Nar Shaddaa

The colonel had had a long, bloody day. It had been a productive day, but a very, very long one. She was tired. She was enjoying the thought of sleep. The full bird flipped the bird with her left hand at the phantom pounding of overly loud music in her ears and she touched the control on the wall next to her bunk to dim the lights to darkness....

She sighed happily, put on some gods damned good music, and turned the volume way down so it was just barely louder than the pulsing echoes in her head. She slipped off her fatigues and tossed them in the laundry bag, slipped into her night clothes, and eased her way into bed. The covers rustled, she shifted her pillow, and all was right with the world for once in the past twenty or so odd hours....

Her comm rang for the millionth time since she had gone to the rave.

The colonel groaned. She pushed herself up with her left arm and strained to pick up her commlink with her right. She clicked it on and answered.

"Col. Moraal here."

"You mean Watcher-7." Cipher-6 was standing on the opposite side, locked in his own quarters on the ship. "I have been attempting to contact you for over an hour. I heard news of an attack on the wedding. I want a full report now."

"If you needed me that badly Cipher," she groaned, pulling herself upright to go sit in front of the comm terminal. One hand passed over the light controls, bringing them back up so she was visible from more than the glow of the monitors, "You are aware of how to signal me. I also filed my report as well as Col. Moraal's if you needed the sensitive or public accounting.

"As for what happened, there was a Crescent Shadow attack during the wedding. Kidaja the Hutt is dead, as are dozens of attendees. Moff Rolm is alive as is Serani, and several luminaries in attendance. A civilian named Talara was killed, either directly by Senator Morindel of Coruscant or in retribution for actions taken by the senator. I have footage of her actions recorded and distributed, news of it should fully leak out by tomorrow. Hopefully these events will allow us to capitalize on current events and continue to alienate the Republic and while increasing our own standing.

"Clans Kelborn and much of Ordo have disappeared. The majority of the rest of the Mandalorian clans have gathered around Corso Fett if they are not simply on Imperial retainer. Kyr'ad is still alive, unfortunately, but I did not see a good way to attack him without alienating other Mando'a by starting a fight in their bar. That would make it look too much like an assassination. I have also dealt with nobles of both sides and was stabbed by a Sith Lord, so my plate has been quite full.

Unless you have further questions, I will have your report now Cipher."

"I do not care about the bloody Clans!" Cipher-6 covered his lips with his hand on pondered on it more, his eyes in rage. "How? How did they kill her?"

"She was either killed in the explosion and beheaded afterwards by the Crescent insurgent or beheaded after the explosion in retribution for said explosion. Her arms had also been severed previously in retribution for Republic activity outside the compound," Hala explained coolly.

The man simply nodded and took a seat nearby. He continued to stroke his chin, a mockery of a smile on his face. "It is absurd that I care about her to the extent that I do. I theorize that it was her innocence. She was a radiant flower among a cesspool of filth." He tapped his fingers against the table, beside himself for those moments. He then looked back to her and inquired calmly "Who else was involved? I want names of everyone."

"The insurgent did not give his name. Senator Morindel was primarily responsible, as was the traitor Baesal. Captain Organa attempted to intervene on her behalf, but he wasn't able to control the situation," Hala answered.

"Then I have three targets. I may add Captain Organa to that list if you agree that his elimination would benefit us."

"Captain Organa is likely the most important target on the list, given his association with Colonel Garza. The Senator, and then the Jedi next most likely. The Senator has an agreement, or did, with Kyr'ad. The Jedi is obvious as why. The insurgent is the least of your concerns, but is likely the easiest to kill. There will be a bounty on them sooner or later. The others must be done either with plausible deniability to the Empire or in some other fashion befitting your cover, but I authorize these targets. If possible, attempt human intelligence collection on them but this is not necessary given you have other priorities. Silencing them will suffice. Another SIS operative in the area is Wren Yulis, though her focus has been on the Hutts. You may also target her under the same conditions."

"I have my reasons, Watcher," he hissed, "With both identities. I will see if I can find a reason to kill this Wren Yulis but the others will be bled dry."

"I have little doubt Cipher. Just make sure those emotions are channeled appropriately. Have you anything else to report?"

"Clan Varad trusts me more. I will deliver a tribute to Corso Fett on their behalf to earn more favor." He leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling, his face struggling to remain neutral.

"There are likely to be after shocks from the Kaggath, best stay clear of them, and Darth Jadus is still missing. If you hear anything on either front, inform me but do not engage. The same for any other SIS personnel you may identify unless you are currently prosecuting a target," the Watcher answered.