Chapter Text
The scent of ozone lingered in the air. Phaistra Sirrell, once Darth Imperius of the Dark Council and descendant of Kallig, leaned over the bridge, looking up at the cloudy skies above Odessen. She often came here to contemplate how much her life had changed in the course of her five-year slumber. Five years was over in the blink of an eye after meeting the Emperor that fateful day when her compatriot and fellow council member, Darth Marr, had perished. Phaistra regretted his death, seeing how he was one of the few Sith who could be relied on for the good of the Empire. Losing him was among the many blows they had suffered over the years.
Everything that came after felt like a blur. The Immortal Emperor was struck down before her very eyes, and she knew all too well that she had absorbed his essence. Given her history with ghosts and their lingering power, this had caused her a great deal of agony before she was thrown into carbonite. Arcann had shoved her in some trophy room, forgotten and dying. The dreams she had felt both real and fictitious, sensing the world around her changing, even those she had sought to protect. When she awoke, she was a brand new person—or so it felt. So it had to be.
Phaistra’s most recent mission was to recruit Havoc Squad into her ranks of the budding Alliance. The man who led them had surprised her, to say the least. Leading a mission on the outskirts of Zakuul, Aric Jorgan had been direct with her in such a way that Phaistra had been unaccustomed to within the Empire. He didn’t seem to mince his words when he said that at another point in his career, he might’ve taken the shot when he had his sights set on her as she and Theron traversed the swamps.
Then, when it came to working together, he was unafraid of giving a former Sith orders and bold enough to tell her his opinions—a refreshing difference from some of her current Imperial comrades and the groveling subordinates from her past (everyone being too afraid of offending the Sith). When the mission concluded after rescuing refugees, he had told her that she wasn’t what he expected—a sentiment she had gotten used to over the years. Many of her foes were surprised that a Sith was capable of mercy, while some allies had condemned such actions, confusing both sides at once. Regardless, Phaistra believed that Jorgan and his Havoc Squad were going to be an asset.
The sound of footsteps on metal emanated to her right, signaling someone’s approach. Phaistra rose from her more relaxed position and glanced in the direction of the presence. Her eyes fell upon Theron, one of the few connections she had made before she was reborn as the Commander of the Alliance. He approached, a datapad in hand, and announced, “Commander, you’re needed in the war room. There are some things we should discuss.”
“Very well. Lead the way, Theron,” Phaistra replied, her tone conveying a hint of displeasure at being disturbed.
As they walked, Theron made idle conversation about various updates around their base on Odessen. Things were shaping up: new recruits were welcomed daily, and each department of their group of colorful misfits and unlikely allies was becoming stronger and more cohesive by the day. Of course, Theron balanced these positives with some negatives to keep her grounded. Their forces were still nowhere near ready to take on Zakuul in a head-on battle, and there were a few logistical matters that needed addressing.
“I'll handle the logistics,” Theron assured, sensing her tension. “You’ve got enough on your plate.”
Phaistra appreciated his reliability, even if she didn't show it openly. “Thank you, Theron,” she said, her voice softening slightly. “I trust your judgment.”
He smiled, a rare moment of warmth breaking through his usual seriousness. “Let’s hope we get a break soon, though. I think we all need a vacation.”
“I wouldn’t say no to that.”
When they finally came upon the war room, several figures were already waiting. Lana paced back and forth, ready to start a briefing. Senya, Koth, Scorpio, Aric Jorgan, and Kaliyo were all waiting, their eyes falling on herself and Theron as they approached. So many different people in a single briefing was likely to set off a few arguments, arguments that Phaistra had little patience for these days, if she ever had the ability.
Lana began, “Good, everyone’s here.” Lana regarded Phaistra as she and Theron positioned themselves by her side, looking over the war table and a floating holo of a spire as it slowly spun a full 360 degrees. “We’ve come up with an idea and are hoping to get your approval. As you’re aware Scorpio discovered the Gemini Frequency that Arcann utilizes for his ships. The only way to get that is to send in a small strike team, anything bigger would risk the entire operation.”
“Not only that, but we’re still not big enough for a head on battle,” Theron reiterated once again.
“We picked Kaliyo and Havoc Squad to go on this mission due to their skills and familiarity with Zakuul,” Lana added.
“And the plan?” Phaistra asked.
“We send our team to deal with the relay station that sends orders through the Gemini Frequency, once it's been dealt with we’ll be dealing Arcann a significant blow. First we need to familiarize them with the blueprints, potential entree points and escape routes, should anything go wrong. However, both Kaliyo and Havoc Squad are up to the task. Their roles should give you an opening to Relay Station,” Lana explained.
All the members of this briefing stood in silence as the discussion progressed, a heaviness in the air due to the serious nature of this mission. The relay station was beneath the spire, and the operation was going to be treacherous. As this discussion played out, Lana had mostly everything in mind, only needing Phaistra’s stamp of approval.
“All we do now is decide who is going to lead this mission once they’re on the ground,” said Theron.
Phaistra raised her hand to her face, mulling it over. She glanced at the Major, who had his arms crossed, a determined look on his face. On the other end, Kaliyo seemed almost bored with the briefing, but her sharp eyes showed she wasn't inattentive. Senya and Koth likewise seemed to be hanging on every word exchanged between herself, Lana, and Theron.
“I want to wait for them to reach the spire. When we know what we’re looking at, I’ll be able to better ascertain who should lead the assault. Additionally, if we uncover any high-value information, Kaliyo would be ideal for handling it.”
“Very well, then it’s decided. We will prepare Kaliyo and Havoc Squad right away. We should get this matter underway sooner rather than later,” Lana concluded.