Cipher Nine: The Untold Stories

Prologue

I always had a very lively childhood.  Always being cautious and overly aware of my surroundings.  Growing up as the daughter of a high ranking Imperial officer and a Republic senator may sound like the "high life," but it wasn't. 

I remember going to Coruscant at the age of four before the Sacking.  My father had his subordinates forge travel papers for him to be with mother.  It was a very beautiful planet.  The first thing that stunned me was just the sheer amount of buildings.  

I never knew the true nature of our visit to the capitol of the Galactic Republic, until we had arrived at my mother's apartment near the Senate Building.  It was here that I was introduced to my one-year old little sister, Arymiss.  She had adopted our mother's red hair, whereas I had adopted our father's jet-black hair. 

Mother  had informed father that Arymiss was force-sensitive and the Jedi Order would come to take her soon, but mother had a friend in the Order to delay my sister's departure.  

"She's beautiful isn't she?" asked my mother. "Would you like to hold her, Nai'riss?"

I nod eagerly and accept my little sister into my arms.  Little did I know that this would be the first and last time that our family will be together.  

Just months later after our visit, tensions between the Galactic Republic and Sith Empire had reached a tipping point.  My mother had believed that peace could have been achieved, but after the Sacking of Coruscant, her dream was shattered.  With conflicts occurring day after day, it was much harder for my mother and father to be together.  It got to the point where things began to fall apart. 

My father and I were home at our estate on Dromund Kaas when there was a knock at the door.  One of my father's subordinates had come to speak with my father.  I do not know the details of their meeting, but I do remember that father had contacted mother through a holocom frequency the Imperial's had no idea about.  I could never forget the tears that streamed down mother's face when father ended the holocall.  I've never seen or heard from mother since.  

Fourteen years have passed since that time.  I've received my acceptance to join the Imperial Intelligence Service, the same branch my father has worked in for many years before transferring to the Imperial Navy. 

"I'm so very proud of you Nai'riss," said my father over holo.  "You've more than earned this."

"Thank you father," I replied with a smile.  "I report for training next week.  Will you be home in time?" 

"I'm sorry dear.  My new orders have come in.  My fleet is to engage the Republic at Balmorra." 

"Oh, I see. Well, stay safe father," I replied with a faint smile.  

"I'll see you soon," replied my father before blowing me a kiss and  hanging up.  I throw myself onto my bed, not minding that I'm wrinkling my new Intelligence uniform.  I sigh and bring myself to sit up.  I walk over to my bedroom window and look over to Kaas City. 

"My future awaits," I say to myself as the endless rain patters against my window.