Star Wars_ The Old Republic_ Revan - Drew Karpyshyn [41]
“The Emperor doesn’t know,” Nyriss said.
“Darth Xedrix has allied himself with separatists,” Scourge insisted. “He’s a traitor to the Empire! It is our duty to report him.”
“I don’t think that would be the best plan,” Sechel cautioned, ignoring Scourge and addressing Nyriss directly. “We have little evidence, and your rivalry with Xedrix is well known. If we come forward with these accusations, he will simply deny them. The Emperor is unlikely to act without first gathering more proof. This will give Xedrix a chance to cover up his involvement, or go into hiding.”
“Sechel is right,” Nyriss said. “The element of surprise is our greatest advantage. Xedrix doesn’t know we have exposed his treachery. If we strike now, we can catch him unprepared.”
It was obvious her mind was made up, and Scourge could follow the logic of her arguments. Yet he still felt uncomfortable not reporting Xedrix to the Emperor.
“An assault on his stronghold will be difficult,” Murtog warned. “We don’t have the numbers to overwhelm his defenses, and I don’t like hiring mercenaries for a job like this. Too much chance one of them will sell us out to Xedrix.”
“Perhaps assassination is the way to go,” Sechel suggested. “Do to him what he tried to do to you.”
“We would need a particularly skilled and accomplished assassin,” Nyriss said. She looked at Scourge. “Do you think you can get close enough to Xedrix?”
Scourge carefully considered all the variables before he replied. His first instinct was to propose an undercover operation, with him seeking a position on Xedrix’s personal staff. Over several weeks he could study the routines of his intended victim and all his servants, patiently waiting for a chance to catch him alone, unarmed and unprepared. But there were no Sith among Xedrix’s followers. Many Sith were prejudiced against humans. No doubt the Dark Councilor would never allow Sith too close to him, fearing they might one day turn on him.
Scourge might be able to find some other way to infiltrate Xedrix’s inner circle, but as Nyriss had pointed out they needed to act quickly. There wasn’t time for a prolonged undercover mission.
“Inside his stronghold he is untouchable,” he declared finally.
“There may be a way to lure him out,” Sechel said. “The separatists seem to use coded communications whenever they contact Xedrix. If I can replicate the code, I can send a message requesting an urgent meeting at some remote location.”
“An ambush might work,” Murtog agreed. “Xedrix won’t want to draw attention to his treachery. At most, he’ll have two or three of his most trusted followers with him. With enough troops we should be able to take him down.”
“No,” Nyriss said, shaking her wizened head. “Xedrix would sense it coming. Whoever we send will have to hide his presence through the Force until Xedrix walks into the trap.”
It was obvious whom she was referring to, but Scourge was still reluctant. “Asking me to kill a member of the Dark Council is not as simple as you make it sound.”
“I did not expect you to balk at this task,” Nyriss said. “He has committed treason. He brought this on himself.”
“You misunderstand,” Scourge said, choosing his words carefully. “The human traitor deserves to die. But he is a Dark Lord of the Sith. Alone, what chance will I have against him?”
“I should have known,” Sechel said, grinning. “You’re afraid.”
“Fighting a battle I can’t win isn’t brave,” Scourge shot back. “It’s stupid.”
“At least you have the courage to speak your mind,” Nyriss said.
“You already have enough sycophants,” Scourge replied, glaring at Sechel.
Nyriss flashed one of her ghastly grins, sending a chill down Scourge’s spine. Somehow he kept himself from shuddering.
“I think the two of us should continue this conversation privately,” she said.
Sechel and Murtog bowed and left without a word. Scourge was pleased to see they were chastened by their sudden exclusion. Nyriss didn’t speak until the Twi’lek servant had closed the door behind them.
“You are right to be cautious,” she said.