"What do you know about Killik Joiners?" the agent asked the assassin.
"Killiks see our isolation as death," the assassin replied. They sat in her quarters. The nanobots clicked softly in one corner, still building the mask. "They believe Joiners have been saved from that fate."
"I'm to work with one," the agent told her cousin. "A former Imperial ambassador. Imperial Intelligence believes he's still loyal."
"Their fools," the assassin said. "His loyalty is to the Hive. Never let your guard down around him. What one knows, they all know."
"He files activity reports," Cipher Nine said.
The assassin chuckled. "They are trying to understand the Empire and gauge its response. The idea of factions confuses them. But remember, they are slow to act. They are meticulous. When they do act, they act as one."
"Any good news?"
"They are slow to change," the assassin said. "Very slow. Technological advancement moves at a crawl. Anything new will confuse them, for a little while."
Cipher Nine nodded and looked at the mask. "Do you know what it's for?"
"I do," the assassin replied. "But I don't know why the Force wanted me to have it. How has Imperial Intelligence reacted to our... relationship?"
"You earned some points with Watcher X," the agent said. "But we must be selective. What do you know about Darth Zhorrid?"
"Some of it is an act," the assassin said. "But I don't know how much."
"I had the same impression," the agent said. "Who's the new guy?"
"Captain Revel," the assassin. "Former Republic Navy, deserted. Pirate, gangster, mercenary. Zash thinks he'll be a good influence."
"What do you think?" the agent asked.
"He's a good pilot," the assassin said. "That's enough."
They found Andronikos and Kaliyo sitting very close in the common room.
"I've got a couple more that are hidden," Revel said. "How many have you got?"
Kaliyo smiled. "It's not the quantity, it's the quality. And the location. I've got a few I'd like you to see up close."
"Kaliyo," the agent said.
The Rattataki rolled her eyes. "Cantina later," she said to Revel. "You buy the drinks; I'll bring the handcuffs."
As they approached the cave, the Killiks outside stopped in their work, turned, and watched them. They stood silent, with an occasional antenna twitch, while the agent and Kaliyo walked past.
"This is a whole other level of creepy," Kaliyo said. Cipher Nine had to agree.
They found the nest deep within the cave and one human among the Killiks, facing away.
"I can't wait to see how this goes," Kaliyo said.
"We are Vector Hyllus," the human said. "Dawn Herald of the Oroboro nest." He turned toward them. "Pleased to make your-" He stopped, his black on black eyes fixed on the agent. The Killiks stopped with him.
"Hello, there," the agent said but did not receive a response. "Cipher Nine." Still nothing. "I'm with Imperial Intelligence."
"Of course," Vector said at last.
"Were you expecting me?" the agent asked.
After a brief pause, Vector said, "We received a message concerning your mission. We were told we might serve. We trust our appearance doesn't disturb you?" The other Killiks did not move, but their antennae flicked rapidly.
"I'm not bothered," the agent told him. "So long as it gets the job done."
"We appreciate your professionalism." He tilted his head, nodded, and the Killiks returned to their work. "As to your target- Imperial Intelligence provided us with a list of names, dates and locations connected to your terrorist financier. We can't identify the financier himself, but your information shows he's visited House Organa, House Serrus, House Panteer, and House Cortess. Cortess is a vassal of the Empire's proxy- House Thul. If you show the Cortess baron a copy of our findings, he might close in on your foe."
"It's as good a place to start as any," the agent replied.
Vector said, "We suggest you present yourself to Cortess as an ally of the Empire. Show strength... and don't mention your Intelligence connections."
"Thank you," she said. "I've done this before."
"Our most sincere apologies," Vector said. "We shall remember."
"What's the plan?" Kaliyo asked as they approached House Cortess.
"I've got an idea," the agent replied.
"Hold your guard!" the guard captain said. "In the name of Baron Peyar Cortess and the Cortess barony, I demand you state your business- or face expulsion."
"How dare you speak this way to me?" Cipher Nine replied. "I am a countess of House Thul!"
"House Thul?" the captain said. "Forgive me, your highness. It's sometimes difficult to recognize an adopted heir."
"Are you shitting me?" Cipher Nine said. "That was a joke. Someone walks up randomly and declares themselves nobility, and you just accept it? I'm beginning to question our choice of allies."
The captain paused. "Who are you?"
"Lieutenant Ja'vaa Rann, Imperial Military," the agent said. "I'm here to see the baron."
"I thought your people stayed in House Thul," the captain said.
"Do you doubt a servant of the Empire might visit us, Captain?" a woman said, approaching. "We're supposed to be allies, after all." She turned to Cipher Nine. "I am Baroness Chay Cortess. Please forgive our lack of hospitality, but my husband has no time for visitors."
The agent blinked. "Really?"
"Some days ago, we lost a squad of battle droids patrolling the borders of Cortess lands," the baroness continued. "That squad was our first line of defense."
Cipher Nine said nothing.
"We believe the squad's disappearance may presage an attack. Yet not one of our allies has come to our aid."
Still nothing.
"We don't know what destroyed our droids- they went silent," the baroness said. "Until we find out, we must prepare for the worst." She waited. "If you want our favor, send your troops to determine the fate of our patrol. Perhaps then my baron may host guests."
Cipher Nine activated her comm. "Lieutenant Ja'vaa Rann here. J83744R2. Yes. Operations, please. Thank you. Yes, hello. I need to speak to Baron Cortess. No, it's not something you would have heard about. I've been told he's busy right now and won't talk. He lost some patrol droids. Yes. That's what the baroness told me. They think an attack is coming. Yes, they have troops. They're not well trained, though. Yes, that should do it. Thank you. I'll tell them." She turned to the baroness. "They're sending a team. Prepare three squads. Our team will direct them. Pick your best troops. The Empire prefers allies that can stand up for themselves. I hope you understand my meaning."
"Of course," the baroness said.
"With that out of the way," the agent said. "I would like to see the baron."
"With all due respect," the baroness said. "Your team hasn't arrived yet."
Twenty minutes later, a speeder arrived with a team of Imperial commandos. The sergeant in charge scanned the group but couldn't find an Imperial uniform.
"Here," the agent said.
He saluted. "Sergeant Hallit, at your service."
"Lieutenant Ja'vaa Rann, Imperial Special Forces. Did they brief you?"
"They did, ma'am," the sergeant said. "Missing droids and..."
"Evaluation," the agent said. "Report back to your superiors. They'll want to know if Cortess is worth the effort."
"Yes, ma'am. And the Rattataki?"
"What Rattataki?" the agent said.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Baroness," Cipher Nine said.
In the baron's chamber, the guard captain called out, "Baron Peyar Cortess, Sword of the Castle Lands, I hereby present to you Lieutenant Ja'vaa Rann, the honorable emissary of the Sith Empire."
"I so grant her recognition," the baron replied. "I am Baron Peyar Cortess, Lieutenant. Welcome to my home."
"The pleasure is mine, Baron," the agent said.
"Then we are both fortunate," the baron said. "Tell me, now- why do you seek my house? Is there a favor you would ask?"
"With due respect, Baron," the agent said. "I'd rather talk in private."
The baron said, "There's no need for privacy. My court is loyal and trustworthy."
"I'm sure they are," Cipher Nine said. "But protocol demands privacy."
"Very well," the baron said. "My office is here."
Once in the office, the agent said, "I'm trying to identify a visitor to House Cortess. I know when he was here, but not his name or face."
He nodded and read through the data. "I believe the guest you're looking for is Master Denri Ayl. We've hosted him and his summits on a number of occasions."
"Where can I find him?" the agent asked.
"Well, it may not be so easy as that," the baron said. "He was once Lord Denri Ayl, but some years ago, he abdicated his position. He became a mediator dedicated to forging peace. However, Denri Ayl has been missing for several weeks."
"Isn't anyone trying to find him?" the agent said.
"Too much chaos to worry about one missing man," the baron said. "But it bears investigation. I'll begin looking into Ayl's whereabouts through formal and informal diplomatic channels. In the meantime, you're welcome to stay as a guest. House Cortess prides itself on its hospitality."
"My apologies, Baron, I'm not here for the hospitality. My business is urgent, so I must take my leave."
Once they were away from House Cortess, Kaliyo said, "Ja'vaa?"
"One of my many aliases."
"You get more interesting every day," Kaliyo said.
"Is it me, or are there more bugs than last time?" Kaliyo said, eying the Killiks in the nest.
"More," the agent replied. "I counted."
"Welcome back," Vector said. "Your aura reflects your attunement to the great Song."
"Good to see you again, too," Cipher Nine replied. Kaliyo continued watching the Killiks.
"We've been depleting resources rapidly this season," he said to Kaliyo. "But our foragers can compensate."
"What do they forage?" Kaliyo asked.
"Primarily plants," he said. "Occasionally grubs and lesser insectoids. Never Rattataki."
"If you say so," she said.
"Baron Peyar gave us a lead," the agent said. "Denri Ayl."
Vector nodded. "We met Ayl during our time as ambassador. With his wealth and talent, he could be your target."
"He's also missing," the agent told him.
"We might be able to help," Vector replied. "Our nest has had many Joiners over the years- soldiers. Children. Nobles. We can search their memories and see what they know of Denri Ayl."
A chill went up the agent's spine. "Let's see what you come up with," she said.
Vector nodded and the Killiks stopped moving.
Kaliyo whispered, "This really creeps me out."
The agent said, "They're accessing a database."
"Of brains," Kaliyo said.
"We remember Pabel Alde," Vector said at last. "When her speeder crashed, our foragers brought her to the hive. Our healers tended her. We became one. Her house granted Ayl residence in honor of his work as a mediator. Ayl kept records of his work in the Alde estate. If you can penetrate the estate's defenses, those records are yours. However, House Alde opposes the Empire, and the estate is always prepared for an Imperial attack- even a stealthy one. Be careful."
"I'll have those records in no time," the agent said with a smile.
They arrived at Outpost Bolym, the nearest Imperial base to House Alde. Kaliyo smiled and jumped from the speeder.
"Andronikos," she called out and went to him. "Recovered yet?"
"Working on it," Revel replied. "Where did you learn how to do that?"
"All sorts of places," Kaliyo said.
The assassin turned to the agent and sighed. "I know there are no coincidences in the Force, but I'd like a little more subtlety." The agent shrugged.
"I don't get it," Revel said.
"They are also going to House Alde," the assassin told him.
"How do you know that?" he asked.
"Deductive reasoning," she replied.
He seemed doubtful. "So, who's in charge?" Kaliyo laughed. "Okay," he said.
The assassin displayed a map of House Alde and detailed their route in.
Revel said, "Why don't we just fight our way in?"
The assassin stared at him. "Alderaan is in the middle of a civil war. Any encounter, no matter how small, could escalate very quickly, turning the palace into a battlefield and making it nearly impossible for us to reach our goals. You want that level of devastation so we can walk into a library and access a file? The Empire, House Thul, and House Alde would be much better served if no one knew we were ever there."
"I guess that makes sense," he said.
"Wonderful," the assassin said. "I'm glad you can see reason." She mounted her speeder and turned toward House Alde without waiting for the others to follow.
Kaliyo told him, "That's why she's in charge."
Two hours later, they were back at the outpost.
"Cipher Nine," the assassin said. "If you have any time, please suggest a suppressor for the Captain's blaster. I'm sure he'll need it."
The agent looked at the pistol and said, "I can suggest three right now."
"Excellent," the assassin replied. "I caught a bit of your file. Other than the obvious, I'm certain House Rist will be involved. They are experts in this particular field. Our paths will likely cross again, and stealth will be more difficult against Rist. In this matter, Imperial Intelligence will be grateful for my assistance."
Vector said, "Agent, it's good to see you. We apologize. The nest has been invigorated by Star-Dancing. If you could smell the pheromones-"
"Should I be worried?" the agent asked.
"There's nothing to be concerned about," Vector replied. "The hive is growing, and we all benefit. We even have a gift for you. These orbs contain white membrosia, a rare nectar produced by-"
"I don't take strange drinks," the agent said. "Standard policy. I found records in the Alde estate, but I'm not sure what to make of them."
"This is... perplexing," Vector said. "It looks like Ayl funded the destruction of the Dominator and the assassination of Darth Jadus, but the rest is very odd. Have you shown this to Baron Peyar?"
"Not yet," she replied.
"Baron Peyar may see nuances we don't," Vector told her.
"...with trifling details," the baron said to his wife.
"I am concerned," the baroness replied. "This house needs all I can give, not just- Ah, the Imperial emissary. I hope you're enjoying your visit to Alderaan."
"If you're here about Denri Ayl, I must disappoint," the baron said. "I've been gathering information-yet I cannot locate him with any certainty."
"I have a lead," the agent said. "This data from House Alde might help."
The baron examined the data. "It appears that some weeks ago, Master Ayl arranged a secret meeting with House Rist." The agent and Kaliyo looked at each other. "That meeting is doubtless occurring as we speak."
"Ayl's not meeting with anyone," Cipher Nine said. "He's hiding."
"I'd caution you to leave this matter alone," the baron told her. "House Rist is a stain upon the nobility- a house of slayers and poisoners. I suggest you wait for Denri Ayl's return- a month, perhaps two. Don't earn the Rist assassins' ire by interfering in their affairs."
"I understand your concerns, baron," the agent said. "I will have another Imperial team protect House Cortess until this matter is settled."
"House Rist earned its place through cunning and murder," the baron said. "Confronting Rist will do no good."
"My husband is right," the baroness said. "When I was a child, Rist assassins poisoned my father and slit my brother's throat. Justice was never done."
The agent, her voice steady and cold, said, "I know how to deal with assassins. I'll make sure House Rist remembers my visit."
Khem looked over House Rist and said, "The house of assassins and death."
"Stealth again?" Andronikos asked.
"Unfortunately, no," the assassin replied. "House Rist knows as much about stealth as we do. This will be a stand up fight."
"About time," he said.
"Don't push it, Captain."
As they headed out, Kaliyo whispered to Andronikos, "Don't piss off scary Sith bitch."
The Rist assassins were well trained, but they were not soldiers. A straight fight was not their strength. Still, movement up the long Rist stairway was slow. At one point, Khem was separated from the assassin. Three of the Rist assassins took the opportunity to attack. Revel dove on top of her, pushing her behind a boulder. She turned and threw him three meters away, jumped up, and attacked the assassins. When they were dead, she reached toward Revel and clenched a fist. He cried out as his arms were crushed against his body.
"Captain! I am not some doe-eyed girl for you to rescue!" She let him go and continued up the stairs.
"I told you," Kaliyo said while she helped him to his feet.
When they reached the top of the stairs, the assassin paused and concentrated as if she were listening. "Kaliyo, do you see anyone behind us?"
The Rattataki hid behind a boulder and sighted down her rifle scope. "Oh. Mako and Ter'viro. That's her bounty hunter. And some Devaronian. They're headed up."
"We need to go," the assassin said.
"They'd help," Kaliyo said.
"They're not Imperial," the assassin said. "Do you really want me to kill your friends for helping us?"
"I guess not," Kaliyo said.
The agent stole a quick look at Ter'viro then followed the assassin.
"What was that for?" Kaliyo asked.
"Just curious," Cipher Nine said.
A short time later, they heard a shuttle take off.
"Ayl?" Kaliyo said.
"I don't think so," the assassin replied. "More likely the hunter's target." They fought through to the lower levels, and she said, "Here we must part ways. We will rendezvous at the speeders. Remember, this is House Rist. Trust no one, trust nothing."
"Standard Imperial procedure," Cipher Nine replied.
"Exactly," the assassin said and headed toward her own goal.
The agent found her target at the end of a long room. The assassins guarding Ayl took cover but didn't fire. The agent and Kaliyo did the same.
"I was starting to wonder if we'd meet face-to-face," Ayl called out. "Welcome to House Rist. You'd fit right in. Tell me, Imperial, did you come all the way from Dromund Kaas?"
"A pleasure to meet you, Master Ayl," Cipher Nine replied.
"Proper courtesy is so rare these days," Ayl said. "Not that it matters. When we heard you were on your way, I arranged for my friends- at considerable expense- to prepare a traditional Rist welcome."
"Did someone tip you off?" the agent asked.
Ayl smiled. "Let's just say I'm not the only person on Alderaan to believe the Empire's become a problem."
"You're a considerable fool, Ayl," the agent said. "Where, exactly, did a terrorist organization get that much money?"
"I don't ask such questions," Ayl said.
The agent told him, "The Old Man on Tatooine was Sith Intelligence."
Ayl paused. "You have no proof. And this conversation is done. Gentlemen, you may kill the intruder."
The agent fired, hitting Ayl in the shoulder as he tried to run. She and Kaliyo finished off the Rist assassins and ran after Ayl.
"Cipher Nine!" Watcher Two suddenly said in the agent's earpiece.
"I have Ayl," the agent said. "I can bring him in alive."
"We don't need him," Watcher Two replied. "Kill him."
Cipher Nine paused and said, "Understood." She stopped, took aim, and killed Ayl. She ran to his body, took his holoemitter, and played the last message.
"Cipher Nine, are you there?" Watcher Two asked.
"Here," the agent said. "Ayl is dead. I found a message on his holocomm from Baroness Chay Cortess. She warned him we were coming."
"Other agents will handle Cortess," Watcher Two said. "Return to your ship. We've found the Eagle. He's on Hutta."
"Understood," the agent said.
"One more thing," Watcher Two said. "Vector Hyllus has asked permission to accompany you."
"Bugboy?" Kaliyo said. "What does he want?"
"Unknown," Watcher Two replied. "But, Imperial Intelligence believes it is an excellent opportunity to study Joiners. From now on, Vector Hyllus will be under your command."
"I don't trust him, Watcher Two," the agent said. "He's more Killik than anything else."
"I'm sorry," Watcher Two replied. "But this order comes from Keeper himself."
"Understood," the agent said. "Cipher Nine out."
When the comm was off, Kaliyo said, "If he tries to turn us, I'm killing him."
"I won't stop you," the agent replied.
"We understand your mistrust," Vector said. They found him already aboard the ship. "We'll do our best to demonstrate we're worthy of the position. We're grateful for this opportunity."
"I'm just following orders," the agent said. "Don't thank me. Keeper made the choice."
"We understand," he said. "We're grateful nonetheless, and we will serve- both as Dawn Herald and as operative of Imperial Intelligence."
Killik title first, she noted. "Just stay quiet and obey orders."
"Acknowledged. We'll await your commands."
Kaliyo said, "Try to assimilate me, and I'll burn you."
He watched her for a moment and said, "As you wish."
His loyalty is to the Hive. Never let your guard down around him. Good advice.