Premonition. The Force-sensitive rely entirely on this phenomenon. Sometimes it manifests only as indistinct images and vague feelings of impending threat, yet both Jedi and Sith heed them.
Countless lives have been saved by a premonition of danger or a glimpse of the future. But even more destinies have been ruined by a misinterpretation of these visions, or a failure to correctly identify the source of the threat.
Revan was wary of precognition. After all, visions had exerted an enormous influence on his life... and not always a positive one. But the former Sith had grown to trust premonitions. They had never failed him, and he hoped they wouldn't now.
That morning, he woke to an inexplicable sense of dread, as if someone stood over his sleeping body with a weapon raised to strike. His awakening was abrupt. Revan leapt from his bed at his physical limit, simultaneously suffusing his body with the Force and summoning his lightsaber to his hand. His heart pounded wildly in his chest, blood hammered in his temples, and his lungs felt ready to draw all the air from the cabin in a single breath. Only after a few seconds of focused, wary inspection of the room was Revan able to calm himself.
Less than a minute later, Maul burst into the cabin without knocking, his lightsaber staff activated and ready for combat.
"Master, are you alright?" the Zabrak asked, concerned, trying to suppress the notes of anger that had seized the young Sith, who had inadvertently been caught in the powerful Force wave emanating from his mentor.
"Yes," Revan replied curtly, quelling the storm of emotions that had erupted in his mind after the sudden awakening and the persistent sense of unease.
The Zabrak clipped his weapon to his belt. Revan, realizing he was still standing in a combat stance with his blade active, quickly did the same.
"Return to your quarters. On your way, calm Anakin; he must have felt the same thing you did," the former Sith instructed, sending his apprentice away.
The threat was close, but its source remained elusive.
Settling back onto the bed, Revan focused on his feelings and sank into a meditative trance, following the currents of the Force that had brought the morning's dread.
A veil obscured his mind. His consciousness drifted away, attempting to reach the farthest corners of the galaxy. Revan tried to focus on Mandalore, but it was an extreme struggle... as if someone was trying to block him.
Something was definitely moving toward the Mandalorians' homeworld. Something large and dangerous. And this "something" was being concealed. Someone's will was forcing the Force to blur the images... to hide an approaching fleet in a dense fog...
A fleet?!
Revan's eyes snapped open, and he crashed onto the bed, above which he had been unconsciously levitating while deep in meditation. The former Jedi, however, paid little attention to his fall. He was more concerned with the vision.
A fleet was moving toward Mandalore. Small, but enough to overwhelm the Mandalorians. And this new threat was commanded by a Force-sensitive individual.
Had Sidious decided to act? Or perhaps his own Master? Or could it be that stranger from Obsidian?
Too many questions, and so few answers...
The former Sith rose from his bed and dressed. Adjusting the cloak that covered his armor, Revan left his cabin and headed to the mess hall.
Maul had already taken a seat in the Dawn's Eagle's common area and was waiting for his mentor, nervously tapping the hilt of his lightsaber staff, which rested across his lap.
"Master!" he jumped up as soon as Revan appeared in the doorway.
"I am fine, apprentice," the former Sith said, raising a hand in a calming gesture.
The Zabrak nodded in relief, but then shook his head and looked at his Master with renewed alarm.
"I feel something... strange. A dread," Maul said uncertainly.
"I know what you feel. Be prepared for the fact that we will soon have an encounter with a Force-user. And it may very well be that this meeting will be far from friendly."
"I am always ready, Master," the Zabrak bowed, a smile of anticipation flickering across his face.
"Remember what you have learned. Control your emotions, do not allow them to control you. Otherwise, you will lose your reason, and with it, the caution that inevitably leads to death," Revan instructed.
"Yes, Master. I remember your teachings."
Meanwhile, Nomad entered the room.
"Another session of brainwashing therapy?" she smirked, glancing at the kneeling Zabrak.
"Greetings, Tira," Revan nodded to the mercenary.
Maul glared malevolently at the woman. She, however, ignored the look.
"Bo-Katan sent an encoded message. She managed to return to Concordia," Nomad announced as the reason for her arrival.
"They took her back?" Revan asked.
"Yes. Just as you and she predicted. Vizsla needs the support of the clans, and the Kryze image is better than any other. And the Death Watch leader is not about to refuse a powerful ally in the form of a Sith."
"Everything is going according to plan," Revan nodded, satisfied.
"Almost," Tira agreed. "An invitation to the palace also arrived. The Duchess wants to talk about something."
"It's about time."
Revan had not visited the Royal Palace since the Kryze sisters had finally reunited almost two weeks ago and spoken privately for over three hours. Satine had, for some reason, not wanted to see him. Revan didn't know if the reason was the Duchess's sister or the negative attitude of a certain lovesick Padawan toward the former Jedi, but he had his suspicions.
A proper conversation with Satine had only been possible a few days later, at a meeting with the clan leaders. Although the Duchess's convictions had clearly fractured, making the ardent pacifist look upon the situation far more realistically, the elder Kryze was not yet ready for decisive action. This was expected; it was not so easy to abandon deeply held views. But the Duchess was prepared for dialogue with the opposition clan representatives. Their desire to preserve their ancestors' military heritage no longer seemed like such a... savage relic of the past. These Mandalorians had had their families taken and had been subjugated. And through her own policy, Kryze had also taken away their ability to fight back... at least openly and lawfully.
Gradually, Satine Kryze began to understand that a mere desire to cast aside violence was not enough. One could not simply order everyone to live peacefully. And it was especially unwise to establish new rules without securing the support and respect of the people. The Mandalorians would only listen to her if she proved her authority and strength... if she were the chosen Mand'alor. But the Duchess had rejected that title, considering it a relic of her people's bloody past. And she had done everything in her power to eradicate that past. Only after the recent meeting with the clan leaders did she realize the disrespect she had shown her own people. Should a ruler act this way? Would the words of such a leader even be heard?
Despite the elder Kryze's reluctance to communicate with him, Revan was pleased with the current developments. The Duchess was beginning to change, and her entire inner circle, which should have provided comfort and confidence, was only pushing Satine in the direction the former Sith desired.
The Duchess's younger sister tirelessly pointed out Mandalore's precarious position, both on the galactic political stage and from the perspective of the Mandalorians themselves. Meanwhile, the elder Kryze's beloved, though trying to support her, could not conceal his true feelings about the situation. Kenobi shared the ideals of pacifism but was also a warrior... a Guardian of Peace, as he... as all Jedi liked to call themselves. In his view, the Death Watch threat had to be eliminated. And if that required resorting to violence, the Padawan saw nothing wrong with it. Unwittingly, he was instilling this same idea in Satine. It is difficult to interact so closely with a person and not adopt some of their ideas and convictions, even unconsciously.
And yet, the Duchess still believed in the Republic and Mandalore's New Course, but she was starting to view it from a different perspective. The beginning of change had been laid.
"Has Qui-Gon made contact?" Revan asked, dismissing his thoughts about the Duchess's transformation.
"No. And for the record, I am not your secretary," Nomad scoffed.
"But an ally," the former Sith calmly countered.
The Mandalorian ground her teeth. The sound was audible even through her helmet.
"Don't get worked up, Nomad. I value our alliance and have no intention of diminishing your talents."
"Whatever," Tira dismissed him with feigned indifference.
Revan shook his head with a smile. If only the young Chiss woman knew how much she currently reminded him of Canderous Ordo. Stubborn, defiant, but loyal nonetheless.
But this was no time for nostalgia. The plan to change the regime on Mandalore had been set in motion, and it was now crucial to control the process. Even a minor detail overlooked could jeopardize the entire objective. And in light of the morning's vision, he needed to be doubly vigilant.
"Maul, how is Anakin?" Revan asked, turning to the Zabrak.
"He is fine, Master. He is currently training with your droid," Maul replied.
The sound of a blaster carbine shot came from one of the cargo holds, followed by a child's cry. Revan listened through the Force but sensed no threat to his apprentice. Anakin was fine. Frightened, but whole.
"Hurry up, meatbag!" the voice of HK-47 could be heard.
Revan winced.
"Endure it, Anakin. This training will help you not perish in the future. And perhaps you will have to test the results very soon," the former Jedi said.
At his Master's words, the Zabrak stiffened, as if an inevitable battle awaited them just outside the ship.
"Maul, find out what you can about what is happening near the Mandalorian sector. Look for suspicious activity of ships converging at a single point a short hyperjump away from Mandalore," Revan ordered.
"As you command, Master."
"Tira, I ask the same of you. Perhaps the clans have noticed something."
"Are we expecting trouble?" the mercenary asked with interest.
Revan nodded.
"Our adversaries are about to make their move. It is important that we do not miss it."
"Understood. I'll contact the clan scouts. Is there any information from the Claws?"
"I was just about to contact them."
"Then I won't distract you."
The Mandalorian turned and headed for the ship's exit.
Revan then activated his holocommunicator.
Less than a minute later, a figure woven of light, a young man whom the former Sith had left on Coruscant to coordinate the Claws' operations, appeared above the projector.
"Master." Ran Fevro bowed politely to Revan. "How may I be of service to you?"
"I need information on the movement of ships controlled by the Senate or the Justice Corps, near Mandalore or even heading toward it," Revan said in a level voice, showing no emotion.
Fevro, judging by his changed expression, was surprised by the request.
"It so happens, Master, that I can provide the necessary information right now," Ran replied with a bow.
"Speak."
"In accordance with your instructions, our agents are monitoring the Senate, noting any peculiarities. Just yesterday, one of our informants in the Senate Chancellery passed on information about a rather strange request from the Trade Federation."
"What did the Neimoidians require?" the former Sith asked thoughtfully, mentally answering the question himself.
Revan suspected the Trade Federation of having ties to the Sith. If this was true, they would most likely try to distract the Senate's attention from Mandalore.
"The Trade Federation requested protection for its most vital trade routes. Seemingly a reasonable demand, but the number of routes exceeded forty."
"Which, given the Neimoidians' own fleet and armed forces, is suspicious in itself," the former Sith finished Fevro's thought.
"Precisely, Master. However, despite the absurdity of the demands, the Senate approved the use of the Justice Corps fleet to ensure the safety of the trade routes of this 'loyal member of the Republic'," the head of the Coruscant Blood Claws added to his report.
"To fulfill such an order, the Corps will need to recall some patrol ships and use all available reserves," Revan concluded, recalling the information about the Justice Corps' resources that Maul had given him a few days earlier.
"The Senate also approved the recruitment of volunteers and mercenary forces."
"Mercenaries?"
"Yes, Master. According to preliminary reports, a separate Corps unit will handle the mercenary operation. According to rumors, unfortunately unconfirmed, a Jedi will be sent to support them."
"A Jedi?" Revan could not conceal his surprise this time.
"The information is not yet confirmed. It is difficult to get any details from the Jedi Temple. As you know," Fevro shrugged.
"The Claws have learned a great deal as it is. What about Mandalore? Is there any information on ship movements in that sector?"
"That is what I'm leading to, Master. The Federation's list of routes includes many that pass near the Mandalorian sector of the galaxy, but no assistance was requested for their protection."
"So, the Federation is pulling the Corps away from Mandalore, closer to Neimoidia and allied planets?" Revan suggested.
"That's exactly how it looks, but besides that, there is one more oddity."
"What is it?" the former Sith tilted his head slightly.
"The actions of the Justice Corps. Specifically, the unit responsible for working with the mercenaries."
"What is wrong with them?"
"In addition to the fact that the list of ships recruited for the operation includes several corvettes belonging to the Black Sun, the approved patrol plan includes..."
"The Mandalorian sector," Revan guessed.
"That is correct, Master. The Corps is showing a suspicious interest in peaceful Mandalore," Fevro finished with a smile.
"Good work," the former Sith praised Ran.
"Thank you, Master."
"Continue monitoring the Justice Corps and the Senate. Forward anything related to Mandalore to me immediately."
"As you command, Master."
Revan nodded and cut the connection.
The information proved useful. It seemed a mercenary fleet was moving toward Mandalore, disguised as an operation for the Justice Corps. This meant that even if a full-scale war erupted on the Mandalorian homeworld, any request for aid would be intercepted... and quite officially at that. The Corps itself would deal with the problem, and Coruscant wouldn't even know anything about it.
Only one detail stood out from the overall picture. The Jedi.
Was a Jedi truly sent to assist the Corps? And if so, was he acting on the Council's orders? Did the Masters already know about the presence of a Sith agent in the Senate? Or was he acting on his own initiative? Or... could a Jedi have sided with the Sith?
Revan smirked at the thought.
Of course, he could! This had happened many times in the past and would happen many times again in the future. Light and Dark are too closely intertwined. And unfortunately, it was always easier to lure a Jedi to the Dark Side than to pull a Sith to the Light. Most importantly, sometimes the transition is not immediately noticed not only by those around the fallen but also by the fallen one himself.
But which case was this now? Had the Jedi sent to Mandalore betrayed his Order or not? That could only be determined by a personal meeting. If the chance to meet arose at all.
Deep in thought, Revan contacted Qui-Gon Jinn and arranged for a visit to the Palace. In passing, the former Sith asked why Kryze had sent the invitation through the Mandalorians and not through Jinn, to which the latter replied that the Duchess wanted to emphasize that she cared primarily for her people, not the Jedi.
In Revan's opinion, the gesture was questionable. It looked more like Kryze was treating the clan leaders like her messengers. Judging by his frown, Qui-Gon thought much the same.
Revan reached the Duchess's residence in less than an hour. Jinn, as before, met him at the landing pad.
"Avner," the Jedi greeted his former brother of the Order.
"Qui-Gon," Revan returned the courtesy with a nod.
Jinn gestured for him to proceed inside the Palace, and the former Sith, accompanied by the Jedi, headed toward the Duchess's office.
"Any word from our friend in the Watch?" Qui-Gon asked cautiously.
"Yes. Everything is fine," Revan replied.
"Praise the Force," Jinn sighed in relief. "The Duchess is very worried about her sister."
Revan barely stopped himself from slapping his forehead... or Qui-Gon's head.
"It would be better not to mention names or family ties until we reach a place where we cannot be overheard," the former Sith stressed.
"Yes, I think you're right," Qui-Gon quickly conceded. "But, I assure you, after the last incident, we checked all the staff and residents of the Palace. There are no traitors among them."
Revan merely shook his head.
If Jinn hadn't mentioned a Force-sensitive person in the Duchess's entourage, either they hadn't checked everyone, or they had checked poorly. Revan knew for a fact that there was someone Force-sensitive in the palace who skillfully concealed their abilities.
"Tell me instead, what is the Duchess's mood?" the former Sith changed the subject.
Qui-Gon paused for a few seconds, contemplating his answer. Clearly, he was finding it difficult to choose his words.
"She... is struggling. It is difficult to abandon a dream," the Jedi replied diplomatically.
"The cruel world has suddenly shattered her illusions and appeared in its full glory?"
"Yes, something like that. I can understand her, and I admit, her ideals are fundamentally beautiful."
"But unattainable," Revan cut him off.
"Difficult to achieve, rather," Jinn corrected him.
"Perhaps, but to realize them, it is not enough to simply order the people to be pacifists. It would require changing the entire galaxy... And even then, one cannot be certain that someone won't emerge from outside its borders. Someone who disagrees with quiet and peaceful coexistence. How should one react to that? Can one resist if they are physically incapable of fighting back?" Revan mused aloud.
"Diplomacy was invented for that very purpose. To find common ground without resorting to violence," Jinn stated confidently.
"For diplomacy to work, the parties must agree to listen to each other. But what if one side considers itself inherently stronger and refuses to negotiate, preferring forceful seizure or even genocide?"
Qui-Gon frowned and shook his head.
"As regrettable as it is, there is truth in your words. Sometimes, one must pave the way to negotiations with force. How I wish everything could be resolved with only words and wisdom."
"Not everyone is ready to accept wisdom. Unfortunately."
"Unfortunately," Qui-Gon agreed.
Already nearing the Throne Room, Revan decided to clarify the question that troubled him.
"Qui-Gon, does the Order frequently assign Jedi to assist the Justice Corps?"
"Hmm, why the question?"
"Just answer, it could be important to our situation."
"It's common practice."
"And working with mercenaries?"
"Mercenaries?"
"Yes, with the Black Sun, for instance?"
"The Order has never assigned Jedi to cooperate with the Black Sun. In general, we try not to associate with mercenaries. They are too fond of credits. They cannot be trusted," Jinn stated confidently.
"And there have been no precedents?"
"Only isolated cases with the Council's sanction... or if a Jedi decides it is necessary for mission fulfillment."
"So, anything is possible," Revan drawled with dissatisfaction.
"Yes," Jinn agreed.
Qui-Gon's answer clarified nothing. Therefore, the information would have to be taken closer to the source.
"Did you manage to speak with the Grand Master? Did you tell him about the situation and our suspicions?" Revan asked again, just as Jinn opened the doors before him, revealing the Throne Room entrance.
"Yoda is concerned about our observations. The Council will closely monitor the Senate's activity, but it must be done cautiously, so effectiveness may be extremely limited."
"And yet, the very fact of the Senate being watched may force the Sith to lay low and postpone their plans," Revan suggested.
"Or, conversely, provoke them into active measures," Jinn countered.
"Either way, there will be some result. Right now, we are wandering in the dark, trying to discern our own shadow, while the enemy is playing their own game."
"The Sith have always used intrigue and deception to achieve power," Jinn concluded philosophically.
"Not only that. Sometimes, violence itself has been the key to that very power. Strength, might, victory," Revan responded to the statement.
Qui-Gon looked closely at the former Jedi, as if trying to see something in him. Perhaps flashes of gold in his eyes or a grayish tint to his skin. But no, Revan looked the same as he had during their last meeting.
"I'm afraid our discussion will have to be postponed. The Duchess is already waiting for us." Jinn pointed to the far corner of the Throne Room, toward the door to Satine Kryze's office.
"Then let's not keep her waiting."
The first thing Revan noticed about the Duchess was her attire. Her dress had been replaced by a trouser suit, its cut and style more closely resembling a military uniform. The suit was made in the colors of House Kryze with embroidered clan symbolism. Satine was clearly drawing closer to the opposition. The next step might be the family armor... though the Duchess was unlikely to go that far. Besides, the armor was already promised to Bo-Katan.
Kenobi was positioned beside Satine. He stood confidently, deliberately demonstrating that his injury was in the past and he was completely fine now. His resilience was undeniable. As was his obstinacy. The Padawan looked at the former Jedi with dislike. However, the former Sith himself was indifferent to Obi-Wan's attitude toward him.
"Duchess," Revan greeted Kryze.
"Knight," she replied with a cold nod.
'Not even by name?' the former Sith chuckled internally.
The Duchess meanwhile rose from her seat and walked out from behind her desk. Kenobi followed her.
Satine approached Revan, almost standing toe-to-toe with him, and looked him in the eyes.
"I invited you here because I need your help," the Duchess declared.
There was no hint of a request in her voice. It was the commanding tone of a monarch, clearly practiced on her subjects.
"And how can I be of assistance?" Revan asked calmly.
"Though I do not share your views... And I will never forget that you held my sister captive..."
Everything suddenly clicked into place. So, that was the reason for the Duchess's hostility. Evidently, the younger Kryze had told her sister all the details of her journey from Deputy Commander of Death Watch to informant for the Council of Clans. Well, that made things even simpler.
"The clans trust you. They despise my friends... Even though you are a Jedi, they are ready to follow your plan, the details of which no one has revealed to me," the Duchess finished with displeasure.
"That is for your own good," Revan assured her.
"I can decide for myself what is best for me," Kryze snapped irritably.
"With all due respect, you have no idea of the scale of what is happening, nor who is behind it all," the former Sith explained suavely.
"Then tell me," Satine demanded.
"No," Revan replied flatly.
"No?"
"No."
The Duchess sighed loudly, suppressing her anger, but relented nonetheless. Clearly, securing the support of Avner Van was more important than her own pride. It was commendable that she was able to overcome herself.
"Very well. Then what is required of me now?" the Duchess asked a new question.
"Wait. You simply need to wait until the Watch and those behind them make their move."
"And, I suppose, I should be prepared for countermeasures?"
"If you want to save your people and preserve Mandalore's independence, then yes. You must be ready for decisive action. Perhaps even contrary to your convictions and policy of pacifism," Revan explained calmly, looking into the elder Kryze's eyes.
For several long seconds, they stared into each other's eyes, as if trying to look into the soul, until Satine finally closed her eyes and nodded.
"I understand," she replied softly.
"Sometimes one must sacrifice their own ideals," Qui-Gon chimed in.
"I understand, Master Jinn, I do. But it is still not easy to accept," Kryze shook her head.
The Jedi was about to say something else, but Revan interrupted him.
"We have a visitor," he announced, pointing toward the door.
The former Sith sensed the approach of someone from the Duchess's retinue. That person was practically radiating anxiety.
A few seconds later, a secretary burst into the office and blurted out that a representative of the Jedi Council wished to speak with the Duchess.
The eyes of everyone present were fixed on the young man from Kryze's retinue, before unanimously shifting to Qui-Gon.
"Do you know anything about this?" Revan asked first, anticipating the Duchess by a fraction of a second, which earned him her displeasure.
"No," Jinn shook his head.
"Could they have sent someone to assist you?" Satine now preempted Revan.
"I would have been notified," Qui-Gon shook his head.
"Do you have a way to contact the Temple? Preferably the Grand Master," the former Sith asked a new question.
"Yes," Jinn nodded.
"You may use my communicator." Kryze pointed to her desk. "I will take the call in the Throne Room."
"I will accompany you." Revan approached the Duchess.
Kenobi instantly placed himself between Satine and the former Sith.
"I don't object," Kryze replied, placing a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder.
The Padawan was forced to comply and allow Revan to follow the Duchess, but he still prevented him from getting too close to her.
The Padawan's behavior merely amused the former Jedi, but he did not show it.
Taking her place on the throne, the Duchess activated the holocommunicator, accepting the incoming call.
A hologram of a man dressed in the traditional robes of the Order appeared above the projector. His open face expressed friendliness. The man did not betray a hint of hostility. The narrow cut of the unknown Jedi's eyes reminded Revan of Sifo-Dyas, but it was not him. Focusing on the image, the former Sith attempted to locate the Order's messenger using the Force. The response was found high in the planet's orbit. Unfortunately, he could not give away his presence, and therefore, he couldn't learn anything concrete beyond superficial emotions.
"Duchess Satine," the hologram spoke.
Revan stayed behind the throne so as not to enter the range of the projector's sensors.
"Yes, that is me. With whom do I have the honor?" Kryze replied, maintaining her composure.
"Jedi Order Master Ronhar Kim," the speaker introduced himself with a bow.
"I am pleased to welcome you, Master Kim. But what brings you to Mandalore?"
"I am here on behalf of the Order's Council to assist my fellow, Qui-Gon Jinn. Information has reached the Masters regarding the increased activity of the terrorist organization Death Watch. The Council decided that another Jedi would not hurt," Ronhar Kim explained with a smile.
"Well, we will be happy to receive you at the palace, Master Kim. How large is your ship?"
"A small passenger shuttle."
"In that case, there is no need to direct you to the spaceport. Contact the capital's control tower. They will guide you to the Palace landing pad," the Duchess instructed with a benevolent smile.
"Thank you, Your Grace. I look forward to seeing you again soon," the Jedi bowed once more.
"Until then, Master Kim."
The hologram vanished.
Kryze quickly issued instructions to her secretary, who immediately hurried off to relay the orders to the control tower. Following this, the Duchess swiftly returned to her office where Qui-Gon was already waiting for her.
"Were you able to contact the Temple?" Satine asked before even fully entering the room.
"No," Jinn shook his head.
"Why?" the Duchess and Kenobi asked in unison, surprised.
Revan, however, already had a hypothesis about the cause of the communication failure.
"I was unable to establish a connection with Coruscant. It's as if something is interfering with the signal."
"Or actively blocking it," Revan voiced.
"Have we been cut off from the outside world?" Jinn came to the same conclusion.
"That is the first thing I would… I mean, the first thing an invasion fleet would do before establishing a planetary blockade," the former Republic Fleet Commander corrected himself just in time.
"You believe a blockade will be established? Without the Senate's sanction?" Qui-Gon frowned.
"It would significantly simplify matters for both the Watch and those sent to assist them."
"Does this mean Kim… has betrayed the Order?" Kenobi spoke up.
"Let's not jump to conclusions," Qui-Gon countered. "I know Master Kim, and I am not prepared to declare him a traitor without proof."
"Do you intend to speak with him personally?" Revan asked.
"Yes," Jinn nodded.
"Well, you will have your opportunity soon. But it is still wise to prepare for the worst-case scenario. Agreed, Duchess Satine?" Revan turned to Kryze.
The young ruler of Mandalore shifted her gaze from Revan to Jinn, then back again.
"Yes, we will prepare for the worst," she pronounced confidently.
"Excellent," the former Sith Lord nodded. "In that case, I shall invite a few others to our meeting."
"I do not object," the Duchess agreed.
Revan took out his communicator and opened a channel.
"Maul, Tira, HK, you are invited to the Palace for a meeting with the Duchess and her new guest. Dress accordingly. We need to give him a warm welcome."
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