An Arquitens-class light cruiser moved through the Outer Rim. The Republic vessel appeared small against the darkness surrounding it. Stars passed beyond the forward viewports while its engines carried it farther from the systems where Coruscant's authority remained certain.
Master Soon Bayts stood upon the bridge. Dark skin showed the lines of age, and gray had spread farther through his closely cut hair. His robes remained beneath a heavier traveling cloak suited for the worlds the mission might require him to enter. His appointment to the Jedi High Council had been recent. His experience was not. Soon had commanded field operations throughout the Republic, directing Jedi through disasters, political uprisings, and conflicts where a single poor decision could transform mediation into open violence. That experience had made him the Council's choice to lead the search.
Ten Jedi Knights traveled beneath his command. Five teams. Enough to search across several systems without sending anyone alone. The Republic had also provided the light cruiser, its crew, several compact shuttles, and access to information normally restricted to Senate authorities.
Their final resource stood beside him. Padmé Amidala watched the stars from the forward section of the bridge. The senator had exchanged the formal clothing she wore on Coruscant for a simpler traveling dress covered by a dark cloak. A communicator rested against one wrist, while several reports remained open upon the datapad in her hands. She turned toward Soon. "What is our first course of action?"
"We establish a command point."
Soon looked toward the navigation display. "The Knights cannot search the entire Outer Rim from this cruiser. We need a location where their vessels can receive supplies, exchange information, and communicate with us without depending upon Coruscant."
Padmé approached the display. Several nearby systems appeared above it. "Then I recommend Ryloth."
Soon looked toward her.
"The Ryloth government remains friendly with the Republic," Padmé continued. "Their communications network reaches several surrounding sectors, and their location would allow our teams to move along two major routes through this region without returning to the Core."
"They have also experienced considerable pirate activity."
"Yes. Which means their government may possess reports that never reached the Senate."
Soon considered the planet. The Republic had granted him resources. Those resources were not limitless. The cruiser required fuel, maintenance, and supplies for its crew. Every shuttle sent into another sector increased the distance over which the teams would need support. A secure position near established routes would give the operation greater range without leaving the cruiser exposed. Ryloth offered that. It also offered something more valuable. Local knowledge.
"Very well," Soon said. "I trust you have a way to contact their government."
Padmé allowed a faint smile to enter her expression. "I know where to begin."
"I suspected you might."
She looked down at her communicator. "I will need access to the cruiser's diplomatic transmitter."
"You have it."
Padmé inclined her head. "Thank you, Master Jedi."
Soon watched her leave the bridge. The Chancellor had described Padmé as his representative. Mace Windu had described her as an additional responsibility. Soon had not decided which description was more accurate. Her suggestion concerning Ryloth had already demonstrated why Palpatine wanted her included. Jedi could request cooperation from a planetary government. A senator could make the government want to provide it.
Soon turned toward the navigation officer. "Prepare a possible course for Ryloth. Do not enter it until Senator Amidala confirms our arrival will be accepted."
"Yes, Master Bayts."
Soon looked back toward the Outer Rim. Somewhere among its thousands of systems was a young man who had crossed paths with a Sith and escaped aboard a modified Jedi starfighter. Finding one person across such a distance would not depend upon luck. It would depend upon giving that person fewer places to remain invisible.
Padmé spent the next several hours moving through the Republic's diplomatic network. The first officials she reached lacked the authority to approve the cruiser's presence. The next demanded a complete explanation for why eleven Jedi intended to operate from Ryloth. Padmé gave them enough information to establish the importance of the mission without mentioning the Sith. From there, she contacted one of her connections within the Senate. That conversation led her to a member of Ryloth's senatorial delegation. The delegation contacted its planetary government. Questions returned. Padmé answered them. Assurances were requested. She provided those as well. By the time she returned to the bridge, the stars outside had changed.
Soon looked up from the tactical display.
"The Ryloth government has agreed," Padmé said.
"Without conditions?"
"With several."
Soon waited. "The cruiser may remain in orbit, and our teams may use designated landing areas for supplies. The Jedi will be permitted access to regional security reports, but any operation conducted within Ryloth's territory must first be discussed with their government."
"Reasonable."
"They also want assurance that the Republic will assist if our presence draws hostile attention toward their world."
"Did you give it?"
"I told them the Chancellor would be informed immediately if the mission created any threat to Ryloth."
"That is not the same assurance."
"No."
Padmé looked toward him. "But it was the one I possessed the authority to give."
Soon inclined his head.
She had not promised resources that did not belong to her. That was a restraint many experienced senators still failed to learn.
"Navigation," Soon said.
The officer turned.
"Set our course for Ryloth."
"Yes, Master."
The light cruiser jumped towards Ryloth. Soon left the bridge and entered the mission chamber. Ten Jedi Knights waited around the central display. Some had spent years traveling through the Outer Rim. Others were more familiar with the systems surrounding the Core. All had been selected because they could operate without constant direction from the Council.
Soon stopped before them. "We have secured cooperation from Ryloth," he said. "The cruiser will serve as our central command from its orbit."
The planet appeared above the table. "You will travel in teams of two. Each team will receive a separate search region and access to the Republic records relevant to it." The display expanded. Five routes spread outward from Ryloth. "Our first priority is information. We are searching for a modified Delta-7 starfighter with faded Jedi markings and an unidentified astromech."
One of the Knights studied the routes. "Do we have a registration?"
"No."
"A description of the pilot?"
"Young. Human or near-human. Male. Skilled enough to conceal his presence from a Jedi Master."
"That describes more than one person in the Outer Rim." said a green skinned Jedi Knight
"It does," Soon replied. "That is why you will not limit your investigation to the pilot."
He changed the display. Commerce routes, abandoned settlements, and reports of unexplained disturbances appeared around Ryloth. "Look for unusual vessel movements. Search local records for sightings that never reached Republic authorities. Speak with port officials, traders, settlement leaders, and anyone else who notices what passes through their systems."
A blue skinned Knight folded her arms. "And the Sith?"
Soon looked around the table. "If you encounter evidence of Sith activity, you will report it immediately." His voice became more severe. "You will not pursue a Sith without support." The Knights listened. "The person we are searching for opposed the Sith on Serenno," Soon continued. "That does not make him an ally, but neither will you treat him as an enemy without cause."
"What if he refuses to cooperate?"
"Observe him. Identify him. Learn where he goes." Soon held the Knight's gaze. "The Council sent us to find answers. Do not destroy our best opportunity to obtain them because you preferred an arrest." No one questioned the order. "Your teams will report every twelve standard hours," Soon said. "If communications become unreliable, return to the nearest established relay. No team will remain beyond contact for more than one reporting period." He moved the routes farther apart. "Distance is our first concern. Until we gather more information, we cannot narrow the search. Cover your assigned regions, establish local sources, and return anything that may reduce our radius."
Padmé entered the chamber as Soon finished. The Knights turned toward her. "Senator Amidala will remain aboard the command vessel unless her authority is required elsewhere," Soon said. "Requests involving Republic governments, restricted records, or diplomatic access will be sent through her."
Padmé inclined her head. "I will provide whatever assistance I can."
Soon looked around the chamber. "Prepare your teams. We will arrive at Ryloth shortly."
The Knights began separating. Each pair collected the records connected to their region before leaving for the cruiser's docking section.
Padmé remained. "You expect the search to take a long time," she said.
"I expect it to take as long as necessary."
"You assigned regions larger than some Republic sectors."
"We possess one confirmed sighting."
Soon closed the remaining maps. "Until something changes, distance is the only information we have."
Padmé looked toward the five routes. "Then we should hope Ryloth has something more useful."
"Yes." Soon turned toward the doors. "Hope will not be our only plan."
Ryloth appeared beyond the cruiser. Its surface showed the harsh division that shaped much of the world. Light covered one region while darkness remained across another. Settlements gathered within the more habitable territories between the extremes. The Arquitens entered orbit. Ryloth's defense network identified the cruiser and transmitted an approved approach route.
Soon remained on the bridge while the five Jedi teams prepared to depart. One after another, their shuttles separated from the larger vessel. The first descended toward a Ryloth landing port before continuing along a nearby trade route. The second moved toward the opposite side of the planet to reach another sector. The remaining teams entered their assigned routes once the cruiser completed its orbital position.
Soon watched five signals spread across the navigation display. Each moved farther from the others. Within hours, the investigation covered more territory than the Council had been able to examine from Coruscant. That did not mean they were closer to their target. Not yet.
Soon and Padmé descended to Ryloth aboard a separate shuttle. Representatives from the planetary government waited within an administrative complex built into the surrounding stone. Twi'lek guards stood near every entrance while officials brought the Jedi Master and senator through several secured chambers. The meeting took place around a circular table. Regional traffic records filled its center. Several members of Ryloth's government sat across from Soon and Padmé. Their lekku shifted slightly as they examined the information the Republic delegation had requested.
A trade minister gestured toward the records. "We have provided every unregistered Delta-7 reported within our territory. None match the vessel you described."
Soon examined the list. Most had been identified as Republic craft, private collections, or damaged starfighters purchased from salvage yards. "What about vessels outside your territory?" he asked.
"We do not control what passes through neighboring systems."
"But you trade with them."
"Yes."
"Then your merchants hear what their governments do not."
The minister studied him. "You want rumors."
"I want information that has not yet become official enough to enter your records."
Another official leaned back. "The Outer Rim produces more rumors than cargo."
"Then begin with the ones your government considers credible," Padmé said.
The officials looked toward her.
Padmé continued. "Unregistered forces. Armed vessels traveling without planetary authority. Groups capable of operating across multiple systems."
The trade minister's expression changed slightly.
Soon noticed. "There is someone," he said.
The minister's lekku shifted behind his shoulders. "There are always independent groups operating through this region."
"Pirates?" Padmé asked.
"Some."
"Mercenaries?"
"Others."
The minister looked toward the records. "One organization has become more difficult to dismiss."
Soon waited.
"They call themselves Beacon."
The name meant nothing to him.
Padmé's expression suggested otherwise.
"You have heard of them," Soon said.
"Only stories."
"What kind of stories?"
Padmé considered her answer. "Convoys protected after local governments refused to provide escorts. Settlements receiving supplies no Republic agency remembered sending. Pirate holdings attacked without anyone claiming responsibility."
The trade minister nodded. "Some of those stories are true."
Soon looked toward him. "What is Beacon?"
"We do not know."
"A government?"
"No."
"An army?"
"Perhaps."
"That is not an answer."
"It is the only honest one I can give."
The minister expanded the regional display. Several trade routes appeared beyond Ryloth. "Beacon does not hold territory in the way a planetary government does. They do not collect taxes or demand public loyalty. Their vessels trade through independent ports, and their people appear where Outer Rim settlements have been threatened."
"Appear from where?" Soon asked.
"We do not know."
"Who commands them?"
"We do not know that either."
Soon's expression remained patient. "How long have they existed?"
"The name first began appearing approximately two years ago."
Two years.
Long enough to establish contacts across several systems.
Not long enough for the Republic to understand what they were becoming.
"Have they acted against Ryloth?" Padmé asked.
"No."
"Threatened your vessels?"
"No."
"Interfered with your government?"
The minister hesitated. "They warned several traders against supplying pirates who were attacking settlements beyond our territory."
"That could be considered interference," Soon said.
"It could."
"Did the traders stop?"
"Yes."
"Because Beacon threatened them?"
"Because three pirate vessels disappeared shortly afterward."
The chamber became quiet.
"Destroyed?" Padmé asked.
"Disabled," the minister said. "Their crews were left alive for local authorities to collect."
Soon considered that. Beacon possessed enough strength to defeat multiple pirate vessels. They also possessed the restraint to avoid killing the crews. "What contact has your government had with them?" he asked.
"Very little. We have traded with vessels associated with Beacon, although they never identified where they came from."
"What did they purchase?"
"Food. Medical supplies. Replacement components. Nothing unusual by itself."
"And what did they offer?"
"Materials from several Outer Rim worlds. Information about unsafe routes. On one occasion, assistance locating a missing transport."
"Did you consider accepting military support from them?"
The minister looked toward the other officials. "We considered hiring Beacon to remove pirates from one of our shipping lanes."
"What stopped you?" Padmé asked.
"We did not know what accepting their help would mean."
The answer carried more than caution.
Soon understood. Ryloth remained loyal to the Republic, but the Republic could not always protect its shipping lanes. Hiring Beacon would solve an immediate problem while admitting that an independent power had succeeded where Coruscant had not. "Where was Beacon last seen?" Soon asked.
The minister brought another route onto the display. "Several of their vessels fought a pirate force attempting to take control of this corridor. The pirates had begun demanding payment from every transport moving between three neighboring systems."
"When?"
"Several weeks ago."
"Do you possess recordings of the battle?"
"Only fragments sent by civilian vessels."
"Transmit them to our cruiser."
The minister inclined his head.
Soon examined the route. It was the first location connected to the unknown organization. Not yet a connection to Serenno. Not yet a connection to the Sith. But it was something the Council had not possessed before arriving.
"Why does Beacon protect these systems?" Padmé asked.
The minister looked toward her. "They claim the people of the Outer Rim should not be abandoned simply because the Republic considers them too distant to defend." No accusation entered his voice. None was needed.
Soon thought of the Jedi spread across the galaxy. Masters leaving their seats upon the Council. Knights moving from one crisis to another while more systems asked why help always seemed to arrive after suffering became impossible to ignore. "Is Beacon attempting to bring these systems under one authority?" Soon asked.
"Not that we have seen."
"Then what do they want?"
The minister lowered his gaze toward the map. "They speak of cooperation. Shared protection. Trade that does not depend upon the corporations controlling every route."
"A collective," Padmé said.
"Perhaps. No agreement has been presented to our government."
"Yet," Soon said.
The minister did not disagree.
Soon studied the locations where Beacon had been reported. "Someone created this organization."
"Yes."
"You must have heard a name."
"No reliable one."
"A description?"
The minister hesitated again.
Soon saw it. "You have heard something."
"A rumor."
"You warned us that the Outer Rim produces many of those," Padmé said. "We are still listening."
The minister looked between her and Soon. "Some traders claim Beacon was founded by a warrior."
"What kind of warrior?" Soon asked.
"No one agrees." The minister shifted the display aside. "Some describe him as a protector. Others claim he destroyed entire pirate bases alone."
"People often make one person responsible for the actions of many," Soon said.
"I believe that as well."
"But?"
"Different stories repeat the same detail."
Soon waited.
"They say the founder fights with golden fire." The words settled over the table.
"What does that mean?" Padmé asked.
"A weapon. A blade. Flames held within his hand." The minister turned toward Soon. "Some claim it cuts through metal. Others say they saw it deflect blaster fire."
A lightsaber. The thought came immediately. Lightsaber crystals could produce shades of yellow or gold. They were uncommon, but not unknown within the Jedi Order. The man on Serenno had not drawn a weapon. That did not mean he possessed none. A Force-user traveling aboard a modified Jedi starfighter. An independent warrior active throughout the Outer Rim. A golden blade. None of it proved the unknown man had created Beacon. Together, it was more than Soon had possessed when he entered the chamber.
The minister watched him. "Perhaps he is a Jedi like you."
Soon kept his expression composed. "Perhaps."
Padmé looked toward him. "You believe this founder could be the person we are searching for."
"I believe we have found someone else who should be identified." Soon returned his attention to the minister. "Has anyone spoken with this warrior?"
"Not anyone within our government."
"Who might have?"
"The traders who deal with Beacon. Settlements they defended. The pirates who survived them."
"Then we will begin there." Soon rose from his seat.
The Ryloth officials followed. "We will provide every report connected to Beacon," the minister said. "But I must ask what the Jedi intend to do if you find them."
"Learn what they are."
"And if they refuse to answer?"
Soon looked toward the image of the surrounding systems. "Then we determine why."
The meeting ended. Soon and Padmé returned to the shuttle carrying Ryloth's records. As the vessel rose from the planet, Padmé sat across from him and examined the first reports concerning Beacon.
"They do not sound hostile," she said.
"Neither did the man Master Unduli encountered."
"That did not prevent the Council from considering his detention."
"No." Soon looked toward the planet beneath them. "Beacon may be protecting people the Republic has failed to reach. It may also be building an armed force across worlds where no government can observe it."
"Both could be true."
"Yes."
Padmé lowered the report. "If their founder is the man from Serenno, then he has been doing this for years."
"Two years beneath the name Beacon."
"And before that?"
Soon looked through the forward viewport toward the light cruiser waiting in orbit. "That is another question we will ask him." His communicator activated. The first Jedi team had submitted its report. Nothing connected to the Delta-7. Soon opened a channel to the cruiser. "Prepare Beacon's known routes for transmission to every team." The bridge acknowledged him.
Padmé looked toward the collection of reports between them. "This organization crosses several sectors. Finding its founder may not be any easier than finding one starfighter."
"Organizations require fuel, supplies, information, and people."
Soon watched the Arquitens grow larger beyond the viewport. "They leave trails." For the first time since departing Coruscant, the search possessed one. "Beacon," Soon said. "That is where we begin."