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Missing Scenes
Post Revenge of the Sith: The Beginning of an End
Time was running and Asajj found herself growing a little desperate. While she struggled to formulate a back-up plan nothing decent came to mind and it left the former Padawan at a loss of what to do. She wasn't about to leave them in the lurch and so once more Asajj went through the list of contacts she did know that would be considered reliable in case no response arrived.
But just when she was about to give up the comm link chimed and rushing to it she activated the screen only to find the highly encrypted message that greeted her to completely evade her understanding. It was series of numbers nothing more. Raising a brow she blinked and took a seat.
Joy. A puzzle and no time to figure it out she inwardly sighed before attempting to decipher it. Unfortunately her peoples language had a tendency to translate things in a different order than most and this did little to help the situation. However during her time training with her Master she was able to gain a fairly good grasp the more universal language of Coruscanti and with this in mind she was able to gain some semblence of the numerical order.
After a good hour of painstaking attempts to decipher what they could stand for Asajj slowly began to realize some of the numbers represented a date and a time. If she guessed correctly the last series of numbers had to represent coordinates for the rendezvous point necessary. Cross-checking this theory with an area map of Rattatak Asajj couldn't help but smile slightly to herself. It wasn't too far and was also a secure but hard to find region. She could have asked for a more perfect place to meet if she tried. Obviously those in question knew what they were doing and for that Asajj was grateful.
Glancing to the chronometer she realized that it was almost time for her to depart and taking one last glance to the screen she put the numbers to memory and promptly erased the message. Then grabbing her double lightsabers (a memory to a past she wish she could undo but would forever remain) the Rattataki woman quietly left to meet the Jedi in question knowing fully well this was but the beginning but having faith that it wouldn't lead to its end before its time.
It was some time later when Asajj found herself nearing the location given. Her compatriots at the moment were residing on her ship. She didn't want to expose them should this be a trap. While her ship was nothing like the Fanblade she once owned it would do and would provide them with a proper escape should anything go wrong.
Nearing the rendezvous point Asajj slipped into the shadows of the alleys her eyes narrowing as she took in her surroundings. Unfortunately she had no idea just whom it was she was meant to meet but trusted she would know whom it was should they arrive and if it was a trap. But her instincts though sensing danger didn't sense that it was directed at her or her compatriots. However given the surroundings it was hardly a surprise she should be feeling such things through the Force. Yet she remained in position her hands on her lightsaber hilts as she once used to in days of old. Only this time the reasons for her battleready position were far more noble than they once were.
Soren landed his vessel and made his way to the rendevous point, his steps heavy though his pace was quick. Though he hadn't the ability to sense people through the Force, his years of military and now Imperial training leant confidence to his gut feelings. Making his way past covered caravans of suspicious sorts, he spotted a cloaked figure approaching. 'Must be him,' he thought to himself, making sure his blaster was closeby though it wouldn't be much use against a Jedi.
As he neared the cloaked figure, he recalled his last conversation with Saché.
Soren checked the time on his datapad. This was going to take too long on Weytta, but they couldn't just leave.
He pulled Saché aside and ran a quick scan of the room to check for bugs though he was almost positive this backwater planet was too behind technologically to have such equipment, however, it was better to be safe than sorry.
It was fitting, this room...a surveillance room, though inferior to the one they first kissed in on Coruscant. 'I'm going to the rendevous,' he told her. 'You finish things here and I'll meet up with you once things are finished on Rattatak.'
Saché frowned she was not fond of this idea and it showed. Folding her arms, the petite woman shook her head slightly in response. 'No, I can't let you do this alone. We're in this together. That was the deal and I'm not about to back down. Besides it's too dangerous. You'll need someone to watch your back.'
Soren exhaled, popping his neck to relieve some of the tension. He had a feeling she would react like this and it didn't help with the courage side of it. He didn't want to go alone either as that would mean leaving her on this backwards planet alone. 'It would be suspicious if we both left without completing our duties here,' he argued.
Saché didn't back down as she glared up at the taller man. While his stubborn nature was something to be admired, in moments like this it made her want to smack him upside the head and the popping of his neck only encouraged this feeling that much more. 'We'll have enough time. In fact, I'll even work on the matter on the way there. No one will be the wiser.'
She sighed deeply. 'Look, I know you know what you're doing, Soren, but this is foreign territory and a dangerous one at that. Even you have to admit that keeping all bases covered in this matter is essential.'
'My point exactly,' he said, facing down Saché. 'That is why you,' he put his hands on her shoulders, 'need to stay here...to ensure all the bases are covered and no one will be suspicious.
'If anyone asks, you can say I had other business to attend to. With my rank, they will buy it, though I doubt you'll have to say anything if it will be completed as soon as you expect it to.'
Saché sighed deeply once more. Normally she hated when he was right, but this time it was for all the selfless reasons. The thought of him going to this bloodstained planet to negotiate for fugatives left her more than a little uneasy. Glancing away she furrowed her brow. 'I really don't like this. I should be the one going, Soren. After all, I recieved the message, so this is technically my problem.
'And I don't like the idea of you placing yourself on the frontlines needlessly,' She admitted in a rare moment of vulnerable honesty as even his simple gesture of affection added to her concerns.
'If anyone's going anywhere, it'll have to be me.'
She knew this just as well as he did for if there were questions, his rank would make this sidetrip more believeable.
His hands moved from her shoulders to stroke her biceps as he reminded her, 'And I won't be alone, Saché...I've got my blaster with me.' He partially grinned, albeit slightly sardonically.
Saché took a deep breath as she closed her eyes briefly inwardly thinking of some sort of logical argument to defend her point. None was forthcoming and she knew she had no choice but to relent. Time wasn't on their side and arguing over this matter further would only worsen the already delicate situation. But this did little to ease her fears and bowing her head, slightly Saché slipped her hands to his arms as she gave them a squeeze. Trying to offer a wry grin to his attempts to lighten the mood, she said, 'I'm supposed to find comfort in that? Gods help us all.' Though she was teasing, her voice sounded weak even to her own ears as she nodded in acceptance.
This would be a decision she would regret until the end of her days.
'Fine you win, but only this time. And you better hurry your tail back because I have no intention of covering your tracks for long,' she added, still attempting to maintain a lighter mood though the concern was evident in her eyes.
Soren wasn't Force sensitive at all, nor did could he tell from the weakness in her voice that she really didn't like the fact he had decided on this course of action. He was doing what he thought was best for the amount of time they had and was grateful she wasn't fighting him too much on this, that she supported him.
'I will, I will,' he replied as if she were annoying him, though her expression truly warmed his heart and gave him the courage he needed for this jaunt.
Soren leant over to give her a right proper kiss, placing in it all the emotions he was never truly ever able to find the words for. Though they had both been on separate missions or were away from each other for periods of time, neither of them ever said goodbye for that word was too final, as if it were forever.
'I'll see you soon,' he said quietly before departing.
Saché couldn't help but smile a little sadly noting his casual reply. This was how it always was for them, making jokes while under fire, turning tense situations light with sarcastic teasing. It was an unspoken understanding one that in so many ways kept Saché sane during these dark hours. He was in so many ways her soulmate and though she would never openly voice it she knew he understood this too just as he knew that "goodbye" was a word she could never say to him, for it marked an end that she could never accept.
She quietly returned his kiss, letting her unspoken emotions mingle with his, putting to memory this moment as she always had when it was time to part ways.
When he moved to leave, she put on a brave smile and replied gently, 'See you soon,' watching as he walked out of her life for what she hoped would be only a short while.
'Yslamiri?' he said upon nearing the figure.
The simple statement was all Asajj needed to hear to confirm the contact was whom she thought it would be. Bowing her head slightly in greeting she extended her arms and approached with hands open. For the Rattataki gesture of greeting was to grasp either side of anothers lower arms just below the elbow. It was a greeting that served the duel purpose of respect and ensuring the one in question didn't carry a blade up their sleaves.
"You are the guide?"
Asajj almost stated rather than asked as her voice as with most Rattataki almost raspy sounding like a cross between a hiss and a growl in its accent. Her expression was respectful and within her azure eyes there lingered a hint of hope.
Soren thought perhaps he had said it the wrong way. Yslamiri? Ysalamir? Ysalamire? He couldn't remember and he cursed himself for not double-checking.
Then to his surprise, the figure moved towards him, with empty hands.
He cleared his throat a bit nervously, thankful he had had the mind to remove his Imperial-issued jacket, which would be choking him at this point.
'Where are the others?' he asked since it seemed she had merely confirmed that he was the guide instead of asking him if he was.
Asajj could feel his tension and at one time would have found this more than a little amusing. Now however it almost made her concious of herself. It wasn't her intention to unsettle the human before her but at the same time Asajj imagined her visage would be unusual to one who wasn't familiar with her people's appearance. However at the same time she had to give him credit for covering it well. If it wasn't for the fact she was trained with the Force she would have never guessed at his true emotions.
His question was direct another reason Asajj found herself respecting the human before her. It also left her grateful for having activated the small device in her cloak that would ensure their conversation wasn't overheard. Of course if one was determined enough to listen in there was devices to override this but Asajj didn't sense this threat and relaxed slightly because of it.
"They are safe aboard my ship. I wanted to ensure this meeting was...honest lest I place them in unnecessary danger."
The Rattataki woman replied simply figuring the man before her to be the sort who'd understand, before turning the question to him.
"The Mynock. Have you located or at the very least made contact with him?"
He tried not to stare, though he maintained eye contact with the woman?.
'Understood,' he replied when she mentioned the others were aboard her ship.
Soren looked briefly to the right, checking the alleyway nearby, thinking he heard a noise. He had been wrong.
'Yes,' he replied cryptically. 'We should get moving, lest we run into any unwanted entaglements.'
Asajj eyes followed the human closely reading his reaction and once satisfied by his simple reply was about to suggest they depart as well when his attention drifted to the right. Her own expression turned guarded she didn't sense danger but in these dark times anything was possible.
At his cryptic reply she nodded stiffly in agreement before moving to guide him to where they needed to go.
"Agreed. This way then."
She said simply before offering him another glance.
"Do you have a callsign?"
Asajj asked before elaborating almost awkwardly.
"I feel foolish thanking someone to whom I owe so much without even knowing their alias."
She gave a hint of a smile as once more she tried to allievate his awkwardness. Yet in reality this was new to her as well and try as she might the former dark Jedi was feeling a little awkward herself.
As he followed the woman, he kept himself guarded, making sure there wouldn't be any interruptions. He knew there was only a small window of time in which they could depart through Imperial space without being hailed.
The woman then asked if he had a callsign, which caught him off-guard. She was attempting to sound friendly, he noticed.
Not about to be rude, Soren replied, 'Well nothing so fancy as a creature's name.' He offered her a slight, guarded smile.
'You may call me Insomnus.'
Asajj already feeling the urgency of the moment moved swiftly through the alleys as she led the human to her ship. She tried to appear more confident than she felt and couldn't help but risk a slight smile at the thought. There was a time when confidence was the last thing she lacked, now she found herself cross checking her actions and overly aware of her every decision and the motivation behind it. But this time she knew without question she was doing the right thing and it gave Asajj a sense of peace that was so rarely known to her.
Curious now to know the man's alias or callsign she offered a grin at his reply as she laughed softly.
"Admitly looking back now I think I should have picked a less obvious name. If my message had fallen into the wrong hands..."
Her voice trailed off as she wouldn't permit herself ot think of such things. But at the human's remarks she furrowed her brow. The name sounded familiar to an expression or title she knew and after a moments thought she cast him a glance.
"The sleepless?"
She remarked curiously as she wondered if she translated it properly. But as they approached the smaller and rather simplistic looking ship she paused and faced him once more. Her expression was respectful and humble as she moved to grasp his arms just below the elbows as was her intention earlier.
"Just in case I don't have a chance to do this again, I would like to thank you for everything Insomnus."
She said in sincere tones as she gave him a respectful smile.
"This will not be soon forgotten."
With that she activated the hatch to her ship and waited for him to enter with her.
'Well it's not as if my job allows for much sleep--' he began. Her reaction to his call sign was not what he had expected. But then again, Soren couldn't be really sure what he had expected. He found himself being grasped with Jedi reflexex just below his elbows on both arms. She was thanking him?
'Don't start thanking me until we get this over with...' Soren replied grimly, though he didn't intend to sound humble just realistic.
He nodded to her before following her onto the ship. They needed to move these people as quickly as possible.
'How many are there?' he asked, his voice echoing in the hall. He didn't know how many there were, but if splitting them up was an option, they would have to take it...unless this ship had a cloaking device, but it didn't seem large enough.
Asajj nodded in understanding to his words her expression briefly softening as she offered a sad smile.
"I imagine it doesn't."
She said simply before she turned to thank him. At his grim reply Asajj couldn't help but give the human a wry grin.
"I am only too aware with the race against time and have long since learnt that one must speak their thoughts in the present lest they be lost to the future."
With that she entered the ship before catching his question which caused her to pause in her footsteps.
"There are three. Two knights and a Padawan."
She stated simply before moving down the hall to the door that led to the main cockpit. Upon entering the Jedi that Asajj had made the arrangements with bowed in greeting, before explaining that his colleagues were in their quarters at the moment in meditation.
At the sound of the familiar, or what she asssumed to be familiar voice, Jedi Knight Asþæa Arxia emerged from one of the rooms. She was careful not to address Captain Typho by his name, but the Jedi Knight was filled with hope to see him and bowed reverently.
Soren recognised the other female Jedi, noticing how much older she looked since the last time he saw her in passing on Coruscant. It seemed as though the light had gone out of her eyes. He remembered her as always such an optimistic person, full of life. He wondered if the Padawan in question was hers, but the Padawan was much older than the girl she had been training. He put two and two together, figuring she'd lost her.
Looking to scary-looking Jedi, he said, 'I can take take two of you on my ship. Had I known, I would have brought a larger ship. I can give the others the coordinates.'
Asajj politely introduced them by the alias given to her although she sensed they already knew each other. This was a small comfort as it would perhaps aid in easing the heavy aura that lingered in this room.
At the human's words Asajj nodded. This was a wise course of action although in truth there really was no other option left for them.
"That is quite alright we'll manage. If you pass me the coordinates, I'll will meet you there at the rendezvous point then."
With that she moved to activate the ship and prepared it for departure. Soon the Jedi were divided and Asajj began the journey to the coordinates given. Both were clever in their departure so as not to draw attention or appear that they were to arrive at the same location.
Once they reached their destinations Asajj met up with the contact in question and politely parted ways with the one known to her as Insomnus. Over all the entire journey was peaceful and uneventful and for that the former Dark Jedi was grateful. Though she was careful to hide her tracks well and instinctivally knew that both contacts had done the same as well.
Eventually they arrived to a rather remote and dusty planet named Tattooine. Asajj though familiar with the planet had never set foot onto it until now and found the intense heat to be almost soothing. Almost like home she thought inwardly taking in the sights before her as she departed from her ship before meeting with the contact who emerged from their own ship. For the moment the Jedi were to remain behind until contact was made with a woman known as Sefa.
With this in mind Asajj quietly fell into step with the Rebel runner and was soon entering the outskirts of Mos Eisley where 'Sefa' was said to work.
Sabé on the other hand waited with some anticipation for the meeting of her contact. She had informed Obi-Wan of the strange message and the fact that the contact in question was requesting to meet with him personally. Though it left her feeling more than a little uneasy she had faith this was meant to be and agreed to speak to the one known to her as 'Ysalamari.'
Soren was more than pleased with how the mission turned out. There wasn't a single hitch and he had, hopefully, aided the Jedi in getting to safety.
He had to admit he was quite proud of how he handled the situation. He had to downplay his happiness upon return, but for once he was thankful for the bloody uniform he had to wear for it definitely didn't add to ones happiness in any respect.
Once he got a chance, he would relate the events to Saché, but for now, he was content to see her again.
Everything went as per usual though Saché struggled to keep her thoughts focused on the task at hand instead of to Soren's mission. She wished desperately she could have been able to join him and it bothered her to think that if he were to run into trouble there would be no way that she could help.
But at the same time even Saché couldn't deny the logic in his decision though try as she might. Still she managed to keep up the appearances necessary and was able to cover Soren's absence with a professionalism that would have made him proud. Yet even so Saché couldn't help but feel leery and concerned but this wasn't anything new for she always felt as though the walls had eyes and ears.
However despite this knowledge it did little to ease her fears and upon learning of Soren's return it took all of her control not to rush off to find him. Instead she made herself continue her duties and work in her temporary office aboard the Imperial class cruiser as expected of her. After all it wasn't as though he had just returned from a high risk mission (or so they were led to believe). Nor was he doing anything remotely questionable and therefore she had no reason to hide or show signs of concern for his wellbeing. As such she wore the mask she had come to despise all the while unable to deny the immense relief and joy that it hid. He was back safe and sound and Saché could breathe easy for now because of it.
Though she was also curious as to how it all went Saché managed to bury her thoughts and remain focused on the task at hand. However this did little to prevent her from constantly glancing to the door in hopes of Soren's arrival.
But the door did chime and Saché’s instinctively rose to her feet before it hit her that Soren would never use the chime and would just let himself in. After this was his office in effect. Straightening her shoulder’s she slipped on the ‘mask’ expected of her and braced herself for the visitor in question.
“Enter.”
The door parted and Saché felt her heart drop at the sight of the one who stepped inside. The last person Saché wanted to see was Dormé or as Saché nicknamed her on ‘good’ days Vader’s dark ‘angel’ or more exactly Vader’s ‘pet’. The title was given upon seeing the two of them together during a few meetings Saché had to attend in the past. Saché couldn’t help but take note of the strange undercurrent that seemed to be evident between them. Initially she thought it was more Dormé trying to move up the ranks as she was but a low ranking member of Intelligence but soon realized this went beyond chasing of titles and promotions. It was like there was an unspoken understanding, or if she dared to stomach the idea perhaps an unspoken attraction as well. Either way it was disturbing and revolting to behold for Saché even worse was the fact that Lt. Piett seemed charmed by Dormé was in many ways trying to emulate the dark Lord’s mannerisms to catch her attentions.
Disgusting Saché inwardly thought to herself though these passing thoughts never reached her expression as she studied the woman before her. Though she could have never guessed Dormé’s true role in these matters Saché had a sinking feeling by the strange smile on her features that her former protégé was not here to receive orders pertaining to her duties.
“Lady Dormé is there something I can help you with?”
Saché began politely. The former handmaiden bowed in greeting to which Saché replied her expression guarded as she studied her closely.
“Lieutenant I actually was actually wishing to inquire the whereabouts of Captain Typho. He has been gone for a few days and I was curious to his return.”
Saché furrowed her brow slightly. It was a rather direct question one that left Saché more than a little on edge.
“I do believe he was requested to look into this matter further by his superiors, although if there is something you wish to discuss with him I can pass it along to him.”
Dormé’s eyes seemed to dance with something akin to smugness and egotism which now sent a chill down Saché’s spine once more. This was odd behavior for the normally shy girl but since the down fall of the Republic Saché had come to expect the unexpected. It seemed the new regime had a way of making monsters out of ordinary men and woman and this was no different with the woman before her.
“Actually there is something I’d like to share with him.”
“Please get to the point.”
Dormé bowed politely in response to Saché’s clipped reply though her eyes spoke of her smug amusement.
“As you wish Lt. Maberrie.”
She then removed a small device from a hidden pocket that rested on her hip and placed it on the table. Saché knew in that instant it was all over. The holographic image crackled and flickered revealing the message received from the Ysalamiri as well as the message sent with the coordinate of the rendezvous point.
“Care to explain why you wish to bother the Captain with a black-market exchange?”
Dormé raised a brow slightly.
“I think we both know this is no black-market exchange.”
Her voice was painfully calm, painfully casual and it does little to help Saché’s growing nerves. Dormé obviously knew more than she was letting on and in this moment was just toying with her. While Saché under normal circumstances would have had no time for such nonsense and would have ended this little game before it began with Soren’s life and so many others now being placed on the line she knew she had to continue the act.
Life is a stage… Her mother’s voice echoed in her mind leaving Saché feeling as though she was about to put on the best performance of her life.
“You actually believe this transmission is pertains to the Rebels? Surely you know better than that after all when have we ever intercepted a message exchanged between members of the resistance that uses animal avatars as call signs? That’s black-market coding and you know it. Now if I were I’d quit wasting your time on matters that doesn’t pertain to your position Agent Jalla.”
“I believe Lord Vader would think otherwise.”
A more thinly veiled threat couldn’t have been given if she tried and Saché felt herself bristle at the mention of Anakin’s title.
“I hardly think Lord Vader could be bothered with something as trivial as this.”
Dormé remained undaunted and replied in cryptic remarks.
“Not when it pertains to the loyalty of his Intelligence officers.”
“And just what is that supposed to mean?”
Saché stated in dangerous tones even though inwardly she felt a cold shiver run down her spine. Dormé offered a hint of a victorious smile as she spoke directly.
“Captain Typho is in league with members of the Rebel Alliance.”
“You are treading on very thin ice Agent I’d be careful if I were you about who you point your finger at in your accusations.”
“The transmissions were deciphered and linked to a frequency that only Captain Typho would have access to, the very same frequency that has been sending messages to a direct contact of the Resistance. I don’t think I need to explain myself further.”
Saché felt her heart drop that same private frequency that Soren had access too was the same one he had given her the codes to use. The messages Dormé spoke of were her own as she was the one who used this frequency to receive and send information to their contacts. But she could not back down it was too late for that and so she sighed deeply playing the role of the annoyed superior officer to the fullest.
“Or the real culprit in question has linked these transmissions to Captain Typho frequency as a means of removing a direct threat to them. It isn’t uncommon to scramble the frequencies to make it appear as though they came elsewhere I’ve seen this done before many times.
"As I said before the wise thing to do is to conduct further research and collect some real evidence before you start pointing fingers. Especially considering the man you deem guilty is none other than Moff Panaka’s nephew.
"I don’t think I need to tell you what will happen when he learns that you have falsely accused his nephew of betrayal.”
Saché warned in deadly calm tones hoping she would have hit the mark with the normally shy Intelligence agent. But Dormé wasn’t fazed and instead only gave Saché a cryptic smile that would haunt her for days to come.
“It’s too late for that now as I already have all that I need.”
Saché raised a brow as she frowned to the former handmaiden who bowed to her.
“Then it is your own grave that you dig.”
She stated simply realizing in reality she had spoken the cryptic words to herself as Dormé had already quietly turned and left the office. Once alone Saché could only draw a shaky breathe as her mind began to frantically try and work out a plan to get the most precious cargo of her life out of harms way and to safety as all the while she tried not to give into the overwhelming despair that in reality she was the one who should be on the run.
