Some education for Maris, while Ahsoka and Barriss recruit a new rebel, and Valles continues to weave her spells.
Chapter 12 – What Have I Become?
Nechako, 12 BBY 10 months, 12 days
Maris Brood was off on another of her missions for The Order, to follow up some leads on Force-sensitive people who might be interested in joining Shaak's organization. But first off, she was asked to return to Nechako and perhaps see where Devin Baxter stood and if he might want to change his mind and join The Order after all. Maris was also looking forward to seeing the old Jedi, Varda, and perhaps receiving some wisdom and encouragement from her. She flew in her shuttle, Forager, to the agricultural world about two hours away from Felucia, anticipating a pleasant time. When she arrived, however, she was in for a shock.
As she came in close, she readily saw that much had changed on what had been a quiet and peaceful world. She landed for a brief instant in what had been a grain field, but now a muddy and nasty mess, that reeked of chemical odors. What in the Force has happened, she thought furiously. I have no doubt it was the Empire. She reached out in vain, trying to detect both Varda and Devin, but there was no trace of either. Maris got back on her ship and roved over the surface, finding no trace of the places she had been earlier, while quietly hoping against hope that the good people of this planet had somehow been able to escape the menace.
Realizing there was nothing else to do, she set her course for Felucia and soon, had returned to Shaak. Her master had quickly detected Maris's feelings, as they were quite pronounced. As she debarked from the Forager, she ran to Shaak and threw her arms around the Togruta, sobbing as she did. Shaak quickly realized what had happened, as the Force reveals all to those who know how to read it. As Maris released her embrace, Shaak quickly took her hands, then spoke.
"My child, no one should have to know these feelings, but such is the age we exist in. What is your strongest feeling right now, my dear?" Shaak of course knew the answer, but she wanted her apprentice to voice it.
"Master, I am very angry. I want to find whoever did this and tear them apart. The feeling of slicing them to pieces with my sabre is almost real to me as I can taste it. I yearn for it, Master."
Shaak stared deep into the Zabrak's eyes. "I know you do. But you also know the consequences of harboring this kind of energy. It will make you a servant of evil. Palpatine – if he were here now – would covet this kind of darkness and want to harness it, for you are strong, my dear, far stronger than you even realize."
Maris pulled herself together, and started to find an inner calm. "What must I do, my Master?"
"You already have answered that, my dear. Come. We shall meditate together."
The Togruta led Maris back to her home, where she brewed up a strong beverage from Felucian herbs. When it was ready, she poured two cups of the steaming broth and handed one to the Zabrak. They proceed to sit across from each other on the soft, grassy floor, silently sipping the herbs. After a few minutes, Shaak summoned an odd-looking device via the Force and placed it on the floor between them. It was clearly a holocron, but with an unusual twelve-faced design. She caused it to open and a strange music began to play. As Maris heard each note, a sense of calmness came over her. The melodies were deep and mysterious, but at the same time, revealing. A haunting theme emerged, and from it, Maris could almost feel the Force reaching into her consciousness, filling her with a lightness.
After a few minutes, Shaak then recited a Togruta chant and openly prayed. Zon Khadul … show us, your children, the light of many worlds … bring us the peace and understanding we seek … bring us to our sister, Varda.
They finished their beverages, and, as the music died down, they looked, knowingly, into each other's eyes.
"We will find her, Master. I sense that Varda is still alive."
"Oh, she is, my child. I am most gratified that you returned to me this night. You have passed an important test."
Lianna, The City, Santhé Tower, 12 BBY 6 months, 24 days, 11 hours
Darth Vader made his approach to the mostly-green world of Lianna in the ship that had been procured by the Santhé-Sienar Corporation for his personal use – the TIEx1 Advanced. He was directed by Lianna City authorities to land on the Santhé Tower upper deck platform. As he let the ship be drawn in by the Liannese systems – a necessity as the traffic in the capital city was quite busy – he started to think about just why he had made this stop. There was no pressing need to be on Lianna at the current time, but something in the Force was pulling him in this direction. As he landed and debarked, he stood on the platform as the winds whipped his black cloak around. Paying it no mind, he strode to the portal and boarded the lift and found himself entering a code into the control pad, which quickly took him to his desired destination. Upon exiting the car, the Dark Lord strode across the expansive lobby area and stopped in front of the reception desk.
"Good morning, Lord Vader," he was greeted by a young Liannese woman.
"I am here to meet with Lady Valles Santhé," he heard himself say, in a tone far more polite than his usual.
"She is expecting you, right this way, sir."
The receptionist rose and led him through another portal, whereupon Valles's personal assistant, Lasivia, smartly dressed in a jet-black satin business suit, accented with red details, was waiting.
"Good morning, Lord Vader … might I get you something to drink?"
"Just some water." He waited patiently, and soon, another attendant appeared, handing him a chilled canister.
Lasivia smiled, and rose. She nodded toward another portal. "If you please, my Lord."
He was then led into Valles's office, where the Lady was decked out in a long and elegant black gown, with her long black hair flowing freely behind her shoulders.
Valles smiled. "Thank you, Lasivia. You are excused."
She turned to Vader, then moved elegantly into the sitting area, which overlooked much of the city below.
"Won't you please have a seat and relax," Valles said softly, in her ever-so-proper accented voice, with just a hint of her perfume catching his well-attuned senses.
Vader found himself pleasantly disposed toward his hostess. He sat on the luxurious sectional and then proceeded to take out his drinking tube, which he attached to the canister of water. A few sips and he was even more disposed toward Valles, who continued to smile all the while. Again, he inhaled the sweet air emanating from her, and faced her, feeling a bit intoxicated by the woman and her ambience. Finally, he broke the silence.
"Lady Santhé … I am honored to be in your presence. Such beauty is uncommon in the Galaxy."
She chuckled softly, tilting her head just so. "Thank you, my Lord. What brings you to Lianna, might I ask?"
For a second, he wondered about that himself. "I simply want to commend you and your people … for constructing such a fine starship. It meets my requirements exactly."
She nodded. "We are honored, my Lord. Might you have any further requests?" At that, she fluttered her eyelashes, then smiled slyly. At this point, Valles reached out with the Force and noted his signature, then realized she'd encountered it before, a number of years ago. Ah … it is you, Anakin Skywalker. And I detect much pain. Let's see if we might do something about that. Valles stood and turned away from him for a split-second, then waved her hand almost undetectably.
At that, Vader immediately felt a softening in his surroundings, as if a burden had been lifted. He took a breath cycle, then also rose and came close to her. Something about this woman … she is the most beautiful I have seen in many years … almost as if … Vader suddenly recalled the late Padme Amidala, and thought back wistfully.
"Not at this time," he heard himself say. "Might we take some time together? Your presence … is most comforting."
Valles reached out to him and caressed his gloved hand with her own satin glove. The exchange seemed to reach him. For his part, the Dark Lord felt a yearning. He wanted to say more, but found the words difficult. He only knew this was not a feeling he'd had in many years, but somehow, it was different. He'd changed. Matured. And somehow, she too understood.
"Lord Vader … I am gratified."
As she looked directly at him, he could soon tell that she had penetrated beyond the mask. No one had ever done that … no one, save the Emperor. But this was a soft, cloying, welcome penetration. The pain in his joints had dissipated significantly. Valles Santhé was connecting on a very personal level now. He wanted to say something, but again, the words wouldn't come.
Valles detected his confusion and released a bit more of her perfume with a slight twitch that moved her hair just a bit.
"My lord, I believe we've met … long ago. Under very different circumstances … might you recall it?"
Her smile broadened at that, and again, her gaze penetrated. He knew now, all too well, that she was skilled in the Force. So skilled, in fact, that she might someday be a valuable ally.
Vader found himself silently cursing the mask that prevented him from connecting with her – but then realized that she could see right through it, anyway.
"My Lady," he heard himself say. "It has … been so long." He took another breath cycle. "It is kind of you to remember."
"Oh, not at all," she sniffed gently. "I never forget that type of encounter … Anakin."
At the mention of the name, Vader felt the pain return. But not in his joints. In his soul. What have I become?
He sat down, slowly, and felt around for the canister. She watched, feeling sympathy for his situation. What must it be like, to live as he does?
He felt the cool water course through his throat as he drank and drank some more. As he withdrew the tube, he spoke softly to her. "Valles. A more beautiful lady does not exist in the Galaxy. I shall see to it – that the Empire treats you – and your firm, as you have so have richly earned." Vader then stood, and Valles came to him, calmly standing close. He gently took her right hand, then knelt in front of her, taking her hand up to his mask, to approximate a kiss.
Her heart, usually cold and businesslike, as her grandfather had drilled into her, felt a twinge in response. She responded via the Force. All the best to you, Anakin. Safe travels, my lord. Meet again, we shall.
"It would be my honor, kind lady." With that, he rose and turned to leave. Valles walked him to the door, but no further. He seemed to salute her as he left, touching his left hand briefly to his helmet. Then he was gone.
Valles composed herself, taking out her hairbrush from her desk, slowly running it through her luxurious locks. That was a morning to remember. Valles, are you all right? She then shook her head once, vigorously. Let's get on with it.
Lianna, The City, Santhé Tower, 12 BBY 6 months, 24 days, 14 hours
Later that same day, Valles had returned to her office after having a relaxed lunch with her personal assistant. Lasivia was not a typical functionary. She had worked for Valles for over two years and had proven her value. Born and raised on Lianna, she was well-educated and very analytical, with a reverence for the Santhé family, as both of her parents had worked for the Company and had been treated fairly. During the lunch, Lasivia could tell something was amiss with her boss, but didn't feel it was her place to volunteer her concern. After they got off the lift, the two of them walked leisurely to Lasivia's desk, where Valles thanked her for being good company at lunch.
"My dear, I needed the company today. Many thanks."
"Anytime, my lady. If you ever want to talk about it, I'm here for you."
Valles chuckled, then nodded and walked away, waving her hand in front of her as her office portal slid open. Once inside, she walked briskly to her desk – some fifteen metres from the door. Taking her seat, she quickly checked all correspondence and calls, then picked up her office com device, punched a few buttons and put her earpieces in place. For this occasion, she wanted no holo record of the communication.
"Yes? Ah, right. How the force are you, Xizor? … Oh, really?" She laughed loudly. "Well, you know …" Another silence. "Let me put you on speaker." She pressed a button. Then the voice of Prince Xizor of Falleen could be heard.
"Valles? I have someone in my office. Someone I think you'll be happy to speak to."
"Seriously? I'm waiting."
"Mister Bane, won't you join us? This is Miss Valles Santhé ... yes, the Valles Santhé."
Bane then spoke up. "Greetings to you, Lady Santhé. I believe I have just what you were looking for."
"Oh?" Valles feigned ignorance. "Bring me up to speed."
"My lady, Cad Bane never makes a promise he cannot keep. I have the one you are looking for. Wasn't easy, but I got her."
Valles smirked to herself. "Whom are we talking about, again?"
"None other than former Ag Minister Kyver. The Imps are offering a cool million for her, but I'm open to counter offers."
"A million, huh? I'll go one-point-five." Valles's affected Core World accent had fully disappeared at this point and she sounded like most other Outer Rim women.
"Lady, you got yourself a deal … payment in cash, of course."
"No worries. But I wanna see what I'm getting … she better be in good shape, or the deal's off."
"Not a problem. Can I shoot you some footage?"
"Go ahead."
Valles then activated a mini holo projector on her desktop. Soon, Bane had transmitted the material. As she played it back, Valles saw the former minister, looking somewhat worse for wear, but otherwise all right. Erstwhile Minister Ry Kyver made a direct appeal in Galactic Basic: "Lady Santhé, I would very much like to come to Lianna. Please give me the chance."
Valles's lips twisted a little as she examined it, playing it back a couple of times. She then smiled.
"She seems to be fine. I'll take delivery here, 'kay? Where do you have her?"
Cad Bane snorted on the other end of the call. "I can bring her in the next 24 hours."
Xizor then spoke up. "I'll take my customary twelve percent, of course."
"What you do is none of my concern, Prince. You and Mister Bane can work that out. The way I see it, if Vader shows up, you don't get a thing. We wouldn't want that, now, would we?"
"Your point is well taken, sweety," the Falleen hissed.
"So when may I expect delivery?"
Bane and Xizor put their heads together while going to mute. Valles scowled on the other end.
"Apologies, Lady Santhé," Xizor hissed after they came back. "We have worked out an arrangement. Mister Bane will arrive on Lianna in 2 rotations. He will take payment then. Your credit is always good with us."
"Very well. Thank you, gentlemen. I will await your arrival. Instructions will be given when you arrive in system as to the proper landing facility. Good day."
Shili system, 12 BBY 6 months, 14 days
After a period of some months, Shaak Ti was approaching her home planet Shili, still in hyperspace, aboard her ship Intrepid II. She wanted to return to Shili to check on her family and meet with the Togruta spiritual elders, who were still looking after about fifty of the remaining holocrons that were brought there some six years earlier. But as she dropped out, she saw two Imperial Star Destroyers in orbit around the planet and quickly had to cloak her ship. For a few minutes, Shaak's heart rate went up as she waited for the Imperials to attempt to contact her. She stopped the ship's forward motion and maintained silence.
Using her ship's interception capabilities, Shaak attempted to monitor communications between the two ISD, and down to the planet. There was little for her to intercept, however, and it soon became clear – at least to her – that neither ship had any hostile designs on the planet below. She moved the Intrepid into a distant orbit so she could keep both ISD in her direct sight lines. Shili had no natural satellites, so there was little to block her movement. After about one hour, she noticed a pair of Imperial shuttles – one from each ISD – that met up and then proceeded down to the planet's surface.
Shaak then was able to intercept voice communications between them and was a bit surprised. The people on the shuttles seemed to be laughing and joking, though exactly what about, she couldn't make out. Shaak checked her fuel gauge – it was running low but had enough to return to Felucia if she left immediately. Being a responsible leader, she knew what she had to do, and punched in the coordinates for the return trip.
Felucia, 12 BBY 6 months, 14 days
A few hours later, she was home and, after landing, went to her small house. She then called Maris via the Force and the Zabrak was soon there.
"Yes, Master Shaak? Did everything go all right?"
"Not exactly. When I got to Shili, there were two ISDs waiting …"
Maris furrowed her brow and frowned. "Ooh … not good … what did you do?"
"I had to turn around and come back, I don't think they detected me."
"Why is that?"
"I stayed around for a few minutes and was able to pick up the conversation between two shuttles that both went down to the surface. They were in a most un-Imperial mood … joking about something or other. Involved someone's experiences with Togruta females – not very flattering, either."
Maris frowned again. "Sometimes I think those idiots really don't like us …"
"My dear, we cannot worry about that. Just keep our heads down and keep pushing forward."
"Yes, Master … of course you are right."
Shaak smiled and patted her apprentice on the shoulder.
"Now, my friend, let's review the progress on the holocron vault."
"I think you will be pleased, Master …"
The two of them got into a speeder and rode for about 10 km, finally stopping at a spot in the woods where there was some evidence of recent excavation. There was some loose soil and some newly planted vegetation. As Shaak stepped out of the speeder, Maris took her hand and steadied her. Shaak then stood for a few seconds, seemingly taking the measure of the place via the Force. She took a few deep breaths and looked around.
"So, Maris … you've already finished the apparatus to open and close the entrance?"
"We have, Master. I was hoping it met with your approval."
Shaak chuckled. "Very good. Let's try it out."
The Master stood with her eyes closed and raised her hands above her head. Soon, a slight grinding noise was heard and the planet's surface opened in a narrow fissure. Once it was wide enough for both of them, Shaak peered over the edge and looked down. About twenty metres below, they could glimpse the floor.
"Are the lights working yet?"
"They should be. I was working on them early this morning."
"Very good," Shaak said softly. She then jumped off the edge of the fissure and glided slowly down, to an upright landing below. Maris quickly joined her. Shaak then saw that the wall panel had been installed. She pulled it open via the Force and the room was bathed in blue light, while a shelf then slid forward. It contained just a few holocrons, all cubic, representing the Jedi Order. Shaak levitated one of them and pulled it toward her, then caused it to open. Inspecting the contents, she saw that it was in order and then replaced it. Shaak then commanded the vault to close and the shelf withdrew, causing the panel to close. She waved her hand to switch off the light, and nodded to Maris.
"Come. You have done well. See to the final touches, including seating for two. Then you can start moving the collection down here."
With that, Shaak raised her arms again and proceeded to lift herself up, rising quickly and reaching the forest floor above. As Maris did the same, Shaak commanded the fissure to close. Once it had done so, everything looked more or less undisturbed. As they rode away, Shaak remarked, "This is a great development, one that took six years of diligent effort, and part of the reason you have earned your status as the first Knight of the Order. I am proud of you."
"I owe much of it to you, Master Shaak. All the things you have shown me over those years, and your insistence on a level of excellence."
As they reached Shaak's home, they went inside and the Master brewed up a strong herbal beverage. Once it was ready, they each consumed it, while continuing their conversation.
"As you surely understand, dear, our next – and most important task yet – is to build the capability of shielding this planet from the Imperials."
Maris nodded. "Right. But haven't we started on this already?"
"Only a start, dear. More holocron study is needed for you. We have some timely information on how to set up diversion fields that can surround an entire planet."
"Do we use the Force for this?"
"To a degree. We disguise our collective Force signatures by bending the energy back on itself, so that it goes in a circle or ellipse. This makes it difficult for anyone not on the planet to detect what's going on here."
Maris scratched her head and then fingered one of her horns, clearly a bit confused.
"Master Shaak, this is a bit complex. But, might I ask – what happens if they decide to land here?"
The Togruta sighed. "That is indeed a problem … what I think we have to do is make things confusing for those who might try to land here."
"How can we do all these things?"
"I've been studying various ways. But we are going to need a new source of energy to generate these waves and fields. I am working on what might work and have some trips planned to far-off worlds."
"Oh, I'd love to go with you."
"Perhaps you can … I will have to see about that. But today, I learned a valuable lesson. I'm going to need a whole new ship, one that can enable me to do things this one cannot."
Maris whistled softly. "So much to do … do you need my help with any of it?"
Shaak reached across to hug Maris and give her some reassurance. "I will, but in ways I don't yet understand. But if we are ever going to take down this Empire, we have to find the answers."
Void Station, Dohlbani Sector, Southeastern Mid Rim, 12 BBY 6 months, 10 days
Ahsoka Tano and Barriss Offee were traveling together, exploring the Southeastern Mid Rim of the Galaxy, using their starships Bliss and Essence. They had received a tip about a young pilot and traveled to Void Station, a hangout for those with more disposable income than the denizens of a place like The Wheel. The station was modeled more like a high-end hotel or low-end palace, and featured elegant dining and sophisticated bars and clubs. It also catered to non-human species more than most such places did. As the Mirialan and Togruta strode in together, they were in evening gowns and elegant robes, as Ahsoka was essentially being treated by her now-close companion, Barriss. They were shown to a table, and as they were seated, Barriss started looking around the room.
"Do you see him?" Ahsoka chuckled.
"Ah … not yet. But I wasn't given much to go on – I don't even know if the pilot is male or female. I thought it might be a Mirialan. They just said he or she had green skin."
"Well, that's a big help," Ahsoka laughed. She then signaled for a waiter and one came over. "Have you got any bubbly? And some bits of fish or squid would be nice."
Soon the waiter returned with a bottle of blue sparkling wine and a platter of various ocean delicacies from nearby worlds.
"Barriss?" Ahsoka gestured to the food. "May I pick something out for you?"
"Yes, Ahsoka. Don't tell me, I'll just be daring …" the Mirialan chuckled, while smiling and looking lovingly in the Togruta's direction.
As they munched the hors d'oeuvres and sipped the wine, they were soon joined by another individual, a Twi'lek female with a yellow-green complexion and twitching lekku. Both Barriss and Ahsoka gave her their full attention.
"May we help you, miss …" Ahsoka started.
"Yes. I was told I'd find you here tonight, Ahsoka," she said softly. "My name is Hera, I'm from Ryloth."
"Ryloth?" She turned to Barriss.
"I wasn't involved in that one …during the war," Barriss laughed. "Young lady, are you the pilot we heard about?"
"That depends," Hera replied. "What did you hear?"
Ahsoka laughed. "Fair enough … they said you had serious skill – especially for a teenager. I respect that, because I was a teenager too when I learned how to pilot a ship – during the Clone War."
Hera smiled. "Yes, my father mentioned you – he's the one that told me to come here. I was just a child then, but he praised your ability and said I could learn from your example."
Barriss interjected. "Who is your father?"
"Cham Syndulla. I'm Hera Syndulla."
Ahsoka broke back in. "So … you want to help us – help the rebellion?"
"I do. The Empire has done terrible damage to Ryloth, and to our people."
"It was the same with the Separatists. I knew all along they were phonies, pretending to care about the people on Outer Rim worlds, when all they wanted was to bring down the Republic – and the Jedi. Ryloth – and your father – know that all too well."
Ahsoka then whispered to Barriss in her ear. "Cham Syndulla has been involved with the rebellion for almost eight years. He is someone we can trust."
Barriss added, "That wasn't all. I've come to understand that Dooku was just a stand-in for Vader, who was the one the Emperor wanted all along." She then changed the subject, wanting to draw Hera into revealing her feelings about joining the rebellion.
"Hera. We'd like to bring you on board, but first we'd want a demonstration of your flying and piloting skills. This could be a dangerous job. For the most part, we prefer to evade any direct confrontation with the Imperials, but sometimes it could prove necessary."
"Please sit down, and join us," Ahsoka gestured to an empty chair, which Hera happily filled. She then faced Barriss, who introduced herself.
"Miss Syndulla, I want to introduce us to you. My name is Vacle of Mirial and this is my companion, Ashli Tanner. These are aliases we use when in general circulation around the Galaxy and when staying at places like Void Station."
Hera extended her hand in friendship to both of them, each taking it and giving it a quick shake. "I fully understand, we must be careful in public. But how might I go about proving myself to you?"
"Sit with us for a while. Let's come to know each other. Then we might travel together. First, how did you arrive at this place … it's rather expensive for a young person like yourself, from a place like Ryloth, not exactly a thriving planet in this day of Imperial oppression."
Hera took a deep breath, then spoke. "I was brought here by someone who did me a favor. He needed to stop here to refuel and I have enough credits to afford a small room. I thought I might offer my services as a pilot and hope to do some traveling and maybe learn more about the rebellion. How lucky I was to meet you on only my second night here."
Ahsoka then joined the conversation. "Hera, if you are truly skilled, you can fly with us. It won't pay that well, but you'll have a place to stay and regular meals. But … you have to convince us you really want to be here."
"I do, Miss Ashli. You'll see."
Lianna, The City, unmarked Santhé facility, 12 BBY 6 months, 21 days, 2 hours
Some twelve days earlier, bounty hunter Cad Bane had arrived in his ship on Lianna and had been given the coordinates for his scheduled landing. Once he was down on the platform, a group of men from Santhé-Sienar, wearing plain gray jumpsuits, arrived to take delivery of the former Imperial Minister of Agriculture, Ry Kyver, who was unconscious, but in good condition. The foreman of the crew placed a call.
"Chairman Santhé? That package has arrived, what are your orders?"
Valles picked up her miniature com device and answered.
"Do nothing until I arrive. Tell Mr. Bane I will make it worth his while …"
Valles terminated the call, and went into an inner room adjoining her office, where she had several racks of various outfits. Also, there was a full-length mirror and a small cosmetics desk for her makeup and her ever-so-essential fragrances. No one else other than her assistant Lasivia Borges was ever allowed in this room, and she only upon express permission from Valles herself. The chairlady's lightsabre was sometimes kept here as well.
She changed into a sleek black form-fitting outfit with an elegant black satin cape, lined in red. Valles exited the room via a secret passage that led to a private lift entrance. When she boarded the lift, it carried her deep into the Santhé Tower basement, where Valles found her private speeder, also in a matte black finish so it wouldn't reflect any light. She hopped in and rode through the streets of Lianna City to the landing platform. She parked a few metres away and carefully shrouded her vehicle via the Force, then walked briskly to the terminal and opened her com.
"I'm here. Will join you shortly."
She strode smartly out, where the jump-suited men saw her and quickly saluted. Cad Bane, an ageing bounty hunter of some 60 years, with the blue skinned complexion of a native of the planet Duros, stood passively as Valles approached.
"There she is, Lady Santhé," he noted in a flat tone, pointing to a repulsor skiff that contained a human form wrapped in a medical blanket. Valles tested the form of Ry's body with a black kidskin leather glove, then carefully scanned her via the Force. Seemingly satisfied, Valles snapped her fingers and another man emerged, carrying small case, which he handed to her. She then stepped forward and smiled, extending her gloved right hand. Bane knelt before her and kissed it gently.
"A pleasure doing business with you, Chairlady Santhé."
She opened the case, filled with gleaming 10,000 credit chips in gold-plated platinum, issued from the banking world of Muunilinst. Bane's mouth watered, seeing all that gold. He'd been in the game a long time and this was a payday upon which he could retire. His mind filled with notions of a life of ease on planets such as the resort world of Vaynai.
Valles smiled. "A reward well deserved, for a life well-lived," she remarked in her elegant accent. "Safe travels, Mister Bane."
She then turned on her heels and addressed the captain of her retinue.
"Transport Ms. Kyver to the veteran's hospital on Palmyra Boulevard. She will have a private space for her hopefully short recovery. From the looks of things, she's had a rough few months. I have plans for her with the company. Tell the medics that I want reports every three hours on her progress. That is all."
As Valles disappeared into the Lianna night, she breathed a sigh of relief. Ah, Ry Kyver. An undiscovered gem, right under pathetic Imperial noses. I have big plans for you, madam. But first to get you settled in. Your lingering Sith features bother me not in the least. Excellence may come in all forms. Now for a well-deserved rest.
To be continued …