Iris paced the hallway as Alys cut into the door leading to the secret laboratory with her saber. The jedi was acting as lookout when the door slid open. The two entered slowly as they found themselves inside a messy workspace with a selkath leaning over a large cyborg. The scientist looked up from his work and scolded them, talking about how his work wasn't done yet and that his benefactors needed to be patient.
"Tell me where they are and you can go free," Alys threatened, pointing her saber at the selkath. He groaned, realizing that they were nothing but trouble.
Before Iris could add or argue, another set of doors slid open to reveal a barreling Jakarro wielding a high powered bowcaster. The wookie yelled something about taking revenge as he shot the selkath straight in the chest, killing him instantly. Alys turned to Jakarro as she lowered her weapon as Iris gaped at the sudden scene.
"Or not," Alys sighed before deactivating the blade.
"He was our only lead," Iris groaned as Jakarro shrugged.
"And now he can't take advantage of us again," Deefour countered as Jakarro agreed.
"Let's hope there's something in his computer that could help," Alys suggested before she walked around to the nearest console. Iris watched her as the window shades opened behind Alys. The jedi cleared her throat as Jakarro raised his weapon again. Alys noticed Iris and turned to find Darok and Arkous on the other side of the glass.
"Now I didn't expect this," Darok remarked as he folded his arms across his chest armor.
"It seems that we're found out, although I didn't think I would see the Republic and Empire working together," Arkous added, holding his hands behind his back.
"You seem to be rather chummy yourselves," Iris countered as she stepped toward the window. Alys drew her weapon as it hummed.
"That's because we're working for a third party, not that you'll need to know about that," Arkous answered with a chuckle. "I doubt you'll be able to worry about anything soon."
Alys swore at them angrily as Arkous produced a handheld detonator and pressed the button in the handle. The underwater building shook and shuddered as the windows closed again, the two traitors racing to their escape. Iris grabbed the table edge to keep on her feet as water started to fill the room.
"We need to get out of here," Iris grumbled before she pressed her comm. "Theron, please tell me you have a way out of here."
"Sorry, Theron's is working on slicing the computers," Lana answered. Iris stared at her wrist before glancing up at Alys, who watched and waited. The jedi could feel the sith's uneasiness and fear, which unnerved her. "It looks like all the escape pods have been released and the lab has been sealed."
"That's not the good news I was hoping for," Iris mentioned with a light laugh which led to a groan.
"Isn't there anything you can do from up there? Otherwise, we'll be crushed to death," Alys reminded.
"I did procure a small watercraft in case this situation occurred, but you'll have to get to the hatch first. I'm sending down the craft now," Lana instructed as both Alys and Iris let out a sigh of relief.
"We'll head there right away," Iris replied before her and Alys ran across the room with Jakkaro close behind.
The corridor tilted downward as water continued to pour into the facility. Soon, the water was up to their knees, and it was hard to traverse through the lab. Droids that would have been a problem were now malfunctioning in the water as they dashed past them. As the closed in on the hatch, another shift caused the building to shudder again.
"That cyborg champion is coming for you! I can feel its power from here, and it is considerable!" Lana shouted into the comm as they entered the bay. A door from the other end split in two as the selkath cyborg that the late Gorima was working on appeared in the opening. Ice ran through Iris's veins as she sized up the technological monster. It was twice as big as the other selkath they had fought, and Iris couldn't sense anything from the cyborg other than hate and anger.
"How much time do we have?" Alys wondered as she readied her sabers.
"We have five minutes before the building collapses," Deefour answered as Jakarro growled, not wanting to die before he could get his revenge.
"Alright, we'll need to fight as one," Alys informed, staring at Iris.
"What do you mean?" the jedi asked as the cyborg shouted.
"Trust is in short supply, but if we don't trust each other now, then we're done for. I can't give it my all if you aren't working with me," Alys informed as the cyborg charged. Alys and Iris jumped out of the way as it charged into the console.
"I doubt you trust me that much," Iris scoffed as she slashed at the cyborg before jumping back away from its attack.
"I trust you more than you realize," Alys replied before she attacked from behind. Jakarro aimed his bowcaster at him, but he couldn't get a clear shot. Iris frowned, but she decided to give Alys the benefit of the doubt. Feeling the sith through the Force, she moved with Alys and vice versa. Soon, they found a rhythm they could work with.
Iris backed off as the cyborg focused its attacks on Alys. She dodged the heavy attacks and countered when she could. Iris charged the selkath again, knocking it off balance before Alys gained the upper hand. The jedi spun on her knees with her sabers pointed outward, slashing the cyborg several times as Alys leaped onto its shoulders. Before it could reach for her, she swung her sabers down, cutting of his limbs at the shoulder before plunging them into his chest. Iris Force pushed the cyborg forward as the life flickered from its eyes. Alys jumped into the air and landed next to Iris before deactivating her weapons. The jedi also disarmed and stared at the sith.
"See? That wasn't so hard?" Alys winked before the comm came on again.
"Get moving!" Lana reminded before they ran towards the transport.
The three of them piled into the watercraft before jettisoning away from the collapsing structure. Just as they cleared the area, they could see the final shudder and disintegration of the building. Iris sighed in relief before the wave of death came over her and Alys. They sat still as they realized just how many people weren't able to get out. Jakarro cheered with his bodiless droid as they floated toward the surface.
As the craft reached the city again, a few friendly faces appeared on the dock. Theron helped open the pod and let the three out. Jakarro barreled out, complaining about being underwater. Alys and Iris stepped out as Jaesa and Kira stood next to Lana. They were all very relieved to find everyone intact.
"Let's get back inside. We can discuss what you found there," Theron suggested before they returned to their temporary hideout.
After some wound cleanup and medical checks, Theron returned to the desk as Lana stood next to Jakarro. They spoke about his ship and where to retrieve it before Theron caught their attention.
"We can catch up at a later time," he informed as Lana stepped to his side. "We need to talk about a new course of action. The data we uncovered in the lab changes everything we originally thought."
"The Order of Revan is far more well-funded and supported than we ever imagined," Lana added with a nod. "They are embedded in the power structures in both governments."
"Then we need to work together to figure something out. Both Darok and Arkous sacrificed hundreds of innocent lives with their coordinated attacks. I can't imagine they are working toward a goal that will benefit any of us," Iris pointed out.
"An excellent point. I for one would like to investigate this cult further," Alys agreed before Jakkaro growled that he wouldn't allow either of the men to get away with their treachery. Lana led him away, wanting to speak more about his connections.
"Lana and I are going to keep searching for leads, apparently with Jakkaro," Theron shrugged. "We should travel separately. If the Revanites try to track us, then they won't know which ship to go after."
"We should get a move on," Lana interrupted before gesturing towards the door. "Are you coming, Theron?"
"Go prep the ship, I'll be right behind you," Theron explained. Lana nodded before bowing before Alys and Jaesa.
"A pleasure as always, Wrath," she replied before facing Iris. "And it has been very nice to finally meet you. May the Force serve you well."
Iris dipped her head before Lana left with Jakarro. Theron watched her for a moment before turning back to Iris and Alys.
"Take care out there. We don't know who we can trust. Be safe and trust no one," he warned both of them before he followed at the sith lord.
Alys went to leave when Iris stepped in front of her. She raised an eyebrow at the jedi as Iris crossed her arms. The sith looked back at her apprentice, who nodded. Iris didn't mean harm to either of them. Alys took a step back as Iris's friend looked confused.
"What's going on?" Alys asked playfully.
"I have questions, as I'm sure you do as well. I figured we could continue to build what trust is here," Iris suggested. Kira fought the urge to roll her eyes as Alys smirked. The sith sat down at the holotable with Jaesa strategically behind her.
"I wouldn't mind a little quid pro quo," the sith replied as she relaxed. Iris sat across from Alys, calming her mind. "Would you like to start, or should I?"
"How did you convince Jaesa to join you?" Iris asked immediately. Kira glanced between her mentor and the sith's apprentice. Sure, Kira had heard the name, but she never gave it much thought. Alys froze, her gaze calculating.
"I showed her a better way of life," Alys answered before she looked back at her apprentice.
"There's more than one way to walk in the light," Jaesa explained as she bowed her head. Iris stared at her before turning back to Alys.
"You know Jaesa?" the sith wondered.
"I was there the day they brought her from Alderaan," Iris replied with a shrug. "I was about to start my life as a padawan. I've heard of her powers."
"I see."
"Can you truly see someone's intentions?" Iris wondered, turning her attention to Jaesa. Alys turned to her apprentice, and she nodded when Jaesa paused.
"I can," she answered softly. "I used it on you and Jedi Knight Carsen when you walked in. I wanted to make sure you were here for the reasons you said you were."
"It's the only reason we agreed to such a truce," Alys added. "Why did you trust this alliance so readily? You had no proof of our intentions."
"I want this war to someday end. This was an exercise in faith, I suppose. If I can work with the sith on a mutually beneficial project, then there is hope for lasting peace," Iris answered honestly. Alys widened her eyes before she genuinely smiled.
"How very pragmatic of you," Alys chuckled as she laid her arm on the table. The sith's wrist beeped as she quietly groaned. "I've missed my check in."
"Your check in?" Iris repeated, confused.
"Let's just say that my captain likes to keep close tabs on me," she sighed before she pressed a button. Alys stared at her wrist for a moment more before she pressed the button again. Nothing happened, which made Alys irritated.
"What's wrong with your com?" Iris wondered, leaning forward on the table. Alys hummed before she turned to the jedi. And then she grimaced at something behind her.
"I want to be extremely clear. I am not responsible for what happens next," she sighed. Iris scrunched her nose in confusion before she felt a presence behind her. A cold barrel touched the back of her head, and Iris frowned. She stared at Alys, who was glaring at the person behind her. Kira turned and ignited her staff.
"My lord," the man replied as he stilled. Iris closed her eyes and felt the man's confusion, concern, and a hint of fear. He hesitated before she arched her back, sending the man back through the Force. Alys pursed her lips to stifle a smile. The jedi motioned for Kira to stand down as she turned to see the military man twenty feet across the floor.
"Like I said, my captain likes to keep close tabs on me," Alys said as she rested her chin on her hand. "Do forgive him, I didn't mention to him that we would be working the jedi. Didn't have a chance to."
"I suppose I can't blame him," Iris replied as she watched him sit up. Iris reached and yanked his weapon away from his side. She caught the blaster with ease and slid it over to Alys. "Although I think this conversation would go better with him unarmed."
"As a sign of goodwill, I will agree," Alys replied. Quinn jumped to his feet and stared at the scene in front of him.
"You may want to explain the situation before he loses his mind. Or tells the Empire," Iris mentioned. Alys waved her hand.
"He would do nothing of the sort," Alys reassured. She motioned for him to approach, and he followed her command. "Captain Quinn, I would like to introduce you to Master Iris Vao and her associate Jedi Knight Kira Carsen."
"You are very light on your feet, captain," Iris remarked before she stood and bowed politely. Quinn looked visibly uncomfortable as he stared at the sith before returning his gaze on the jedi.
"My lord, what is going on?" he whispered, refusing to look away from Iris.
"The threat Lord Beniko mentioned is larger than we believed. The threat is present in the Republic as well, and it is growing. Lana met with a Republic agent, who brought the jedi with him. We have been chatting to gain some trust between us," Alys replied as she leaned back in her chair. "That is, until you rudely tried to attack our newest ally."
"Ally?" he sputtered, facing her again.
"I should take my leave," Iris sighed as she stood, a mischievous smile painted on her lips. "I don't want to cause your captain to have a mental break down."
"I beg your pardon," he insisted before he shook his head. Alys rolled her eyes, but she got her feet as well.
"I appreciate your concern," Alys replied as a thought entered her head. The sith walked around the captain toward the jedi before embracing Iris. It surprised the jedi, but she saw the face on the captain, and she reciprocated. "We should be going now. I hope to see you soon, my friend."
"Likewise," Iris replied as she held back a laugh. The captain seemed to be boiling, which was rather amusing. Iris had never seen such frustration in a person before. Kira turned away from the imperial, also trying not to laugh. "I believe trust will come easier than we thought."
"I agree," Alys smiled before lowering her voice. "Wish me luck. He'll be quite angry with me when we return."
"Good luck," Iris whispered before Alys stepped back. Iris bowed to the imperials with her hands pressed together. "May the Force be with you."
Alys nodded once before Iris and Kira retreated out of the room. They could hear some heated mutterings and whispers, and they quickened their pace. Once they were clear of the room, they laughed openly and held onto each other as they walked toward the ship. Never in Iris's life has she seen such a serious man get so flustered and irritated so quickly. And an imperial at that. Alys was definitely going to get an earful after that display.
