Star Wars - The Old Republic: Close To Home (Book 1: The Beginning)

That Single Light in Darkness

Nar Shaddaa, a moon that belongs to the Hutt Cartel, was a big deal for every gangster or underground personality. The vast cityscape planet was an escape for those who either seek refuge, or those who are desperate for credits... since this was a place for the filthy rich, the poorest of the poor, fanatics, and military territorial's as the Republic and Sith Empire were still occupying it.

Mezenti Spaceport is looking casual as Lereatana and Agent Arden walked into the general space. Looking around, she finally heads towards the main entrance of the spaceport. It was always nighttime in Nar Shaddaa, and its only source of warmth, was its core... Pollution was vast in the planet...

Boarding a two-seater taxi shuttle, the two set off into the tall cityscape environment flying in the automated shuttle...

"I must ask," Lereatana spoke. "I thought Sith Intelligence was as itself, incorporating Imperial Intelligence. It was already decided by the Dark Council."

Arden then explained. "The Minister of Intelligence made it very clear that the significance of Imperial Intelligence was weakened ever since the disappearance of Darth Jadus. Like it or not, the missing Darth carried decades of plans with him when Cypher Nine forced him to leave his own place. At least, that's what the Minister told me. He didn't tell me every detail. But... I know that Intelligence would only last until this month. I'll be in Sith Intelligence with you soon enough so we'll be on the same page."

Lereatana nodded. "The loss of Corellia should have sparked as an insult to the Dark Council. It could have been related to the planned dissolution. This could have made a drastic change to the Sphere of Imperial Intelligence."

"Agreed. The Minister must be feeling displeased about it when he was telling me the details of the progress of Imperial Intelligence. It would be saddening to see the agency officially dissolved."

"At least it won't there, agent. We'll be working together for a while. Remember that."

"Yes... Indeed, my lord. I fear the day you leave. It will not be the same." Arden said this with a chuckle as both of them saw the taxi pad of the Star Cluster casino. "Re-plot your taxi course towards the Industrial Sector. According to the coordinates, the artifacts should be distributed there. I'll investigate the Imperial terminals here, and I can slice them to see what information had been compromised."

The taxi shuttle lands, and Lereatana inputs coordinates for another location while Arden dismounts.

"I'll be in contact, Agent Arden. Be sure you are reachable." Lereatana spoke of her word before the taxi shuttle takes off again while Arden splits and heads into the Star Cluster Casino...

While Lereatana was being flown to the location with the taxi shuttle, she felt her head had been sensing something and shook her head to try and get clarity.

"The Force is reacting," Lereatana thought. "It would seem this is where it would begin then. The taxi shuttle I'm taking is going to the Lower Industrial Sector. That's where I'll find the culprit who stole those artifacts."

Meanwhile, an elevator's sliding doors had opened, revealing an armed trooper, keeping her M-400 Nova Rifle raised. Lereana didn't fail to be ready at any case. It wasn't easy finding the entrance to the Lower Industrial Sector. Just behind her was Elara Dorne. Both of them wore the black and dark blue themed uniforms Lereana provided for most of the squad, while their helmets are worn on their heads...

Lereana lowered her rifle and nodded before she led the way. "Let's be careful, Captain. Patches of Imp presence is noted here."

"That, and Republic presence is no longer existent here, Major." Dorne said this as she kept her blaster pistol in her hand just in case. "The Lower Industrial Sector is rather too warm to anyone. Took a lot of fighting to get here."