Just as expected, the mysterious contact gave a location to Jac and his group, promising to continue their discussion once they saw each other in person. This lead was the only one that opened itself to the Jedi, and he couldn't miss it, even though Jac understood that it was a dangerous gamble. Along with Scourge, Kira, and Theron, he made his way into the depths of the Tython woods, back to the ruins of Aloy Manor, where their contact promised to wait.
"They couldn't have picked a gloomier place…" Kira sighed on their way. "I saw enough ravaged homes for a week or two."
"This isn't our first concern." Theron interjected. "We don't know anything about them and there's still a chance it's a trap." The spy reminded, making Scourge respond with sheer confidence.
"If it is, then I will cut down anyone who tries to strike at us!"
"Wouldn't be so confident with the Voidcaller around if I were you."
"It doesn't matter what weapon they use; cowardice won't help us."
"Let's not make any premature conclusions." Jac reminded them. "We need to learn as much as possible, but we can't play by their rules, either."
Soon, the group finally reached the ruins. Even during a second visit, this place still radiated the energy of doom and despair that made Jac feel the chills going down his spine. The darkness still didn't leave it, and their discovery only added to its eerie nature. The murderer, whom Jac saw as absolutely ruthless and cold-blooded, someone who he even assumed to be Vaylin, turned out to be nothing more than a brainwashed Padawan, having no choice but to engage in those cruel actions. Who knew how much more he would've done if Jac and others hadn't stopped him? Still, his heart ached from knowing that he had failed to take Juazo alive.
"Welcome."
A robotic voice made Jac and his allies immediately turn around towards the emerging silhouette. A slim, seemingly male figure walked out of the doorway. His entire body was covered in a black suit with a helmet similar to those Republic Troopers wore covering his face. He moved smoothly, like a human, yet his voice didn't sound natural, most likely using a voice synthesizer. He was also armed, which Scourge immediately noticed and ignited his lightsaber.
"No need for violence. I am here to discuss a matter that's important to both parties." The mysterious man said.
"I'll be watching your every move." Scourge warned him. "If you dare to try and trick us…"
"As I said, I am not foolish enough to challenge those who count themselves among the strongest men in the galaxy. But for better or worse, I learned to stand up to them…And this time is no different."
"How did you even get to Tython?" Theron wondered. "Last time I checked, this world was closely guarded."
"Not anymore." The man replied. "After the Jedi abandoned the temple, new settlers are coming to Tython even to this day, and it's too late for returning Jedi to stop the flow. It wasn't difficult to slip along with the recent bunch."
"So that's how easy it is for spies to get in our midst…" Theron sighed. "Not very reassuring."
"That's not what we're here to discuss," Jac interjected.
"Indeed." The man nodded. "We are here because of Darth Jadus's unexpected return."
"Yes. I don't think we need to explain why we want to bring him down, but you do." The Jedi said sternly. "Who are you?"
"I'm afraid I cannot simply divulge my identity while on an enemy territory. You can call me 'Seeker.' "
"That hardly gives us any answers…"
"It will have to do for now."
"Will have to do?" Scourge repeated in a tone of scoff and anger. "You are in no position to dictate your terms to us, the fact that we already trusted you when we had no reason to and came here; now you want us to continue working with someone we know nothing about?!"
"My identity if of little import, as it has always been. Only my actions matter, and I'm more than willing to share those details." He said in a quiet, grim tone. "I come here at the behest of a powerful Sith Lord. A member of the Dark Council."
"So you're just another Imperial underling?" Kira was not impressed.
"Not exactly. I am not affiliated with the Empire anymore. It is an alliance of convenience."
"So, which member is it?" Jac wondered.
"He said not to disclose it…Yet."
"More mysteries…"
"You will know soon enough. What's important is that he has a personal interest in bringing Jadus down. I do, too, in a way…I brought him the details he needed."
"And that is?"
"Jadus does not work alone. He allied himself with conspirators known as the "Star Cabal". Or at least what remained of them after Imperial intelligence took out their leadership."
"Never heard of them before," Jac said with intrigue.
"They preferred to remain in the shadows, and their goal was to tear down all force-wielders of the galaxy, Jedi and Sith alike."
"Hm…" This sounded exactly like what Raina told about Ariel's words. The Chiss Agent was reclusive when it came to discussing her time in the intelligence, she must have known something of the Cabal, likely even helped take it down. "So, what do you want from us?"
"The Dark council member began to set his own network of contacts and spies, some of which reach deeper into the ranks of the Star Cabal. They are led by a man named Cantor Bhaali, he is one of Jadus's primary associates, allocating resources and men to his cause. Why he does that remains to be seen…But we may yet know, and my Sith ally requests an audience."
"Where?" Jac wondered
"On a neutral world. Tython is affiliated with the Republic, and Cabal has eyes in all worlds with political importance."
"So…" Kira sighed. "This wasn't even a real meeting? You just wanted to invite us to meet your Sith friend."
"I wanted to pique your interest, and I think I succeeded. What do you say, master Jedi?" Now Jac had to trust this mysterious contact once again, but if what he told them was true, they could gain a powerful ally against Jadus, the one who knew more than they did.
"I agree on one condition. We trusted you once, so I want you to put your trust in us, as well. I want to pick the meeting place."
"If it's in a world where we are unlikely to encounter spies, that is acceptable."
"Rishi, Raider's Cove. There is a bunk not far from the landing pads; we will be secure there."
"Someone's getting nostalgic…" Theron chuckled.
"This place proved suitable once, so why not use it again?" Jac responded.
"Very well. We will rendezvous there."
…
Just when Cassian thought he and Vaylin gained a moment of reprieve, the tide turned against them. Somehow, the thought of Doran being in league with Jadus never crossed his mind; after all, what would the former dark councilor want on Zakuul? But just like before, Jadus outplayed him and nearly caught them again. Judging by the fact that the guards tried to take Vaylin alive rather than kill her coincided with Archon's goals, too. He clearly needed her for something. They probably would've been much less patient with him.
And all of this led to a long fall, a moment so swift yet feeling like an eternity. Cassian rarely allowed himself an opportunity to give in to the force and allow it to guide him, but it was inevitable here. Sliding down the windows, leaping from one floor to another, Vaylin clung to his back. Cassian wondered if she was afraid, even though he couldn't feel any fear coming from her. Anyone in their mind would be at least a little afraid. Few words could describe the relief he felt when they finally hit the ground with the force slowing down their fall. They found themselves beneath the shadows of tall spires, in a place where crime festered without any control, now more than ever.
The Undercity.
If upper streets had seen better days, the state of Undercity was downright depressing. As Cassian and Vaylin tried to find their way up again, they had to trudge through its streets. All they cared about was finding a spaceship, with Doran's help or without, but they needed to be careful after the revelation. Charging into a guarded spaceport was not an option while the guards had Voidcaller on their hands. They had to find another way.
And as it often was, this way began with gathering information. Cassian and Vaylin made their way to the plaza, a hive of scum and villainy which no Emperor could clear out. Illegal battles, drugs, and cultism of Zildrog excited crowds who tried to escape the mundane nature of their lives and get some thrill. Something Kaliyo learned to exploit back in her days as firebrand. Now, their life has been far more thrilling. The piles of corpses and broken skytroopers Cassian and Vaylin saw on their way were enough of an indication. The people still tried to escape the gang war that awaited them above; many wanted nothing to do with it, but perhaps some could still share information like the broker Cassian found near the arena. It was a crowded place, but it was easy to blend in among charlatans and mercenaries.
"So, no way to get to the spaceport?" Cassian wondered during his discussion with the broker.
"Nope, not at all. And trust me, I'm just as pissed about this crap as you are; I thought Paragon would open it up for anyone who wants to leave, but apparently, they haven't finished clearing out the Exchange scum." That was a lie; Cassian and Vaylin saw to that personally; he was simply trying to cut off their escape route.
"I see, and any…Particular weapons they're using?"
"Huh…Heard something about a violet powder that they have now, don't know what it does."
"Alright, thanks for the info."
As Cassian and Vaylin moved into a secluded area beneath one of the spires, away from the crowd, they had to ponder their next step. Doran must have learned of their escape and spread the Voidcaller around his troops, especially at the spaceport.
"Why does it always have to be so complicated!?" Vaylin said with rage and annoyance as she clenched her fist. "We could do everything; the entire galaxy feared us, and now we have to run away and hide from thugs just because they have some purple goo on them? Preposterous!"
"We can adapt. It wouldn't be the first time."
"Yeah, I had to do a lot of adapting when you used the code phrase on me…"
"We've been through that already, and now isn't a good time."
"I know, I know, but you don't think I'll let you forget, do you?"
"Trust me, I remember…Now, we need another contact. Koth might still be of use."
"Koth?! He works for Doran. Maybe he knows something about Jadus and supports him, too."
"Unlikely. Koth may be stupid, but not crazy enough to support someone like Jadus."
"Jadus brainwashed some of his servants; I saw it on his ship. He could do the same here."
"That's assuming he ever influenced his Zakuulan forces directly and not just through Doran…"
Before he could respond, Cassian noticed Vaylin's gaze turned elsewhere. There was someone hiding behind the nearby crates, watching them with curiosity and care; Vaylin took notice.
"I know you're watching; come out!"
"Sorry, I just…" A familiar voice rang out from behind and a young girl emerged. It took a few seconds for Cassian to recognize her, but he soon remembered. "I didn't mean to pry." She said carefully while keeping her distance.
"Hey, you're the one from the spaceport!" Vaylin said, suddenly speaking up in a surprisingly cheery tone. "Kaia?" She asked, making the girl nod in excitement.
"Yeah, that's me! I didn't expect to find you in here, but I knew it was you…I'd never forget someone like you."
"Did you have any problems on your way out?" Cassian wondered.
"Nope, they didn't even notice with you on their tails! I was too scared when you came, but…I wanted to say thanks. It was hard to slice those systems, and they were very impatient…" Her voice trembled.
"Hey, don't worry about them," Vaylin said with a smile. "We taught those freaks a lesson for you!"
"Yeah, of course…You're very strong!" The girl smiled. "And…I've been thinking a lot about you…You're Empress Vaylin, aren't you?" The sudden question made Vaylin recoil in surprise.
"What? Why are you…"
"I know it sounds strange, but…You look like her, and you're very strong with the force and cool like her, and I heard things about how you're alive and…My mother told me about you before, and I…"
Before Kaia could finish, Cassian heard steps and another, far harsher voice.
"Here she is!"
…
The decision was made, and now it was time to leave Tython. The lead remained mysterious, but Jac was willing to use everything he could to have a chance at retaking Odessen. His friends needed his help, needed to be freed from Jadus's grasp, and Jac had already wasted too much time on Tython. This mysterious contact knew a lot, and he was willing to share at least some of them. Regardless of who his superior was, they had their own game against Jadus. It was a gamble, but far from the first one Jac had to take in his life.
"May the force be with you…And may your friends get out of this alive."
They were about to leave for Rishi's safe house, a place where Jac reunited with Cassian, Lana, and Theron and where they made their move against the Revanites. None of them knew how far this Alliance would go in due time. Satele and Marr came to an agreement in this same place, the battle that took them to Yavin 4, Ziost, and Zakuul. They fought together against countless enemies to end the most monstrous being in the galaxy. And even now that Tenebrae was no more, they still had battles to fight. Sometimes, they had to split up. This was one of those moments.
"Are you sure, Theron?"
"Yes. I don't think a former SIS spy would do you much good, especially since it seemed our contact has some spies on his side. I can use my talents elsewhere…I still have contacts in the Republic. Perhaps the Senate won't listen, but they will. I'll get as much support from the Republic space as possible while you investigate the Imperial contact. Maybe we can get some support from both factions; we'll need those against Jadus."
"I understand. Good luck, Theron."
Theron left shortly before Jac, Kira, and Scourge. They might have gone their separate ways, but they shared a goal. To gather allies against Jadus and retake Odessen.
They will do whatever it takes.