Intrigue on Onderon

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars; this is merely a fanfiction.

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A Lambda-class shuttle cut through the starry sky towards the shimmering planet of Onderon. It penetrated the planet's atmosphere and skimmed the surface of Onderon's capitol city, Iziz. The shuttle folded its wings as it entered a hangar in the Royal Palace.

A squad of stormtroopers snapped to attention as a man in a dark grey Imperial uniform approached the shuttle. Moff Reeden folded his arms impatiently as the shuttle's exit ramp lowered. Representative Pooja Naberrie gracefully descended, followed by two handmaidens.

Moff Reeden inclined his head politely. "Ah, Representative Naberrie. We are honored by your presence."

Pooja returned the nod. "Moff Reeden. The feeling is mutual, I'm sure."

The insincerity of her voice did not go undetected by Reeden. "Your ... vacation here ... will be only temporary, M'lady. We have made every effort to ensure your comfort. And the comfort of your comrades." He waved his hand at her handmaidens.

Pooja strutted past him. "I'm sure you have."

Reeden strutted to keep up with her as she strode towards the hangar's exit. "Your negotiations with the Queen will go swimmingly, I'm sure of it. After all, your diplomatic skills are legendary. As were your aunt's."

Pooja nearly stumbled at the mention of her Aunt Padme. Nevertheless, she continued. "I'll be sure that Queen Ashti maintains Onderon's support of Imperial ... hegemony."

"And I will be here to oversee you ... guide you through the process."

Pooja knew what his words really meant. She knew what this whole thing was about. The Empire had grown increasingly suspicious of Pooja and where her loyalties lay. She supposed that was why Darth Vader had personally sent his top spies to monitor her family. If she failed to sway Onderon to completely support the Emperor, that would confirm those suspicions. Reeden was there to ascertain where Pooja's - not Ashti's - loyalties lay.

"And I shall be glad for your expertise and guidance." She bowed her head politely.

Reeden was satisfied by the flattery and he stroked his goatee politely. "Then let us proceed to the throne room. Her Highness awaits us."

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Queen Ashti of Onderon drummed her fingers impatiently as two other men argued in front of her. Next to her stood a beautiful, but older women covered in what appeared to be prayer shawls. She seemed detached from the whole argument occurring before them.

The first man wore heavy body armor with two pistols holstered on his thighs. His dark, yet handsome features twisted in anger as he drove home an important point. This was Korr Sunka, the current Beast Lord, leader of what was left of Onderon's Beast Riders.

The other man wore a grey and blue uniform with a sky blue cape. His hair and beard were speckled with silver This was the commander of Onderon's personal military - General Vakorus. Vakorus was retorting back to Korr Sunka. "Our only true option is to submit! The Emperor can use his navy to protect us from whatever is out there in the Outer Rim!"

Korr Sunka shook his head. "I've heard this all before! That same tired argument has been thrust upon Onderon for millennia! We sided with the Republic, and what did that cost us?! The Mandalorian Wars! The Jedi Civil War! The Clone Wars! Now you would have us embroiled in this Galactic Civil War?!"

"With all due respect," Vakorus interrupted, "that was the Republic who dragged you to war!"

"There is no difference! It is the same governing power no matter what it calls itself! Several of my own people have flocked to the Rebel cause - and I cannot blame them! Now those noble Beast Riders who support the Rebellion have been arrested and held captive on Dxun! Their fate most likely will be death! And you would have me support the government that orders it?!"

The two men immediately ceased their heated argument as the door to the throne room opened, and several Imperial stormtroopers led Moff Reeden and Pooja into the assembly.

"Pooja!" Queen Ashti rose from her throne and embraced her friend.

"It's been too long," Pooja remarked as she disengaged from the hug.

Ashti returned to her throne as Pooja looked at the two other men who seemed ready to pull each other's heads off. "Are we interrupting anything?" she asked.

Queen Ashti laughed. "Oh, those two were just bickering about Onderon's position in the Empire."

Moff Reeden rubbed his hands together greedily. "Oh, please do not stop debating on our account. Tell us what you think."

Queen Ashti gave both Korr Sunka and General Vakorus a sharp look that very clearly said: don't say a word!

"This is a trying time for us all," Pooja interjected. "The Rebels seem to be gaining support among many Senators."

"Oh?" Reeden was now very interested. "You know the names of such Senators?"

"Do I know their identities? Not exactly. There are whispers in the Senate, however. Many supposedly loyalist planets are funneling credits to the Rebels." Pooja shrugged. "Of course, I have word from Naboo's Queen that her support for our Emperor is unwavering." She stared deep into Queen Ashti's eyes. "As I would hope for Onderon's Queen."

Queen Ashti simply nodded.

Moff Reeden, however, was not convinced. "With all due respect to Representative Naberrie - and to Her Highness - we need more than words. Onderon needs to give our Emperor a show of loyalty. Allow for double the manufacturing at Jyrenne Base. And those Beast Riders arrested for their support of the Rebel terrorists - make an example! Show Onderon's support for the Empire by publicly executing them!"

"NO!" The word tore from Kurr Sunka's throat. "You will not lay a finger on my people!"

Moff Reeden smirked. "You see, Your Highness, this is one of the reasons why your loyalty to the Emperor is in doubt. The fact that you allow these savages a place in your court - and give voice to them when they show such utter disdain for the Empire - it makes myself and those in the upper Imperial echelons very nervous."

Korr Sunka growled. "Then I shall dismiss myself. With your permission, Your Highness."

Queen Asthi nodded. "Granted. But do not stray too far. I would talk with you on the veranda."

Korr Sunka shot a nasty glare at Moff Reeden, before storming out of the throne room.

Pooja finally broke the silence. "If the Empire wishes for Onderon's full support, then perhaps mercy - rather than execution - would do more to sway public opinion."

"Representative Naberrie, I'm ashamed of you," Reeden replied. "I would have thought that by now you would understand that we cannot show mercy to those who would seek to destroy our stability."

"All I am saying," Pooja continued, "is that the Empire can sometimes show leniency. Offer pardons here and there. The Emperor should show the people that he is not the monster the Rebellion paints him as. He could also venture out more, be among his faithful citizens."

"And expose himself to assassination? I am beginning to wonder about your loyalty as well, Representative Naberrie."

"Beginning?" Pooja laughed. "Let's stop playing games, Reeden. My loyalties have always been in doubt. That is, after all, the purpose of summoning me here."

"His Highness the Emperor summoned you here in the hopes of showing Queen Ashti the insanity of allowing insurrectionists like those savage Beast Riders to roam free. But, if you are ready to confess to being a full-blown traitor -."

"How dare you!" Queen Ashti stood up. "I am loyal to the Emperor. And so is Representative Naberrie! Let our words be enough!"

There was silence in the room. Moff Reeden's face purpled. He was about to open his mouth, when he was cut off by another voice.

"Perhaps we are all being a little too hasty. We are, after all, allies. Are we not?" The voice was spoken very sweetly, but with a hint of danger. The beautiful older woman in prayer shawls descended from Queen Ashti's side, and addressed everyone present.

"I do not remember addressing you, witch," Reeden hissed.

Queen Ashti raised her hand, and he fell silent. "What do you have to say, Gazellia?"

"We need unity now, more than ever. I have seen the future. If the Empire does not stand together, then it will fall together. And I am frightened by what may happen to the galaxy."

"What do you see?" asked Ashti.

Gazellia's lips thinned. "Destruction. Chaos."

"You know these things?" inquired General Vakorus.

"I have seen it. All the Daughters of Allya see it."

"Bah!" Moff Reeden waved her away. "I grow weary of this witch's mumbo jumbo. Honestly, her religion is more tired than the hocus pocus of the Jedi. I will retire at Jyrenne Base. Representative Naberrie - I will be in contact with you tomorrow."

He exited, followed by the Imperial stormtroopers.

Ashti stood up. "I believe I will retire as well." She turned, and hugged Pooja. "I was really glad to see you again! Please, have breakfast with me tomorrow!"

Pooja smiled. "I wouldn't miss it for all the spice on Kessel."

The Queen exited, followed by several Onderon militia.

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Queen Ashti reached a doorway leading to the veranda. She motioned to the Onderon troopers, who allowed her to continue alone.

Outside on the veranda, Beast Lord Korr Sunka stood looking out the night sky of Onderon, arms folded. "You cannot execute those Beast Riders," he said firmly as the Queen joined him.

"I don't know what to do. I am glad Pooja is here -."

"She was sent here to ensure you do Moff Reeden's bidding," Korr Sunka interrupted. "Her own life depends upon it."

"I know. Perhaps Gazellia will have an answer."

Korr Sunka shook his head disdainfully. "I would not trust that witch. That is one thing I most certainly can agree with Moff Reeden on."

"She is not a witch. She is a daughter of Allya. She has helped us before. She will help us again. And she has no love for the Empire, I promise you that."

"What will you do?" he asked.

"I will trust the Force."

"If only I could trust the supernatural realm as you do," he said.

"I know how you feel about the mystical," she replied. "You don't believe in the Force, and I'm not asking you to." Her hand found his. "All I ask is that you believe in me. Believe that I will do what is best for Onderon. Best for us all."

Their heads leaned in, their lips parted ... and met. The moonlight shone down on them as the two secret lovers kissed.

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"Next stop," Juno Eclipse announced. "Dxun!"

Starkiller leaned back in his chair, anxiously. Wedge fiddled with the controls, while Kota swigged back some Correllian spice rum.

"Remind me why we're going to Onderon's Moon instead of straight to Onderon?" Starkiller griped.

"Calm yourself, boy," Kota replied. "You've gotta cut that impatient streak out. According to Maris' data, there's a surge of Imperial activity going on on this moon. Especially near the tomb of Freedon Nadd. We're just sending you in to scout it out - before we throw ourselves into anything nasty. Besides, there's some stuff you need to see here."

"Preparing the landing sequence," Juno replied. Her voice, however, seemed softer. Tired. She coughed several times.

"You alright, Juno?" Starkiller asked.

"I'm fine. Just a cold, I think. Probably picked it up from that Hutt slug Raynor." She coughed again, and Starkiller couldn't help but notice that she was rubbing her chest in the same spot the Dark Apprentice cut her with his vibroblade.

The Rogue Shadow descended through the forest canopy of Dxun, and Starkiller leaped out onto the jungle below. He had changed into jungle-gear, similar to what he had worn on Felucia. Kota tossed him a comlink. "I'll be in touch, kid!"

And the Rogue Shadow ascended again before it could be picked up by Imperial scanners. Starkiller unsheathed his lighstabers as he entered the jungle.

His comlink beeped as Kota's voice came through. "Oh, I should mention - careful of the cannoks!"

"Careful of the -wha?" Starkiller leaped out of the way as two cannoks charged him. Spinning his dual-sabers, Starkiller put the two creatures down as he moved further through the jungle. He fought his way through several of the beasts, before he found what appeared to be the ruins of a compound.

He spoke into his comlink. "Kota - what are these ruins?"

"Looks like you've reached the Mandalorian base."

"Mandalorian?"

"Yeah. Dxun was the beginning of the Mandalorian Wars. Many Jedi were lost here. The Mandalorians nearly conquered the galaxy - until they were turned aside by the Jedi Revan."

"And then Revan betrayed the Jedi. Okay. And where is this tomb, General?"

"A little further to the north. Be on your guard - I'm sensing a surge of Dark Side energy there."

Starkiller nodded. "Always a hitch."

"Let me know if you need help."

Starkiller moved further through the jungle - and heard heavy footfalls. Behind him, a zakkeg reared back on its hind legs, roaring. "What is that?!"

The zakkeg charged at him. Starkiller Force Pushed - and found that the zakkeg was impervious. He leaped up, over the top of the beast. The creature roared, reversed itself, and charged again. Starkiller brought one of his blades down - slicing a tusk off the creature.

The zakkeg roared again and charged. Starkiller was thrown off his feet, and his weapons rolled away. The zakkeg pinned him down and opened its mouth - revealing several rows of sharp fangs. Fangs that went right for Starkiller's throat.

Starkiller summoned his lightsaber, activating the blade right through the zakkeg's open mouth. The tip of the blade burned through the back of its head, and the zakkeg keeled over, dead. Starkiller pulled his legs out from underneath the body of the beast and looked up.

There, in the distance, stood a dark menacing structure. "That must be the tomb." He spoke into his comlink. "General, I think I'm there."

"Good work, kid. Our intel reports that Moff Reeden has been spending a lot of time inside these past weeks. We need to find out what exactly he's up to."

Starkiller hid behind several brushes as an Imperial shuttle descended. It bore the insignia of the Moffs. "Well, General, I think now we're going to find out."

Starkiller watched as the shuttle landed atop a nearby landing pad that had been recently built by the Empire. He watched as Moff Reeden exited the shuttle and was met by several Imperial Shadowguards. Great.

The Shadowguards led Reeden straight to the entrance of Freedon Nadd's Tomb. Using the Force, they opened the grand doors, and led the Moff in.

Making sure that the coast was clear, Starkiller darted up to the entrance of the Tomb. There were no door-handles on the mammoth doors. Only a Force-user can get in, he thought. He waved his hand, and the door of the Tomb creaked open. Starkiller made sure his weapons were secure at his hips, and ventured into the darkness.

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Moff Reeden entered a large sanctuary, followed by the three Shadowguards. Inside was a reflecting pool, and at the other side a Sith sarcophagus with a statue of Freedon Nadd towering over it. Inside, stood a figure with a head shrouded.

Starkiller lurked up above in the rafters, watching everything.

"You're late," Gazellia said.

"Do not lecture me, witch. Do not forget, I am the one in charge here."

"And don't you forget - you will not succeed in overthrowing Queen Ashti without me. Did you bring it?"

Moff Reeden produced a small holovid. Gazellia took it in her thin fingers. She pressed a button, and a holo-recording of Queen Ashti kissing Korr Sunka played out before their eyes.

Gazellia grinned. "This video will be all the evidence we need. Once we frame Korr Sunka for the assassination of an Imperial official, we make this video public. Who would possibly believe his lover - Queen Ashti - was not in on the murder with him? The Emperor will order both their executions, and I shall inherit the throne. Onderon will fall under the Emperor's sway. Indefinitely."

Moff Reeden chuckled. "And which Imperial official are we going to murder to frame Korr Sunka?"

Gazellia smirked. "Who indeed?"

Thunk.

Moff Reeden gasped as the blade of a dagger punctured his stomach. He grabbed at Gazellia's prayer shawl, gasping for air. He looked into her twisted, yellow eyes. "B-but ... I did ... everything ... you said!"

She sighed. "Yes, but unfortunately, you are more useful to me in death than you ever were in your miserable life."

She withdrew the dagger from his stomach, and he crumpled to the floor at her feet. Dead. She turned to the Shadowguards. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to plant the Moff's body back in his quarters. And this dagger in Korr Sunka's bedroom."

She utilized the Force to suspend Moff Reeden's corpse in the air as she made her way for the door. She stopped and looked at the Shadowguards. "Oh, and we also happen to have an intruder. He's witnessed everything. Make sure he doesn't leave alive." Gazellia exited with the body of the Moff as the Shadowgaurds spread out.

Starkiller's eyes widened as one of the Shadowguards used the Force to blow the rafter he was perched on to smithereens. Starkiller landed, igniting his two blue lightsabers. The three Shadowguards spread out, their Force-pikes sprouting small, red lightsaber blades at the tip.