FORSAKEN - Target: Zero

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Known as the quadrijet transfer spacetug, or quadjumper for short, the TUG-b13's power, maneuverability, and performance in both atmospheric and spaceflight had it them a popular choice of starship among prospectors and smugglers after a few modifications. In Addia's case, the addition of a cargo hold and a comfortable sleeping cabin made the Plunderer—a name she chose to mock her old critics—perfect for her archeological endeavors. She didn't have to share the space with anyone, and Addia never imagined one day she would have to do so with an Inquisitor.

After inputting the navigational waypoint from the Jedi Star Compass into the nav computer, Addia went back to the living quarters. The Mirialan had decorated the living area with rustic musical instruments from primitive cultures, carvings, vases, and a rug from her travels.

The Fourth Sister laid on the bunk without her helmet, showing her black hair tucked into a long ponytail with parted strands in the front. Her bag sat on the floor by her. The Kage studied Addia's lightsaber. The hilt was a combination of inlaid copper, and matte silver and gold with elegant patterns made by acid etching, resembling something from a bygone era.

"Interesting lightsaber." The Fourth Sister admired it. "Did you find it in one of the temples you explored?"

"I built it from parts I found at various archeological sites throughout the years." She sat on an ample masmot hide chair and wondered where the Inquisitor kept the rest of her weapons.

"And the crystal?" The Forth Sister fired the blade, admiring its unusual cyan color.

"I found it on a dig site in Ossus."

"Found it or—?"

"It called to me. I didn't steal it, if that's what you're implying. Listen, I'll help you find the text, but the two of us don't need to get chummy."

"It'll make the trip more pleasant, especially in this bucket of rust." The Fourth Sister glanced around with contempt.

"You're welcome to leave." Addia pointed at the rear hatch.

"What's with all the musical instruments?"

Addia shrugged. "Some I collect. Others, I use to pass the time. I find that music is a good way to approach some of the hostile species that can be found on archeological sites."

"No one to keep you company? Not even a droid?"

"I'm sure an Inquisitor can appreciate why a former Jedi has to travel light."

"Good point."

"So, what do I call you? You don't expect me to say 'Fourth Sister' every time I refer to you."

"That's my name."

"That's a name. What were you called before you fell?"

"Who says I did?"

"Right." Addia realized how dumb the question had been.

"How did you survive Order 66?"

"What's this, a survey to improve your effectiveness?"

"It's a perfectly reasonable question, considering our roles."

Addia didn't see any harm in sharing something that happened long ago. "I had snuck behind Separatist lines in Tython, searching for an ancient Jedi temple when Order 66 was issued," she said. "Who would have ever guessed that being around the enemy would have saved my green butt from getting killed? What about you? What did you do before—all of this?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Try me."

"I think that's enough fraternizing for the day. You can sleep on the floor, if the cockpit is too crammed."