Thirty

Sith Intelligence Headquarters, Dromund Kaas

17 ATC

"I don't think I'll ever fully get used to the idea," Thaera remarked, skimming through the report displayed on her desk computer.

Leaning against the edge of the desk beside her, Vector Hyllus looked at her curiously. "What idea is that?"

"The abrupt and violent reorganization of a government institution. First Intelligence, and now the Diplomatic Service. Not quite on the same level, but still."

"The loss of life is regrettable," Vector said somberly. "But—we believe the Diplomatic Service may be better off, now. We've worked with the new Minister, albeit only briefly, but we respect her."

Thaera looked up. "You worked with Adrielle Verani?"

"As we said, only briefly. She was rarely in the Empire during our tenure in the Service. She spent many years in Chiss space, negotiating the Empire's alliance with your people."

"I know. I remember…" Thaera frowned off into the distance. "I was in charge of security when she met with some representatives from the Ruling Families. Extremists attempted to sabotage the proceedings, and I stopped them. Verani and I never met in person then, but it seems that's about to change. She's arranged a meeting with me…now, actually."

Vector started to move away from the desk. "We'll leave you to it, then."

"No, stay," she said quickly. "I've never dealt much with the Diplomatic Service. I could use your support."

He smiled and resumed his position at her side, laying a gentle hand on her shoulder. "We're happy to help."

Thaera reached up and laid a hand over his. Vector had stood by her, supported her through so many dark moments of her career, from her time as Cipher Nine to the present. One might even consider them to be romantically involved, though it was a small, quiet thing they had. No extravagant passion, no magnificent emotion to outshine a sun, no heated declarations of dedication until the end of time. It was just the two of them, and that was enough.

They moved apart as security pinged Thaera's comm to inform her that her appointment had arrived. A moment later, the door slid open, and the new Minister of Diplomacy walked in.

Adrielle Verani was a tall human woman who carried herself and her red uniform with as much unconcealed pride as a Sith would bear their traditional armor. She had dark brown skin and black hair arranged in an elegant coif around her sculpted face, which was arranged into an expression of polite attentiveness.

She moved across the floor with confidence, stopping less than a meter away from the desk. Thaera met her eyes, keeping her face blank, which wasn't difficult. The role of inscrutable spymaster had proven easy to affect.

"It's Seeker, isn't it? Adrielle Verani, Minister of Diplomacy." Verani gave a courteous nod. "And Vector Hyllus. I was hoping I might run into you sometime."

"Minister," Vector said, a small bow moving across Thaera's peripheral vision. "Congratulations on your appointment."

"Thank you. It's been a long time coming."

Thaera placed her hands on the desk in front of her, lacing her black-gloved fingers together. "You wanted to see me."

"Right to business, then," Verani murmured. "I'm sure you've heard about the Chiss Ascendancy's intention to break ties with the Empire."

"Naturally."

"Well. I'll be frank." Verani put one hand on her hip, relaxing her stance. "You're the head of Intelligence; I'm sure you know far better than I that the Empire is not faring well in this war."

"You're going to try to convince the Ascendancy to change its mind," Thaera broke in, sensing the beginning of a long speech.

"Yes. I've arranged things with my contacts in the Chiss government who will still speak to me. Now I need to have people cleared for the mission."

Thaera narrowed her eyes. "You didn't have to come to me for that."

"True, but I wanted to." Verani seemed to have no difficulty meeting her gaze directly; probably her years of experience dealing with Chiss. "Our two organizations have largely avoided one another in the past. I'm not sure that's a wise practice."

"Oh?"

"Diplomacy relies upon information just as much, if not more than the military. Given that Intelligence monopolizes that commodity—"

"As is our job," Thaera said sharply.

"Of course. I'm simply saying that it's in all of our best interests to cooperate more closely. That's why I wanted to meet you."

Thaera thought it over for a moment. "Your logic is sound. Say I agree to this…cooperation. I assume you came here to ask me for more than just an introduction."

Verani nodded. "I'd like to enlist the services of one of your people to act as an Intelligence liaison over the course of this mission."

"Our resources are stretched very thin. I'll see what I can do."

"All I ask is that you consider it," Verani said, smiling pleasantly. "The war must come first, of course. And…there was one more thing."

"I'm listening."

To Thaera's surprise, Verani motioned towards Vector. "I'm aware that Master Hyllus here is now considered Intelligence personnel, but I was hoping you might lend him to me for this task—if you're willing, of course, Vector."

Vector inclined his head. "We're honored that you would consider us—and we've always wanted to learn more about the Chiss." He looked at Thaera. "It's up to you, Seeker."

Hearing her title from him hurt, just a little bit. "I see no reason why not."

"Excellent." Verani's smile widened. "I'm very grateful."

"Now, about this Intelligence liaison you wanted."

"Yes? I previously worked with a Watcher Ninety on more than one occasion, but it's my understanding that she is…no longer with Intelligence."

Watcher Ninety had been with Verani during the incident Thaera had described to Vector earlier. She'd left out the part where, following her skilled handling of the saboteurs, the Watcher had personally recruited her into Imperial Intelligence.

Watcher Ninety had also hated the Sith, a bad trait for any Imperial, and when Intelligence had been dissolved, she had been among those who were summarily executed. Thaera couldn't imagine how Verani knew, but if there was one thing she'd learned over the years, it was that everyone of rank in the Empire had spies everywhere.

"Indeed," Thaera said softly. "However, given the circumstances, I believe it might be best if I join you myself."

Verani looked visibly surprised for a moment, though she quickly regained her composure. "I would certainly have no objection, if Intelligence can spare you."

"They'll survive without me. You need someone with a proper understanding of how the Ascendancy functions. You may have more experience than most humans, but for a situation this delicate, that won't be enough. You need me."

"As I said, I have no objection."

Thaera nodded slowly. "I can offer you one other thing, as well. I have an agent, recently graduated from her training, who has the unique distinction of also being a Sith. Her presence will give your mission legitimacy."

And because she's my Sith, Thaera didn't say, you don't have to worry about her making a mess.

"I understand," Verani said in a tone that suggested she knew exactly what couldn't be said. "I am in your debt."

"Don't worry about it," Thaera said blandly. "We all do what we can for the good of the Empire."

"So we do."

"I believe I've said everything I needed to, Minister. Was there anything else you wished to discuss?"

"Not at the moment. I'll be in touch." Verani gave a single, polite nod, then turned and left.

As soon as the door had closed behind her, Thaera let the grim frown that had been brewing in her mind appear on her face.

"That was…interesting," Vector commented.

"Very." Thaera tapped her computer. "I'd better call Byrd." She glanced over at him and tried to summon a smile, with marginal success. "It's been a while since we were on a mission together. Reminds me of the old days."

"Indeed," Vector said thoughtfully. "Chasing terrorists, deceiving the Republic. Things were simpler then."

"They were," Thaera agreed. "Sometimes I miss it."

Truth be told, she missed simplicity more than just "sometimes." But complication had a way of layering itself like rock strata until the past was just a deep-buried memory. There was, of course, no going back. No matter how much she wished she could. Even if she was, for the first time in more than ten years, about to go home.