The Shadow of the Jedi

13. The Crystallised Conflict

After being promoted to the Confederacy's S.I.S. Division and placed under Dooku's command, I began my duties by dispatching operatives, agents, and spies across the galaxy to gather intelligence. Some of the Neimodians assigned to work with me protested, but they were quickly brought down by definition. In addition, Sakura Namada, a twillek who had applied for the position of Deputy Director following my promotion and acquired my trust during the first few weeks of the conflict, was now working with me.

I've formed a small squad under her supervision, and their primary purpose is assassination, sabotage, and even extraction. This small team, like a regular commando squad, was hand-picked from the Brotherhood for its uniqueness and expertise in specific areas. They should only be led by strict military leaders, since they have been trained and bred to kill and should not be underestimated.

Sakura, on the other hand, has been keeping an eye on Dooku, as speculations have circulated that he will lead the development of a new Star Dreadnought class. This includes the recent recruitment of a cybernetic cyborg who has demonstrated his competence but has a large ego and a certain dark acolyte who is learning under Dooku, which drew my attention. For the time being, I will be in charge of the operation on Christopsis, as capturing that planet would allow us to develop various types of superweapons that could bring the battle to an end.

In terms of superweapons, my research group has been working on a new vessel that has the ability to end this continual, repeating conflict. It is time for a change of direction, but we must force it because the power generator has design flaws that will necessitate additional research and inquiry for this specific model.

In the opposite scenario, we are progressively occupying most of the outer rim, but the planet Ryloth seems to be a significant challenge because of its extreme resistance. However, rumours suggest that the planet will soon come under our authority.

Since the senior commander and general are counterattacking the republic's attempt to reclaim Christophsis, I shall be moving immediately towards Christophsis for the time being in order to meet with them. Turning on our cloaking technology, we hid from the Republic Navy as my shuttle came out of hyperspace.

When I arrived at the command centre of the alleged base of operations and landed on the roof, two people were depicted walking in front of my shuttle, escorted by droids. As my shuttle opened, they were terrified by my guards, who exited first and then formed a double column. As I left my shuttle on the ramp, I could feel the tension between those two individuals.

"You. Acolyte. You are the assassin. I have been hearing a lot about the individual who is training under Dooku. Is that correct?" As I looked towards this female assassin,. "Yes, my Lord." As she stood forward, I focused my attention on the Kerkoidia. "And you must be the infamous General Whorm Loathsom." The general seemed to be proud of receiving recognition from someone who seemed to be in the higher hierarchy of the separatists.

"I am pleased by your compliment. But I wasn't told beforehand about you, my lord." As he inquired about my identity, I immediately stood tall in his gaze. I projected a threat-like vibe. "I am Darth Mirage of the Separatist Intelligence Service. You have served me well with your recent endeavours. You shall serve me well again."

Leading me straight to the command centre, I insisted on receiving an update on the state of affairs prior to the planet's opposition. "We have been dealing with a small force of Republic troops and defences directly at the eastern exurbs. My scouts have confirmed that it is a refugee camp."

When I realised this, I force-choked General Whorm Loathsom. "General. call of the attack!" Ventress, the Assassin, appears to be either startled or sympathetic to the republic as the General begs for oxygen. "My. Lord. I." After being released, he was gasping for oxygen.