CHAPTER THREE
"The Sith amulet was missing when we opened Vorak Zal's coffin," said the shimmering hologram of Narrakar Von as he "stood" before five members of the Jedi Council on Ossus. "This can only mean that someone's visited the tomb before we did, though we could find no such signs of previous entry."
"Perhaps the amulet was never there in the first place," said Master Noran Raun. "The authenticity of the record we found was never confirmed."
"It had to have been there," Master Von muttered. "Why else would a relatively minor detail crop up?"
"Do you have any clues on who could have took the amulet and where they could have gone?" asked Kro Sadoon, the Kel Dor Grand Master of the Jedi Order.
"I had Zarin Kal use his psychometry abilities on parts of the tomb, but could find no more than an inkling that someone has been here before."
"Have you been to the other Sith worlds?" Master Gaaraddik growled in the Wookiee tongue.
Narrakar nodded, "Yes, nearly all of them. Korriban, Dromund Kaas, Bosthirda... it's been a dangerous mission, but we've either secured or destroyed several relics."
"Very good, Master Von," Kro Sadoon said. "You have done a thorough job to ensure that the Sith do not become a major threat ever again in the near future. You and the others may return to Ossus."
The Nikto Jedi Master bowed before his hologram fizzled out, leaving the five councilors in silence. Master Taana Di then turned to the others and said, "What shall we do concerning the missing amulet?"
"We have nothing to go off of," Noran said. "Odds are it's a rogue Force-user seeking to become the next Dark Lord. But we've done enough work to prevent such a wannabe from obtaining power."
"Nevertheless, it should be something to keep an eye out for," said Master Cilghal, who had recently joined the council a few months ago. "Perhaps it isn't the Sith and instead a new threat. We must not be caught unaware like we did when the Glorians invaded."
The others nodded solemnly at her words, recalling the terrible war that had ended a mere three years ago.
"I shall find someone to investigate," Noran finally said. "We cannot take any chances with this mystery thief."
"Indeed," Sadoon murmured. "We needn't accidentally doom the entire galaxy again...."
* * *
"Try soup. Soup good."
Jaden Korr sighed. The old Veknoid merchant had been following him through the market plaza for at least ten minutes now, demanding that he try his soup. But Jaden was not exactly in the mood for raw, probably month-old dewback meat.
"Try soup. Soup good for you."
"Thanks, but I already ate," Jaden said, knowing it would not do much good. He had already tired influencing the Veknoid's mind with the Force but that obviously had not worked either.
"Need more food," the merchant insisted, now at Jaden's side, trying to force the steaming bowl into his face. "Soup give you energy. Try soup."
"I'm allergic to dewback meat," Jaden lied. "Try finding someone else to eat it, like... like that Gamorrean over there."
The short, two-horned alien laughed sharply. "You need soup more than pig. Eat soup."
Jaden opened his mouth to retort but was cut off by the beep of his comlink. Answering it, he said, "Korr, here."
It was Master Noran Raun who responded. "Jaden, are you still on Vaklin?"
"Yes, Master Raun. I've found the Tome of Khen Reo, but it seems like the other Jedi artifacts here were destroyed."
"I figured as much. Anyway, I have a new mission for you, one that takes a complete turn of what you've been doing."
Jaden raised an eyebrow. "Go on...."
"A Sith amulet, believed to have been on Begeren, is missing. We theorize that whoever stole it has been to other Sith worlds. You and your fellow Knight Zarin Kal are to go to Korriban and find clues leading to the thief."
Jaden mused over this. He figured Zarin would be be going because of his psychometric abilities, but why him as well?
As if reading Jaden's mind even from Ossus, Noran said, "You have a fair balance between your dark side and light side powers. By accompanying Zarin to the homeworld of the Sith, you can protect him and yourself from the temptation of the ancient spirits there. And if you succeed in that, the council may elevate you to the rank of Master."
Jaden nodded. "I understand, Master. I'll be on my way."
"Good. May the Force be with you."
As Jaden ended the connection, he turned back to the Veknoid, who was still standing there with his soup.
"You Jedi?" the alien merchant asked.
"Yes, I am," Jaden replied. "Didn't you notice me trying to mind trick you?"
"Of course," the Veknoid said with a toothy grin. "I just thought you amateur."
With that, the old merchant turned around and waddled away with his soup. Jaden merely shook his head as he turned to head back for his starfighter.
* * *
Baleful yellow eyes watched as the Z-95 Headhunter departed from Vaklin. Rising from his position, he said to the Veknoid standing next to him, "You say he's headed for Korriban?"
The alien nodded. "With other Jedi."
Tapping his chin, the man said, "Patch me through to Prodd."
The Veknoid brought out a comlink and entered a frequency before handing it to the human male he accompanied.
"Prodd, this is Krul," the man said. "Two Jedi are headed for Korriban. They might find evidence of my visit."
"And you want me to kill them," Prodd said bluntly.
Krul smirked. "I'm glad we're on the same page. Think you can handle them?"
"Do you underestimate me, Varon Krul?"
"I'll take that as a yes. Krul out." Ending the connection, the man then turned back to his Veknoid partner. "Prepare the ship. We're leaving."
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