When I entered the office, I found a meeting already in full swing. A couple of admirals, several rear admirals, five commanders, and over a dozen captains were seated around a large table. At its head sat… Oh, it's Trachta.
"Moff Trachta, gentlemen," I said. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Mikore Vikt. I have been sent by the Jedi Council—"
"Excellent," Trachta interrupted. "Look, General." He gestured toward the hologram. "This is the planet Kidiet Olgo."
"It's located between the Hydian Trade Route and Namadii Corridor, on the northern border of the Sector. There's a tracking station there, and one of our squadrons—Tango-North, under the command of Rear Admiral Cassus Mornell—is stationed nearby. We've lost contact with the tracking station on the planet…"
"What's the problem?" I asked.
"Mornell dispatched three units," Trachta replied. "None of them have made contact. We believe we need a Jedi for this operation."
"What are the conditions on the planet?"
"It's a standard world—mostly agricultural, with several cities. Population: forty-five million."
"When do we leave? My ship is ready."
"Immediately. We must reestablish control of the tracking station. We can't allow the Separatists to exploit this window to infiltrate Coruscant."
"We?" I repeated.
Is the Moff himself flying with us? However, an active nature.
"Yes," Trachta said, confirming my suspicion. "I'll be accompanying you. The situation is serious enough to require my direct involvement. Colonel Suaver will also be joining us," he added after a brief pause. "Intelligence."
"Then… the gunship is waiting," I replied.
There's definitely some kind of story connected to Trachta… but what is it? I can't remember for the life of me.
***
The small chamber lay in semi-darkness, though no visible light source illuminated it. Only the cold, crimson glow of a small pyramid suspended in midair cast faint, distorted shadows across the walls.
Asajj Ventress sat cross-legged at the center of the room, meditating as she absorbed the secrets contained within the holocron…
…There are two primary forms of combat that a Sith must master: the Power Style and the Fast Style. The latter focuses on agility, rapid movement, precision, and acrobatics…
…This style is not suitable for all Sith. The Dark Side grants us power, and that power must be wielded. Hatred makes us stronger, and the path of many Sith lies in the Power Style. Its other name is Djem So—an ancient philosophy that requires combining one's body mass, weight, and muscle strength with an exciting dose of anger in such a combination that every blow you strike has enough power to crush your enemy…
…Another branch of the Power Style is Shien, also known as Reflection—the deflection of blaster fire. Many practitioners employ a reverse grip to achieve this, with varying degrees of success. However, Shien is a temporary measure. One must still close the distance to strike an opponent with a blade, or regroup after a kill to select the next target. Deflecting shots back at attackers can be useful, but be aware that this tactic wastes your energy…
…Any combat form or situation can be enhanced through Dun Möch. This technique relies on taunts and verbal provocation to undermine an opponent's will. A few well-chosen words can plant doubt, opening the way for manipulation… Yet Dun Möch can backfire if it drives an enemy into blind rage. Rage draws one closer to the dark side—and the dark side answers to no master…
…We draw power from emotion, but we must not surrender to it blindly. You are a Sith, not an animal. Choose your target. Break through the tunnel of anger. In that moment, you will know superiority. You will be perfection itself—and you cannot be defeated…
Asajj smiled.
Count Dooku had given her something priceless. With this knowledge, she would elevate her skills to an entirely new level.
And then…
Oh, then she would finally take her revenge.