Tress was walking down the hall, when she heard a hushed conversation coming from behind the door to The Council Chambers.
"Rumors it could be." A voice said, and Tress recognized it as Master Yoda's voice.
"If not? If it's true, and The Sith have planned to assassinate you?" Another spoke this time, and Tress knew that voice could only belong to Master Windu.
"I know what you want to say, Mace Windu. Certainty is a must."
"Yes, Master Yoda."
"You suggest that we send a Knight to find out."
"I do."
Tress couldn't stay quiet. If Master Yoda was in danger, she wanted to help. Letting out a deep breath, she stepped into the council chambers.
"I volunteer for this mission." Tress said.
Master Windu and Master Yoda turned to Tress, stunned and wide-eyed. She approached them and bowed.
"If it means defending your life, Master Yoda, I will accept the mission to spy on the Sith." Tress said.
"We had hoped for a Master to take this mission." Master Windu said.
"I know I've many years before I become a master, but I have a loyalty to the Jedi Order. If one of us is in danger, than I intend to help."
Master Windu and Master Yoda looked at each other, before Master Yoda nodded. Master Windu faced Tress again.
"It's said that a small group of Siths are meeting in private at 500 Republica. The top floor, we believe, since it has no occupants residing on it. When you arrive, do not speak to anyone and use your lightsaber if it should come to that."
Tress nodded. She then turned around and walked out of The Council Chambers and to the outside of The Jedi Temple where her speeder was and quickly hopped in. Growing up on Coruscant, she knew exactly where 500 Republica was, but the trouble was going to be getting inside without raising suspicion. Once she had landed the speeder outside of the building, Tress climbed out and went up to the front door. No surprise, there was a guard, and a big one at that.
"Who are you?" The guard asked.
"My name is Tress, and I'm a friend to a resident." Tress said.
The guard studied her. "A Jedi? What friend could you have here?"
"A friend for years. May I come inside?"
The guard gave Tress one more look-over and then stepped away from the entrance, allowing her to enter. Tress draped the hood of her cloak over her head and calmly walked over to the elevator, pressing the number 1,009. There was not many people in the elevator, and Tress kept her head lowered, but out the corner of her eye she could see the looks of suspicion from the passengers. No wonder. Why would anyone go to a floor that is practically abandoned?
Finally, Tress stepped off the elevator and sighed a breath of relief. Now, she just had to find the Sith Lords. Creeping down the darkened hallway, Tress could sense that something was amiss and slowly withdrew her lightsaber, holding it up to protect herself.
Suddenly, there was a thump. Tress froze and listened closely, but heard nothing else. Thinking it was just her mind playing tricks on her, she continued to sneak down the hall.
Then, the sound of footsteps. Tress whirled around, ready to attack, but again there was nothing.
"Stop worrying herself, Tress. You have to stop jumping at every shadow." Tress thought.
Before Tress could look forward again, someone grabbed her and held her tightly. The person held a red lightsaber to her throat, and Tress could feel that the weapon was only inches from her throat.
"Have you lost your way, Jedi?" A voice growled in the darkness.
Tress turned her head slightly and saw a face. Painted red and black, and smiling menacingly at her. A Sith, no doubt. A Sith that had every intention of slitting her throat.