Stirrings
Before he left Coruscant, Vetris decided to make one last stop. The encounter with Darth Maul had left him with more questions than answers, and he needed to know who else had an interest in the weapons shipment. His instincts told him there was more at play here, and he wasn't about to leave without understanding the full picture.
The Outlander Club was as lively as ever, the dim lighting and lively chatter creating a familiar buzz. Vetris scanned the room as he walked in, his black cloak brushing against the floor. In the far corner, he spotted his contact at the same booth where they'd first met.
Sliding into the seat across from the contact, Vetris didn't waste any time. "Tell me," he said in a low voice. "Who else was after that shipment? You said there was another party involved."
The contact, a shady-looking human with sharp eyes, leaned back and glanced around to ensure no one was listening. He lowered his voice. "I wasn't lying when I said I didn't know exactly who they are, but they're dangerous. Word on the street is, they've got deep connections. I heard whispers of a syndicate, possibly Black Sun or the Hutt Cartel. But whoever they are, they're not just petty thieves—they've got resources, and they're organized."
Vetris narrowed his eyes. "And Maul? Did you know about him?"
The contact shrugged. "I didn't know it was him, but I knew there was a Sith presence sniffing around. You're dealing with more than just crime syndicates here. There's something bigger going on."
Vetris leaned in closer, his tone sharpening. "What do you mean?"
The contact shifted uncomfortably. "Look, I don't have all the answers. But from what I've pieced together, someone's gearing up for something big. These weapons—they're not just for show. They're for a war, or at least something close to it. If I were you, I'd keep a low profile. Whoever's pulling the strings, they don't like loose ends."
Vetris mulled over the information, feeling the weight of the situation growing. "If anything else comes up, you know how to reach me," he said before standing up to leave.
The contact gave him a wary nod. "I'll be in touch. Just... be careful out there, Vetris. You're not the only Sith with eyes on the galaxy."
As Vetris left the club and made his way to his ship, his mind raced. The mystery behind the shipment, the involvement of Maul, and now the mention of a larger force at play—this was no ordinary job. Whatever was coming, Vetris knew he needed to be prepared.
As Vetris entered hyperspace, heading back to Tatooine, he activated his holocommunicator to reach his master, Darth Tanya. The blue flickering image of the Sith Lord appeared, her piercing eyes locking onto his.
"Vetris," Darth Tanya said in her cold, measured voice. "I wasn't expecting to hear from you. Has something happened?"
"Yes, master," Vetris replied, bowing slightly. "I've come across a Sith... by the name of Darth Maul."
Her expression remained calm, though Vetris sensed the shift in her focus. "Oh? I assume you've killed him?"
Vetris clenched his jaw slightly. "I'm afraid he escaped before I could finish him. But I engaged him in combat. He's skilled, but not invincible."
"I see." Tanya's voice remained steady, though there was a hint of disappointment. "Anything else?"
"Yes," Vetris continued, "according to my contact, something is brewing. Someone is making moves, gathering resources, weapons. My contact suspects war, or something close to it. I wanted your advice on the matter."
Tanya paused for a moment, clearly weighing the information. "Good thinking, Vetris. But what concerns me most is this Sith apprentice, Darth Maul. The only Sith master I know of, besides myself, is Darth Plagueis... and he is a danger not to be trifled with. If Maul is indeed his apprentice, killing him would deal a serious blow to whatever Plagueis is planning."
Vetris felt a cold chill run down his spine at the mention of Darth Plagueis. The Dark Lord's reputation was known even to him, and his master rarely spoke of him unless the situation was dire.
"You are not ready for Plagueis yet," Tanya continued, her tone firm. "He must be avoided at all costs. Your focus should remain on Maul. If he is Plagueis' apprentice, eliminating him could shift the balance of power in our favor. But tread carefully, Vetris. Do not underestimate Plagueis' reach or his plans."
"Yes, master," Vetris replied, bowing his head. "I will stay vigilant."
"Good. Keep me informed. And Vetris... be cautious. The galaxy is more dangerous than ever, and we must remain in the shadows until the time is right."
With that, the hologram flickered out, leaving Vetris alone with his thoughts as the stars streaked by outside his ship. The weight of what he had learned—and what still lay ahead—pressed heavily on him. Maul would have to be dealt with, but the specter of Darth Plagueis loomed over everything now. The game had become far more dangerous than he'd anticipated.
But Vetris wasn't one to shy away from danger. He would see this through. One way or another.
