AN: I have nothing to say for myself. I am sorry for the delay since I had to do radiation protection training and it was exhausting. Also a fair warning. I have a job interview next week and should I get it, the updates are going to be more drawn out. Also thank you for the reviews! Pretty much kept me going through the three times I had to edit this chapter. While this may seem a bit too much action followed on top of another, the next few chapters will be quieter. Promise!

vos: Ich hoffe, dass dein Essay gut gelaufen (hast du die Note von der Klausur schon?) ist und bin froh, dass das letzte Kapitel dir so gefallen hat! Mit der Beerdigung dachte ich, dass ich gewisse Abschlüsse machen könnte. Vor allem bei Al, da sie ja jetzt ein komplett andered Leben aufgedrückt bekommt. Und die Moralität zwischen Töten und Verteidigung. Was nicht wirklich so durch kam denke ich. Ich hab die Episode erst später gesehen, nachdem mir alle in der Schule vorgeheult haben, dass es so tragisch war.

Alle waren blind und mussten es einstecken. Sehr sehr traurig. Da ja jetzt die Trailer für S8 raus kam, was denkst du darüber? Ich bin nur froh, dass Ahsoka wieder da ist! Nur wegen ihr bin ich eigentlich in diesem fandom! Ich habe drei von den Monstern jetzt und das meiste kommt vom Alltag mit denen! xD und wer kann schon einer süßen Katze widerstehen :P Ich musste ein Training machen für Strahlenschutz und jetzt habe ich ein INTERVIEW nächste Woche. So was von aufgeregt!

Ja er ist anhänglich geworden, weil a) verloren genauso wie Al und b) es sind nur halt jetzt nur er, Al und Tehra mit denen er groß was zu tun hat.

Hoffe dein Kopfkino explodiert bei der letzten Szene :P

Fifty pull ups on a bar before Altharya knew she'd be turned into a punching bag against Boba for hours. After four months they had eased into other routines, more advanced techniques. But he still hammered her in the basics. Sweat was running down her back in streams at the thirtieth. A desperate drilling, every single hesitation or flaw mercilessly pointed out and repeated until it flowed to his satisfaction. Though – she gritted her teeth together and let out a guttural groan as she pulled herself back up – he had not expected the acceleration in her progress. Not that he complained about it. No, he had mentioned to Tehra that he had no idea on why while Tehra had promptly started laughing at his confusion.

In that moment it had clicked with him that Tehra had been helping her. After a good laugh, he had adjusted the pace back to its original brutality. However, learning what he was instructing had gotten easier too. Even if she kept quiet on her little stretches in the Force.

"How many more?" Boba called out then, racing past her with Kihroya right on his heels.

Kihroya had become big with her shoulders now reaching up to Boba's knees. The house had grown too small for her, so Boba had decided to let her outside. Only to his utter dismay, she had decided on following him everywhere. After the first few days of stunned disbelief, he had changed up their schedules. Morning routines were separated where he trained Kihroya some commands. Simple ones, like fetch, stop and follow. Now he was teaching her to attack, sometimes making her stop in her rampage.

Critter bodies – half-eaten and half-discarded – she had to clear away each morning was increasing rapidly. To the point she had contemplated keeping her inside at certain times. Alas… Kih was at least eating an invasive species, so she let her continue.

"Thirty-two!" She gasped out, starting to pull herself back up.

"Eighteen still to go!" He yelled, barreling back out of her view with Kihroya shooting after him.

She groaned as she watched him disappear and lowered herself so her toes were touching the ground again. This exercise had seemed to so easy when he had demonstrated it…. Now… she inhaled deeply summoning the Force to pool into her arms and stomach. Using the Force to enhance her movements and strength. Sure enough, the strain was barely existent anymore when she continued. Easier and faster. Like an untrained muscle she had never known had been there waiting for her to use it.

Strange to have someone give suggestions, little hints for her to try alone. To enhance rather than separation, as a way to slowly ease instincts into life after all the years of active suppression. It worked, even caught herself using it subconsciously on Kihroya. Summoning small critters for Kih to chase around whenever she was not glued to Boba's side. If Boba had noticed, he had made no comment about it yet. Nor was any indication in the Force that he knew. But he was elusive there to say the least, there was no real telling whether he did or not. Maybe it would never be mentioned. She knew she could live with never talking about it for months or years. After all she had done this for a decade now. Or until she got good enough to escape both Boba and Tehra. Wasn't this what they were training her towards in the end?

Though today would be cut short. Monts and Kertan would arrive today just in time before the big celebration tomorrow and were going to stay indefinitely. Last time Monts had called there had been this worried tilt his tone. Given with how the so far dormant darkness had starting pressing on her shields again… it meant nothing good. Like a breath that was held waiting to be released. Here and whenever the news revolved around the ever growing tensions between the Arions and the Brents. Connected, one exhale here meant an inhale there.

One last pull up before she let herself drop to the ground. Rubbing her hands she waited for the other two to come around. Hand-to-hand would be next… if they still had the time. Given that Monts wanted to go to the still ongoing market with them.

Didn't take long for Kihroya to zip into view first. A blur of fur and too large ears with a screeching squeak from a chew toy in her maw. Just as Boba rounded the corner, grinning smugly.

"Good job," he came to a stop next to Kihroya whose tail started swishing excitedly as he scratched behind her ears. "Now, let go."

Altharya chuckled when the tooka let go, the toy falling to the ground as she sat up on her hind legs. Solely focused on the treat now hovering above her head just out of reach. A few seconds went by as Boba waited for Kihroya not to snatch the toy up again.

"Good," he repeated, letting Kihroya snatch the treat which was devoured in two big bites.

"I swear I gave her food this morning!" Altharya joked as the tooka began cleaning her paws.

"You know her," Boba cooed down, not bothering to look up. "Always hungry."

"Should have called her Neverfull," Altharya snorted, watching as Kihroya started to roll in the dirt purring loudly.

"What's that for a name?" Boba retorted. "Kihroya sounds way better."

"You still have not told me what it means."

"A made up name," Boba waved her off quickly.

Too quickly. There was a meaning. Frowning she watched him fawn over Kihroya a bit more. But then he straightened up.

"Ready?"

She dropped into her combat stance.

"Only a few rounds before we need to get ready," Boba reminded her.

He lunged forward and they were off. Dodging and throwing punches and kicks. Even months after daily drills, she could barely keep up with Boba's speed. No matter how many times he assured her that it took time and patience, she felt that when the time came she would be wholly unprepared.

They only got four rounds in. All of which ended in her being thrown into the dirt with Boba standing over her.

"That's it for today," he said while helping her back up. "But tomorrow we are doing double rounds on staff fights." Boba threatened jokingly, pointing her at her nose.

Altharya rolled her eyes theatrically at him causing him to chuckle.

"Get moving! You get the fresher first."

"How generous," she snarked before turning around to walk into the house.

Boba was already waiting for her once she was done, pushing inside with his own fresh set of clothes in his arms. On the couch sat Kihroya who upon seeing her let out a curious meow.

"Happy aren't we?" Altharya asked, smiling widely as the tooka yawned showing her sharp teeth. "I wonder what your name means…," Altharya thought out loud. "I know it's in Mandoa…."

He did have a datapad that had a self-updating dictionary of Mandoa on it. 'Official Mandoa' as he had called it with a derisive snort when she had asked him once about it. Something he had only used when he forgot words. Last week he had stood in the kitchen for a good minute trying to remember the word for 'smoke'. Until it clicked and he started to yell 'carud' suddenly which had startled her making her cut herself with the knife she had been using to chop vegetables.

The water was still running in the fresher when she looked to where she knew he kept the datapad. Enough time to quickly look it up and push it back into its former place. Also – she stretched out her hand – it would be most likely her only opportunity today to practice telekinesis. It flew into her hand almost immediately, crashing against her palm making it sting. Hissing, she flicked it on. Words and phrases ran across… and she squinted at the symbols. Not basic, all in Mandoa.

This was going to be difficult…. Sighing she clicked on an empty space. More symbols. Right… not this one. Another? Finally the aurebesh alphabet turned up, a turning loading symbol dimming the options out. Maybe she could try and learn some words. Then she might understand what Boba sometimes muttered under his breath when he thought she was not listening. She looked to Kihroya who was lying on her back now pawing into the air happily. The loading stopped. Far too soon in her opinion. Altharya frowned when a single interpretation appeared on the screen.

That little….

"Boba!" She yelled, startling Kihroya who pressed herself flat on her stomach.

The water stopped and a heartbeat later the door opened with a confused Boba peeking out.

"Yes?"

"You called Kih 'cat'?!"

He blinked at her. Surprised until his eyes landed on the datapad in her hands. A sheepish smile got sent her way. All she needed to know that it had been deliberate.

"You liked how it sounded," he defended himself holding up his hands.

"After you suggested it!"

Before Boba could answer, a loud metallic clang could be heard from upstairs. Footsteps started marching above their heads. Seemed like Monts and Kertan had arrived.

"I hear Boba did something?" Monts joked, appearing in the door way grinning from ear to ear.

"Oh, I want to hear this!" Kertan poked his head around Monts with a big smirk.

"Two seconds!" Boba called, closing the door quickly.

"What did he do?" Monts asked her.

Altharya pointed at Kihroya who on cue had jumped on top of the couch to greet the Weequays. "Meet Kihroya."

"You two named her what?" Monts asked incredulously.

"I just found out." She crossed her arms.

"Dad," Kertan interrupted then. "I promised Mari I'd…"

"Sure, go!" Monts patted Kertan's shoulder. "We will find you later."

"Alright!" Kertan was already skipping out of the house, with a small back slung across his back.

The fresher's doors opened again, revealing Boba with still damp hair. "You told him then?"

Altharya nodded and Monts burst into laughter. "No wonder Altharya here is mad! I'd throw a pillow at you, but I really need to sit down. My knees, I tell you...!"

"It is not like we are blocking the couch or whatever." Boba deadpanned.

With a groan Monts sat down, leaning back. "Now onto the things we need to talk about."

"You mentioned some things." Boba said, sitting down as well.

"Yes," Monts stretched out his legs and his knees cracked. "There are rumours in Ebonyo that are interesting."

"What are they saying?"

"Bounty hunters are disappearing. While on a job for the Arions… just never returned. No body, no contact… just 'poof' gone!"

"Isn't that normal?" Boba was frowning. "We all accepted the risk of being caught in the crossfire, especially with the tensions running high."

"Sure, but never in the numbers we are having now," Monts replied. "Almost half are gone and the other half is getting antsy. Some are talking about dropping their contracts."

"Cowards." Boba snorted. "It was no secret that war was inevitable."

"What I find interesting is that Rion and Lireth were the ones to be killed."

"Why?"

"How much did he tell you about his last job?"

"Rion?"

"Yes."

"Nothing really."

"Let me tell you what I know," Monts continued. "It had been an entire team. From what I heard, the mission had been to go into Brent territory and looking for spies."

"You were listening on their conversation?"

"They were not exactly quiet." Monts huffed. "They were the only ones in the cantina that early in the morning.

"I see."

"When they returned… four were missing. The others agreed to never meet again or utter a word about it to anyone. Whatever had happened, it must have been…"

"Catastrophic?" Boba supplied.

Monts nodded, tired lines more visible on his face.

"Rion was skittish when I met him again," Boba had a pensive look on his face. "Almost told me… but deflected aggressively almost immediately after."

"Lireth had been on that mission too," Monts quietly added. "No way had that been a coincidence that they were the ones that died."

"Tehra and I had our suspicions," Boba had a careful tone when he spoke. "When it was ruled as an accident, we had no grounds to speak loudly about it."

"Just observing?"

"Like everyone else," Boba huffed. "But the Rishii don't and it is difficult enough to keep up appearances around them. Either they found something to be silenced for or the Brents are taking revenge."

"It all points to one thing: We have a mole in this village," Monts suddenly said. "And these are dangerous times to have one."

"We cannot act openly," Boba reminded. "Without proof or knowing who…"

"This is why I decided to stay longer."

"Can your cantina handle that?"

"I sold it."

"What?"

"War is coming," Monts explained. "I am done fighting and Kertan wants to study geology. With the money we can set up another life elsewhere where he can go to a good university. Once the inter-semester break is over, we are gone."

"Fair," Boba shrugged. "You closed the contract?"

"I did. Lorena Arion guaranteed absolute discretion and is allowing Wegret to exist as it is for now. On the condition that we root this mole out."

"How has she gotten wind of it? Because…"

"She thought it more prudent to catch the mole. If we do, she might consider letting this continue."

"Holding it above our heads?" Boba blew out a sharp breath.

"In essence."

"Arions…" Boba grumbled. "What now?"

"For now? Observe like you said," Monts decided. "The market and festival should be a good cover."

"We won't be the only ones doing this."

"Course not, but we can go from the exclusion principle."

"Al?" Boba finally looked to her. "Can you go and find Tehra, please? Need to get ready still and she is already waiting."

He wanted her out of the house. Raising an eyebrow at the two of them, she pushed herself off the wall she had been leaning against. Fine, she could do that. Tehra was a way better person to hold a conversation with anyway.

"We will be with you in a bit," Monts promised soothingly when she opened the door.

She shot them both a small smile before closing the door.

The market had started a few weeks ago. Filling up the streets and Tehra had been running herself haggard giving arriving guests their keys to the rooms above her cantina. Only today was her only few hours of peace she could spare to meet with them. Tehra was waiting already for her a few streets away from the whole chaos. Her ornaments shimmered from afar. But her impatience was even more visible.

"Monts just arrived!" Altharya held up her hands in greeting.

A corner of Tehra's mouth twitched up, "He is late. Can I assume that he and Boba are still catching up?"

"Yes, those two wanted to be alone."

Tehra's expression grew sharp at her reply. "Are they having a round of tihaar?"

"Boba doesn't…" Altharya started to defend him.

Tehra let out a loud snort, "Believe me, he does!"

"As long as we don't have to carry them around the rest of the day," Altharya grumbled. "Do you want to start somewhere?"

"Well, I have not eaten yet and I doubt you have other than breakfast?" Tehra asked.

Altharya shook her head.

"Well, I found a stand that has particularly good lemon bites!"

By the time they got the bites, the streets around them had filled to the brim. A step back or forth and she'd bump into someone else. It was a steady flow of people and they were meandering along just looking at the stands. Until Tehra stopped them in front of a stand where small mosaics were put on display. Local folktale motifs from what she could see, the moon goddess and others she did not quite know yet. Dark blue, turquoise and white stones, with yellow ones sprinkled in between. Beautiful, and she could see it in the house, between the window of the eating area leading to the kitchen. At least, in her mind, it would fit. Biting into her next treat, she kneeled down to look at the template form that was for sale. Where was the price tag? If she could convince Boba – or more pester him for days on end – he would install it.

"Are you looking for one?" She asked Tehra who was looking at another template.

"Not really," Tehra admitted. "Thinking of it though. Maybe for my flat."

"Why not in the cantina?"

"Too easy to damage once someone decides to have a brawl. T expensive and take too long to make for that," Tehra shook her head.

"Boba said that no one would be stupid enough to start one in your cantina."

"There are a lot of stupid people around," Tehra deadpanned. "And with all the tourists around, we have more stupidity potential."

Altharya had to suppress a snort. "What are you thinking of potentially getting?"

Tehra shrugged. "That is up for debate honestly. Not much in my life is worth immortalizing."

"Nothing?"

"My first Akul maybe?" Tehra mused out loud.

"What is an Akul?"

"A predator native on Shili," Tehra explained turning around to walk away from the stand. "It is a rite of passage in my tribe."

Altharya tilted her head, curious now what Tehra might tell her.

"Once you passed, you make your first headdress out of the akul's teeth while the meat will provide food for an entire village for months," Tehra continued and then pointed at the row of jagged ivory glinting teeth framing her forehead. "These are from mine."

Altharya felt her eyes widen. Teeth? Strange, she had thought those were made of metal. But now that Tehra mentioned it, the texture looked too different to be metallic.

"Didn't think those were teeth," Altharya said. "How would you go about designing a mosaic like that?"

"You commission someone who makes a template for the others to build it around on," Tehra explained.

"Have you found someone who'd do it yet?"

"Not yet," Tehra waved her off. "Honestly I am not sure on when either. When I retire maybe?"

"Wouldn't that close the cantina?"

"No," Tehra chuckled. "There are always other bounty hunters who wish to run cantinas in their retirement. It is how these circles work."

"The one on Teth had been doing it for decades and I never heard about him ever thinking of retiring."

"Some never really get away from the bounty hunting," Tehra shrugged. "Cantinas are the line one can walk between civilian and bounty hunters."

"Are there other lines?"

"There are more," Tehra made a face. "Just not many who are that safe."

Before Altharya could ask more, someone yelled their names. Turning around they saw Monts strolling towards them with Boba in tow.

"Monts!" Tehra yelled back. "Long time no see!"

"I now realise that was a mistake!" Monts winked stopping next to them.

"Not that you ever correct it," Tehra fired back drily. "So, did you bring tihaar with you again?"

"Maybe?" Monts held up his hands in mock surrender.

"How much did you drink?" Altharya frowned at Boba who quirked an eyebrow at her question.

"A glass," Boba replied smoothly before it took on a joking tone. "We left enough for you even."

"I am not dealing with any hangovers!" Altharya threatened shooting the two men a dark look.

"Wouldn't dream of it," Boba snorted.

Altharya rolled her eyes at him and looped an arm under Tehra's.

"What were you guys looking at?" Boba asked pointing at the stand behind them.

"I was thinking of maybe getting a mosaic," Tehra answered.

"Why would you want one?" Monts seemed taken aback.

"Some more colour. You should think of one too," Tehra sniffed giving them a pointed glare. "Your house is a grey block, ghastly."

"Kertan has one!" Monts waved her off. "And I have my Klat'sem."

Altharya leaned over to Boba and asked. "What is a Klat'sem?"

"Weaved patterns," he explained whispering back. "Traditional art from his homeworld."

"Ah."

"Also, Kertan will most likely be up for hours tonight. I can lend you some ear muffs if you want?"

"Ear muffs?"

"Speaking from experience," Boba grinned.

"I am somehow afraid to ask."

"You should," Boba muttered conspiratorially.

"Are you being dramatic?" Altharya frowned at him.

"No," Boba gave her a look. "I am entirely serious."

Altharya had to laugh now. Somehow she doubted that Kertan would keep them up for the entire night.

"Monts!" Boba called. "Don't you want to pick up your orders now? Mari said the stand would be by the lake."

"Orders?" Tehra asked curiously.

"Ordered a geology kit," Monts said. "Kertan seems to be fascinated by it and the troupes here do excavate their own materials. I saw then that they have introduction kits for children now so I ordered one for him."

"Since when is Kertan interested in that?" Tehra asked. "Last time he had been engrossed in this math book."

"Well, ever since there was a documentary on the holovision and he has been talking about nothing else," Monts explained. "Now he can scratch at stone for the next few weeks, as long as he is happy."

"It is entertainment," Tehra realized. "I hope you have enough shelf space to keep the stones."

They had reached the street that led around the lake. Stands flanked the opposite street side from the shore, but there were less people there. Most had already left for the lunch break Altharya supposed looking at the chrono on her holocom, slowly streaming towards the food stands that had been built up in the town square. Frankly, it was a relief that it was just them in this small connecting alley to where the stand was located for the geology kits.

All peaceful and Altharya let out a sigh feeling some tension draining from her shoulders.

Until… someone screamed.

Shock drilled into her skull. The immediate silence that followed was oppressing. Altharya stumbled until Boba gripped the back of her shirt tightly. For a brief heartbeat, nothing moved or dared to breathe. Boba had tensed, his other hands on his blaster while his eyes roamed around for any threat. Then more screams deadened her ears and she felt herself flinching violently.

But they were running now.

Her feet had their own mind as she ran after Boba who seemed to weave through people who had materialised in front of them like water through cracks. Fear and horror froze her bones, making her feel heavier, disassociated from everything around. They whirled around a corner and stopped. Back to where the lake was glittering only in a more secluded space.

She saw then.

Saw the ship hurling towards them. Saw the smoke trailing behind it, thick and obscuring the sky behind. Flames consuming it entirely. It was going to hit the houses behind them.

So many were going to die… The houses, the marketplace where she could sense all the people still trying to flee from there. No matter how far they'd run most will die. Just like they would.

Only if she failed.

But this time… she would not. Could not. She could allow nothing else.

Her hands shot forward, the Force already collecting in them at her silent command. Stretched out to the shuttle. Slipping into her grip, sinking into her arms where it pulled painfully down to her elbows. It hurt…. It hurt so much. The pain shot into her head, searing bright hot behind her eyelids. Blind now, she wobbled on her feet. But she kept her hold. Nothing else mattered. Metal creaked in her mind and she felt it stutter to a stop, just as cold sweat broke out on her back and head.

Hands were gripping at her, ones that could only belong to Boba. Everything else was too numb, the weight deadening her sense of touch.

"To the right, throw it into the water," Boba was whispering through the haze.

A hand settled on her shoulder, pushing some of the pain down. Clarity returned to her, shapes and the body of water crystallising in her vision again. Yes, into the water. Where it could hurt no one. It hovered just above the shore. Still too close but she could no longer hold on either. Violent cramps wracked through her fingers when she flicked them away from her, her gut rioting now.

The shuttle was thrown backwards, towards the middle of the lake. Water sprayed up, hissing and steam washing over them as it crashed in. Wet, Altharya felt her knees buckle and she would have fallen if Boba had not grabbed her around the waist holding her up.

"Good," he muttered into her ear. "You did well."

Breathing hurt like needles driving into her lungs and she could only groan in response.

"What is wrong with her?" She heard Monts' concerned question.

"What she did was taxing for her," Tehra replied frantically another set of hands gripping at her now. "We need to move to somewhere no one can see us! Boba, can you carry her? There should be a corner somewhere we can disappear into!"

"Can we get to your flat from here?" Monts asked quietly.

She felt herself being hauled up, an arm around her shoulders and legs. Nose burned horribly when her head jerked back harshly and she could only muster up a whimper.

"Too many eyes," Tehra hissed above the sound of footsteps. "Do we really need anyone else to know that there is a force sensitive here? Especially with people like us here?"

"I think that is past any suspicion now," Monts snapped back. "I need to find Kertan. Will find you later!"

Tehra let out a long sigh and Altharya could feel Monts retreating even through her closed eyes.

"What can we even say that could have been?" Boba asked quietly, re-adjusting his grip on her.

Her nose was pressed into his shirt while everything still whirled in her mind. Any more movement and she knew she'd vomit. The bile was up in her throat, waiting for any disturbance.

"There are a number of possibilities we could throw in," Tehra listed off fast. "Emergency thrusters… someone was still alive and got to the controls… Anything that is more plausible than a Force-sensitive."

"I don't think we'd convince many," Boba sounded sceptical. "Al, how are you feeling?"

What question was that? She wheezed, still fighting with the bile fighting against her.

"I don't think we can move from here any time soon," Boba said to Tehra.

"Breathe with your nose," Tehra sounded close now. "Long and try to relax."

It burned when Altharya drew in a deep breath. But she felt her muscles in her shoulder relaxing slightly when she slowly exhaled.

"Good," Tehra muttered. "You have saved us. Thank you."

Disaster! Today had been a complete disaster! His plan had been foolproof! Everything had been executed to complete perfection. By all predictions, this should have gone without a hitch. Rubbing his forehead, he locked the door to his office, switching on the most secure channels to his employers. A headache was already brewing but this could not wait.

In the end the shuttle was completely destroyed, just as he had planned. But now the parts could be salvaged from the lake and not completely burst apart on the rocky mountainside. Which was what should have happened. Instead, it had hurled right into the town. He breathed out, deflating completely. That had been – thank the Emperor – prevented. No point in brooding over what could have been. Right now, he had other problems that were rearing their heads even at this second. This staging point would be lost if he did not act soon. If not right this second.

It might still get the desired effect though: the uncovering of a Brent operative. One who suspected him of being a double agent. That end could still be salvaged if he moved tonight and made the right call the next day. Once the evidence was planted, the Arions would have their culprit to blame the accident on as well. All that could be truly put together from the literal and figurative rubble this incident had left behind. It would not put this village in jeopardy while also securing his position more.

If only he hadn't discovered another problem. One that was far worse than the entire disaster here. No matter what the rumours painted of heroic pilots gaining some control back and crashing it into the lake, he knew that it couldn't true. They had been dead before lift-off; he had made sure of that. He had to restrain himself for snorting in derision every time that particular story was muttered in his direction.

No.

A force-sensitive powerful enough to halt a crashing shuttle and throw it into a lake. His Lord would be interested in knowing the whereabouts of a potential acolyte. Or a surviving Jedi…. He wanted to slam his head into the desk. First Boba Fett was nearby with whatever plan he was preparing for and now a force-sensitive? He could not keep track of everything!

He rubbed his face, exhaling into his hand, his headache escalating to a sharp stabbing in his forehead. One thing at a time. Planting evidence and gather intelligence on Boba's job could wait. First, he had to contact Darth Vader. As much as he dreaded to do so, his predecessor had been strangled to death over the holo-com. Explaining that had landed him here to begin with.

With shaking fingers, he slowly pushed in the secure frequency code that would direct him straight to the Lord's com. His heart was pounding in his throat when the familiar clicks of a building up connection were heard. It took not a moment, when the blue hiss of an image appeared.

"What?"

It was definitely not Vader. The suit and the height and proportions were amiss and wrong. A younger man openly scowling down on him with his arms crossed. Lightsabers hung from his sides, signifying him as a Sith acolyte. If an acolyte was taking the call, then Vader must be busy. He swallowed before dropping into a curt bow.

"My Lord," he started gathering his thoughts again. "I have information that will be of use to you and your Master."

The man seemed to think for a brief second, his scowl deepening. Contemplating whether to hear him out or not.

"Go ahead," it sounded haughty like he dared him to provide insignificant information.

"I found indications that a force-sensitive lives near my location. One that could be recruited as an acolyte or a former Jedi, I have not found more on this."

The surprise was visible on the man's face. "Where?"

"Drog System, the village is called Wegret."

"I see," the Sith said slowly. "I shall relay it to my Master. You have my word that it will be dealt with. Anything else?"

"My position is secure again. The plan is moving along accordingly," he replied, relief sinking into his stomach.

"Good. Continue," was all that was said before the call was cut abruptly.

Leaving him without the blue shine and unbalanced in his office. Still with his heart in his throat, he felt himself drawing a shuddering breath. At least it went better than he had expected. As long as it was dealt with and he could breathe easier knowing that a force-sensitive would be dealt with soon. The less of them the better. Now he had to wait a bit before moving again.

All would be well. He just had to have faith in the Empire.