Thumb on the Scale [Adumar]

[Rugs]

The Adumari, Karn decided for the umpteenth time this trip, were a decidedly fascinating bunch. He’d yet to set foot on the world, as the sleek Imperial shuttle sliced through cloud-dotted skies, but he’d spent much of the trip from Dromund Kaas to Adamar studying what he could of their history and culture. There wasn’t much to go on. Adumar was an intentionally insular world, first settled by defeated rejects from Republic space thousands of years in the distant past. In the millennia since, they’d kept little contact with the greater Galaxy beyond their little planet.

“Entering Cartann City airspace,” the shuttle pilot announced. “We’ll touch down in three minutes.” Karn absentmindedly brushed at the front of his black coat and checked the bronze Cult of Strife pin at his lapel.

What little about Adumar did escape told of a world of fractured nations, ever at odds with each other and with a noble culture that carried an inordinate obsession with dueling, honor, great military genius, or derring-do. With a world so focused inward, it was little wonder, he supposed, that Adumar managed to remain neutral despite the two rival superpowers knocking on its door.

Until now, at least.

Books were all well and good, but they had a much clearer view of the present situation on the ground. The Adumari nations — enough of them to carry serious weight, anyway — were drifting ever closer to joining the Sith Empire. It seemed old grudges still held against the Republic and opened a door for Imperial diplomats. It wasn’t a sure thing, but it was near enough that the Empire and Order were putting significant effort into seeing the task done.

Just as, it seemed, the Republic was putting in effort to oppose it.

Karn smiled to himself, as the shuttle streaked over Cartann City, toward a large starport in the heart of the bustling metropolis. He joined two Sith of Truth — Nagendra Sombul and Imago — as official representatives to meet with the perators of the world to see the task done.

The shuttle began to descend, shifting Karn’s stomach.

The meeting and greeting and all that was very well, but potential awaited--potential to silence the voices who cried loudest for the Republic’s support. Perators Regis Serkiv and Tulan Fel, each the lord of a small Adumari nation, had reached out to set up a Republic diplomatic mission to the world. Whether the Republic’s people yet remained on world, Karn didn’t know.

What he did know was Naz Alateen — Perator of the nation of Cartann and likely the most powerful man on Adumar — viewed his colleague’s actions as borderline treasonous. Should Serkiv and Fel find themselves torn free of their influence or suddenly disposed of, well, it seemed Alateen wouldn’t mind one bit.

“We have arrived,” the pilot said as the shuttle settled onto the landing pad with a gentle rocking and quiet hiss of hydraulics.

Karn stood, throwing his arms out to stretch after spending so long seated. “About damn time,” he said to no one in particular. His white-eyed gaze passed over his companions. Imago, he sort of knew, though he wasn’t particularly close to him. The other, Nagendra, was an enigma.

“Sure you’re comfortable taking the reins?” A wry, cocksure smile spread across Karn’s face as he secured his long-hafted lightsaber hilt to his belt under his coat. “If you’re not up to it, I’m happy to lead the way.”

[Nagendra Sombul]

Nagendra watched through the cockpit visors as they arrived on Adumar. He had never before laid eyes on the odd planet. From above, it didn’t seem much different from other planets he’d explored, but the research told him of a planet in a state of constant turmoil between factions. When he was reading up on the ways of the planet, he couldn’t help but find it somewhat amusing. Adumar was like a microcosm of the galaxy; factions clamoring for control in one way or another, for better or worse. He had read about the duels and infamous blastswords. He found the devices quite silly, but he was sure there was a use for them. Still, the hierarchy of the planet and how it resolved disputes and challenges only served to make him equate it with the Empire. And was it not also divided? Each Dark Lord working primarily for themselves? He sighed, then went to his room aboard the shuttle.

When the ship finally touched down, Nagendra emerged, sporting a bright crimson outfit that made him look more like a socialite than a warrior, and that suited him fine. They would be guests on this planet, officially, present to address some rather questionable actions from other world leaders. Of course, if things got out of hand…well, he was sure he and the other two could handle it. He fastened his main lightsaber under the sash that draped down his right side, then tucked his off-hand saber into his left sleeve. No need to openly brandish their weapons. Before long, he joined Karn at the door of the shuttle, smoothing out the lines in his clothing. He didn’t know Karn very well, nor their other companion Imago, but they had purposes to serve. He gave a sort of condescending smile to the younger man.

“Yes, I’m sure you would,” he replied, no real emotion attached to his voice. “As it is, we should be working together as best we can. Keep eyes and ears open, pay attention to body language.”

He turned to Imago, the elder of the group, though he wasn’t much older than either of them. The pair had crossed paths before, as they were both Knights of Truth, but any socialization had been minimal at best. Almost a shame, as Nagendra couldn’t deny that Imago was handsome, not that that mattered right now. If anything, he was sure Imago was there to keep an eye on him and Karn, to make sure they didn’t screw things up and drive Adumar into the arms of the Republic. When the door finally lowered, Nagendra started walking out first, the metal heels of his boots making a muffled clink and clank with each step. He held his arms still at his sides, keeping a dispassionate smile on his face as he spotted Perator Alateen and his entourage.

This would be a challenge. He and the others would need to keep Alateen interested in the Empire while also taking care of Serkiv and Fel, in one way or another. Killing them was an easy option, but what if they could be…persuaded to change allegiances? Once at a respectable distance—Nagendra assumed so, anyway, as a couple of Alateen’s bodyguards seemed to tense up, readying themselves for anything, even posturing—Nagendra gave the Perator a bow.

“A pleasure to meet you, Perator Naz Alateen. I am Nagendra Sombul, Knight of Truth,” he paused, waiting for the others to introduce themselves as well. “We have answered your call to help in any way we can.”

Niceties. Simple enough to start things off in a civil manner.

[Rugs]

Karn’s focus lingered on Nagendra, watching for signs of a reaction. Competition was a fact of life among the Sith, and the young Arkanian reveled in it. Still, he wasn’t so power-hungry as to put the mission at risk in a misguided quest for glory. Not unless provoked, he added silently. And not with him here, he determined with a fleeting glance at Imago.

There were whispers of some coming greatness for the handsome Knight of Truth — though Karn silently conceded both Knights accompanying him suited his fancy. The nature of these whispers, or whether they meant anything at all, eluded Karn, but he couldn’t help but suspect that Imago was the real power here, even if Nagendra was the team leader in name.

“Suit yourself,” he said, smiling coyly to Nagendra’s answer. The ship shook gently as the boarding ramp descended to allow them access to the landing pad beyond. Karn leaned over near a viewport to check his reflection and give a final neatening touch to his pale hair and followed the Knights outside.

The sun stood at a middling height, still early in its afternoon descent toward the distant horizon. A warm breeze blew across the open landing pad, nestled within the Cartann City’s wealthiest district. Before them stood an Adumari welcoming party, with Perator Alateen at its head. He was a man of just above average height, though shorter than any of the three assembled sith, with jet black hair slicked back on over his head marked by greying wings at his temples.

Alateen’s brow was heavy over his dark brown eyes which watched the Sith entourage as they emerged from the shuttle. Karn kept pace with Nagendra, a step or two behind and to the elder Sith’s right until they stopped.

Karn offered a bow to echo Nagendra, deep enough to show the Perator proper respect but not as deep as one he’d give to his master. “I am Karn Albrecht,” he said, “apprentice to Darth Viren, Praetor Magnus of the Sith Empire. My master sends his regards to you, and to the people of Adumar.” Viren was occupied elsewhere preparing the Sith for war. Karn would, as he had on several tasks before, serve as his master’s voice and as his eyes.

“Welcome to Cartann City and to Adumar,” Alateen said after a brief pause. His deep voice commanded attention. “I have been eager to welcome an entourage from your Order ever since some of my...” the Perator’s voice trailed off, just for a moment, as he abruptly changed what he’d been about to say, “fellows from the other nations welcomed a team of Jedi to our world, recently. As you know, I, and, indeed the whole nation of Cartann have labored intensely to build a rapport with your Imperial colleagues, and I think it’s only right that you, as our friends, be extended an invitation.”

Karn looked to Nagendra from the corner of his eye. The Perator was coming on strong — much more than he expected for a man of such authority. Nerves? Or is there something more at play?

“But let us waste no more time standing on this landing pad. Come,” Alateen said, motioning for the Sith to follow, “I will welcome you to Cartann Palace, where we can discuss your visit in a more appropriate setting.”

[Nagendra Sombul]

Good manners all around. Nagendra was pleased that the younger knight seemed to know how to behave properly. And the Perator was very welcoming, though seemingly nervous. Why wouldn’t he be? Nagendra smiled and nodded.

“We appreciate the invitation. I can certainly understand the cause for concern,” he simply replied, then followed along as Alateen led them to Cartann Palace.

Cartann City was far more scenic on the ground than from the view in the shuttle. The people all so elegantly dressed, the streets kept clean, the plant life well-manicured. Not bad, really. The palace eventually came into view. It was decently sized, though perhaps a bit garish, all things considered. Plenty of art and finely crafted furniture and decor littering the halls. It certainly gave the impression of importance and power, but Nagendra didn’t really feel it. Political figures tended to bore him, and they were far more entertaining when manipulating them. And this was exactly what they needed to do.

They finally arrived in a sort of lounge. Large glass doors led outside to a balcony, but they were closed; cream-colored curtains drawn. A circular table surrounded by comfortable looking chairs sat by a large window, though once again, the curtains had been drawn. A large fountain sat in the center of the room, filling the room with the soothing sound of water splashing and trickling.

“Gentlemen, please, have a seat,” Alateen called to them, then gestured for his entourage the leave. Nagendra waited until the guards were gone, closing the doors leading into the lounge behind them. Once the doors clicked, he calmly strolled to a chair and took a seat, watching as the Perator took his opposite him. “I apologize for inviting you all here on such short notice. As soon as I caught word of the Jedi coming to Adumar, I feared for our relations with the Empire. Let it be known that I abhor Lords Serkiv and Fel’s actions.”

“Yes, I’m sure you do, Perator,” Nagendra interjected, unwilling to listen to groveling. Alateen’s voice seemed to catch in his throat, but he otherwise remained composed. “So the Jedi are here on Adumar, or at least will be here soon, is that right?”

Alateen nodded. “Intelligence tells me that they should be arriving in a few hours.”

“Wonderful. It sounds like your two lords might be trying to start a coup,” he posited, his green eyes narrowing on Alateen, making him visibly uncomfortable. Inflicting fear was easy enough on men of power, and it would only strengthen their desire for help. “It’s not exactly a secret that you favor the Empire and that many others , and I have high doubts that the Republic has been happy with that. Only makes sense that they’d send their Jedi muscle to change the power dynamic on this planet.”

He paused for a moment, then shrugged before looking to Karn.

“Or maybe I’m wrong. We only just got here. What does it sound like to you, Albrecht?”

[Rugs]

Karn kept mostly to himself as Perator Alateen took them through Cartann City to the palace. While neither the city nor palace could, in his mind, match the glories of Dromund Kaas, they were impressive in their own right. Especially, he supposed, for a world of a fractured people who relied only on themselves.

Imagine what the Adumari might be able to accomplish with Her Radiance to lead them, Karn mused as they entered the great palace. It was full of all the gaudy splendor one might expect to fill the halls of rule. He could imagine many an Adumari staring in slack-jawed wonder at it all, but for his part, simply moved ahead, a few steps behind Nagendra, as Alateen led the way.

When at last they reached their destination, Karn watched the other two Sith subtly, and took the seat to Nagendra’s left once the door closed, granting privacy.

Alateen resumed their conversation, and Karn realized quite quickly why the ruler so desired to move their meeting behind closed doors and away from prying eyes. A proud man, but not too proud to beg, Karn thought, eyeing Nagendra as the older Sith cut off Alateen’s brownnosing. On paper, the Perator held the most weight of any of them in the room, save perhaps Imago; certainly more than a Knight like Nagendra or an acolyte, like Karn. Yet was Nagendra who took the position of dominance as the conversation began to unfold.

Karn withheld a smile as he watched the two talk. He could respect Nagendra’s style, at least. And Alateen, at least, was wise enough to respect the Sith power he’d clawed so desperately to bring to his world, rather than treating them as his personal errand boys.

So far, at least.

“That seems a fair appraisal,” he said, nodding when asked for his opinion. “Your world lies just beyond the borders of the Empire and Republic alike, so it’s hardly surprising they would seek to tip the scale in their favor if they’ve got sympathizers to tell them of your ambitions of joining the Empire.”

But what could tipping the scales mean, from the Republic’s perspective? Simply preventing Adumar from joining the Empire and maintaining the status quo, or pushing to bring the world into the fold?

“Tell me, Perator,” Karn said, taking the moment to press for more information, “how widespread is support for the Republic on this Adumar? With so many different kingdoms, I can’t imagine your people have a unified view on much of anything.”

“Serkiv and Fel’s voices are the loudest,” Aleteen’s lips pressed subtly together, but he ignored Karn’s jab, “though they only raised them once we began to make serious progress in our discussions with the Empire. If they had any love for the Republic before that, it was never enough to raise it to the rest of the nations.”

Karn glanced at Nagendra. A curious point.

“Beyond them, you’ll find no real love for the Republic,” Alateen said, bitterness creeping into his voice. “Our history with the Republic is... complicated, to say the least.”

“So I’ve heard. Regardless, the Jedi, and whatever diplomatic corps they bring wtih them, will be here soon,” Karn observed. His stomach fluttered. He had precious little experience with the Jedi, save for the one that rescued him during the Battle of Nar Shaddaa.

And Kathar. A part of him longed to see Kath again, but not here. Not under these circumstances.

“What are we to do about them?” he asked, attention on his fellow Sith more than the Perator. Oil and water could not mix. Karn wouldn’t hesitate to throw himself into battle against the Jedi, given the chance, but he was well aware of the tension between the Empire and Republic. The Galaxy was a powder keg, and Adumar didn’t need to be the spark.

[Nagendra Sombul]

Nagendra leaned back in his chair as he listened, considering the information presented and potential options. The Jedi were going to be a threat, regardless, as far as he was concerned. But the two lords suddenly pushing for Republic support were certainly of interest. If they had been quiet for so long, what changed? Perhaps some other politician from the Republic reached out to them, promising whatever they wanted in exchange for their compliance? That seemed too simple. Especially on a planet that, while neutral, harbored such a grudge against the Republic. They needed more information.

“The Jedi being here complicates things only slightly. I do believe we need more eyes and ears on Serkiv and Fel. I want to know what made them become so outspoken. Such strong opinions don’t usually form in a short amount of time without an ulterior motive,” Nagendra suggested, sitting up in his chair. “I suspect they may be being bribed or blackmailed in some way. By whom, I’m unsure, though I could certainly see the Jedi’s presence here exacerbating the issue.”

He paused for a moment, mulling things over again.

“Perator, I might suggest having agents do some reconnaissance,” he began. “Perhaps having some of your best infiltrate and place bugs in the lords’ homes so we can listen in. I’m very curious as to what angle they’ll try to win over the Aldumari. As for the Jedi, perhaps we should arrange a meeting. I’m very curious as to their stake in this. Besides, we will need them to be preoccupied while your agents are working to put the devices in place,” He glanced over to Karn. “Of course that means we can’t harm them, tempting as it may be. We can’t afford to be the reason for reigniting the war. Instead, we need to make them suspicious of their Aldumari allies. Plant the seeds of doubt to drive a wedge between them and the lords. It will make our job that much easier.”

Alateen had since pulled out a datapad, making notes while listening to both Karn and Nagendra. “That sounds like…something could come of it. But—and I’m not questioning your competence—if that should fail, we should have a backup plan.”

Nagendra wasn’t offended by the suggestion, as it was certainly better to have multiple strategies in place. The problem was trying to come up with another angle to approach the problem.

“Well, should that fail to yield results, we could always fan the hatred the Aldumari have for the Republic. Shouldn’t be too difficult, especially when we have Perator Alateen seeing clearly,” he went on, motioning to the Perator. “And I’m sure the leaders of most of the other nations feel similarly. Suggest that the two lords were planning a coup with the Jedi and Republic forces, and the citizens are likely to believe it and protest. After all, Perator Alateen only saw fit to summon us when he caught wind of the Jedi entourage.”

That still wasn’t going to be enough. Not to bring Aldumar into the Empire, anyway. It might drag on a stalemate for a bit, but he was less than confident that this mission would be as simple as that.

[Rugs]

A meeting with the Jedi? Karn watched Nagendra from the corner of his vision. Now that could be interesting. His stomach knotted again, thinking again of the incredibly unlikely chance that such a meeting of minds might bring his path to cross with Kath’s once more. He tightened his grip on his leg under the table, shaking the thought away. There were thousands of Jedi; the odds were obscenely long. Besides, diplomacy didn’t seem to be Kath’s thing.

“If we are going to meet with the Jedi, perhaps it would do well to emulate Prazhi’s restrictions on weapons,” Karn offered, glancing between Nagendra, Imago and the Perator. “Or to at least make the offer,” he added hastily. “Turn our lightsabers over to the Adumari, as long as they are willing to do the same. A show of good faith from the Empire and Order that, in part, puts the burden of setting the tone on them.”

Karn knew as well as his Sith companions that simply giving up a lightsaber might not mean squat, for coming to blows with the Jedi — not with the Force at their beck and call — but it was a symbolic gesture, and he supposed symbolism mattered for swaying opinion.

Alateen’s expression turned thoughtful. He scratched at his square jaw, considering the offer. “As you may know, dueling is engrained in our culture.” Alateen pointed a thick finger to a pair of crossed blastswords displayed on the wall behind the Sith trio. “The blastsword is a symbol of Adumar, much like the lightsabers, I expect, are symbolic of your Order and the Jedi. It is rare for an Adumari lord to surrender their weapon voluntarily, but not unheard of. I did not bring mine to greet you, for example.

“But... yes, I think I can make that work,” Alateen went on, hastily typing something out on the datapad. “Even cut off from the wider outside Galaxy, we know well of the ancient feud between the Jedi and Sith. And forgive any offense, but the Sith have a... reputation for preferring martial options more than the Jedi. Making the first offer to meet in peace would go a long way for showing how serious you are in this diplomatic endeavor.”

Karn nodded, ignoring that Alateen had more or less implied the Sith were always bloodthirsty. The man wasn’t wrong, he supposed. In some circumstances, anyway.

“There’s much to do, and not much time to do it before the Jedi arrive. It will take time to set everything in motion, but I will set it all done.” Adumar spoke with the calm self-assurance of a man who was very used to seeing his orders carried out, no matter how difficult.

“In the meantime, you are my honored guests here in Cartann City. Your residences for the duration of your stay are prepared, and you are, of course, free to travel the City as you wish. Should you need to go beyond Cartann City, simply let me know and I will make arrangements for your transportation.” Alateen looked at the Sith in turn, meeting each’s eyes.

“Is there anything else before we split ways?”

Karn looked to Nagendra. He was, for now, satisfied.

[Nagendra Sombul]

Karn raised a good point. Either party, especially Sith, offering to stow weapons out of reach would certainly go a long way in luring the Jedi in for their meeting. Of course, neither they nor the Jedi would be defenseless should things go badly, but Nagendra was certain he and the others could show enough self-control. He gave a nod, only to then hear Alateen speak, essentially confirming his thoughts. He did chuckle slightly at his suggestion that the Sith had a rather savage reputation. He gave another nod as Alateen announced that he would get started on their strategy.

“Excellent. I expect the invitation to the Jedi be extended the moment they arrive. It would be ideal for a messenger to do so before they can interact with the lords, but we can’t expect miracles,” he suggested. “Set the meeting time for…let’s say sunset this evening. We can meet them at the central pavilion in Cartann City’s garden. Should be quiet and open enough.”

He shook his head when asked if there was more to discuss.

“For now, we should be fine. I’ll retire to my chambers for now. I like to be prepared for any sort of encounter with Jedi.”

And with that, their brief meeting with Alateen was over, and Nagendra retreated to the room he’d taken for the duration of their stay, locking away his lightsabers and meditating, considering as many outcomes as he could as well as solutions to their problem.

---

Hours later, they were informed that the Jedi had agreed to a meeting with them, accepting the terms of mutual disarmament prior to arriving at the pavilion. Eventually, the sun began to fall behind the horizon, turning the sky a pale orange with the dark night sky creeping up on the opposite edge. Nagendra had sent a message to Karn and Imago, alerting them to start making their way to the pavilion. True to his word, he left his weapons behind in the room, keeping them securely locked away and hidden from sight.

The streets were quieter than they were earlier, which suited him. It made it easier for him to consider the options and formulate a plan. The pavilion eventually came into view, standing tall in the center of a surprisingly alien and beautiful garden. A wide variety of plant life covered the landscape with few trees or structures to allow for hiding spots, which was good. The fewer places there were to hide, the less chance the Jedi would accuse them of treachery. He walked along a stone path that led to the pavilion, then up its ivory stairs. There were a few round tables and simple chairs, suitable for their meeting, and nary a civilian in sight to get in the way. It was perfect.

---

Just as the sun was beginning to touch the horizon, Nagendra spotted the pair of Jedi heading their way. One of them was a human, the other a Nautolan, both fairly young. The human was female, the alien a male. Many Sith seemed to dislike alien species, but that was a concept foreign to Nagendra. Power was important, no matter the body that housed it. He offered the pair a smile, though it was nigh impossible to hide a certain smugness. The Empire and Republic were in a truce, sure, but he always felt the Jedi ached to reignite their feud, just as much as other Sith did. And the Jedi were, to put it delicately, naïve.

Still, no need to start a new war. They simply needed information.

“I’m pleased you accepted our invitation, Master Jedi,” Nagendra greeted them. “I am Nagendra, Knight of Truth.” He gave them the slightest of bows, more a slight incline of his head, before gesturing to a table in the center of the pavilion. “It would seem there is much for us to discuss, given current events. I trust you came unarmed, as we have?”

[Rugs]

Karn left the meeting with Alateen, satisfied that his fellow Sith and the Perator seemed to agree to his proposal. His stomach fluttered, as he walked through the palace’s grandiose halls toward his private quarters. Organizing a meeting was the easy part; what were they to do, once they stood face to face with the Jedi. And how do we stop them without igniting a war? There was a lot to consider, to say nothing of whatever lords Serkiv and Fel schemed behind the scenes.

Fortunately, they had some hours yet to consider.

The room reserved for his stay was closer to a suite than a simple bedroom. A plush bed occupied one side of the room, along with dressers and an expensive-looking mirror. On the room’s opposite side, separated by a broad open space with an intricate rug on the floor, a heavy wood table with a set of matching chairs set, complemented by shelves lined with thick, old books.

A sword, not unlike the blastswords he’d seen since arriving, hung on a wall display over the table. Karn was disappointed — but not entirely surprised — to see that it was a replica, on closer inspection, rather than the real thing.

“Oh well,” Karn muttered as he plucked a book — Strength in Exile: The Beginnings of the Adumari States — at random from the shelf and settled down at the table to read. He needed time to think.

At least he had quite a bit of that.

---

Karn arrived at the pavilion where the meeting was to take place under a clear evening sky. The garden was beautiful, he had to admit, and quite unlike anything he’d seen on frigid Arkania or harsh, unforgiving Korriban. True to his word, he’d come to the meeting quite unarmed, with his lightsaber left behind in his quarters and under Adumari supervision.

Two Jedi stood before them--human and a Nautolan. Karn repressed a sly smirk. How unfortunate, he thought, to have to share the same air as such a creature.

Appearances had to be maintained, and Karn was no fool. He kept his thoughts to himself, though the human Jedi’s eyes flicked briefly toward him. Was she simply inspecting the group, or had she sensed something?

“I am Karn Alrbecht, Sith Acolyte and apprentice to the Praetor Magnus, Darth Viren,” he offered by way of introduction after Nagendra spoke and the Jedi affirmed that they too, were unarmed. He moved to the table as the group did, and pulled back a seat, letting the older Sith take the center spot. “I must echo my companion’s pleasure that you accepted our invitation, and state my own pleasure for having the chance to sit down with some of the Republic’s finest.”

Karn’s voice was smooth, his tone polite, but his milk-white gaze was sharp, searching as the Jedi took their seats.

“Though I can’t help but be amused that we’d all be here together, at the same time on Adumar. It’s a... strange coincidence don’t you think?” Karn’s smile turned too-sweet, and the emphasis on the word was a dagger in his otherwise placid tone. “But ah, I believe you would say there are no such thing as coincidences, no?”

The human Jedi, who’d introduced herself as Nial Versax, smiled at Karn, though there was little warmth in the expression. “You are correct, Acolyte,” she said. Karn silently bristled at foregoing his name. “The Force wills all things, and so it must be that it has willed us here. We have come, at the behest of our gracious hosts, to affirm the support of the Republic and of the Jedi Order for a free and prosperous Adumar.”

Nial paused thoroughly, apparently on the verge of saying more before changing her mind. In her silence, the other Jedi — Mek Keelu — spoke. “An independent Adumar, if it must be. We are not blind to the bad blood between the Republic and Adumari people. Nor are we blind to the great power competition that exists between the Republic and Sith Empire.” Mek’s big, black eyes seemed to focus on each of the Sith in turn, then settled on Nagendra.

“I can hazard a few guesses as to why representatives from your Order are here,” he said. “But I would hear it from you, as you’d tell it, Knight Nagendra — what brings you and your esteemed companions to Adumar?”