Confessions

0.2 Rendezvous

Tatooine was... rather desolate in Hasori's opinion. It was a wasteland of sand, more sand, and rock outcroppings. Sure, she had learned about the planet during her studies and had seen holographs of it before, but it really did seem dull. But she figured for a crime lord, it was a good place to hold out.

Master Kenobi had briefed her on the Hutt Clan during their flight. Giant slug overlords who were quick to offend and had quite the bloody reputation. He also, apparently, didn't speak anything other than Huttese and Hasori had elected to learn Shyriiwook instead, so they would be relying solely on a protocol droid to translate. She was quite nervous and had tried to steady herself by reminding herself that she was the daughter of a former Queen - born in her last term in office and at the peak of her political career. She hoped it was a genetic disposition to be a good negotiator, but in the event that it was not, Master Kenobi assured her that he would do all the talking and that it was instead an opportunity for her to learn.

Stepping out of her ship and into the hot sun, Hasori followed her master's lead and pulled on her own brown cloak - despite not wanting to put on another layer in the Tatooine heat.

"We should not keep the wise and powerful Jabba waiting," A dusty protocol droid informed them, and Hasori kept her gaze on the armed guards behind it.

"We wouldn't dream of it," Master Kenobi replied, "Come, my Padawan."

Hasori straightened her spine in an attempt to look as dignified as Master Windu before following her master into the belly of the beast.

***

The trap was set and all Aryn and Ventress needed was for the Jedi to walk right into it. The droids informed the duo of the approaching Republic ships and Aryn could hear the firefight outside the monastery. Inside, however, all was still. Aryn hung back like a shadow behind Ventress, waiting for orders. Her blue eyes looked black in the darkness, cold and calculating - a sharp contrast from the unbridled passion often associated with her older brother.

But that was to be expected from a Sith apprentice. Aryn was simply a tool to be used under the whims of her Master, and to those he lent her to. Still, she knew her Master doubted Ventress' plan - it was why Aryn was there in the first place. It seemed simple; lure the Jedi, frame them for the kidnapping, and then present Jabba's son on Tatooine. However, Ventress' plan didn't have the faith of her superiors due to her previous failure against the Jedi. Count Dooku hoped that providing Aryn would give Ventress another leg up, but Aryn knew Ventress did not see it that way.

From her spot, Aryn could not see down into the courtyard the way Ventress could, but it was still easy for her to tell that the battle had been "won" by the Jedi. The absence of blaster fire and Ventresses clipped order to follow was confirmation enough.

"The other Skywalker is here," Ventress informed Aryn who was walking just behind her, "I'd hate for you to... freezeduring this reunion."

"Don't worry, Asajj," Aryn murmured darkly, "A Jedi is still a Jedi, regardless of his blood ties."

"Good," Ventress turned to look at her, "Let us contact our Master."

Aryn followed Ventress deeper into the monastery where the main bulk of their forces were hiding quietly. She stood at attention behind the older woman as Ventress pulled out her holodisk.

"They have taken the monastery, Master," Ventress informed their Master, "The other Skywalker is here. He's on his way to rescue the Hutt."

"Well, done, Ventress," Master replied, "All is going according to plan."

"Aryn and I could easily take them now," Ventress urged, but their Master refused.

"Patience. Collect the data I need. You will get your chance at revenge soon enough."