Much to Cassian's relief, the start of their search was far more straightforward than he anticipated. Having a name for the place was good for making their search less blind, but some new allies with good memories and a lot of enthusiasm were even better. Daria could help them find the truth; she said she'd begin the transmission the moment she approached Panteer representatives. Cassian and Vaylin, meanwhile, waited outside, on a bench near castle Thul, allowing themselves to enjoy fresh air.
"So…What's your story with that Daria girl?" Vaylin asked, much to Cassian's amusement.
"You aren't jealous, are you?" That would certainly be amusing, considering their current status…The Sith could only describe it as 'temporary allies with benefits', though he certainly hoped it would become more than that.
"What?!" Vaylin said before looking away. "Can't I just ask a simple question now?" Cassian noticed a faint blush on Vaylin's face.
"It was back when I was a Sith Apprentice and had no choice but to do my master's bidding, I took on some jobs from the locals to earn credits, and here that included fighting against Kiliks. When I met Stanel, he was distraught by his daughter's loss, the bugs took and forcefully made her a part of the hivemind."
"Did you rescue her?"
"Sort of…When I found her in that filthy cave, she was already a joiner and spoke from the nest. Very calm and apathetic, she became one of them. She said she was happy there and didn't want to return to her family."
"So, how did you get her back?"
"I took her by force." The Sith said sternly. "Whatever they made her might have wanted to stay, but it doesn't matter. No point in asking a brainwashed person what they think of the brainwashing. I'm glad to see she recovered."
"Aren't you a hero…" Vaylin chuckled. "Sounds like the kind of story I'd read in one of my books."
"Hm…Wouldn't have pegged you down for a bookworm."
"Hey, I had an entire library in my palace room! A shame I bombed it but oh well, can't have them all…"
Before they could continue, the transmission device rang, this call came from the other side.
"Alright, here they are…Stay on the line, you should hear all we say."
"Ah, here she goes." Cassian smiled.
"Shouldn't we be silent? They would probably find it weird when they see her speaking with three voices…"
"It's only open in one direction, they won't hear us."
"Ah, alright, so it's more of a holodrama…I like the sound of that." Vaylin smiled moments before a male voice echoed from the listening device.
"Ah, Miss Thul!" The voice echoed. "It's a pleasure to see you around on this lovely day." The man welcomed her, making Vaylin cringe.
"That sounds so fake…Are they all like this here? Maybe I gave this planet too much credit."
"They're diplomats, they have to look as perfect and presentable as they can…Probably all hate each other behind others' backs."
"Hate is way more fun if you do it face-to-face."
They continued to listen.
"It's a pleasure for me, too!" Daria spoke with a delighted voice. "I trust house Thul provided you a warm welcome?"
"Your family outdid themselves, we've had a great time. Tell your father that we're very grateful."
"Thank you for your kindness, I promise I will. My father is very busy at the moment, so he asked me to clarify something for him. Is that alright with you?"
"Of course, anything you need."
"It's about recent shipments of weaponry to house Panteer; it's more that we usually send you."
"We're sorry for inconvenience, but let me assure you, each mechanism is put to a good use."
"I don't doubt that at all," Daria reassured them. "But my father wants to be certain, and I can understand why."
"It's for one of Lord Panteer's estates; that's all they said to us."
"Westwind estate, right?"
"Yes, that's it."
"Are there any specific problems with it? A threat of breach? If there is a new Kilik hive emerging within Panteer territory, my family would like to know and send sufficient aid."
"No, they never mentioned it. Lord Panteer just says that you shouldn't be concerned with it; it's a minor squabble at most, and we don't really know the details."
"I see. Have you ever been there? My father doesn't know why it would need such extensive defense…"
"With all due respect, you're not accusing Lord Panteer of a hoax, are you?"
"No, my father just wants to have more information on what he is sponsoring. I'm sure your lord would do the same."
"That is true…But I've never been there, neither have my comrades, not us you shouldn't ask."
"Anyone particular in mind?"
"Hm…To be honest, I might know a man, but he would probably not appreciate the visit."
"If I talk to my father and ask him to arrange a discount for your next order, would you perhaps give me a name?"
"Eh…"
"I just want to talk and make sure my father can finally let go of this concern."
"Very well. His name is Luke Garce and he hangs around the cantina, at least that's what I heard during the last couple of days."
"Do you have a hologram of him?"
"I should, yes, just give me a minute…Here."
"Is he a servant of House Panteer."
"No, I think he's an ambassador who works for some wealthy politician from Imperial space whom Lord Panteer invited. He's the one who helped with the estate."
The puzzle started to piece itself together; Panteers clearly had connections to outside forces; perhaps they were even privy to Jadus's conspiracy?
"Thanks, I appreciate your help. Have a lovely day."
Daria thanked them and left, activating her communication.
"Can you hear me? Cassian?"
"Loud and clear. Heard your talk, too, now we have our target."
"Great! There's clearly more to this than father thinks, and I'll gladly help you investigate."
"You shouldn't endanger yourself, we can take it from here."
"Alright, just know that you can always call me. I'm sending you Garce's hologram. They said he's in the city now, and if someone knows more, it would be him."
"Thanks, Daria, we'll find all we can," Cassian said before disconnecting.
"Cantina, huh…" Vaylin chuckled. "Those can be fun sometimes."
"After all we've been through, I wouldn't mind a drink."
...
The moment their plan was formed and strategy discussed, Jac, Kira, and Scourge all set out for Zakuul, flying right into Doran Mart's area of influence. They could've attacked Jadus's ally and easily brought him to heel, but there was no point wasting their strength and exposing themselves to dealing with an underling when they had an opportunity to strike at his master.
Seeker conducted all the necessary operations. Using his credentials from the Cabal, he quickly infiltrated Doran's network and unveiled much. Mainly, he found the spaceport which Doran and his men used to exchange supplies and Voidcaller with Jadus on Odessen. All they needed was to take one of the scheduled ships shortly before its time. If everything is done skillfully, their enemies won't discover the trick until it was too late.
He also learned of what happened to Cassian and Vaylin. As it turned out, they had left the planet shortly before, and no one knew their destination. This meant there was no time to chase them; Jac and their allies had to focus on Jadus. The Jedi didn't admit to it, but he was relieved after hearing this. They had an important task coming in front of them; he didn't want to waste energy dealing with Vaylin, especially knowing how Cassian would react. He cared about her and would not allow her to get the punishment she deserved, no execution, not even a life in prison. It was a question they would have to discuss soon, but not now.
Now, they had to act. The trio made their way to a designated location and approached the small cargo ship about to depart from its platform. As Jac expected, its guards were armed with Voidcaller-infused weapons. Of course, they were shocked the moment they saw three mysterious figures walking forth, clad in Mandalorian armor.
"Identify yourself, now!"
The trio didn't answer, immediately igniting their lightsabers. The loss of life was regrettable but necessary in this case; this operation was too important to leave witnesses for. They took their shots, but the Voidcaller shards that emerged from their blisters simply bounced off and dissipated the moment they collided with the armor. The vapor they released would've been damaging if not for the respirators Xarion gave the trio. Voidcaller wasn't an immediate threat anymore.
"Pathetic." Scourge said sharply.
The ship was theirs within minutes.
It was time to save their people.
…
Jac, Scourge, Kira, this is Lana. I hope this message reaches you. I don't want to risk calling you directly, we got lucky once but that might not last.
Xarion told me about your vessel and what time it arrives. Jadus left me with a measure of control, thinking that I wouldn't try anything with the Void collar on, and he was very wrong about this. I'll set up a distraction, a case of insubordination which won't merit any lethal punishment but will distract some of Jadus's men and allow you to pass. I'm not sure if we'll be able to meet before your confrontation, but it's best if we don't waste any time. All that matters is eliminating Jadus. We'll deal with Atiel and Sazen after him, and the rest will fall like a house of cards.
I await your arrival.
May the force ever serve you