When she arrived at the upper floor in the elevator, the doors opened, and she saw a small hallway thru which she hurriedly walked. Upon opening the door, she realized she was in a place near the infirmary where she had woken up and saw Kreia, her elderly acquaintance, with a somewhat worried look, and she spoke to the young woman.
- I felt a disturbance. Our enemy is here. We must leave. The woman with white hair asked, worried about what might come next.
- Enemy? Doubtful, the ex-Jedi thot about what could happen next and which adversary she would now face.
- The one who shot at the Ebony Falcon while we were trying to rescue you. He won't let us go without shedding blood. The old woman explained, knowing who was coming behind the two of them.
- Wait, who is that enemy? Is it the terrifying presence I felt when I was near the Hammerhead corvette, which was supposed to be destroyed according to a droid I found, but it seems that was a lie, it's fully operational. Meetra explained what she had found when she separated from Revan's master.
- What you need to know requires a long explanation, and there's no time for it. We must leave, and quickly before they get here. I assure you, Kreia, fearful of what could happen if that opponent arrives here.
- Alright, we're getting out of here. I declare the list of ex-Jedi to leave this mining station.
- We need to get to the docking area on this level. I fear the airlock is already open, we must be on guard. If we don't reach the Ebony Falcon, we must try to escape on the ship that has docked here. The white-haired woman explained, implying what they should do and the two options they had to leave.
- Before anything else, let me give you some of the gear I collected on my journey. Offered Meetra is willing to give you some of the items she obtained on her adventure.
- Let's see what you can give me. Kreia affirmed as she accepted what her companion could offer her.
The brunette handed her acquaintance insulated gloves, a beacon, a guide, a cardiac regulator, a prospecting equipment, and 2 energy shields.
Both Force users walked thru the hallways and paths guided by Surik until they reached the administration level.
Meanwhile, on the other side near the pair of women, a couple of assassins appeared, emerging from their stealth field. These agents of the dark side wore full-body black fabric suits, including their heads, and carried red-lensed breathing masks that covered their entire heads except for the parietal and frontal parts. Over their suits, they wore sleeveless vests, boots, and long gloves of the same color, as well as gray pants.
The pair of women continued on their way until they saw Atton Rand sitting at the console, and he stood up upon hearing their footsteps, turning to look at both of them.
- What the hell is going on? Who is this? Another Jedi? Do you all just appear out of nowhere while I wasn't looking? The young flirtatious man asked, surprised to see another Force user beside the one he already knew.
- Atton, there's no time for explanations: grab a weapon and follow me. Surik asked, worried about what might happen next regarding what was said about the old woman.
-Um... very well. I suppose that Republic ship that just docked doesn't have any of your friends on it. Atton concluded, realizing that his partner's concern was due to the ship that had just arrived and that he had no good feeling about its crew.
- I hope your talent for euphemism is matched by your skill with the blaster. If not, I'm afraid our time together will be brief. The old woman with white hair mocked with a touch of sarcasm in her words.
- I'm also good at running and drinking, Your Majesty. Rand commented with the same tone of sarcasm with which they spoke to him.
- And, even if you're not a big fan of the Republic, that ship is the only way out of here. The brown-haired boy reasoned, explaining that this frigate was their only way out of here.
- Wait, Rand, before we leave, I have some things for you. Offered Meetra, ready to give him items for the flirt.
- Let's see what you have. The flirtatious boy said with an optimistic smile, wanting to know what materials his companion would have.
He gave her a heavy blaster, traded her mining blaster for a laser blaster, 2 energy shields, an adrenaline amplifier, Czerka defensive gloves, and then set off.
- Good thing we have a clear path to it. He commented halfway, in a somewhat hopeful tone, the young flirtatious man to his pair of partners heading toward the ship, but was interrupted by something he could see nearby along with the others.
Which was the presence of the green assassin droid on the trio's escape route, interrupting their flight.
- Master, perhaps I couldn't state it clearly the last time we spoke. I suggest you shut up, stay still, and wait for rescue. The automaton, supposedly of protocol, complained as it crossed the path of the former Jedi and her comrades.
- After all the deaths it has caused, I wouldn't use the term 'rescue.' Meetra questioned angrily, knowing the truth about HK-50 and all the deadly plans he carried out in this facility.
- I'm not here to discuss semantics, master, so I'll just inform you that you are mistaken, just like the miners of the facility I just corrected. I clarify the robot by explaining its terrible past actions.
- Are you the one who killed all the miners in the infirmary? She asked confidently, the brunette wondering what the answer to that would be.
- Ma'am, the miners intended to put him in danger. I couldn't allow it, and I was forced to negotiate the end of hostilities. I justify HK-50 by implying that they were too risky for her and her well-being.
- After reprogramming the mining droids to "mine" the organics, she began to kill the miners one by one. Then, a series of perfectly coordinated explosions led the miners to their dormitories, where I was able to gas them all together without having to chase them one by one thru the tunnels. Then I administered a large dose of sedatives to the miners in the infirmary. Enough to kill them, but making sure you had a pleasant sleep. Of course, contrary to my calculations, you woke up prematurely in your tank. I am ashamed of the inconveniences I caused you both. The automaton explained with a terrifying calmness, as chilling as it was unsettling, after committing so many terrible actions.
- And you ordered the mining droids to kill me? I don't think that's much of a protection for me. You know? The young woman hesitated, somewhat puzzled, as if angry about how he supposedly wanted to protect her, but left all the robots in hostile mode toward her.
- You misunderstand me, master. Those droids were there to protect him. As I said, I did not anticipate his awakening in the tank. You are a good specimen to be a Jedi, a Ronto (Rontos are large quadrupedal mammals, similar to elephants, but with long necks and no trunk from the planet Tatooine) among humans, if I may use the metaphor. Moreover, I love, as demonstrated, those droids would never have been a threat to a Jedi. Their nature was that of custodians who eliminated other distractions. I clarify, the automaton assuring that the robots he reprogrammed were no problem or risk to me.
- Why did you want to capture me? Asked Meetra, very intrigued about the reason why he wanted to capture her exactly.
- It is beyond my programming to probe the motivations of my clients, master. Suffice it to say, you will be generously compensated for my services. He has been a difficult target to locate. You have been wandering the galaxy since the end of the Mandalorian Wars, leaving few traces in your wake. It's as if you didn't want to be found by hunters like me or, more likely, by the Jedi Order. Confessed HK-50 and argued that it was very complicated to find the ex-Jedi.
- But how did you find me? Obviously, it seems I didn't do a good job. Surik expressed somewhat embarrassed with a touch of humor, seeing that she couldn't hide well from the deranged automaton.
- It was a coincidence, master. I was serving as a protocol droid on the Herald when you bought a ticket. After that, all that was left was to sabotage the navigation and call for rescue. However, when the Ebony Falcon appeared and rescued both of us from the wrecked frigate, I was forced to recalculate my plan at full speed, which culminates in our current situation. The assassin droid explained extensively, implying what had happened previously.
- Who is that client of yours? Or rather, who was your creator or owner? Meetra inquires, doubtful, to know that answer and to find out who is looking for her to send a homicidal automaton.
- My programming prevents me from revealing my client's identity, master. However, I can specify that my client is wealthy and is very interested in possessing the last of the Jedi. The droid detailed the information, including the motivations of the client in question.
- And now what? Are you going to kill me? I suppose not, because you need me alive for your collector client. The young ex-Jedi hesitated, knowing that the duty of the wicked droid was to bring her alive, or perhaps not, to his client.
- No, master, killing him was never the intention. If he resists attempts to return him to the Kolto tank, then yes, I might break his arm and leg bones to incapacitate him. The automaton stated, implying that if he resists being captured, he will break his limbs.
- I am going to avenge the miners of this station and I won't let anyone take away my right to leave here, so let's fight. She expressed, the brunette ready to end the mechanical being responsible for so many deaths here.
- Very well, master. If inflicting pain is the only way to resolve the matter, it leaves me no other choice. Expressed HK-50, tired of the young woman's resistance to following his orders.
While summoning 4 explosive stun droids
Metra acted quickly and unleashed her electric judgment on the droids one after another as she moved away, finishing off each one.
Atton shot at the assassin droid from his left side, while Kreia attacked from the right with Force pushes, making the droid retreat.
The mechanical being did not take long to fire while the group activated their energy shields, and as they dodged its shots, the young Jedi used her stun droid power on the assassin robot, leaving it deactivated for a moment, while Kreia also attacked with the staff Surik had given her, and Atton fired shots. The droid launched a thermal detonator, which was picked up by the brown-haired man and thrown back at it, while the elder and the former Jedi. they ran backward as the device exploded, superficially damaging the automated assassin
- Ouch, that hurt. The droid mocked while remaining standing with some parts of its exterior armor removed or destroyed by the explosion.
HK-50 moved back and forth, striking the pair of women with his laser rifle while they shielded themselves with their unsheathed bladed weapons.
Rand managed to shoot the droid several times in various parts of its body.
Surik managed to land several thrusts on the mechanical being's body, able to pierce the exposed openings due to the damage caused by the detonator and managed to damage the robot's arms, making it drop its rifle. At that moment, the automaton said,
- It was a pleasure and an honor to serve you, my lady. Goodbye, self-destruction sequence activated. He announced and said goodbye, the automaton ready to leave with its target, as well as not letting its technology or hard drive with classified information fall into enemy hands.
- This tin can is going to explode, get away from it. Atton expressed, alarmed by the robot's hasty action.
The trio ran out while the automaton counted down.
- Countdown in, 3, 2, 1. Upon reaching 1, HK-50 exploded thunderously, leaving a small crater and leaving those who barely managed to escape somewhat dazed.
- Surik, there's no time to waste. The flirty boy complained, watching his partner rummage thru the remains of the dismantled droid.
"Wait, I want to see if I can take something from it." Demanded the young ex-Jedi who approached the mangled mechanical being.
She found a droid maintenance unit, HK's vocabulary module, an advanced mining laser rifle.
- It's not a big deal, but it's something. Surik admitted modestly while putting away the remaining items from the droid.
The group went toward the curved, ascending corridor on the right side where the Herald was docked. They reached the end, managed to see a hatch, which they opened, managing to enter the frigate. Upon entering the ship, the old woman felt something or, rather, felt nothing.
- Something is happening. I don't feel anyone on board. The white-haired woman assured, puzzled, unable to sense any signs of life on the vessel.
- Don't you feel anyone on board? Did you sense the assassin droid last time? Rand scoffed somewhat frustrated because that ability didn't help him last time by not predicting the automaton they faced.
- Everyone inside has died, but there are few signs of a battle. There are no notches or blaster fire. This place has been attacked by assassins of another kind. The elderly woman concluded thoughtfully, watching the strange confrontation that took place here.
- What are we doing then on this ship? With that imminent danger nearby, we were better off at the station! Are they supposed to be Jedi? They should have anticipated this. They are the worst Jedi I've ever seen! Exclaimed Atton, questioning why they were here with that risk over there.
- We need calm to think of a plan and not complain. I reason, Meetra wanting things to calm down so that everyone present can have a clear mind.
- If the killing machine was right, we can't reach the hangar. Silence, I need time to think. Kreia reflected as she tried to find an alternative or idea, but the young woman interrupted her thoughts with a suggestion.
- I saw this ship dock. When it did, a fuel pipe entered the tank, behind the force field. The brown-haired girl stated, having witnessed the arrival of the ship and how it docked with the mining station, possibly having noticed that detail.
"Look, I don't want to be a wet blanket, but even if you manage to reach the ship you arrived on, it wouldn't matter." You need the orbital drift charts to evade the asteroid field, unless you want to make the shortest trip from Peragus ever seen. He explained, thinking about the reasons why they couldn't just take the Ebony Falcon.
- Why don't we steal this ship? He asked the young ex-Jedi, considering that possibility.
- Oh dear, do you mean with the enormous crew we don't have? It's a brilliant idea, if only we weren't 3 people. Rand scoffed at the ridiculous idea of taking this ship and being able to crew it with so few people.
- Wait. How is it possible that the Herald obtained the orbital drift charts it needed to bring here? Surik questioned, doubtful of how it managed to arrive here intact.
- Well, of course, they have the drift charts in their navigation computer, no doubt. Rand confirmed, knowing that it was almost certain given the probability of the files entered into this ship.
- Then let's take their codes. Then we'll worry about getting to the freighter. I conclude Meetra is ready to take that action so we can get out of here.
- Well, we would have to get to the bridge. I mean, well, that's the biggest problem we have right now. I assert that the flirty guy is willing to find what is necessary to escape from here.
- It's a good plan, for now. Let's go. Admitted the elderly woman with white hair, ready to follow the pair of young people.
- Our enemies are gathering while we wait here. I assure you, Kreia, knowing what could happen while it passes, it does not move.
- Atton has a good plan. Let's go to the bridge and take the cards with us. The young ex-Jedi reasoned, ready to follow what her partner said.
- Let's go, but this won't end well, believe me. Rand declared, anticipating the events that could happen next.
They could see that on the ship, to their left, there were two doors and on the right side, there was a small corridor with a door; in the end, they chose the option on the right.
Then, upon opening the door, I could see an elongated command bridge toward the front filled with consoles and computers, screens displaying readings, as well as the shocking scene of contemplating the bloodied corpses of republican soldiers with their yellow and red armors pierced.
- What was it that finished them off? Surik wondered, shocked and with a shiver down her spine, as she looked at the macabre scene, thinking about who or what could have killed these soldiers.
- And we must stay to find out. Atton expressed his concern about leaving quickly and not encountering the perpetrator of this massacre.
Meetra got into the computer at the end of the bridge and was lucky to see that it was the one used for navigation.
The computer displayed the following on the screen:
Heraldo Navigation Computer
Damaged system
Using his repair skills, he was able to restore the computer's connection using just one piece and could see the new functions that were displayed, which were
1._ Download the orbital drift charts of the Peragus asteroid field
2._ Check the ship's logs
He accessed the records and several of them were displayed, which were:
1._ Access the record: emergency broadcast
2._ Access the record: Sith warship
3._ Access the record: survivors
4._ Access the record: emergency report
He accessed the emergency transmission log and a hologram with interference played at first, then it became clear to see what appeared to be a human officer with light skin from the Republican Star Navy, around 30 or 40 years old, with his cap and uniform.
- We have picked up the passengers bound for Telos. He reported to the man in his report while being interrupted by a light-skinned human woman who was also wearing officer's clothing.
- Sir, we have just received an emergency transmission. A freighter attacked by Sith forces. The female subordinate reports to her superior about the situation that has arisen.
- Can you get the identity of the ship? The officer asked his subordinate, wanting to know the serial number or name it had.
- Yes, sir, we have it. But it's not in our database, but the profile suggests a light freighter. They say a Sith warship was attacking it, critically damaging it. The subordinate detailed the specifications of the ship.
Surik noticed a strange gesture from the officer, which he didn't understand.
- Sir? The woman in the hologram asked her commanding officer what he meant.
- I need to confirm it with command before attempting the interception. The man reasoned with his subordinate about what they should do first.
- That explains why there's a freighter like this one here, or it could be another one and not the same one that's related to this ship. The brown-haired boy reflected on those probabilities.
He accessed the Sith warship's log and a hologram was played with interference at first, then it became clear to see what appeared to be the same human officer.
- Report. The officer demanded the report that he had to give to his subordinate.
- The Sith warship is empty, sir. We have secured a tether and sent three assault teams. There is no sign of the crew, nor the commander. He informed the light-skinned human soldier who appeared in the hologram, who saluted and explained the situation of the found enemy ship. The soldier was next to a dark-skinned human woman.
- How is it possible that there is no crew on board? What about the escape pods? I doubt incredulously, just as the officer also asked his subordinate about that matter.
- They remain in their places, and none have been expelled, sir. This place is deserted. It's a ghost ship. The soldier responded to his superior about that doubt and reaffirmed that the ship had no crew.
- And who was firing at the freighter, if there were no gunners? The superior questioned the subordinate how it was possible for the enemy spacecraft to attack the other if there was no one operating or manning it.
- We don't know, sir, the freighter is also empty. We scanned it and only found a very damaged T3 utility unit. Do you still want us to bring it to the Herald? The soldier asked his commanding officer about bringing the freighter to their ship.
- Search the warship and the freighter once more. If they are clear, we will attract the freighter. The officer ordered his subordinate, making him send another to sweep both ships and what they would do after that.
- Yes, sir. The soldier obeyed his superior, ready to fulfilll his duty.
"I don't know why the admiral thinks that cargo ship is worth the effort, but I'm going to find out." The officer questioned himself, wanting to know the reasons why his superior wanted that freighter.
- So maybe that Sith ship wasn't deserted and maybe they managed to get in here somehow, that explains why there's no one alive here. Rand concluded, seeing what had almost certainly happened here previously.
He accessed the survivor's log and a hologram played with interference at first, then it became clear what appeared to be the dark-skinned woman who appeared in the other hologram.
- Everyone on the Ebony Falcon is dead, sir. We are going to begin the autopsies. Concluded the one Surik could assume was an officer, a medic, perhaps a doctor or nurse from the ship.
- What about that Sith corpse we recovered from the warship? Asked the officer, already seen before in other holograms, wanting to know about the strange body.
- We haven't had the opportunity to study it thoroughly, sir. It seems human, but it is fractured in several places. The medical officer concluded to her superior, observing that the subject supposedly dead in question.
- Keep me informed. Something is going on here, and I want to know where all the Siths on that ship are. The man asked his subordinate, wanting to get to the bottom of this matter.
- It seems so, the Falcon is the same transport, the people from this ship recognized and examined it, but I still have doubts about how it managed to reach the station. Who exactly crewed the ship? The flirtatious boy hesitated, somewhat unsure of how he had arrived at the mining station.
He accessed the emergency report, and a hologram played with interference at first, then it became clear that it was the senior officer who appeared in the other records.
- We are still having problems with the communication equipment, and maintenance tells me there has been a chain failure in the weapons system. He couldn't finish his report because he was interrupted by his subordinate female officer.
- Sir, I just heard a strange sound coming from the medical lab. The woman alerted the man, alarmed by what she heard.
Suddenly, without warning, the sound of breaking glass was heard thru the communicator connected to the aforementioned laboratory, followed by a woman's scream.
- I've come for the Jedi. A deep, raspy voice demanding information about the Force user echoed thru the communicator.
- What the hell was that? He asked alarmed to the superior officer, seeing that it was heard.
- I don't know, sir. The communication just got cut off. The female officer reported, somewhat shaken, seeing what happened.
- Send a team to the medical lab immediately! The man demanded, worried about the dangerous situation they were in.
- That's how the Sith agents managed to stow away on this ship, and it seems the mutilated Sith was still alive even tho he was cut into pieces, and it looks like he's your fan, Surik. Atton mocked, watching as the dark lord approached the ex-Jedi.
- It's not funny, at all. Meetra complained somewhat indignantly about her colleague's tasteless joke.
At that moment, the recording ended.
He left the records function and went to download the orbital drift charts, but first he went to a nearby computer, where he was able to find a USB drive with it. He plugged it into the computer where it was and downloaded the charts he needed onto it.
- It seems the situation got heated here before we arrived. Affirmed Atton, seeing what was seen in the records that the young ex-Jedi had seen.
- It would be better if we keep moving if we want to be in the same situation as them. Kreia confirmed, observing the situation of the deceased crew.
Meetra and her comrades saw another door in the same room, as well as a cylindrical container. The Jedi took advantage and opened it, collecting 43 credits, 2 pieces, and 2 data spikes. Then Surik opened the door, seeing another room and more bodies, as well as another door. Upon opening it, he could see two doors: one in front and another on the right side. I went for the one on the right and opened it.
But before continuing, she noticed a disturbance in her vision indicating that something she couldn't see was moving.
Surik stabbed the air with his saber and something touched his weapon, a metallic sound, as well as the feel of something resistant to his blade.
Out of nowhere, the Sith assassins revealed themselves with their black robes and masks.
- Let's form a defensive circle. Indicated the brown-haired woman, realizing that the killers were in a group.
They all stood back to back. Atton shot in several directions while the pair of Force users used their weapons in close combat, defeating the group of assassins.
The group continued thru the door on the right and could see a hallway with a curve, then saw another door further ahead, which they opened.
They could see a room with another door, as well as several boxes and containers on the left and right sides of the room, and a table in the center. They began to check the containers where they found a medpac, adrenaline vigor, adrenaline resistance. They opened the door to see another room with another entrance and more boxes. They started to check and were able to collect 45 credits, durasteel heavy armor. They found more Sith assassins to eliminate, and they moved on.
Surik opened another door and saw that there were more Sith assassins to eliminate, which they quickly dispatched.
They continued advancing, noticing that this was the escape pod room on the right side.
They were able to verify and see that no capsule was ejected, as they were all closed.
Then he saw a container further ahead from which he took components and a repair kit.
Then the group retraced their steps to the room where the other door was, but saw that it was magnetically locked.
They returned to the command room and went back thru the door to the hallway where they had initially entered the ship. They went that way and saw that one of the entrances was closed as if malfunctioning, making it impossible to open.
Then he went to the other entrance, which was functional but closed, so he decided to use his locksmith skills, opening the door and seeing a room full of dead bodies.
He was also able to see several containers, which he checked, collecting energy shields, adrenaline boosts, and Mandalorian melee shields.
Then he opened another door with his skills and could see a hallway with a curve. At the end of it, he could see a junction of 4 different hallways with different doors. They saw several more assassins who attacked the group, which eliminated them.
The young ex-Jedi felt new powers developing, one being the healing with the Force but in small amounts, as well as the power to dominate the mind.
They saw that the hallway behind them at the end had a broken door. In front, there was a closed door, and there was another door to the right. They left the right corridor and opened the door, where they saw a room with boxes and a central table, as well as another door.
Meetra could sense a disturbance in the environment that turned out to be Sith assassins who deactivated their invisibility upon realizing their camouflage had been discovered. The group quickly dealt with the adversaries.
Then he saw that in the containers there was a sonic carbine, a repair kit, and 72 credits. He retreated to the junction of the corridors where this time they headed to the front door, which opened, and they saw a medium-sized table with chairs, as well as a console in the middle, and a container. He first went to the container in the room and obtained adrenaline vigor, an ion rifle.
He accessed the console, where he could see that only the meeting log function existed. He clicked on it, and the following was displayed.
1._ Access the record: Change of course: Onderon
2._ Access the record: Passenger transport
3._ Access the log: Distress signal
4._ Access the record: Priority cancelation
He accessed the course change log: Onderon and a hologram was played with interference at first, then it became clear to see the same human officer as in the other holograms.
- We have been diverted from Onderon to the Outer Rim. There are not enough ships there, and we are already having trouble patrolling the regions under our jurisdiction. I'm afraid we're going to lose everything. There aren't enough ships for so much territory. We are still recovering from the war against Malak, and sometimes I wonder if we will ever succeed. But we have orders, and the Republic has given the highest priority to this mission. It seems that the problems on Onderon will have to wait. He reported to the officer in his log, documenting the difficulties in providing protection to all sectors of the republic's territory.
He accessed the passenger transport record, and a hologram with interference was initially reproduced; then, the same human officer he had seen in the other holograms became clearly visible.
- As ordered, we have picked up the passengers at the outer edge and given them cabins. Afterward, we set course for Telos. We expect to arrive in about ten standard days, if there are no more problems. I have been ordered not to give special treatment to the passenger, and not to give any hints about her identity. I have some reservations about turning the Herald into a passenger transport, but the orders are clear. Whoever the passenger is, she has diplomatic priority, whether she knows it or not. I reported the situation and that they used the ship as a transport vessel, which the man questioned and how they had an important passenger.
- Could I have been the priority passenger? I suppose so. The doubtful young ex-Jedi questioned herself, wondering if she was the passenger seen as relevant.
- If you are the last or one of the last jedis, I think you can't doubt that. Attton concluded with certainty that she was the favorite passenger of this ship.
He accessed the distress signal record, and at first, a hologram with interference played, but then he could clearly see the same human officer he had seen in the other holograms.
- We have received a distress signal and we are going to send a message to the Republic, asking for permission to investigate. We have also transmitted the identification of the damaged ship to the Republic. According to the message, they are being pursued by Sith forces. We haven't found the ship in our databases, but the profile of the distress signal suggests a freighter of some kind. We will only be sure when we arrive, and then we will know if it is an authentic signal or a trap. The officer reported on that auxiliary transmission he was able to receive.
He accessed the priority override record and a hologram with interference was initially displayed, then the same human officer he had seen in the other holograms became clearly visible.
- Sir, we wanted to consult with you before changing course to Telos. It seems there has been a battle in the sector and we have received a distress signal. The officer notified his superior about the signal that the ship managed to pick up.
Then a hologram of a mature man with a fair complexion, hair slicked back, a short mustache and beard, and a high-ranking uniform was shown. Surik was able to recognize the face of Admiral Carth Onasi.
- It is Admiral Carth Onasi, the hero of the Battle of Rakata Prime. Report Rand being able to recognize the military man.
- I remember, it seems he wanted to take me to Telos, but for what? I doubt Meetra with that mystery in her mind.
- You have permission to change course, Captain. If there is Sith presence in the area, I want you to investigate it. Have you received confirmation of the freighter's identification? Onasi inquired, wanting to know the name or serial number of the freighter.
- Yes, sir. We didn't have the ship reflected in our databases, so we transmitted the code to them. Do you have any results? The subordinate asked, wanting to know if he was able to find the ship's identity.
- Yes, captain. If you find any trace of that ship, any piece, I want it. Carth demanded of the captain, wanting to know if he had found anything.
- Yes, sir. The captain obeyed with a military salute, ready to fulfilll his duty.
- Once you have surveyed the sector, resume course to Telos with the passenger. It is of utmost importance that you reach Telos. He requested the superior with authority and prioritized Meetra's arrival.
- Yes, sir, I will ensure she arrives intact. The captain obeyed, ready to fulfilll his mission.
- Good luck, captain. End transmission. Carth said goodbye by cutting off communication with the ship.
- Sometimes I wonder if the right hand of the Republic knows what the left hand is doing. They never tell me. The captain didn't finish speaking, somewhat annoyed because he was interrupted by the droid that Surik had defeated, that was HK 50.
- Did you call for me, captain? The assassin droid disguised as a protocol droid consulted its superior.
- Yes, I need you to go see the passenger again in case she needs anything. Try not to be too transparent. Your safety is our top priority. The officer demanded of the automaton, ordering it what exactly to do with the Surik matter.
- I will exercise the utmost discretion, Captain. As always, it is a pleasure to serve you. The robot complied with the order, ready to continue with its duty.
- Why would they want to take me to Telos? What exactly would that serve? Meetra asked herself, trying to clear up that mystery.
"I suppose they wanted to meet with the Republic for some reason." Rand assuredly thot about what could be the reason for their arrival on this planet.
- We'll find out when we get there. Kreia concluded, ready to continue her journey to the freighter and leave this place.
Then they went back the way they came and headed toward the corridor that led to the ship's cabins.
Already in the dormitories, they could see a door on each side, as well as an open door at the front where more distant ones could also be seen on the sides. Surik first went to the room on the right where he found a Mandalorian shield, hand-to-hand, in the left dormitory he found a medpac.
They moved to the next two rooms, and as they approached the other bedroom on the right, the Jedi felt an urge not to move. Something in her mind reminded her that she had been here before, feeling disoriented. The elderly woman approached and placed a hand on her shoulder.
- Are you okay? The one with white hair asked the young ex-Jedi, worried to see her somewhat dazed.
- This was the cabin where I was. Clarified the young ex-Jedi, implying that this was where she stayed during her journey.
- And why does this affect you? Rand asked about how his comrade felt somewhat unwell being near here.
- It's just that I lost consciousness here and then woke up in Peragus, but I can remember this place. I assure Meetra, remembering that she has been here before.
- We don't have much time. Whatever it is, do it quickly. The hooded figure asked nervously, wanting to leave this place.
Upon entering, she saw a chest next to the other furniture that should have been in a bedroom where she found a data module, a bracelet, and an agrinio hilt.
The young ex-Jedi opened the module and could read:
Meetra, you have been ordered to report to the Herald's infirmary for a routine examination. The process is automatic: simply insert this data module into the medical computer to receive your injections.
Surik put on the bracelet, replacing one of the shields on one of his arms, and left the room to go to the one on the left, but it was locked. Even using his locksmith skills, he couldn't open it, so he decided to use his saber and started hitting the door until he broke it. He entered the room and saw an energy baton in a container, which he stored.
She left the room and headed toward the hallway to the door in front, which she opened and could see another small hallway. She saw another door where she could see a medium-sized room with a door on the left and another on the right, but before she could even approach, they encountered Sith assassins whom they eliminated without any problem.
Then the ex-Jedi picked up 10 credits from the body of a Republic soldier, went thru the right door where she saw a hallway with a left curve, where she saw a closed door that couldn't be opened even with blows, but among the bodies, she found 50 credits, but they were intercepted by more assassins whom they eliminated.
Then they returned to the room and went thru the left door, where they saw a long hallway with two entrances, one straight ahead and another to the right.
La Surik decided to take the right entrance where she could see a large room full of empty kolto tanks and noticed one in the middle, which was broken with its crystals scattered on the floor. She searched the room's containers, finding 2 energy shields, 60 chemicals, a medpac, a Matukai apprentice robe, detonator gloves, a fragmentation grenade, 126 credits, then went to the medical room's console and saw that the screen said
Heraldo Medical
ACTIVATED
The functions were
1._ Check medical records
2._ Check camera recordings
Meetra placed the data module on the console and the screen displayed the following:
Request for Meetra's treatment: sedatives administered during the routine examination 3.5 days ago. Emergency override activated, dosage exceeded safety protocols.
- I suppose the droid that was eliminated at the station was responsible. Surik concluded in his mind, thinking about what might have happened before.
He accessed the records.
1._ Access the record: Shipwreck Report
2._ Access the record: Sith survivor
3._ Access the record: emergency broadcast
He accessed the record of the Sith shipwreck report. A hologram with interference played at first, then the woman with dark skin who appeared in other recordings and seemed to be the official doctor could be seen clearly.
- Something has been wrong ever since we responded to that battle with the Sith in the region. The crew hasn't shown up at their posts and I can't talk to anyone on the communicator. The strange thing is that I have the feeling that someone is watching us, here on the ship, but I don't see anyone. I don't like this at all. I report the doctor with concern about recent events and that someone or something is watching her when she doesn't look.
- It seems that her suspicions were real and were confirmed shortly. The flirtatious boy expressed himself, somewhat concerned about the fate of the doctor and the rest of the crew.
You accessed the Sith survivor's log. A hologram with interference played at first, then the dark-skinned woman from the previous hologram could be seen clearly.
- I have been reviewing and examining the survivor of the Sith ship. I don't know if he is alive or dead, nor what keeps him in one piece. His flesh was cracked and scarred, and it bore miles of fractures in his skeleton, as if each bone had been splintered repeatedly and rejoined. Judging by the texture of the scars, I believe these injuries were inflicted before death. If that's the case, he must have endured constant agony. I don't know what keeps him together. The official doctor reported on the state of the Sith they found in a condition that shouldn't be possible.
- It seems to be a walking phenomenon, no one could survive that and remain intact or alive. The brown-haired boy concluded, thinking about how someone like that could still be alive.
He accessed the emergency broadcast record, and a hologram with interference played at first. Then, the dark-skinned woman from the previous hologram could be seen clearly, but this time she was injured in several parts of her body.
- Here, the official doctor. The soldiers sent to the infirmary have... have died. I don't know where the patient has gone, I think to look for more crew members. With him, Sith assassins have arrived... They appeared out of nowhere, as if they were wearing century-old generators, but... I think they were always on board. When we stopped to pick up that freighter, they must have boarded the Herald. I have no idea how many are on the ship. They could be just a few or a hundred. And with communications cut off, we can't call for help. I think that... thing in the tank was a Sith Lord... still alive. He was waiting for something to wake him up. The officer concluded, seeing the terrible danger that had erupted on the frigate and realizing that the badly injured at an inhuman level was a Sith Lord.
- Ha, ha, ha, these Siths, first being people with metal jaws like Malak and now being walking flesh puzzles. Atton mocked with an ironic, almost sarcastic smile, watching how these dark lords advanced in all sorts of strange forms and appearances.
Then he went to check the recordings from the cameras where the Sith in question was seen, who was suspended in his slumber in tranquility, filled with his scars, as well as lacking flesh on the left side of his face, and without hair on his head, until at one moment he woke up and then broke the tank and left.
Then, behind the destroyed tank, they saw a floating medical droid in the shape of a cylinder that, from the top, covered three mechanical limbs. You could see how it wasn't moving and was sparking, so Surik used 3 pieces and repaired the automaton.
Then he saw two doors, one on the left and another on the right. He took the first option, and as he did so, he saw a closed door in front of him, another closed door behind a curve to his right, and another to his left.
He could sense Sith assassins who were quickly eliminated.
They went around the right curve and checked a corpse that contained 81 credits as well as a fragmentation grenade. He returned around the curve to look at the front door, using lockpicking to open it. Upon seeing several containers in this small room, they found adrenaline resistance, 4 fragmentation grenades, 149 credits, 2 pieces, 2 components, and a repair kit.
They retraced their steps and opened a door that was straight ahead before entering the room filled with kolto tanks. Upon entering, he only saw a hallway with a curve to the right. He continued advancing until he found a closed door that he couldn't open, but he did manage to find 10 credits and a medpac. It was just another trap set by the Sith assassins that the group was able to eliminate easily.
He returned the way he came to the kolto tank room and went thru the front door that he hadn't opened yet. Upon opening it, he only saw a hallway with a curve to the right where he found a body, which he examined and only found 10 credits and a medpac. He also realized it was another trap set by Sith assassins, which he easily eliminated along with his companions.
Then they returned to the kolto tank room and took one of the exits, which was the first one, perpendicular to another, where they went down a hallway and saw an open entrance. Inside, they saw a hallway with an entrance to the right leading to a turbo-elevator and another straight ahead. He went for the front one, which opened, and then they saw an entrance in front and another to the right. They chose the last option, which Surik used lockpicking skills on, and upon opening it, they could see a small droid depot where they saw several utility automatons, as well as a humanoid. While they contemplated the above, they could sense the Sith assassins approaching stealthily, so they got into position and eliminated them.
Then Meetra went straight to the protocol droid and noticed it was intentionally damaged, and the utility droids seemed deactivated. The Jedi then examined the corpse of the soldier in the room and saw that it had the following items: 105 credits, Ballistic Protection I, and also found a maintenance data module for droids.
Upon opening the module, she saw that it said: Droid maintenance log: I don't know if the new HK-50 droid is a blessing or a curse. After the destruction of the previous protocol droid, when that fragmentation mine was accidentally triggered, HK replaced it without any problem.
The thing is, he doesn't follow orders very well. And most of the time, I have no idea where he's been. They say they've seen him in the crew quarters, with the admiral, in maintenance, and even in the infirmary, what nonsense.
When I ask the droid about the matter, it gives me a wise-sounding response about facilitating communication. I don't know who sent the HK models, but I don't like them.
Upon finishing reading the module, he put it away and left, heading toward the turbo-lift, which led to the ship's engine room.
Upon entering, he could see dimly lit corridors, as well as a junction of four corridors, where he noticed that the side corridors were filled with boxes, blocking the way, but he could see an exit ahead to follow.
"I have a bad feeling." Rand expressed distrust of where they were right now as they moved forward.
- What's happening? The amnesiac woman asked her companion, wanting to know what was wrong with the brown-haired man.
- Didn't you sense it? Things are going to get very ugly, and very soon. Atton, doubtful of what might happen next, assumed.
- How do you know that? He questioned Surik about his companion's premonition.
- One doesn't survive on the edge for so long if they don't know when trouble is coming. The flirtatious boy concluded to his companion, knowing what could happen from his own previous experiences.
- We'll have to be careful. But we have to get moving. Meetra kindly asked so that they could leave here as soon as possible.
- Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you. Believe me, when it comes to survival, I'm almost never wrong. The brown-haired boy, somewhat dissatisfied with his friend's point of view, warned.
They continued advancing to the front entrance and saw another junction of four corridors with only one exit at the front and the side entrances with the corridors indeed unlocked, as well as the lights, which didn't work much. When they were about to move forward, they could feel an unsettling presence, almost unnatural, and they turned around to see the leper Sion standing there with a serious and somber look.
- I have come to announce to you, Jedi. You do not know the path you tread. The Sith questioned Surik, foreseeing her fate and the consequences it entailed.
Kreia drew her weapon, ready for combat.
- This battle is mine alone. I am not defenseless. She declared, the old woman with her sword in hand ready to confront the dark lord.
- He cannot kill what he cannot see, and power has blinded him long ago. Run, I'll follow you shortly. I assure you, the woman with silver hair determined in her contest.
The teacher closed the door behind her and prepared for her confrontation.
-The end-