," Agenord said.
"It's too late," Galen said. "He's here."
The holoemitter activated, and Lord Sadic appeared. He had been converted himself, but without the control module.
"Nothing more irritating than a Jedi who won't die," Sadic said. "Your constant interruptions must end. Your former ally will be your executioner. The new Agent Galen's power is matched only by his obedience."
"Face me yourself," Agenord replied. "Or are you scared you'll wind up like Tarnis?"
Sadic said, "Tarnis was a child, like you. Beneath me. Galen-"
Agenord threw his lightsaber into the emitter, severing the connection.
"Clever," Galen said. "But not enough." He drew his weapon. "I told you. He always wins."
Agenord grabbed his saber and rushed forward, slicing Galen's weapon in half before he could fire. The agent swung at Agenord, but he jumped away. "Don't attack!" Agenord told the others and hit Galen four times, surgical strikes that cut off the external control. Galen dropped to his knees. "Teeseven! Disconnect the control modules, and shut down the auto-repair."
"Stop," Galen said. "I'm... I'm in control."
"Teeseven will try to keep you that way," Agenord told him.
"Where did you learn that?" Galen asked.
"My father's a cybernetics engineer," Agenord said.
"Can't remove the machines without killing me," Galen said. "But I don't matter anymore."
"No," Agenord said. "You matter more than ever."
Galen said, "The Sith- Lord Sadic- has the Republic's Mark Three Power Guards. Practically unstoppable. Sadic's building his army in Shadow Town, an Imperial-controlled sector. I'll give you the coordinates- aaaaah! Neural overrides restarting." Teeseven destroyed the reforming connections. "There's nothing else to do- kill me."
"I can't," Agenord said. "I'm sorry. You're our best way into Sadic's base. The security will let you in, and you can open the base for us."
"Are you serious?" Kira asked. "He needs help."
"He'll get it," Agenord said. "After we stop Sadic. Var Suthra and the SIS will do everything they can for him. I'll see to that. But Sadic and the Power Guard are more important."
Teeseven finished working, and Agent Galen stood up. "Give me two hours," Galen said. "Then make your way in."
Agenord checked his chronometer and nodded. Agent Galen grabbed a new weapon and left.
Kira said, "I thought you were trying to avoid the Dark Side."
"This isn't the Dark Side, Kira. This is the job. You can return to the Temple, if you want. Master Satele will understand. Trust me."
"No," Kira said. "You need a conscience. Even if it's me."
Agenord shrugged. "You should meet Kriranda. I've got nothing on her."
An hour later, they were in the SIS base near Shadow Town. A Twi'lek agent met them.
"Agent Zan Loren," he said. "Always a pleasure to meet an Onoka."
"You should talk to Agent Tander," Agenord said.
"We've disagreed on that subject before," Loren replied. "How can I help you?"
"I don't know how much you've been told," Agenord said. "But, we've found Agent Galen. We need to meet him in Shadow Town, and we need the best way past the Imperials."
"How is he?" Loren asked.
"He'll... tell you when he gets back."
"That bad, huh?" Loren said. "All right, this is the best route in that we know. Do you have the exact coordinates? Thank you. Oh. Shit. Well, it should be easier after the turmoil your cousin created."
"Which cousin?" Agenord said.
"Master Yvisnusiish," Loren replied. "Actually, I think she just got back."
Agenord turned and saw a visibly strained Yvie settling into a chair, helped by two human males. He walked over to her, agent Loren at his side.
"Yvie?" Agenord said. "What happened?"
"I'm using a shielding technique to heal and protect Jedi masters," Yvie said. "It puts a strain on me. And I had to use my luck too much. But, I saved Master Fain." She nodded toward one of the humans.
"Duras Fain," he said to Agenord. "Jedi failure."
Agenord said, "I've seen worse failures."
"Ako Domi was one of them," Yvie said.
"Agent Galen mentioned him," Agenord said. "He wanted me to look into it."
"He'd fallen to the Dark Side," Yvie said. "I'm sorry, Agent Loren, I had to kill him."
"I understand," Zan said. "Now no one needs to learn about his fall. He can be remembered as we wish he had been. And, thank you, for shutting down that factory of horrors."
"Master Yvie," Kira said. She looked around. "Where's Qyzen?"
"Had to leave him behind on this mission," she replied.
"I hope you feel better," Kira said.
"She can't," Fain said. "She's holding the darkness back, not cutting it off."
"It's the price I have to pay," Yvie said. "I'm saving the whole Jedi Order."
"Oh," Agenord replied. "Me too."
Kira felt a wave of disgust from Master Yvie, but she quickly hid it.
Agenord said, "Why can't some other Jedi learn the technique? They could take some of the weight off of you."
"The Noetikons are broken," Yvie said.
"So what?" Agenord said. "You know the technique. Teach other Jedi over holo."
Master Yvie sighed. "I'll contact the Council. Thank you for the suggestion."
"Master Fain," Zan said. "The Council wants you on Tython for observation. And charges, I'm afraid."
"I understand," Fain said. "Master Yvie, thank you for healing me, but, please, don't do that other thing again. I'm a father, and that was painful to watch."
Painful to watch? Kira thought. What did that mean?
Master Yvie shrugged, and Master Fain left with Agent Loren.
Agenord sighed. "What did you take off this time?" he asked Yvie.
Kira thought, You're kidding, right?
"Just my top," Yvie said.
Just your top? Kira thought. That's like saying you just brought an assault cannon.
"And I saved a lot of lives," Yvie said. "Ask Tharan. Go ahead." She nodded toward the other human. He shrugged cautiously. Actually, he was sitting a lot closer to Master Yvie than he should be.
"Yeah," Agenord said. "Kira, Teeseven, we need to go."
Once they were out of the base, Kira said, "Did she really-?"
"Yeah," Agenord replied. "Not the first time. Just be glad you never went to school with her."
Kira thought, That's not a conversation I want to have. "That human-"
"I'm sure they are," Agenord said. "She's technically not breaking her vows. She doesn't care about emotional commitment."
Agent Loren had been right. The prison was in the middle of a full riot. They had to fight a few Imperials to get to the lab, but they had no trouble getting into place at the right time. When the shielding on the door dropped, they rushed in and found Agent Galen fighting five Mark Three Power Guard. The new units had fewer weak spots. The easiest attack was to crack them open and stab something vital. Fortunately, they couldn't keep up with Jedi precognition any better than droids.
"Well done, Kira," Agenord said, after the Power Guard were dead.
"You took out three," she said. "I only stopped one."
Agenord said, "On your own, without instruction, and without injury. You're getting better. Teeseven, check Agent Galen's control module." The droid undid the automated repairs, and the four of them proceeded to the main lab.
"You're strong to have made it this far," Sadic said as they entered. Two Power Guards flanked him, their weapons ready. "But not strong enough," Sadic finished.
"He's tall," Kira said. "I'll give him that."
"Remarkable technology," Sadic continued. "So versatile. I just calculated seventeen different ways to end your life."
Agenord said, "Yeah."
"You overestimate your chances," Sadic told him. "I've run the numbers. I even sparred with your brother to test the system. I beat him easily."
"He was holding back," Agenord said.
"Was he really?" Sadic asked.
Agenord said, "Did he mention our father is a cybernetics engineer?"
Sadic paused.
Agenord said, "Didn't think so. And you were kind enough to let me study the systems on the Power Guards you sent after me. I can already see a dozen ways past your defenses."
Sadic seethed for a moment and said, "Agent Galen, control factor ten initiated!" Galen did nothing. "Obey me- or I'll tear your mind apart!"
"We destroyed the control systems," Agenord said. "Surrender or die, Sith. This is your only chance."
"Only the weak offer surrender as an option," Sadic said and ignited his saber. "I am not weak."
Agenord pushed the Power Guards across the room and rushed Sadic. The Guards recovered quickly, but Kira, Galen, and Teeseven were already attacking them. Sadic tried beating back Agenord without effect. His systems were designed to improve a lot of his Force ability, but the methods were contradictory. If he couldn't match Agenord's speed before, he couldn't match it now. The Twi'lek slipped past Sadic's best defenses to hit his most vital systems, wearing him down. His two Power Guards, the best he'd produced, were soon destroyed while the Jedi continued chipping away at him.
Agent Galen tried to rush in, but Kira stopped him. "We need to help," Galen said.
"Don't bother," Kira told him. She yelled at Agenord, "Stop playing with him! It isn't a training match!"
Playing? Sadic thought. What the devil-?
A Power Guard weapon flew up and hit Sadic under the jaw, cracking his armor. Agenord stabbed through the crack into Sadic's brain. The Sith Lord collapsed like so much scrap.
"You do that way too much," Kira told Agenord. "Someone's going to get hurt."
"The more I train, the better," Agenord said, then looked toward the door. "That's a surprise."
Agents Tander and Diyaz walked in a moment later with a commando team.
"Don't look so surprised," Tander said. "Agent Diyaz planted a tracker on your droid back at headquarters. Would've been here sooner, but getting into Imperial territory without a lightsaber is complicated." Agenord looked at the commando team. "This is Blackstar Squad, a special operations team. Your cousin wasn't covered for this. Agent Galen? You've... changed. I'll be expecting a thorough report."
"Chief Rieekan?" Galen asked.
"Didn't make it," Tander said. "I thought they would have told you."
"We were busy," Agenord said.
Tander looked at Sadic's body. "I guess you were.
"Special Agent Tander," Galen said. "I'm dangerous. I should be destroyed."
Tander said, "The SIS looks after its own, Galen. We'll help you. Lieutenant, prep this man for extraction."
"Sir," Agent Diyaz said. "I've located the Power Guard files- including notes on how the Sith controlled them. Orders?"
"Destroy the whole project," Agenord said.
"Not your call," Tander said. "Diyaz, destroy the data. I'm sure SIS already has a copy, but we don't want the Empire getting it. When you're done, we'll destroy the lab. Master Agenord, did your uncle really save two dozen Padawans at the Jedi Temple."
"He did," Agenord said. "And killed eight Sith Lords before Darth Malgus got him."
Tander shrugged. "I guess some of the stories are true. Out of curiosity, your cousin, do you think I have a chance?"
"Not really," Agenord replied.
"That was blunt," Tander said. "You should check in with General Var Suthra. We'll be right behind you. Just need to plant the incendiary charges. It was interesting working with you." He sighed. "You're as good as I've heard. Good luck."
"It's done, General," Agenord said. "But a lot of good people died."
"I'll take responsibility for it," Var Suthra said. "And for Agent Galen. He'll get the best medical attention possible."
"And the Power Guard project?" Agenord asked.
"Some aspects of it are valuable," the General replied. "But you proved they couldn't stand against a Jedi. The project was a failure born of fear. It's gone now."
"I don't like burying the truth, General," Agenord said. "But, I will learn to stomach it. What's our next target?"
The General said, "A major tactical advantage has just opened up, but you have to act quickly. One of Darth Angral's closest advisors- Admiral Haklin- asked us for asylum. He wants to defect."
"Hacklin was there when they interrogated me on Ord Mantell," Kira said. "He didn't seem the defecting type. What changed?"
"Not sure," Var Suthra replied. "But the admiral is on the run. There are unconfirmed reports Hacklin's earned a death-mark."
"It's too convenient," Agenord said.
"Exactly," Kira said. "This is obviously a trap."
"I understand your concerns," Var Suthra said. "But, if this is real, Hacklin can give us insight into Darth Angral's plans. It's worth the risk. And, he says he'll only surrender to Kira."
Kira said, "I have a bad feeling about this."
"Hacklin's expecting you two and no one else," the General continued. "I told him to wait for you at an old asteroid mining facility. I'm uploading the coordinates now."
"What can we expect?" Agenord asked.
"The mining facility's abandoned, and well off standard hyperspace routes." Var Sutra said. "It's the safest place we could find for the admiral."
Kira said, "It still sounds like a trap."
"We'll have a team waiting in the asteroid field," Var Suthra said. "If it is a trap, we'll be ready."
"We'll leave right away," Agenord said. Var Suthra nodded and the transmission ended.
"Do you believe this?" Kira asked.
"Not for a second," Agenord said. "But someone went to a lot of trouble to talk to you specifically. I want to know why." After he set course for the mining facility, Agenord said, "Have you been practicing that technique?"
"When I can," Kira told him.
"We have some time. Show me," he said. They got their training sabers and went over the technique a few times. "If I go in like this-" Agenord said. Kira twisted his saber out of the way. "Excellent. Do that again." They repeated the exchange, but, this time, Agenord maneuvered around Kira's guard and had his blade at her throat. "Thank you. I've been trying to find a counter to that move for three months."
Kira stared at him. "What the hell? When do I actually learn something valuable?"
"What are you talking about?" Agenord said. "You've improved a lot."
"I haven't hit you once," she countered.
Agenord shrugged. "That's true of a lot of people. But you're getting better. I can tell."
Kira sighed. "I seriously hate you sometimes."
"If you say so," Agenord said.
Stale air hit them as they exited the ship. The mining facility had enough power left for weak illumination, but they needed to crank open the doors manually. They made their way to the shuttle bay and found a Sith transport. A single figure stood in front of it.
"That's not Hacklin," Kira said.
"Let's find out who he is," Agenord said.
The man dressed conservatively and wore a lightsaber at his belt. He smiled with a smugness common to Sith Lords.
"Greetings," he said. "I am Valis. Your quick response is most appreciated. Please forgive the deception. Admiral Hacklin remains Darth Angral's faithful servant. His name simply made this meeting convenient."
"Let's kill him and get out of here," Kira said.
"Now, really," Valis said. "Is that a way to treat your family?"
"Is this why Angral wouldn't kill you on Ord Mantell?" Agenord asked Kira.
"Don't listen to him," Kira said. "He's trying to confuse you- us."
"Your Padawan isn't who you think," Valis said. "She's no Jedi. She's a Child of the Emperor, like me. And it's time she returned to our father's warm embrace."
"The chosen ones," Valis said. "Selected at birth to serve our father's great glory. A distinction we should wear with pride. Don't deny your true lineage, Kira."
Kira said, "I'm not a Sith. Don't let him turn you against me. We can defeat him. Together."
"You can defeat him alone, Kira," Agenord said.
"You're abandoning me?" Kira asked.
"I meant, you don't need my help," Agenord replied. "You're much better than he is. He won't even be a challenge."
Valis laughed. "I heard you were arrogant, but I had no idea. I will only incapacitate you, Kira, then I will kill your master in front of you." He ignited his saber.
Agenord said to Kira, "Go ahead."
Asshole, she thought. But he'd step in before she died. She was fairly sure of that. She ignited one blade of her saber and charged Valis. They exchanged a few rapid blows, then Kira leaped back and laughed. Agenord was right. He'd been increasing the difficulty of their sparring matches for the last three months, but she hadn't realized. She saw herself struggling to keep up, not how far she'd gone. Valis moved like he was stuck in syrup. He was nothing to her.
"Frightened?" he asked.
She shook her head. No more laughter. This was combat. Time to be serious. She rushed forward and attacked, quick, rapid strikes he could barely follow. His arrogance faded to understanding, but he continued to fight, determined to die like a Sith. At the end, she swept his blade out of the way and stabbed him in the head.
Kira stood over the body, not sure what to think. Agenord put a hand on her shoulder, and she dropped her saber and hugged him. She clung to him, shaking but not crying. He hugged her in return.
"I would never abandon you, Kira," he told her. "What you were doesn't change who you've become."
They looked at each other, and Kira kissed him. And froze. They both froze. They held the kiss from shock until Kira pulled away.
"That never happened," she said.
"Right."
"We need to go."
"Yes," he said.
When they returned to the ship, Kira said, "I know this is a big shock, but I can explain. My parents were Sith, but the Emperor isn't my father. 'Child of the Emperor' is just a title. I was taken from my parents when I was just a baby. Raised in the Sith Academy with others like Valis. It was... brutal."
Agenord said, "This was more than a title, Kira. They were preparing you for something."
She nodded. "Yeah, they were. Every so often, the other Children were taken to see our 'father.' They came back different. Nobody ever remembered meeting the Emperor. One day, I realized I couldn't remember anything from the past week. They were doing the same thing to me."
"It sounds like programming," Agenord said. "But that wouldn't need the Emperor. Whatever it is, we need to free you from it."
Kira said, "Every time I try, it slithers away."
"You should have told us, Kira."
"How would I even begin?" she said. "'By the way, I was born a Sith. Is that a problem?'"
Agenord said, "Not that, Kira. Master Jasaesh has two Sith grandparents. No one doubts her loyalty."
"She does?"
"We could have been trying to uncover the programming, cleanse you of it, or build up your defenses. That's years lost, Kira."
"Oh," Kira said. "Right."
"Start with Yvie," Agenord said. "Learn that shielding technique. It can't hurt, and it might help."
"What about the Emperor?" Kira said. "He won't stop hunting me."
"I'll stop him, Kira," Agenord said and put a hand on her shoulder. "I won't let them hurt you. Ever."
Too close, she thought. Way too close. Way, way, way, way too close. "That's good to know." She waited for his hand to drop. "I'm ready to tell the Council everything. But first, we should probably let the general know he's not getting his admiral."
"Then we set course for Tython. The Council will want to hear this face to face."
The Guardian settled into an open berth near the Jedi Temple. Four Jedi waited for them as they exited.
"Honor guard?" Kira asked them.
"We're part of the Twenty-Four," one of them said, the only female in the group.
"All right," another said. "He arrived when and where you said."
"Vision?" Agenord asked.
"Vision," the woman said. "But not today."
Teeseven whistled what was probably a question.
"Daarra had a vision about when we would help Master Agenord," one of the others said. "Which is fine, but she says we need anti-Sith training."
"Oh," Agenord said. "It's a tough program."
The last one said, "Is your lightsaber orange?"
"It is."
"Fuck," he said. "Fine. Anti-Sith training."
"You'll be grateful for it," Daarra told him. The other groaned. "Master Agenord, always a pleasure. And..." She looked at Kira. "Oh. Well. Wow."
Agenord said, "I don't suppose you know what Kriranda is doing."
Daarra laughed. "Sorry. I'm not that good."
The three of them went to the Temple and headed toward the Council chamber. Before they reached the dual ramps leading up to the chamber, Kira spotted Master Satele in front of a door talking to a Lathan woman from the Twi'lek village.
"Master Satele," Kira said and ran to her. The Grandmaster's eyes widened as Agenord approached.
"You were supposed to go to the Council Chamber," the Grandmaster said.
"I know," Kira said, then apologized to the Lathan. "I need to say this. I was born on Dromund Kaas. My parents are Sith Lords." Kira sighed. "Whew! Much easier the second time. There's more, obviously."
"Yes," Master Satele said, cautiously.
"I shouldn't have interrupted," Kira said. "I just needed to get that out."
"I understand," Master Satele said, still cautiously.
"Master Agenord," the Lathan said. "Hi, it's Eseni. I don't know if you remember me. I tried to kill you that one time. I'm sorry about that. I'm making up for it, though. Really."
"It's okay," Kira said. "You're the first to apologize for it."
"I do remember," Agenord said. "I hope your friends are doing the same."
"Agenord?" a voice said from the doorway. "Is that you?"
"Ranna?" Agenord said.
A very pregnant Ranna Tao'Ven emerged from the room, and Agenord's eyes snapped open.
"Did they finally tell you?" Ranna asked. "They said you were saving all of Tython or something. You couldn't be told yet." She massaged her belly. "That stuff I used. It's new. It's supposed to be more effective and have fewer side effects, but it doesn't work on some green Twi'lek. Weird chemistry or something." Agenord stared. "It's okay, though. I always wanted kids."
Kira said, "I, uh, hate to be the bad guy-"
"I already was," Master Satele said. "We've tested the baby's DNA. There's no question."
"It's a boy," Ranna said. "Normal pregnancy. He's very healthy." Agenord stared. "I was going to call him Dax'l."
Agenord blinked hard. "'Protector.' That's a good name for an Onoka. He'll have to be tested. We're always tested."
"Right," Ranna said. "But, not for a while. So, have you saved Tython yet?"
"No," Agenord said. "Not yet. A Darth wants to destroy the Jedi Order. He'll attack Tython. The village-"
"We've been talking about it," Master Satele said. "We don't know the nature of Darth Angral's attack yet, but we will prepare. We'll keep the villagers safe."
"Right," Agenord said.
Satele said, "Master Agenord, Kira, go to the Council Chamber. I need some time to assemble the Council, then I will meet you there. Matriarch, this is not how I planned it, but thank you for being here."
"Agenord," Ranna said. "It's good to see you again."
Kira held in a sigh. Ranna's expression was intense and unmistakable. Her pain as she left was palpable.
"... and then Master Agenord convinced me to come here and tell you," Kira said to the Council. "That's pretty much everything."
"We've heard rumors about these 'Children of the Emperor'," Syo Bakarn said. "But this finally confirms their existence."
Tol Braga added, "Troubling that we never sensed the truth about Kira."
"That makes her especially dangerous," Jaric Kaedan said. "She can't be allowed to remain free."
Master Satele said, "Master Agenord should have a voice in this. What do you recommend?"
"She's not a criminal," Agenord said. "She's done nothing wrong. She's a victim of the Emperor, not an accomplice. You never sensed the Dark Side in her, because there was none to sense. She resisted the Emperor and fled. She earned her place among the Jedi, she earned Master Kiwiiks trust, and she earned mine. She is also an opportunity to learn more about these Children of the Emperor, their purpose, and his plans. She needs to remain with me. I'm the best person to watch her and protect her. She should also study the shielding technique from Yvie. It might strengthen her against the Emperor's programming."
"We can't ignore the threat she represents to our entire order," Master Kaedan said.
"We don't ignore it," Agenord said. "We turn it to our advantage."
"You want to allow her to remain a Padawan?" Kaedan said. "To become a Jedi Knight? It's inconceivable."
Master Braga said, "We first learned of the Children of the Emperor from a Sith turned to the light."
"Master Braga is right," Master Bakarn said. "No one is beyond redemption."
Master Satele said, "It was natural for you to fear our reaction, Kira, considering your upbringing. What's important now is that you devote yourself to the Jedi. Can you do that?"
"I've been trying to ever since Master Kiwiiks found me," Kira replied.
Agenord said, "Kira is a willful Padawan-"
Master Satele held back a laugh with a hard cough.
"Which is not uncommon among the Jedi," Agenord continued. "But I trust her with my life."
Master Braga said, "Master Agenord's trust is not easily earned. I need no further proof."
"This is a mistake," Master Kaedan said. "Master Kiwiiks would agree with me."
"Perhaps," Satele said. "We will discuss the matter again when she returns. Until then, Kira will remain with Master Agenord."
"I promise I'll make all of you proud," Kira said. "Even you, Master Kaedan."
After the Council departed, Kira thanked Agenord and Satele. "And I promise, Master Satele, I won't be as willful as you think."
"She meant me," Agenord said.
"Oh," Kira replied. "I won't be that willful either. And I'll study hard with Master Yvie."
"Just use audio," Agenord said.
"Why?" Kira asked.
"He's right," Satele said. "Just use audio. It's less... intimidating."
"For now," Agenord said. "Go to the ship and train. I'll join you after I get back from the Kalikori village."
"How are you handling it?" Master Satele asked.
Agenord said, "Dax'l is an Onoka."
Agenord arrived at the village and dismounted his speeder, and the Twi'lek around him stopped. He walked through an ocean of silence to the Matriarch's house. Eseni answered the door, stepped out of his way, and left.
Agenord and Ranna stared at each other for a moment before Agenord said, "I wanted to apologize for my reaction. You deserved better."
"I understand."
"What has Master Satele told you about me?" he asked.
"You're saving the Jedi Order," she said. "You're one of their best, one of the best in years."
"More than that," Agenord said. "It's possible I am a Champion of the Force."
"I'm not sure what that means."
Agenord said, "The last identified Champion was Revan."
"You're... as strong as Revan? I'm still not sure what it means."
"Champions are known for shaping the galaxy," Agenord told her. "Sometimes for the better, sometimes not. But they are always at the center of the storm."
"Oh."
"Darth Angral will not be the last," Agenord said. "The Force creates Champions for a specific task. I don't know what it is, but it's more than Darth Angral. Anyone near me is in danger. War is coming, and the Jedi cannot afford to sideline their best. That being said, the Onoka have a strong sense of family. Obviously. I can be a part of his life, or I can walk away. If I am a part of his life, it will mostly be over holo. The choice is yours."
"But it's not mine," Ranna said. "Not alone." She touched her stomach. "He's going to want to know his father."
"Then, I will talk to Master Satele," Agenord said. "We will set something up. I have to go now. I still need to stop Darth Angral."
"If you don't?" she asked.
"He'll attack Tython, destroy the Temple, and the village will be caught in the blast."
"Oh," she said again. "That's a good reason. Why does he hate the Jedi so much?"
Agenord said, "I killed his son, Tarnis, on Coruscant. Tarnis was about to set off a super weapon that would have killed tens of thousands of people."
Ranna sighed. "Do you ever get easy jobs?"
"No. I don't."
"I get it," she said. "A Matriarch puts the village first. All the time." She wiped her eyes. "I can't blame you for doing the same. Well, you have work to do. So do I. How long until he gets here?"
"A month. Maybe two. And I will do everything I can to stop him."
"I believe you. Goodbye, Agenord, and good luck."
"You talked?" Kira asked.
"We talked," Agenord said. "I will be a part of his life. It will mostly be over holo, but Dax'l will know his father."
"I don't suppose you mentioned the retirement plan."
"No," Agenord said. "I didn't think it was the right time. But, it won't be Angral. He's practice for the real threat."
"Speaking of, the General contacted us. We need to go to Tatooine."
Agenord smiled. "We can get pearls."
Kira groaned. "Yeah. I guess we can."
Agenord went to the cargo room to train, and Kira requested clearance to take off.
The kiss never happened. The spontaneous, warm, comforting kiss that left a mark on her mind never, ever happened. "I trust her with my life." That happened. In front of the Council. But not the kiss. Or the hug. Shit, I thought my life was complicated before. Clearance. We have clearance. Setting a course for Tatooine.