Star Wars: Dissention of the Sith

Chapter 30

Cognus reclined in the luxurious comfort of the starship's cabin, her datapad displaying the updates on Terentous' military exploits. The reports detailed his swift rise from a mere trainer to a formidable general leading Dallin's forces into battle. Although this deviated from the original plan, Cognus couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Keeping Terentous occupied on the battlefield left him with less time to delve into his own thoughts and begin questioning her and the Rule of Two.

Cognus' attention was abruptly interrupted as a transmission beeped, indicating an incoming message. Curiosity piqued, she swiftly tapped the screen closest to her to access the communication. The holographic image of an officer materialised before her, clad in the regal attire of Dallin's royal guard. The officer's voice conveyed an air of urgency as he relayed the message from Dallin himself.

"Lady Cognus, His Majesty requests your immediate presence in his royal chambers," the officer announced, his voice laced with a blend of deference and urgency. "He has declared the matter to be of the utmost importance and insists that you be escorted directly from the landing site to his presence."

Cognus' eyebrows furrowed in response to the unexpected summons. She pondered the nature of this urgent matter, contemplating the possibilities of what Dallin might want to discuss. A sense of intrigue mingled with caution. Nevertheless, she resolved to comply with the request, aware that ignoring the summons would only fuel suspicion and potential consequences and she needed to remain as inconspicuous as possible for what she had in store for Haruun Kal.

Acknowledging the officer's message, Cognus nodded curtly before terminating the transmission. As she watched the craft smoothly descending toward the landing dock, her fingers instinctively gravitated towards the hidden compartment where Darth Vitiate's holocron resided. Her touch traced the cold, smooth surface of the obsidian artifact, her mind swirling with the dark power it promised. A mischievous grin crept across her face, a glimmer of anticipation in her eyes. With a sense of satisfaction, she carefully tucked the holocron away, concealing her intentions, and composed herself, ready to face whatever awaited her in Dallin's royal chambers.

As Cognus stepped off the craft and onto the landing dock, she found herself surrounded by a group of eight armed men and women, dressed in the regal attire of Dallin's royal guard. Their faces bore expressions of utmost professionalism, yet their eyes hinted at curiosity and intrigue. One of them, a tall and commanding figure, stepped forward and inclined their head respectfully.

"Welcome, Lady Cognus," the figure spoke, their voice laced with authority. "I am Captain Liron, and these are my comrades. We have been assigned to escort you to his Majesty's royal chambers. We apologize for the lack of information, but we were only instructed to ensure your safe arrival."

Cognus nodded in acknowledgement, her gaze sweeping across the assembled guards. "Very well, Captain. Lead the way. I trust you will guide me to the King's chambers promptly."

Captain Liron gave a curt nod, their demeanour ever professional. "Of course, Lady Cognus. We are at your service."

As the group began to move, Cognus fell into step with them, her mind racing with thoughts about the purpose of this urgent summons.

***

As the echoes of the guards' footsteps faded away, leaving Cognus alone with Dallin in his royal chambers, she settled comfortably on the plush sofa, her eyes fixed on the king. The room was adorned with opulent decorations and the air was heavy with a sense of authority and secrecy. Cognus noticed the stone-cold expression on Dallin's face, his gaze steady and inscrutable. For a few moments, silence hung in the air, thick with anticipation.