Shattered Stars (TCW)

Chapter 21 -- Undercover

A/N: Okay so before we get into this week's chapter (which I really actually like, by the way), I just want to shout out Daniella55555 and any others (though I don't think there are lol) that have been reading and voting on this story, I see your votes and how you're binging and I want you to know it made me smile so much! Thank you and I hope you like it!

The war drags on, continually putting the citizens of the Republic, the Jedi, and the Chancellor in danger. The Jedi Council sends Knight Taska Rokanh on an undercover mission in Coruscant to set a deadly plan in motion.

Taska slipped inside the Coruscant barracks, making her way to the common area. She found Ace and the rest of the Alpha squad in the corner.

"What do you think of my outfit?" She asked, spinning in the unfamiliar garb, which consisted of a long, sequinned maroon dress, shining black boots, and white overcoat.

"What's the occasion?" Ace asked with a small grin. "Looking to hit some bars?"

"Actually, yes, but not by choice," she informed them. "I'm on an undercover mission for the Council. I don't know all the details, but they don't want to leave an electronic trail, so here I am."

"The Council assigned you this mission?" Ace questioned, but what he really wanted to know is whether they would be coming along.

"Yes, and unfortunately, that means you won't be coming. Can't have you getting shot in your free time," she attempted to joke.

"Shot?" Lark's eyebrows raised in concern. "It's that kind of mission?"

"I'll be alright, I promise," Taska sighed. "I'm sorry, I didn't come all the way here to worry you. I actually came to see if you'd have me for company. The temple seems so quiet."

"Of course," Ace replied quickly. Lark vacated the seat next to him, moving to the only other empty seat on the other side of the table.

The commander tilted his head at him, and Lark ignored it. "So, General," he asked, waving a deck of cards in his hand. "Do you know how to play sabacc?"

"Can't say I do," she smiled. "They don't teach Jedi how to gamble."

"Never?" Mags asked incredulously. "You've never played? That's a Coruscant bar essential, General!"

She laughed. "Deal me in, then!"

* * *

Taska sat partially concealed in the darkest booth of the watering hole, careful to not fidget with her makeup-covered face—however much she might want to. She had put on a confident air to ease her men earlier, but in reality, deception was never something she had been comfortable with, especially when the Council wouldn't let her know all the details. Fake jewelry clicked around her wrists and neck, feeling more like shackles.

A tall figure slammed into the seat across from her. "I was told to meet you here."

"Yes you were," she replied coolly. "I have a job for you—something I trust you can handle?"

"I'm a professional, lady," he snapped. "What do you need?"

As he spoke, she heard her orders come from her earpiece, cleverly disguised as a second earring.

"I need you," she said, and dared herself not to choke on the words. "To kill Obi-wan Kenobi."

"The Jedi?" He scoffed. "Not a chance. What are you, somebody 'fighting for peace'? No, I've dealt with plenty of you, and I'm not interested. My price is too high for the likes of you."