Secrets in the Shadows

.

..

…

..

.

In the Hope

.

..

.

The flickering blue of the holoprojector illuminated the darkened war room aboard Hope, the Acclamator-class Assault Ship hovering in orbit above Korriban. The High Council members were present via hologram, their solemn faces reflecting the severity of the situation. Even Chancellor Mon Mothma had joined the meeting, an indication of how important this debriefing was.

Ahsoka took a step forward, hands clasped behind her back. "Masters, we have an urgent report. And it's not good news."

She took a steadying breath before continuing. "Knight Kriss and I, with the assistance of our clone forces, encountered multiple Sith Acolytes in the Valley of the Dark Lords. We eliminated three of them and captured one alive. However, our prisoner has been… uncooperative."

I cleared my throat and stepped beside her. "That was true until just a few minutes ago. Major Rex contacted me before this meeting—he managed to get her to talk. I was just on my way to hear her confession."

The council members exchanged glances, intrigued by my abrupt correction. I had to admit, I was starting to sound more like a Republic general than a Jedi Knight. Perhaps that was inevitable, considering the state of the galaxy.

Ahsoka continued, "Masters, after what we uncovered on Korriban, I'm convinced the Sith never truly went extinct. The so-called Rule of Two was merely a front to conceal a much larger operation. A new Sith cult has emerged—one that has knowledge of the ancient past."

Master Yoda hummed in thought. "Tell us your thoughts, you did. Discuss this, we shall."

Skywalker smirked at his former Padawan. "Good work out there, Snips. You led them well."

Ahsoka gave a small smile before shaking her head. "Thank you, Master, but Kriss, Echo, and Rook did the hard part—capturing one alive. Because of this, I've been considering something…"

.

..

.

"Aaaaaahhh… huff… huff…"

The agonized breaths of the restrained Sith Acolyte echoed through the dimly lit brig of Hope. Major Rex stood over her, arms crossed, his expression impassive. The scent of burnt ozone from the electro-shackles filled the air.

I entered the room, my boots clicking against the durasteel floor. "That's enough, Rex. We're not monsters."

Rex nodded, stepping back. "She talked. Her name is Hannah Niimo, an Acolyte of a new Sith Lord. According to her, she's never seen him in person. The recruits are kept separate from the higher ranks. We believe there's a hidden academy or facility somewhere in this system."

I frowned. "A Sith training academy? That's not something we can ignore."

"We need to move fast," Rex agreed. "Before they realize we know."

I sighed, pressing a hand to my temple. "Cuff her and transport her to an anti-Force user's cell. We're keeping her with us for further interrogation."

As the clones carried her away, I turned back toward the war room to deliver my findings.

.

..

.

When I reentered the holoprojector room, I could feel the shift in the atmosphere. The council had reached a decision.

"Masters, we confirmed that our prisoner belongs to a new Sith sect," I reported. "She doesn't know much, but we believe there's a hidden Sith facility in this system."

Master Windu exchanged glances with Master Ki-Adi-Mundi. "Then your next mission is clear. You will locate this facility and uncover the Sith's plans."

I nodded. "Understood. What about Ahsoka?"

Ahsoka stepped forward. "Masters, I agreed to remain with the Jedi Order, but I am a Jedi Sentinel. That means I have other duties. I must go to Yavin IV, to support Master Ti."

I felt a pang of disappointment but nodded in understanding.

"However," Ahsoka continued, "I have a recommendation for someone to accompany Knight Kriss on this mission. Her name is Kassy Carsen, a Padawan about our age. I've observed her skills, and her combat style complements his. She's also a highly attuned sensor, and don't have a Master, who died in the war."

The council exchanged glances before Master Yoda nodded. "Hmmm, heard, your suggestion will be."

Master Windu spoke next. "Very well. Knight Kriss, you will be accompanied by Padawan Carsen, and you will have command of a new Republic Legion—the 190th, comprised of ARC Troopers and Ghost Troopers."

I blinked, momentarily stunned. "Wait, what?"

Master Skywalker smirked. "We discussed this while you were questioning your guest. Ahsoka pointed out that you're a natural leader. So we figured, why not lend you two warships and an entire legion?"

Master Ti, ever composed, added, "These troops are specialized for your mission. ARC Troopers excel in frontal engagements and recoinnaissance, while the Ghost Troopers specialize in special operations. Your legion will be one of the Republic's elite forces. I oversaw their training on Kamino myself."

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the responsibility. Then, looking at Shaak Ti and Anakin, I saw the quiet pride in their expressions.

Master Windu concluded, "Good luck, General Kriss. And may the Force be with you."

.

..

.

For the next several days, Ahsoka and I dedicated ourselves to honing our skills before parting ways. Our sparring sessions were brutal yet exhilarating—our blades dancing between Makashi, Shien, Ataru, and Niman.

To make things more challenging, Echo, Rook, and Appo, under Rex's coordination, fired stun blasts at us as we dueled, forcing us to deflect mid-combat. The training pushed our reflexes and instincts to their limits.

By the end of each session, we were both exhausted but stronger. Ahsoka's movements in Jar'Kai were becoming seamless, and my proficiency in countering her dual-blade strikes improved significantly. I even started to use Jar'kai with my and Avar Kriss sabers.

One night, after a particularly grueling session, I dragged myself to the showers in the training hall. The warm water did wonders for my sore muscles. I leaned against the wall, letting the steam relax my mind.

Then, a voice—sultry, teasing—cut through the haze.

"So… this is the saber Master Ti was talking about."

My eyes snapped open, and I turned sharply, water dripping down my face. Standing at the entrance, wrapped in only a towel, was a Togruta woman—Ahsoka.

She smirked. "Relax, Will. I just came to say goodbye. But… I want to do it my way."

I exhaled, smirking back. "You're going to miss me, aren't you?"

Ahsoka chuckled, stepping closer. "Maybe just a little..."

.

..

.

After the bath, walking down the corridors I said. "You need support Sha, Ahsoka. I'll handle things here."

She winked. "You better. I expect results when I get back."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving only the sound of electrical components and my heartbeat pounding in my ears.

As I stood there, I realized something: this wasn't just a war against the Sith. This was a journey that would change everything—who I was, what I believed, and what I was willing to fight for.

And I was ready.

.

..

…

..

.