Asation, 1 1/2 years ago

Arisa had decided that she had stumbled upon something larger than just a disturbance as the Gree ambassador had informed her. That giant worm had been one thing, but now she was facing 3 Sith. Well, she assumed they were Sith. They definitely didn't look like Jedi, with dark, ornate robes. But those golden, intricate masks...

She gave the signal to her comrades and the beatdown began. Mandalorians had to prepare themselves for anything, including Force users of all kinds. These would surely be no different.

Arisa finally had the woman of the trio pinned down, her target's breathing labored. "Wretched Mandalorian," the Sith hissed. "You could have served a higher purpose. We are more forgiving than the Masters."

What "Masters"? "Shut up, aru'e. Do not ever insult my people." She brought her elbow down on the woman's neck and that battle was over. Arisa got up and went to ask Torian for water when-

"The shield is broken, but the sword is drawn."

Torian reflected some concern in his welcoming brown eyes. "What was that?"

"Dar'jetti, probably."

"I get that. Something's wrong."

Oricon, present day

"So that was my first brush with the Dread Masters." Arisa leaned towards the outer most part of her perch, watching for the Dread Guard.

"Did you really fight Kephess? I'd heard rumors." Lehusa was making notes of what they'd encountered so far.

"Oh, the Trandoshan? Yeah, I did. Don't think you'd recognize him. I think they 'roided him. You met him?"

"On Denova. That was my first encounter with the Dread Masters."

"Oh, so you put the shabuir in his place, huh?"

"One way of putting it. They paid me and Ursulina a visit afterwards. Not a nice bunch of folks."

"No shit." The Chiss mercenary knelt to address the eager Jawa waving whatever was in his hand. "What cha got for me, Blizz?"

"Blizz bring bad man's tech for Boss! Uh...Blizz no like Dread Guard. They chase Blizz and friend around."

Torian approached his wife and embraced her. "He exaggerates. Nothing we can't handle."

Lehusa was looking at the device. "Did he-"

"Blizz bring one for Soldier Lady too!"

"Oh." She was caught off guard. "Thanks. Dorne? Take this to Forex and have him take it to the camp."

"Yes, sir." Elara Dorne was a striking, fit blonde who carried herself with poise and courage. She was born Imperial, but defected in adulthood after realizing the cruelty of the Empire. She was admittedly nervous about the new war. Lehusa had killed Kephess once, and more importantly, she had killed Lord Styrak. And with Elara herself being a defector, they would both be targets of the Dread Guard.

Arisa handed Lehusa her canteen. "So is this your second time encountering the Dread Masters or?"

Lehusa accepted the drink. "No. My third. I led the op on Darvannis and killed Lord Styrak."

"You should be proud. These aren't ordinary Sith."

"I'm not. He..."

"Sir, should you tell her?" Elara interrupted.

"It's fine, Elara. Styrak and Brontes are the parents of Master Ursulina. She told me before we headed out today."

Pure silence. Lehusa wanted one of Bestia's beasts to come swallow her whole.

Torian spoke up first. "Ouch. At least you didn't have to kill your own dad."

"You what?" Elara was incredulous.

"Yeah. Jicoln was a traitor. Mando business. Didn't like it."

More silence. Then, "that's rough, Torian," mustered Dorne.

Suddenly, a tentacle emerged from the ground and grabbed Blizz, causing the Jawa to flail and panic. Arisa dived in to save her friend, pummeling the dread creation until it died. "Enough for today. We need to head back."