CHAPTER SEVEN
As the sun began to rise on Mon Cala's horizon, Anakin was surprised to find himself feeling rested as he got out of bed. Once he was dressed in the casual civilian clothes he had become accustomed to- partly because they resembled his father's- he headed for the Defense Force's command center.
There he was greeted by Admiral Sovv and three members of the Jedi Council: his former master Kyle Katarn, the Wookiee Jedi Guardian Gaaraddik, and Master Kro Sadoon. Standing nearby were the twelve Alliance and Imperial troopers and personnel that were going to accompany the four Jedi to Dromund Kaas.
Although Anakin was not familiar with the Imperial troopers, he did recognize the Alliance troopers, having gone on missions with them before. The Rancor Squad consisted of the Iktotchi commander Zanjaar Naar, his Sullustan lieutenant Sev Nep, the cocky pilot Arek Cobalt, the young Rodian Reeda Kanu, and the twins Jasel and Jester.
Once everyone had had a quick breakfast, Admiral Sovv began to brief them on their mission. "There has been a change in plans," the Supreme Commander announced. He brought up a hologram that showed Dromund Kaas and its system. Patterns of red and green surrounded it.
"It appears that, likely because of the apparent collapse of Korriban's sun, an excess of radiation has been released and is now entering the Dromund system. Thus, it is too dangerous to go near it. Fortunately though, scientists believe the radiation is only temporary.
"In the meantime however..." Sovv pressed a few controls on the holoprojector and replaced the display of Dromund Kaas with four other planets. "We have been receiving Toah Jarsan's message from other planets as well. You shall go to these worlds to investigate and hopefully find the source and meaning of these messages. Are we all clear?"
The gathered troopers let out a "Yes, sir!" while the Jedi simply nodded.
Sovv's facial jowls showed a smile. "Good. May the Force be with you all."
* * *
Sitting atop his so-called 'throne', viewing the city of Coruscant from his office building, Rolan Verradun steepled his fingers, a trait he had recently become fond of.
He supposed it was because it made him feel 'in charge' of the Imperial Remnant, and gave him a sense of power. True, it wasn't anything close to what Emperor Palpatine had felt- and it probably never would- but it was good enough for him.
Of course, some of the other Moffs on the council thought otherwise.
"Would you stop doing that thing with your hands?" snapped Moff Bor Teron, governor of the Carrion sector. "Who do you think you are, the bloody Emperor?"
I wish, Verradun said to himself. He swiveled in his chair to face Teron and the other Moffs. "No, Teron, I do not think I am the Emperor. I simply steeple my fingers out of habit, for it helps me think. Besides, Moff Tonith tends to do it as well."
He gestured to the Muun Sor Tonith, one of the only non-humans on the Council of Moffs. Teron glared at Tonith, showing his distaste for aliens like him.
Turning back to Verradun, Teron said, "So what of our...stay on Coruscant? Are you going to keep your promise and give it back to Omas once things are settled on Corellia?"
Verradun gave a small, sly smile. "If things are settled on Corellia. If they aren't..." He glanced back at the cityscape scenery through his window. "Then I suppose we'll just have to make ourselves comfortable."
The other eight Moffs shared Verradun's smile. Finally, Moff Ephin Sarreti said, "Have you heard that a team of both Alliance and Imperial troops are being sent to the Dromund system?"
Verradun raised his eyebrows in genuine curiosity. "No, I had not. Where did you hear this?"
"General Tokar told me during his recount of the latest meeting on Mon Cala," Sarreti replied. "The team is said to be leaving Mon Cala today."
Verradun scratched his beared chin. "Interesting. Look into it, will you?"
At that moment, Verradun's comlink toned. "Sir," his Neimoidian secretary said, "you have a message from Corellia."
The Grand Moff smirked, figuring it would Cal Omas. "Put it through."
The hologram-projecting panel on his desk glowed and miniature figure of a tall, dark-haired Corellian woman appeared, much to Verradun's surprise.
"Greetings, Grand Moff Verradun," the woman said. "I am Governor Aidel Saxan of Corellia. Are you enjoying your stay on Coruscant?"
Verradun narrowed his eyes. "Yes. Why do you ask?"
A sly smile crossed Saxan's face. "Because I have a favor to ask of you..."
* * *
"We're all set to go," Arek Cobalt called from the cockpit of the Adventurer, the light freighter which Anakin and the others would be taking on their journey. "So what system are we heading for first? Manaan? Kashyyyk?"
"Set in coordinates for the Dantooine system," Kro Sadoon told the pilot. "Considering that was Toah Jarsan's homeworld, it would only be natural that look for clues to his current whereabouts there."
"Dantooine it is then." Arek maneuvered the ship's controls and it soon began to rise out of one of Mon Cala's hangars. As Anakin watched its ascent through the cockpit's viewport, he suddenly heard a faint, familiar cry over the ship's engines.
"Master Solo! Wait! Wait!"
Arek glanced at him. "Doesn't that sound like your family's annoying protocol droid?"
Anakin sighed as he unbuckled his seat restraints. "Sounds about right. Stop the ship and lower the landing ramp."
Arek did so and Anakin walked to the ramp to see C-3PO standing outside, waving his hands.
"What is it, Threepio?" Anakin asked, trying his best not to sound annoyed. "I don't really have time to-"
"Oh, Mistress Leia is simply sending me to go with you," C-3PO said. "She thinks you may need a translator in case you run into any Hutts or-"
"Fine," Anakin said bitterly as he used the Force to lift the protocol droid up into the ship. "Just promise me that you'll be quiet."
"Oh, of course, sir!" C-3PO replied, trying to balance himself once Anakin had released his Force grip on him. "Just let me know if you need anything."
"I hope it doesn't come to that," Anakin said quietly to himself. He headed back for the cockpit and sat back into the co-pilot's seat next to Arek. The pilot glanced at him and smirked.
"Why does your family insist on keeping that droid?" he asked.
Anakin shrugged. "Well...why else would you keep an annoying sibling?"
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