Star Wars Invasion: Episode VII, Chapter Eight

CHAPTER EIGHT

   The modified V-35 courier, which Vejo had used as a transportation for him, Wallen, and Xemer from Colliders Casino to Salvan Tai's estate, came to a stop before the marble-colored manor that served as the Sakiyan's home. As they climbed out of the landspeeder, Wallen noticed something odd about the manor's entrance.

   "I would think that someone as rich as Tai would have some guards around here," he said.

   Vejo grinned. "Oh, there are guards. You just can't see them."

   Wallen glanced at Xemer, who seemed to be just as skeptical as he was. Nevertheless, they followed the Devaronian through the gate leading up to the manor's front door, where Vejo knocked on it.

   In response, a cold, smooth voice spoke through the speaker on the door's left. "Who is it?"

   "It's Vejo, my lord," the Devaronian said. "I've got a couple of visitors for you."

   After a moment's pause, the door slowly opened and Vejo led the two detectives into the mansion. Inside, the manor was quite impressively decorated: azure drapes hung over black and white walls, with statues of armored warrior placed between them; still-holograms of epic battles dominated tall shelf cases, while some even hung overhead; and miniature models of spaceships Wallen did not recognized decorated a fireplace mantle, underneath which a small fire burned.

   "I never would have thought a bounty hunter, even a retired one, would be so fascinated with war history," Xemer murmured.

   "I was a general once before I took up bounty hunting," said the same voice they had heard earlier.

   The three of them turned to see an ebony-skinned Sakiyan man, dressed in an inexpensive outfit befitting someone as wealthy as he was, descend a staircase on the left side of the room, opposite the fireplace.

   "Good day to you," he said with a charming tone. "I am Baron Salvan Tai, at your service."

   He extended a hand and Wallen shook it, raising an eyebrow at the same time. "Baron? How does an ex-general, ex-bounty hunter become a noble?"

   Salvan smiled. "I have numerous...connections."

   "Doesn't everyone," Wallen muttered. "I am Captain Wallen Nix, member of Galactic Alliance Intelligence and Coruscant Security's detective division. This is my lieutenant, Xemer."

   Salvan's silver eyes seemed to lighten up. "May I ask why the Alliance has sent you all the way to Lianna to speak with me?"

   Wallen smirked. "Shall I simply cut to the chase?"

   The baron smiled back. "Please do."

   He gestured to a lofty sofa and chair near the fireplace. "Please, take a seat."

*  *  *

   "You must be Jacen Solo."

   Jacen looked up at the sound of the feminine sounding voice. He was still in Count Valmar's living room, his hands connected to his chair with long chains. The six beings that had broken into the room had surrounded them. Though their lightsabers were deactivated, he knew that they were prepared to attack him if necessary. 

   The appearance of the person now standing before him startled him a bit. Their lithe, obviously female figure was clothed in a black robe and cloak, with crimson armor worn over it. Their mask, however, was what Jacen noticed first and was frightened by the most.

   Colored in shades of red and gray, with a thin, black slit for a visor, it was the same mask worn by the Sith Lord Darth Revan he had seen in holovids recounting the Jedi Civil War.

   After finally finding his voice, Jacen said, "Who are you?"

   "I have gone by many names," said the woman. "For a time, quite recently, I was one of five to take on the codename 'Revanchist'. Before then, however, I was born with the name Lysira Naris."

   Jacen's eyes widened slightly. "Lysira Naris? Anakin mentioned you when he returned from Rhen Var. He said that he and the others met you on Kashyyyk."

   "Yes, your brother is...an interesting individual."

   "He also said that you were a Dark Jedi."

   Lysira went silent for a moment. Even though her eyes were concealed, Jacen could tell that they were focused on something other than him.

   Finally, she said, "He told you everything, didn't he?"

   "Pretty much."

   "No matter," she replied, moving up to an unbroken window that showed Serenno's setting sun. "I have since abandoned the person whom I once was. After much meditation, and after being show the truth by an unlikely ally, I have decided to adopt a new identity altogether."

   She turned to face him and Jacen instantly felt a strong pang of the dark side surround her.

   "I shall become the next Dark Lord of the Sith," she said, her voice resonating through the entire room. She spread her arms out, gesturing to the other beings that surrounded Jacen.

   "And this shall be my Sith Order."

*  *  *

   Once Wallen had finished telling Salvan Tai why he and Xemer were on Lianna, the Sakiyan baron leaned forward in his fancy, black velvet chair, steepling his fingers. 

   "I am sorry to say," he said, "that I know nothing of Black Sun's current activities. When Czethros and his organization fell, I had decided to sever any ties I had to it."

   Wallen sighed. "I see. So we came all the way here for nothing."

   Salvan smiled sadly. "I'm afraid so. My apologies, captain."

   "It's not your fault," Wallen replied as he got up from his seat. "Well, thank you for your time, your, er, Highness. Let's go, Xemer."

   His partner did not respond. Wallen turned to see that the Kel Dor's protective goggles were fixed on one of the baron's many holographic battle displays.

   "What is this a battle of?" Xemer asked.

   "Not one you would've heard of," said Salvan Tai. "It was in this battle that I led my people to victory."

   "It looks familiar...."

   A smile briefly flickered onto the Sakiyan's face, barely long enough for Wallen to notice it.

   "Do you?" the baron asked. "How curious. You're far too young to have taken part in it."

   A foreboding sense tugged at Wallen's heart. "Come on, Xemer," he said hastily. "We're needed elsewhere."

   Again, Xemer ignored him. "What planet did this battle take place on?"

   This time, Salvan definitely did smile. When he spoke, the single word he said seemed to carry the weight of a thousand.

   "Rhand."

   That was when everything went to chaos.

-

EDITED 12/30/13 Decided not to have Lysira take on the name Darth Revan.

Star Wars Invasion: Episode VII, Chapter Seven

CHAPTER SEVEN

   "This chase can't go on forever," Dax Goldam growled through Kadar's intercom. "Eventually, planet security will spot us and we'll both have to face the Allied Tion's wrath."

   Kadar ignored him as he flew the White Rider through the day-time sky of Lianna, with Goldam's ship close behind him. While it was true that they could clearly be seen by the people of the continent below, he had no intention of making this a chase.

   Flying low into the city of Anxarta, he set his eyes on a hangar bay in the spaceport. As he began to slow to a descent, he said to Goldam, "Let's make a deal. You tell me what your business is with Azul Obez, we settle it, and then settle our own dispute."

   There was silence from the radio as Goldam likely considered the offer. Finally, he said, "You've got yourself a deal. I'll meet you at the Colliders Casino."

   "Understood," Kadar replied as he landed next to a shuttle marked with the emblem of the Galactic Alliance. He briefly wondered what business the government had on Lianna, but then decided that he didn't care and depowered the White Rider's engines.

*  *  *

   Wallen, in his career, had never been fond of casinos. Just like cantinas and bars, they served home to the lowliest, dirtiest, and sneakiest life-forms in the galaxy. Which, unfortunately, meant he had to go to all sorts of such places in order to find his quarry.

   As he and Xemer followed Azul Obez through the loud and crowded rooms of Colliders Casino, observing the proud and snobbish winners and infuriated losers, Wallen then asked the Twi'lek, "You say that you know Salvan Tai?"

   "He's an accomplice of mine," Obez replied. "Unfortunately, I do not know him well enough to know where he lives. But I have other friends of all sorts, one of them whom knows Tai as well."

   Wallen spared a glance at a large Togorian who looked rather threatening, but seemed to be occupied with a dejarik game. He resisted a shudder; the bad feeling he had felt earlier had suddenly returned.

   The three of them finally arrived at a gambling table, where two beings- a Devaronian and a Toydarian- were playing sabacc. As typical for a gambler who was clearly on a winning streak, the Devaronian was surrounded by attractive women of various species, while the Toydarian only had two Rodian lackeys. 

   The moment Wallen and Xemer reached the table, the Devaronian lay out his cards, grinning widely. "Pure Sabacc."

   Infuriated, the Toydarian threw down his cards, sputtering foul words in his native tongue. Once he was done, he grudgingly gave his opponent the credits he had lost and then fluttered out of the casino, with his two cronies trailing behind him.

   "Another win, I see, Vejo," Obez said to the Devaronian.

   The sabacc victor chuckled. "It shouldn't come as much as a surprise to you."

   The Twi'lek smiled. "I suppose not."

   He gestured to Wallen and Xemer. "I have two visitors who would like to speak with you. Just the three of you...."

   Taking the hint, Vejo murmured something to his female accomplices and the area around the table was soon free of them, through Wallen could still sell the foul perfume that they wore.

   As the two detectives sat down where the Toydarian once had, the Devaronian pressed his fingers together in front of him and said, "How may I be of assistance?"

   "I take it that you know Salvan Tai," Wallen said. 

   Vejo nodded. "Indeed I do. I often work for him."

   "Then surely you've been to his estate."

   The horned humanoid smiled. "I see where you're going with this. Before I tell you where it's located, please tell me why you wish to see him."

   Wallen glanced at Xemer, who gave him a slight nod. Lowering his voice, he said, "We've heard that he had ties with Black Sun before its disbandment."

   Vejo's smile began to fade, but not completely. "Yes, I believe that is correct."

   "Right, and Black Sun has since been reorganized. You don't suppose that he still has...relations with them, do you?"

   The Devaronian eyed him carefully. "What does it mean to you?"

   "We are concerned about Black Sun's activities and their involvement with the Glorians," Xemer said. "Salvan Tai might be our only link to them."

   Vejo glanced at Obez, who was standing near Xemer. The obese Twi'lek inclined his head and the Devaronian returned his attention to the two detectives.

   "Would you like it if I took you to him?" he asked.

   Wallen raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback by this question. "Er, only if it's not too much trouble."

   Vejo grinned as he got up from his seat. "Not at all. Follow me."

   A bit hesitant at first, Wallen and Xemer rose as well. As they began to follow the Devaronian out of the casino, Wallen waved to Obez.

   "Thank you for your help, manager."

   The Twi'lek smiled. "Don't mention it, my friend. It's all in a good day's work."

*  *  *

   "All in a good day's work," Azul Obez repeated quietly to himself once Vejo and the two detectives were out of sight. Beginning to head back for his office, he brought out a comlink and murmured into it.

   "They're on their way. Be ready for anything."

   "Understood," a feminine voice replied. "Viper out."

   As he ended the connection, Obez suddenly heard the sound of a blaster charging up behind him, while at the same time, the crazy, energetic noises of the casino came to an abrupt stop.

   Turning around, he came face to face with the barrel of a blaster rifle.

   "Hello, Vigo Obez," Kadar said as other bounty hunters appeared behind him, also with their weapons aimed at Obez. "It's time for us to discuss business."

Star Wars Invasion: Episode VII, Chapter Six

CHAPTER SIX

   If it weren't for its location in the Outer Rim Territories, and for the fact that it was independent from the Galactic Alliance, Lianna could have easily passed as a Core World. 

   Like most planets in the Core- such as Coruscant and Alsakan- Lianna was almost a complete city-world, except for the vast sea that surrounded the two continents Anai and Landra. Anai was the larger of the two and the one with the most city sprawl, making it the ideal location for Salvan Tai's estate.

   Perhaps too ideal....

   "What if Salvan Tai's actually in Landra?" Wallen asked Xemer as their ship descended towards Anai.

   His lieutenant turned his head to look at him. "What makes you say that?"

   "Well, wouldn't it be too obvious to have an estate in the most urban continent? Landra doesn't have much city sprawl, so it would be the least likely place to check."

   "True," Xemer noted. "But what better place is there than one that's easy to get lost in?"

   "Point taken," Wallen muttered. "Well then, I suppose we'll find a spaceport city and start from there."

   "Oh joy, the suspense is killing me."

   "Shut up."

*  *  *

   "Count Dooku, you say?" Count Valmar said as he poured two glasses of wine for himself and Jacen. "Which one might you be speaking of?"

   "The one during the Clone Wars," Jacen replied. "I don't know his given name."

   Valmar smiled as he sat down in his lofty chair. "He abandoned it upon leaving the Jedi Order and becoming Count of Serenno. But what his name was before then is irrelevant. What was it that you wished to know about him?"

   "Your family was among the six Great Houses after the end of the Clone Wars," Jacen said. "Did your grandfather, or any other relatives, know much about Dooku?"

   "Such as...?"

   "Philosophical views, mainly."

   "Ah." The Count took a sip from his glass. "I don't believe Count Dooku was very...open in his opinions, and I doubt many saw it appropriate to question him, especially when he became leader of the Confederacy."

   "Understandable. But do you have any idea on what his views were?"

   "Almost none, other than that he saw the Old Republic as a corrupt and failing government, and that the Jedi were wrong in trying to support it."

   "I see." Jacen rose from his seat. "Well, thank you for your time, Your Grace."

   "Must you leave so soon?" Valmar asked. "I would be fascinated to hear from you about the Jedi. I've always taken an interest in them."

   "I'm afraid not," Jacen said. "I have...other errands to run."

   "Can't you at least stay for tonight's dinner feast?" the Count asked, rising from his seat as well. "It is, after all, my son's birthday."

   "I appreciate the offer," Jacen said, a feeling of wariness falling upon him. "But I'll have to decline."

   A small smile touched Valmar's lips. "Not even a little drink?"

   "I really must be going."

   A warning through the Force came to him, but he was too late to receive it. The windows of the Count's living room suddenly shattered as at least half a dozen beings, clad all in black robes, crashed through them, red lightsabers blazing in their hand.

   Jacen was about to reach for his own weapon when it was suddenly wrenched from his grip by an invisible hand, flying into Valmar's awaiting one.

   "I am sorry, Master Jedi," the Count said. "But I'm afraid I can't let you do that."

   Jacen glowered at him. "What is the meaning of this?"

   Valmar smiled mirthlessly. "You will find out soon enough."

   He gestured to the chair Jacen had been sitting in. "Please, take a seat. I know someone who would be fascinated to meet you."

*  *  *

   The two detectives had landed their ship in the spaceport city of Anxarta and then disembarked to find Salvan Tai, or at the very least someone who knew them.

   "There's a casino over there," Xemer noted, gesturing to a marble white-colored building nearby.

   "Why would someone as rich as Tai bother with a casino?" Wallen asked. "He could risk losing his money if he gambles. And besides, he's a Sakiyan. His species value honor."

   "And pride," Xemer reminded him. "Anyway, I wasn't saying that Tai would be there, but it's a very good place to start asking around."

   Wallen thought about this for a moment. "Good point," he said. "A very good point."

   He smiled. "Where would I be without you?"

   "A graveyard probably."

   His smile faded. "That was a rhetorical question."

   The two of them walked up to the casino's entrance and were immediately greeted by a large, burly Cathar with a golden mane of fur surrounding his face. No doubt he was a bouncer.

   "Identification, please," he growled.

   Wallen handed him his identification card. "We are detectives of Corucant Security on a special off-world mission for Galactic Alliance Intelligence."

   "The Alliance has no business here," the bouncer muttered. "This planet is Allied Tion territory."

   "We are aware of that," Wallen said. "We are simply looking for a male Sakiyan going by the name Salvan Tai."

   The Cathar snorted as he handed back the ID card. "Salvan Tai isn't here."

   "Do you know where he is, then?"

   "No." The bouncer twitched his head, gesturing at the casino's entrance. "You might find someone in there who does."

   "So...does that mean we're allowed in?"

   "Of course you are!"

   The three men looked to see a rather obese blue-skinned Twi'lek appear in the doorway behind the Cathar.

   "Let them in, Scar," he said merrily. "If there is Alliance business concerning my friend, it must be important. Come on in!"

   Wallen blinked. "Er, thank you, sir. May I ask who you are?"

   The Twi'lek grinned. "I am the manager of Colliders Casio. My name, in case you're curious, is Azul Obez."

*

   Annotation: in this chapter, I came very close to giving Count Dooku a first name. I think it was going to be based off of something Dracula-inspired, because that is one of Christopher Lee's most well-known roles. But I decided it had no relevance to the plot, so I went against the idea.

Star Wars Invasion: Episode VII, Chapter Five

CHAPTER FIVE

   It wasn't until the White Rider jumped out of hyperspace that Kadar realized that something was wrong. The fact that another ship had appeared right behind him at the same time certainly helped.

   "Dax Goldam," Kadar muttered under his breath. For nearly seven years had this man been pursuing him, for reasons he had yet to figure out. Not that he particularly cared, of course; there were sure to be tons of people who sought for competition or revenge against him.

   He was about to activate his ships automated defense systems and prepare to evade Goldam's vessel when his comm-system chimed. He glanced at his rear-view screen to see that the other ship was remaining almost completely motionless and it didn't seem like it would be firing its weapons anytime soon.

   'Soon' being the operative word.

   Hesitantly, Kadar answered the call. "What do you want, Goldam?"

   "Your head, as always," Dax Goldam's calm and smug voice replied. "But that should be common knowledge for us now. What I really want, at the moment, is to know what business you have with Azul Obez."

   "Have you been following me, Goldam?"

   "I take it you've failed to notice the tracking beacon on your ship?"

   "I got rid of it as soon as I had arrived on Nal Hutta. How the heck did you follow me to Lianna."

   "Seven-nine-one was able to pick up on your conversation with Raaxus," Goldam said. "Now then, how 'bout you answer my question about Obez."

   "Take your blasted nose out of my business and I might let you live," Kadar growled.

   "Ooh, that's not very polite. Well, if you want to be that way-"

   Before Goldam could finish, Kadar made a wide U-turn with his ship and began firing its weapons. His opponent's vessel, which was an Amphibious Interstellar Assault Transport/infantry, was too large to evade the attack, but its strong hold was able to handle the attack.

   In response to his attack, two turrets mounted over the AIAT/i's cockpit began firing. Kadar narrowly dodged the plasma bolts and returned fire with his ion cannon turret. The AIAT/i seemed to shudder from the attack, but continued to fire.

   After activating the White Rider's twin blaster turrets and setting them to automated, Kadar considered his options. This battle could go on forever and he wasn't keen on staying out here for long. The only thing he could think of was to either fire a proton torpedo- which might only stall the large ship- or let Goldam follow him to Lianna, and find out why he had an interest in Obez.

   Well, Kadar thought, in that latter case, my curiosity would be satisfied.

   Abruptly turning his ship around, he aimed for the now-approaching planet of Lianna and advance forward.

*  *  *

   "Salvan Tai, eh?" Xemer said as he and Wallen boarded their ship. "For some reason, that name sounds familiar."

   "Well, I've never heard of him," Wallen replied. "Commissioner Orsalan told me that he's on Lianna with an estate, likely in the continent Anai."

   "Any way we can narrow it further than that?"

   "I'm afraid not," Wallen muttered. "The easiest way I can think of to find him is to ask around."

   "Right, and the continent is how big, exactly?" Xemer said sardonically. "Are you sure the commissioner didn't give us any more info?"

   "Not from the commissioner. But Director Kalenda did give out a warning: 'Beware the Snatchers.'"

   "Snatchers, huh?" Xemer said, heading for the ship's co-pilot seat. "That doesn't sound good."

   "Since when does anything?"

   As Wallen took his seat beside Xemer at the controls, he suddenly paused for a moment. For some strange, ominous reason, something didn't seem...right. He glanced at Xemer, who was mapping out a route for Lianna. If the Kel Dor lieutenant was feeling any similar intuition as he was, he wasn't showing it.

   Wallen shrugged the feeling off. Perhaps he was simply having a bad feeling about this mission. Nonetheless, however, he would remain cautious.

   Bad feelings always became reality.

*  *  *

   Due to its former ties to Count Dooku, and thus the Confederacy of Independent Systems, Serenno had not been viewed favorably by the public after the Clone Wars. When the Empire later replaced the ruling Counts with Imperial sympathizers, and then assassinated Count Adan Dooku, who was a friend of future Alliance founder Viceroy Bail Organa of Alderaan, Serenno was fully established to be an Imperial ally.

   Following the end of the Galactic Civil War, Serenno had decided to remain neutral, and was able to go unscathed during the war against Darth Vorath's Sith. And so far, it had been able to do so with the Glorian War. But Jacen knew that it was only a matter of time before it too became a battleground.

   Jumping out of hyperspace in the X-wing fighter he had learned to fly in, Jacen entered the Serenno system and began approaching the gray and green planet itself. Upon reaching a few parsecs from orbit, planetary security spoke to him via comlink.

   "Alliance craft, this is Serenno Security of the Great Houses. State your business or else return to whence you came."

   "I seek an audience with the Count of Serenno."

   "Right, and I'm just gonna let you stroll into Carannia and chat with him. State your business with him and I might consider letting you do just that."

   "I am a Knight of the Jedi Order," Jacen said. "I wish to speak with the current liege lord on what he knows of his predecessor, Count Dooku."

   There was a pause. "A Jedi, eh?" the security personnel then said. "Give me a moment."

   For a while, silence filled the comlink. When the security person finally returned, he said, "You're in luck. Count Valmar is willing to speak with you."

   Jacen smiled to himself as he advanced towards the planet. The day was certainly off to a good start.

Star Wars Invasion: Episode VII, Chapter Four

CHAPTER FOUR

   "I really don't know what you want from me," Karada said as Wallen and Xemer sat down across from him in the questioning room. "I'm just a podracing legend. I don't know anything!"

   "Calm down," Wallen said. "We're just going to ask a few simple questions."

   "I want a lawyer."

   Wallen glanced at Xemer, who gave a shrug in response. Turning back to the Dug, he said, "Would you mind just answering one question?"

   "Why should I?"

   "Please. It's a simple 'yes-or-no' question. Once you answer it, we'll leave you alone and get you a lawyer."

   After a pause, Karada slowly nodded. "Go ahead."

   "Have you heard of the crime syndicate called Black Sun?"

   Another pause. "...Yes."

   "All right." Wallen got up from him seat. "Thank you."

   As he and Xemer were about to leave, they stopped when the Dug suddenly spoke again.

   "Why?"

   Wallen turned to look at him. "Pardon?"

   "Why do you want to know about Black Sun?"

   "How about you answer our questions first?" Xemer said bitterly. Wallen waved a hand to silence him.

   "Why do you ask?" he said to the Dug.

   "There's a war going on. People are dying, planets are vanishing...why are you concerned with a relatively non-threatening criminal organization?"

   Wallen let a small smile cross his face. "Let's just say that there are numerous factors playing in this war. Black Sun being one of them."

   With that, the two detectives moved out of the room, leaving Karada to ponder on his words.

*  *  *

   "Did they get him to talk?"

   Commissioner Orsalan of the Coruscant Security Force shook his head as he poured himself a mug of caf. "He demanded to see a lawyer. The only thing they managed to get from him was that he knew about Black Sun."

   "I see," Director Belindi Kalenda murmured as she took a sip from her own mug. "Not very helpful."

   The commissioner snorted. "That's an understatement."

   "So what now?"

   He shrugged. "You're the director of Intelligence. Give me some intel."

   "If only it were that easy. The Black Sun is doing its best to keep quiet. I think we were just lucky that Karada happened to have a big mouth."

   Orsalan sighed as he stared out the window of his apartment's living room. "Was it luck or- what was it?- the 'Will of the Force?'"

   Kalenda shrugged. "Whichever works."

   "Are you sure you don't have anymore intel?"

   The Intelligence director reached into her pocket and brought out a small datapad. Bringing up a list of names, she began to look through it.

   "What is that a list of?" Orsalan asked.

   "People who were affiliated with Black Sun before its disbandment. Most of them have been assassinated by rivals. Ah, except this one."

   She pressed the datapad's screen, deploying the holographic visage of a male, black-colored Sakiyan.

   "Salvan Tai was a former bounty hunter who served Black Sun before its original disbandment," she informed Orsalan.

   "Is he not still a bounty hunter?"

   Kalenda shook her head. "He was somehow able to 'inherit' some wealth from one of Czethros' Vigos, whom Tai served under."

   "So where is he now?"

   "Last we've heard, he owns an estate on Lianna."

   Orsalan nodded. "Then I suppose that will be out next stop. Any precautionary measures we should take?"

   "Just one," Kalenda said, smiling slightly. "Beware the Snatchers."

*  *  *

   "So, how did your mission to Ord Mantell go?"

   Jacen Solo looked up from his datapad, one which he had downloaded a copy of Master Zallow and the Great Houses, to see his young brother Anakin standing in front of him.

   "All right," Jacen said. "We found and caught the Dug and gave him over to Captain Nix."

   "Cool." Anakin then smirked. "It's nice to get out every once in a while instead of hanging out in the library all the time. Like right now."

   "Very funny," Jacen said as he turned off his datapad and set it aside. Indeed the two of them were in the Ossus Jedi Temple's library, which mixed the more modern design of the Jedi Archives before the Empire's purge and the ancient style which the original Jedi library on Ossus was said to have.

   "What were you reading about?" Anakin asked, gesturing to the datapad.

   "The Great House of Serenno. I'm thinking about visiting there."

   "Why?"

   "Have you ever heard about the Lost Twenty?"

   "I've heard Lexa Varr mention them a few time. Who are they?"

   "Twenty Jedi Masters who voluntarily left the Jedi Order due to philosophical reasons. Jedi Master Dooku of Serenno was the last."

   Anakin raised an eyebrow. "Dooku? Didn't I hear that he led the Separatists during the Clone Wars?"

   "Yes," Jacen said. "However, I'm curious to find out what his views were."

   The younger Solo glanced around as if to make sure no one was within earshot and then said quietly, "I hope you're not thinking about visiting Dromund Kaas."

   "How come?" Jacen replied. "Isn't that where the Dark Jedi Order is located?"

   Anakin nodded. "Master Baran told me about them when I returned from Rhen Var. I know they're supposed to be our allies, but..."

   "You don't trust them."

   "They use the dark side, Jacen. I've always been taught that the dark side is...bad."

   "Then you're too narrow-minded."

   "I don't want to lose you, brother. I don't want you to become like our grandfather."

   "You worry too much," Jacen said as he got up from the bench he was sitting on. "Tell Mom, Dad, and Jaina that I'll be leaving for Serenno tomorrow morning."

   Anakin opened his mouth, most likely to protest, but probably thought better of it. "All right," he said instead. "Have a safe trip and...may the Force be with you."

   "And with you, brother," Jacen murmured as he headed out of the Jedi library. 

Star Wars Invasion: Episode VII, Chapter Three

CHAPTER THREE

   Kadar had only been to Nal Hutta twice before in his career, and both times it was to accept a job from Raaxus Vosadii Avak, head of the Hutt Grand Council. He had never needed to personally deliver the bounty to Raaxus, usually giving them to agents sent to watch on his progress. But considering that Nar Shaddaa was one of Nal Hutta's moons- and thus the two were a relatively short distance apart- he had thought, Why not.

   Besides, he added in his mind, I'd like to have a word or two with 'His Greatness'.

   As his ship- a modified Pursuer-class enforcement ship- landed in one of the several spaceport cities scattered around the Hutt-ruled planet, Kadar moved from his pilot's seat and went through two lift tubes to reach the cargo hold, where the wrapped-up body of Nora Sulk was placed. After setting up the ship's security system to prevent any thieves from breaking in, he lifted up the Weequay's body and disembarked from the hangar. 

   It didn't take long for him to reach Raaxus the Hutt's palace; in fact, it was particularly located in the city's center, which Kadar found rather fitting, given the Hutt's status.

   Standing at the almost-dome-shaped palace's entrance were four Gamorrean guards. Upon Kadar's arrival, the burly porcine beings crossed their axes, preventing him from going any further.

   "Bo shuda," he said in Huttese. "My pee kasa Kadar. Oto tah stuka Raaxus."

   The Gamorrean guards blinked and then snorted, not moving their axes.

   Beneath his helmet, Kadar scowled. "Me murishani foo priza. Raaxus naga tah stuka me."

   The guards made no response, visibly baffled by his statement.

   "They don't understand Huttese." Kadar looked up to see an eyeball-like gatekeeper droid extend itself from a panel on the palace's durasteel door. "They only obey the Great Raaxus, who rarely gives them spoken orders."

   The droid's 'lids' closed slightly, mimicking an organic narrowing its eyes. "Why are you here?"

   "I am here to turn in a bounty," Kadar said, gesturing to the wrapped-up body beside him.

   "Ah, yes," the 'tattletale' said. "Just a moment."

   The droid retracted back into its panel and, a minute later, the durasteel door slowly rose up while the Gamorrean guards parted, allowing Kadar to enter. Once inside, he was instantly greeted by a tall Anx.

   The large-crested being nodded slightly at the bounty hunter. "The Supreme Raaxus awaits you."

   Kadar followed the Anx through a series of dark corridors, which were mostly deserted save for the odd Gamorrean lurking in the shadows, before finally reaching the palace's throne room.

   Within this dimly lit but lively chamber, dozens of beings of an array of species were gathered, ranging from Quarrens to Sakiyans, Dugs to Gran, and Twi'leks to Rodians. Attractive female dancers moved to music performed by a band likely restricted to an eternal contract while a young Falleen woman and a blue-skinned Kowakian monkey-lizard sat beside a slumbering Raaxus.

   The Anx, whom Kadar believed to be Raaxus' majordomo, carefully walked up to the sleeping Hutt and whispered into his fat-concealed ear. Startled by this awakening, Raaxus nearly hit the majordomo's large head with his pudgy arm. After taking the effort to lift his heavy eyelids, the Hutt saw Kadar and then curled his large mouth into a smile.

   "Well, if it isn't the notorious Kadar," Raaxus rumbled in Huttese. "What brings you here to Nal Hutta? Your presence is a rare sight around these parts."

   "I'm here to turn in the Weequay Nora Sulk," Kadar replied, gesturing again to the wrapped-up corpse he had place before the Grand Councilor's throne.

   Raaxus looked upon the body with crimson eyes and then, much to the startlement of everyone but Kadar, let out a heartily laugh.

   "You humor me, bounty hunter. I posted that bounty nearly two years ago and have since forgotten about it. You don't mean to tell me that you've been hunting Sulk for that long."

   "Of course not. I just needed a good reason to enter your palace."

   Raaxus' eyes became slits. "Then why are you here?"

   "Does the name Azul Obez mean anything to you?"

   The entire chamber went silent. All eyes turned to the lone white-armored man standing before the head of the Hutt Grand Council. Even the Falleen slave, who had shown indifference to the conversation, was now looking on with intrigue.

   When the Hutt spoke again, his deep voice now lacked the mirth which had been present in it earlier. "Why should it?"

   "He's a Twi'lek crime lord who's made a name for himself near Hutt Space." Kadar dipped his helmet. "But more importantly, he's a Vigo of the reorganized Black Sun."

   Raaxus let out a sick-sounding snort. "The Black Sun does not concern me. They are unlikely to return to the glory days they had lived while under Prince Xizor."

   "What if I told you that their leader was an old 'accomplice' of yours?"

   This gave the Hutt pause. "How are you aware of my...relationships?"

   "That's for me to know and you to figure out." Kadar folded his arms over his chest. "Also, unless I'm mistaken, he is no longer an accomplice...but a rival."

   Raaxus leaned forward, his curiosity clearly piqued. "Would you mind providing his name?"

   "Of course," Kadar said. "Xalren Mithric."

*

Huttese translations

   "Bo shuda. My pee kasa Kadar. Oto tah stuka Raaxus."- "Greetings. My name is Kadar (?). I want to see Raaxus."

   "Me murishani foo priza. Raaxus naga tah stuka me."- "I am (a) bounty hunter with prize. Raaxus wants to see me."

Star Wars Invasion: Episode VII, Chapter Two

CHAPTER TWO

   "I can't believe we're doing this instead of fighting Glorians."

   Jacen Solo glanced at his fellow Jedi as they made their way through the crowded streets of Worlport, Ord Mantell's capital city. "So, you'd rather put your life at stake and get killed?" he asked

   "Better than chasing after a Dug through a crowded plaza," Valisa Tor muttered.

   "Technically, it's not a chase," Jacen said. "Because he doesn't know that anyone's even after him."

   "Doesn't make this 'quick trip' go any faster."

   The two Jedi continued to move through the diverse crowd, trying not to trip over dwarf-sized Ugnaughts and doing their best to avoid bumping into towering Mantellian Savrips. Their quarry, a Dug named Karada, had yet to take notice of them, though it was only a matter of time before he realized that he was being followed.

   Jacen had heard many tales about Ord Mantell, most of them calling the planet a 'breeding ground' for bounty hunters, smugglers, and the like. His father, Han Solo, had claimed to have faced a bounty hunter here prior to the Battle of Hoth, with names alternating between Skorr, Cypher Bos, and Czethros. Whoever it was he encountered, his stories had nonetheless created an image of Ord Mantell for Jacen.

   Which had since turned out to be a reality.

   "Hey, watch it, sleemo!" a Zabrak snapped as Jacen accidentally brushed against him. "I've killed for less than that!"

   The Jedi ignored him as they kept on moving after Karada. Much to their irritation, the Dug had abruptly turned into an empty alleyway and was now heading for a hangar, where no doubt his ship laid. Knowing that by now the Dug would realize that he was being followed, Jacen and Valisa walked right past the alleyway's entrance. Jacen then reached into his pocket and brought out a comlink.

   "Philosopher to Green Prince," he murmured, employing the nicknames he and the rest of the team had decided on. "The quarry is heading for Dock Eleven. He's your problem now."

   "Copy that, Philosopher," replied the suave voice of Thann Mithric. "Moving in now. Green Prince out."

   As Jacen ended the connection, he noticed that Valisa was scowling at him.

   "'Green Prince?'" she said. "Seriously?"

   Jacen shrugged. "What can I say? It fits him."

*  *  *

   "Are you sure this is going to work?"

   Thann Mithric grinned at his Kiffar companion. "Trust me, Zarin. Just watch and learn."

   Zarin Kal held back a sigh as he and Thann moved to approach the Dug entering the hangar, coming between him and his awaiting ship. Upon seeing them, Karada narrowed his eyes.

   "What do you want?" he asked.

   "Pardon me, sir," Thann said casually. "But do you happen to be Karada?"

   The Dug snorted. "Heck no. You must have me confused with some one else."

   Thann frowned. "How unfortunate. I was really looking forward to meeting a legend."

   This gave the Dug pause as he was about to head for his ship. "Legend?"

   "Yes, Karada has become quite famous for his podracing victories on Malastare and Mon Gazza."

   The Dug blinked and then smiled humbly. "Well... those were nothing compared to that close one on Ando Prime."

   Thann raised an eyebrow. "I thought you said you weren't Karada."

   The 'legendary' podracer chuckled. "Ah, yes. My mistake. I thought you were... agents sent by my rivals."

   "Nonsense! We're avid fans!" The Falleen Jedi gestured to a door which, unbeknownst to anyone besides himself and Zarin, led to another hangar where their own ship lay. "In fact, would you mind attending our club? My friends and I have been dying to meet you."

   Karada grinned. "Why not? No harm in that."

   "Of course not," Thann said as he and Zarin led Karada to the door. 

   Once they were in the hallway connecting the two hangars, Zarin spun around and struck the Dug's face with a large fist, knocking him out cold.

   Thann grinned. "No harm at all."

*  *  *

   "Do I want to know how you guys managed to capture him?" Wallen Nix asked the group of four Jedi gathered before him at his office on Coruscant.

   "If you do," Jacen replied, "you can ask Thann and Zarin."

   He pointed a thumb at the two Jedi and upon seeing the Falleen, Wallen knew the answer... and he didn't like it.

   "You didn't..." he muttered. 

   Thann Mithric shrugged. "At least I am not like most members of my species. I only use my charms to enhance my Force persuasion."

   "Although he rarely needs to use Force persuasion," Zarin Kal said under his breath.

   Wallen sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair. He knew quite a bit about the charismatic Falleen, mostly due to the fact that he had worked under one before becoming a chief detective. To this day, he still wondered why Director Cracken had tolerated his methods.

   "You know what? Forget it." Wallen pointed at the still-unconscious Dug sitting in the corner of his office. "Carry him to the questioning room. Xemer and I will speak with him once he's awake."

   Thann grinned. "Would you like me to-?"

   "No," Wallen said sternly as he got up from his desk. "Just... no."

   While the Jedi moved Karada to the interrogation room, the detective went to get a cup of water from his dispenser. After taking a drink, he sighed. Today was going to be a long day....