This is unscheduled, the Twi'lek waiter signed with his lekku.

I've been ordered to investigate the destruction of the Dominator and the death of Darth Jadus, the agent signed back.

They will not be happy. Headquarters feels you're too visible, the waiter said.

Agreed, but they made a choice, and Jadus singled me out.

The waiter smiled at a customer, took her order, and headed toward the bar. What are your thoughts on the Jadus incident?

My friend thinks he faked it, the agent replied. She suspects the Dark Council believes the same.

It may be a power grab, the waiter said.

Agreed.

Headquarters does not want Jadus in power, the waiter said.

The agent held back a smile. Then I am aligned with the Dark Council. That will make my job easier.

Where will you be?

Korriban for a meeting, the agent replied. Then Balmorra.

Very well. Your next contact will be on Balmorra.

Understood, the agent said and finished her drink.

"What was he saying?" Kaliyo asked.

"He was describing what he wanted to do to me," the agent told her.

"Anything good?"

"I doubt it would meet your standards," the agent said.

"Too bad," Kaliyo said, sizing up the waiter. "Imagination trumps anything else. Now, that smuggler on Hutta-"

"No thank you," the agent said. "Besides, the ship should be ready by now. We need to go."

At the spaceport, they were led through several security doors to an isolated hangar.

"Something special about this ship?" Kaliyo asked.

"It's a prototype," the agent told her. "One of only a few currently in use."

When they finally saw the ship, Kaliyo said, "Nice digs."

"Yes," the agent said, surveying the ship. "Welcome to the Nightshrike."

Kaliyo chuckled. "That's a good name for it. I fought one of those. Very tough."

"I'm glad you like it," the agent said. "You might not like our destination, though."

"Seedy underbelly?"

"Worse. Korriban to speak with the new Minister of Intelligence."

Kaliyo shuddered. "Well, it can't be all fun."


"Look who made it all the way to Korriban!" Darth Zhorrid declared. "I think we have a visitor," she said to her bodyguard.

"Yes, my Lord," the bodyguard said.

"Commander, I want to be informal with my bodyguards."

"Yes, Lady Zhorrid," the bodyguard replied.

"Delightful. You, my pretty alien," she said to the agent. "Don't you find my bodyguards delightful?"

"If you say so, my Lord," the agent replied.

"Excellent!" Zhorrid said. "Delightful bodyguard, kill our visitor, please."

The bodyguard bowed. "She's as good as dead, Lady Zhorrid."

He turned to attack, but the agent was already on him. She struck rapidly, hitting vital areas and disorienting him. She knocked him to the ground and twisted his arm, pinning him.

Zhorrid blinked. "You didn't kill him."

"Why would I?" the agent said. "This was obviously a test."

"Very good," Zhorrid said. "Cipher Nine, is it? I like you, Cipher Nine." She turned to her other bodyguards. "Take him to the Infirmary. Get him checked out."

The bodyguards looked at Cipher Nine.

"I'll be fine," Zhorrid said. "Go. Go, go, go, go." The guards departed, and Zhorrid's expression became more lucid. "Why did my father take an interest in you?"

Cipher Nine shrugged. "He told me, as an outsider, and an alien, my loyalty was uncompromised."

Zhorrid smiled. "A lie, but a good one. Tell me if you discover the real answer. Why are you helping Zash's apprentice?"

"She wants to advance Twi'lek in the Empire," Cipher Nine said. "She believes an ally in Imperial Intelligence would help."

"Another wonderful lie!" Zhorrid said. "I'd heard good things about her. Perhaps they're true. I can't wait to see the real reason. But, for now, you have a very important task. If you discover who destroyed the Dominator, you will bring the information to me immediately. No one else." She smiled again. "Dismissed."

Once they were alone, the agent said to Kaliyo, "What do you think?"

"She asked about the Dominator," Kaliyo said. "Not her father."

Cipher Nine sighed. "Sith families are never dull."


"You got him," Vette said to Mako.

They sat in a cantina in Sobrik, the capital of Balmorra. The cantina was more of a bounty hunter dive, but it felt more like Nar Shaddaa than Dromund Kaas ever had. Strange how far a little familiarity could take you.

Mako shrugged. "Tough bounty, but a good payoff. I can't really say much more. And, we need to leave really fast. Weird that we're both on Balmorra, huh?"

"A little," Vette said. "It's still good to see you."

"How did you know, anyway?"

"Mau'te is keeping track."

Mako nodded.

"Mako?" someone said, and they both turned.

"Kaliyo?" Mako replied.

"What are you doing on Balmorra?" the Rattataki asked, sitting down at the table.

Mako smiled. "Great Hunt."

"No shit?" Kaliyo said. "Good job. Braden must be proud."

Mako scowled. "Tarro Blood killed him. Just to make it more difficult for us."

"Son of a bitch," Kaliyo said. "You want me to kill him for you?"

"No," Mako said. "I want to do it myself."

Kaliyo smiled. "Good girl." She looked at Vette. "Hey, aren't you the one Agent was training?"

"Yeah," Vette said. "Are you the one Mau'te sent to the hospital?"

"The stims sent me to the hospital," Kaliyo said. "He just helped them along. But, totally worth it. Am I right?"

Vette shrugged. "We haven't-"

"You haven't tapped that?" Kaliyo said. "Wow. You're as bad as Mako."

"What?" Mako said. "I am not... at all... necessarily... that bad. Right? What? Vette?"

Vette sighed. "Honey, Taunt and I tried for two years."

"Fine," Mako said. "Never mind."

Kaliyo said. "Uh, Mako, there's a really big Twi'lek headed this way."

"That's Ter'viro," Mako said. "He's the bounty hunter I'm working with."

Kaliyo whistled. "Damn, that's a lot of Twi'lek."

"Ready?" Ter'viro said when he got to them.

"Yes," Mako said. "Oh, this is my friend Kaliyo. We knew each other on Hutta."

"Ma'am," Ter'viro said. "Vette." He nodded to her.

"Are you the Grand Melee guy?" Kaliyo asked.

Ter'viro nodded.

"Onoka, right? Do you know a Xaldiba Onoka?"

"My older brother," Ter'viro said. "You and he...?"

"Oh, yeah," Kaliyo said. "We partied." She looked Ter'viro up and down. "You know, I wouldn't mind completing the set."

"What set?" Mako said. "It's not a set. Why would you say set? I don't even know what that means. Anyway, we need to go. Because of the Hunt. And the Imperials. And other stuff. Anyway, we have to go." She grabbed Ter'viro's arm and pulled, but he didn't notice. Mako sighed and knocked on his chest plate.

"Yeah?" he said.

"We need to go," Mako told him.

"Right." He nodded good-bye to Kaliyo and Vette.

Kaliyo watched him leave. "I would not mind climbing that. Am I right? So, what about you? I know some better places. I bet you could get me a lot of free drinks."

"I'm good," Vette replied.

Kaliyo shrugged. "Suit yourself. If you and Mau'te ever want a threesome, feel free to call." Kaliyo swallowed the last of Mako's drink. "See you when I see you." She got up and left.


Kaliyo did not go to better places. She returned to the agent's ship and found the Twi'lek operative reading the details of their mission.

"I made contact," Kaliyo said.

"Good," the agent replied without looking up.

"Weird that we both know Mako."

"Ask our Sith friend about coincidences some time," the agent said. "She'll give you a detailed explanation."

"You just want me to be Vette's friend?" Kaliyo asked.

"Yes," the agent said. "Our friend needs to watch Mau'te. She can't do that directly anymore." She turned around. "Just to be clear, you're not betraying Vette. Our friend's interest in Lord Mau'te is not adversarial."

"You can be adversarial about him."

"My opinion of Lord Mau'te is not the issue," the agent said. "But, our friend and I agree on this: Vette is not to be harmed. You can genuinely be her friend. Just bring me the gossip."

Kaliyo shrugged. "Anything for scary Sith bitch." She looked at the mission details. "Resistance cell, huh? Do you need help with the Republic accent?"

"No," the agent said. "I've practiced it quite a bit."

She closed the file and went to the cockpit to check the ship's systems. Prototypes demanded careful monitoring. She watched through the window at the droid workers in the secure hangar. A mouse droid buzzed into view and began working back and forth between two panels, tapping out a slow message.

Where?

Resistance, she tapped back.

Ally. Old friend.

Understood.

The mouse droid finished its work and buzzed away.


"Don't waste my time, Sanju." The said resistance fighter up and down, scarred and cybernetic, belligerent, comfortable with the weapon on her back, and a grudge a parsec wide. "You're lucky to even be here."

"I got you those scramblers, didn't I?" Sanju replied. He was cute, a little on the sweet side, and Cipher Nine's contact. "Come on, Chemish. You owe me. Maybe not big time, but you owe me."

"When's the last time you did an operation for us?" the woman, Chemish, asked.

"What?" Sanju said. "Come on, we've been over this."

"Gray Star didn't send out a call for cowards, and neither did the Eagle. Do you think-"

"Hey!" Sanju said, noticing Cipher Nine and Kaliyo. "Someone finally made it. It's great to meet you in person."

"What are you talking about?" Cipher Nine said. "We've never met."

"Sorry," Sanju said. "I had to be vague during our HoloNet talks. My real name's Sanju Pyne. Chemish! This is the woman who got in touch with me after the Eagle's broadcast. Said she wanted to join us."

Chemish looked at Cipher Nine. "Uh-huh. Sanju says you fought the Imperials at Druckenwell. Says the Empire has a bounty on your head."

"I didn't know you were at Druckenwell," Kaliyo said. "We should talk."

"Is all that real?" Chemish asked. "You some ace killer looking to get the Empire off Balmorra?"

"'At Druckenwell' is an exaggeration," Cipher Nine replied. "I was sixteen then and could barely fire a gun. The bounty came later."

"I've seen younger fighters," Chemish said.

"So have I," Cipher Nine replied. "I'm not saying more until I know who I'm dealing with."

Chemish smiled. "I'm the woman who'll shoot your head off if you're not legit. These people here-they follow Gray Star, our founder. They've been spat on, starved and punished by the Empire. Now you- you're not from Balmorra. You haven't been through what they've been through."

Cipher Nine said, "The Empire is on more worlds than Balmorra."

"Yeah, but you look a little too clean," Chemish replied. "See these cybernetics? Earned them after an Imperial soldier threw me to the torture droids. Because I 'looked threatening.' When I was eighteen."

Sanju gasped. "Damn. Chemish, I never realized-"

"Sure, Sanju," Chemish said. "So, yeah- I've earned respect around here. You've got a long way to go."

"Less than you think," Cipher Nine said, her voice low and sharp with emotion. "My sister has scars like yours. She didn't lose an eye, but her scars go a lot farther down."

"Torture droids?" Chemish asked.

"Sith Lord," Cipher Nine said. "She was fourteen. Now she's a soldier, fighting the Empire every chance she gets."

Chemish chuckled and turned toward Sanju. "Maybe she is good enough." She turned back. "All right, I've got a job for you."


Kaliyo fired full auto on a bipedal droid, tearing it apart, ducked behind a shielded crate until the return fire faded, then fired on another droid.

"These things aren't that tough," she said.

"They're worker droids, not combat units," Cipher Nine replied.

Kaliyo fired again. "I thought droids didn't rebel."

"They don't," the agent said. "The programmers must have installed a defense protocol when the Empire invaded." She targeted the processor of one of the droids, fired once, and watched it fall.

"My way is more fun," Kaliyo said and shot another droid full of holes.

They moved cautiously through the factory. Fortunately, the defense program was rushed and imperfect. The droids never responded to anything outside their field of view, even when their companions were cut down. The agent and Kaliyo located the power cores and had them loaded onto a repulsor sled, when the agent's holocommunicator beeped.

"Thank the stars I reached you," Sanju said. "Sorry about earlier- with Chemish there, I couldn't say a thing. Station Chief Renald told me you were from Imperial Intelligence, so I set things up as fast as I could."

"This communication is a risk for both of us," Cipher Nine replied.

"Right," Sanju said. "So, Chemish verified your background- Intelligence did its job. You're fine there. I'm doing my best to find out anything about the cell leader- Gray Star. Maybe you can learn more when Chemish trusts you."

"Stop looking," the agent said. "You risk exposing yourself."

"I appreciate that. But I've been inside the cell for a year now, and they haven't gotten suspicious yet."

"You hope," the agent replied. "Is this why you contacted me?"

"No. Sorry." Sanju took a breath. "Those power cores you're after- you know what Chemish plans to do with them, right?"

"Something involving stealth," the agent said.

"She's going to attack Sobrik. She'll have some of the new recruits plant the bombs and run-hit the town and the Imperial base."

"Estimated casualties?" the agent asked.

"What?" Sanju said. "How am I supposed to figure that? Just listen."

Kaliyo rolled her eyes. Out of sight of the communicator.

"I know a way to disable the power cores so Chemish won't suspect you," Sanju continued. "There's a machine in the factory that can do it."

"A microwave sanitizer?" Cipher Nine asked.

"Uh, yes," Sanju said. "Run the sealed case-"

"I know how to use it," the agent told him. "It's a terrible risk."

"It could save a lot of lives," Sanju said.

"Or cost a lot if we fail. But I will consider it. Where is it?"

He transmitted the coordinates.

"Thanks," he said. "And, sorry about your sister."

"That was a lie, obviously," Cipher Nine said.

"Right," Sanju said. "Sorry. It sounded real. I'll see you when you get back to Troida, okay? Sanju out."

Kaliyo smiled. "Kind of cute, isn't he? Kind of stupid, too. If he had money, he'd be perfect."

"He's all yours. Just try not to break him," the agent said. "We still need him."

"You take all the fun out of it. So, are we burning those cores?"

"We will turn down the settings and burn half of them," Cipher Nine said. "That will be more believable, and both of them will be happy and unhappy."

"You're playing your own guy?" Kaliyo said.

"Of course."

"Damn, you're almost as scary as our friend. I'm afraid to ask which one was the lie."

"Very good," Cipher Nine said. "Now you're thinking like a spy."


"Your friend is quick, Sanju," Chemish said, examining the case.

"Told you she was good," Sanju said.

"You tell me a lot of things," Chemish replied. "What's this?" She indicated the scorch marks.

"Radiation damage," the agent told her. "Not unexpected in a factory in disrepair."

"Is this going to ruin my power cores?" Chemish asked in a harsh tone.

"The innermost cores might still be good," Cipher Nine said.

"Pyther," Chemish said to one of the other resistance fighters. "Is this possible?"

"It's possible," Pyther replied. "Power cores are pretty fragile. I need to look them over." He cracked open the case and examined the power cores. "About half are good, I'd say. I need to test them."

Chemish shook her head. "We work with what we've got. Get started. I need to reprioritize our targets."

"You sound like you know something about this," Pyther said to the agent.

"A bit," she replied.

"I could use the help," he said.

"Yeah," Chemish said. "Let's see what else you can do." She nodded to Kaliyo. "What about her?"

"I'm great at setting off the bombs," Kaliyo said. "Not so much at making them. I could teach some of your men how to shoot straight. Or fire a blaster."

"Don't worry," Chemish said. "We've got stuff to do."

"Wonderful," the agent said. "Pyther was it? Let's start on those cores."

"So, Chemish brought you in, eh?" Pyther said, as they carried the case to his workbench. "Too bad we didn't get to train together- I like teaching the new recruits." He pulled out two sets of tools, keeping an eye on nearby resistance fighters. "I'm Pyther. I'm one of the old hands, from before the Eagle started his whole galaxy-wide campaign. Back when we just had Gray Star."

"What are the duties of an 'old hand' around here?" Cipher Nine asked.

"I show the new guys how to put together a bomb without getting killed. You can learn a lot about a person that way."

The other fighters saw a long story coming and moved away.

"Of course," Pyther continued. "A lot of times what you learn is that they're pretty much doomed." He paused until they were alone. "What happened?" he whispered. "I thought you were going to work in a weapons lab."

"I was," Cipher Nine said. "Imperial Intelligence wanted a weapon designer in the field. Headquarters wanted to know why."

"I heard Theron's bitching about it."

Two fighters passed by and the agent said clearly, "What made you get involved with the resistance?"

"When the Republic fled Balmorra-" Pyther began, watching the others.

"Let him bitch," the agent said when the others were gone. "He didn't have Sith Lords breathing down his neck." She set a converted power core on the table.

"What's with these cores?" Pyther asked. "They should all be good."

"Sanju was getting squeamish," she replied. "I needed to keep him happy. A little happy anyway. If you can, push Chemish toward equipment and not people. Sanju will think he's accomplished something."

"Sanju is your contact? It's hard to believe he's a mole," Pyther said. "Says a lot about what the Empire thinks of the resistance."

"He could use a friendly big brother."

"Kind of like kicking a puppy," Pyther said. "But war is war. So, what's with the Rattataki?"

"Independent contractor," the agent said.

"Imperial Intelligence allows mercenaries?"

"Seems weird to me too," the agent said. "But they're okay with it." She put another converted core on the table.

He slid a note across to her. "I got a message for your other friend. Memorize and destroy."

She did.

"What's the story with Gray Star and the Eagle?" She asked clearly, as another resistance fighter walked past.

"The story?" Pyther said. "The Eagle trained here. They say he was one of Gray Star's lieutenants before he took off and started finding allies."

After the resistance fighter passed, Cipher Nine said, "Seriously, what can you tell me about them?"

"The Eagle was ex-military. That was obvious. True believer type, from what I've heard. I'm not surprised he wanted to kill a Sith Lord. I am surprised he succeeded."

"Gray Star?" the agent asked.

"Smart, cautious, a good leader. He gets results. I've never met him, but his strategies always work."

"I'm supposed to deal with Gray Star," the agent said.

"Don't kill him," Pyther said. "Chemish will go on a rampage. We'll lose all the work she's done."

"I can't let him go. It'll ruin my cover."

Pyther thought for a moment. "Capture him. Turn him into a martyr. Chemish will do anything to get him back, and she'll do good damage in the process."

The agent nodded. "Martyr it is."

"We won't get our freedom back unless we fight for it," Pyther said quickly. "You know that. Chemish! Nearly done."

"How many could you salvage?" she asked.

"A little over half," Pyther replied.

"I guess I was a little stupid to think this would be easy," Chemish said. "What about her?"

"Top notch work," Pyther said. "She knows her way around explosives."

Chemish sighed. "Good to hear. That's almost as valuable as a good soldier. When you're done here," she said to the agent. "I've got another job for you."


"So, you made it back," Chemish said as the agent and Kaliyo walked in.

"You look like shit," Pyther said.

"Fuck you," Kaliyo replied, more because he was right. They were both dirty, cut, scraped, and bruised. Chemish's other job was breaking into a secure outpost. Scouting the site took four days, planning the infiltration took another two, all while they hid from patrols and colicoids. "Field rations and improvised latrines will do that to anyone," Kaliyo added.

"You did good work out there," Chemish said. "All the data's intact. That's what matters. Get yourselves cleaned up, and we'll talk."


"I thought you'd have more scars," Chamish said.

Cipher Nine turned around to find a naked Chemish walking into her shower stall.

"I prefer stealth," the agent replied. "Every fight you avoid is one less you need to win."

"I guess that's true," Chemish said. She reached over and took the agent's bar of soap. "Me, I want to watch them burn."

Kaliyo poked her head over the divider. "I told you my way was more fun." She looked down at Chemish. "If you like scars, I've got enough to keep you happy."

"I didn't know you were that way," Chemish said.

Kaliyo smiled. "Honey, I'm whatever way gets the job done." She winked at Chemish and disappeared behind the divider.

Chemish lathered her hands. "Let me do your back."

Cipher Nine turned around. "Do you do this for every recruit?"

"I needed to get away from Sanju," Chemish said. "He'd never follow us in here. Did he tell you what the data was for?"

"Imperial collaborators," Cipher Nine replied.

"Right," Chemish said. "You helped us expose traitors."

"I can understand the value," the agent replied.

"They'll get what's coming to them," Chemish said. "Don't worry.

"That's a waste," the agent said. "You should track them, bug their homes, use them for intel."

Chemish stopped scrubbing. "Huh. You remind me a lot of Gray Star." She started scrubbing again. "So, here's my problem. Sanju brought you in, but he's making me nervous. I saw him looking at the list of collaborators." The agent turned around. "You do good work. Got me those power cores. Pyther said you knew what you were doing converting them. They went off nice and clean. And you got me my data. Not easy to do. The security on that bunker was pretty good. So tell me, how do I resolve this?"

"You already know that," Cipher Nine said. "Sanju is enthusiastic but squeamish. He's far too nice for what needs to be done. He's good at searching the holonet for recruits, but he's a bad choice when blood is involved."

Chemish sighed. "Pyther said the same thing. Wants to take Sanju under his wing."

"Right," Kaliyo called out. "How much harm could he do building explosives?"

"Pyther's never had an accident," Chemish said. "Well?" she said to the agent. "He brought you in."

"I'd hate to see anything bad happen to him," the agent said. "But, I'm not in charge. And war is war."

Kaliyo walked into the stall. "You could give him to me as a pet."

"We don't have the room," the agent said.

"Killjoy."

Chemish's eye widened at the sight of Kaliyo. She hadn't lied. The Rattataki had battle scars of every type in places they should never be.

"You can scrub me down, if you want," Kaliyo said to her.

"No, thanks," Chemish said.

"Well," Kaliyo said. "I'm as clean as I need to be. Time to get dirty again." She winked at Chemish again and left.

"How far down do your sister's scars go?" Chemish asked.

The agent touched a spot six centimeters below Chimish's right breast.

"Did she tell him what he wanted to know?"

The agent said, "He didn't do it for information."

"Do you think she'd be willing to join us?" Chemish asked.

"She likes it where she is," the agent replied. "And she's doing good work."

Chemish shrugged. "I've got a new job for you. We'll talk after you're done." She started to leave then turned back. She looked the agent up and down. "You and Pyther. You're just friends, right?"

"Of course," the agent replied.

Chemish nodded and left.


"When the Republic fled Balmorra and let the Imperials take over, mom and dad got killed," Pyther told the agent.

Kaliyo gave the agent a bored look and walked away.

"I'll never forgive the Empire for what they did to this planet," Pyther continued, watching Kaliyo leave. Or the Republic, either, for-" He lowered his voice. "The message you have is for Gray Star."

"Best way to approach him?" Cipher Nine asked.

"Offer his people amnesty," Pyther replied. "He cares about them the most."

The agent nodded. "This will be it. I'll be headed back to Sobrik."

"Understood."

"What happens to you?" the agent asked.

Pyther shrugged. "If I light the right fire under Chemish, we'll be fine."

"You already have," Cipher Nine told him.

"I have? Okay. I'll look into that." He saw Chemish approach and added, "He can make a weapon out of a farm boy. He'll get us out. Am I right, Chemish?"

"He's a better leader than I am," she replied.

"Well," he said. "I've generators in need of repair."

"You wanted to hear more of his stories?" Chemish asked the agent after Pyther left.

"Actually, I asked about the Republic base," the agent replied. "I'm not sure how we got around to farm boys."

Chemish smiled. "Pyther's good at that."

"Thank you for the rescue," the agent said.

Chemish nodded. "How did Sanju contact you, again?"

"I contacted him," the agent replied. "Someone proved the Dark Council wasn't invulnerable. A lot of people would see that as a sign. A lot could get done, and I was ready to be a part of it."

Chemish said, "He claimed he did more."

The agent shrugged. "He gave me a sales pitch I didn't need, and his enthusiasm rewrote the details."

"Yeah, that sounds like Sanju. Sorry if I sound paranoid."

"That's your job. It's how you keep your people alive."

Chemish was about to respond when Kaliyo yelled, "We leaving or what?"

The agent rolled her eyes. "I'm sure it can wait, but the mission calls."


Halfway to the Republic base, the agent's comm beeped.

"Shit," she said.

"I think he likes you," Kaliyo told her.

The agent sighed and activated the holocomm.

"Hey!" Sanju said. "I don't have long, but please tell me you didn't-"

"Get to it, Sanju," Cipher Nine said. "Every time you do this, you risk detection."

"It's important," he said. "Let me explain. That package you're carrying is for Gray Star- the terror cell leader."

"I know who Gray Star is."

"You do? I don't even know that."

"I know he's the terror cell leader," the agent told him. "Speed it up."

"Right. Chemish wants to extract him, and you've been sent to help."

"Don't be redundant."

"Right," Sanju said. "As best I can tell, Gray Star has been secretly managing and supplying the terror cell while pretending to be a loyal Republic officer."

"What does this have to do with the mission?"

"Nothing, I guess," he said. "Anyway, your package contains instructions and maps leading to a safe house. But... we could change those instructions. Send Gray Star into a trap. Once we have Gray Star-"

"I can figure the rest out."

"Right. I'm sending you rendezvous coordinates. If you want to do this thing-"

"I understand."

"Right. Anyway, I may have to go into hiding for a while."

"No. You will stay in the resistance cell and be a good little soldier. Any sudden change will make them suspicious."

"Yes. I understand," Sanju said. "It's... it's been an honor working with you. Sanju out."

"You were so mean," Kaliyo said.

The agent groaned. "How the fuck are we winning on this world?"

Kaliyo shrugged. "No idea, but I finally got to see you naked, so I'm okay."


"Come into my cage," the Gran said, rising from his cot. "I apologize for my guards- the Republic has grown suspicious of me, and the droids watch for mischief. I am Gray Star. Chemish tells me you're one of the greatest freedom fighters we've had in some time. It's an honor to meet you."

"I'm not what you think I am," Cipher Nine said. "I'm Republic SIS, sent undercover to contact you. We need you to surrender yourself to the Imperials."

"How can I abandon my work?" Grey Star asked. "How can I abandon my people to the cruelty of the Empire? Why would the Republic want that?"

"We're preparing to move on Balmorra, but it will take time," she told him. "Your resistance cell is too good. It draws too much Imperial attention. They might discover our plans while hunting for you. But, if you were a martyr and a symbol, you would shift the focus of the resistance to something else, give the Republic room to work."

"What of my people?" he demanded.

"The Empire believes I am one of them," the agent said. "I will tell them you're willing to cooperate, in exchange for limited amnesty for your people. The most zealous among you-"

"Chemish," he said.

"Yes. Will continue to fight. When the push comes, the Republic will supply the Resistance and fight at your side."

Gray Star considered carefully and nodded. "I will turn myself in. And so long as the Empire does not retaliate against the Balmorran people, I will cooperate. To Sobrik, now, and a destiny I've long sought to escape. How strange the way things end up."


"If it isn't the Cipher herself, come triumphantly to our doorstep," Renald said. "I was just telling our Keeper about you!"

"Keeper," the agent said, nodding toward the holoemitter.

"You did well, Cipher Nine," Keeper replied.

"Indeed," Renald continued. "You surprised us all with your gift, Cipher- Gray Star coming to us, offering to surrender! He made some demands for leniency and rambled about 'his people,' but he was cooperating! Quite a day."

The agent shrugged. "He agreed to surrender only if there were no reprisals."

"Indeed," Renald said. "And why aggravate him? So long as Gray Star's helping us, we can afford to throw the man a bone. How did you do it?"

Kaliyo said, "She told him she was Republic SIS."

"And he believed it?" Renald said. "Remarkable!"

"I almost believed it," Kaliyo said.

"That's a risky game, Cipher Nine," Keeper said.

"I didn't think he'd respond to anything else, sir," the agent said.

"I understand," Keeper said. "But I wouldn't use that trick too often."

"Yes, sir. And the resistance cell?"

"Gone into hiding," Renald said. "They might make some trouble once in a while, but nothing we can't handle. And Sanju is still with them. We'll keep track of them, all right."

Keeper said, "What matters is the Balmorran cell is no longer a threat. The other cells in the Eagle's network will no longer receive fresh recruits and supplies from this world."

"Any news on our primary target?" Cipher Nine asked.

"Progress is being made," Keeper replied. "Watcher Two will contact you when we have more."

"Understood, sir."

"Very good, Cipher Nine. Keeper out." The transmission ended.

Renald shook his head. "That man hides it well, but the strain's getting to him- probably worried the Dark Council will skin him alive. Ah, but now's no time to discuss politics. You deserve a moment of celebration, and I have work to do. Safe journey, young Cipher."

Once they were out of Renald's office, Kaliyo said, "You did sound convincing, you know."

"Lying is in the job description," Cipher Nine replied. "You know what it would mean, don't you? Our friend would have to be a Jedi."

Kaliyo hit the wall laughing and continued for a good half minute. "Shit, you're right. You almost had me, but there is no way a Jedi could be that fucking scary." She rubbed her eyes. "Not bad, agent. Not bad at all. Let's get out of here. You and me- we're going places."