Loyalty/Part 4

Given the equipment required to sustain it and protect its transmissions, the communications module had barely enough room left for a conference table and chairs, but Alecto was willing to be patient; the comms suite that would one day occupy the fortress rising on the bluff would have a throne for her, and in the meantime, most of the people she ought to be commanding from a throne by holo were onworld to be commanded in person. She had still invested in a complex holoprojector that would cast the image of each Sith Lord into his matching chair from the Unquenchable Fire, though.

What's the point of all the wealth and power of a council Lord if you don't treat yourself?

Darth Hokhtan's council frequency was locked into the comms system, so it took her only a moment to program the call, and another for it to connect. Sitting in her chair at Darth Hokhtan's right hand, she waited for her colleagues' images to resolve, but only three appeared.

Only the inner circle, Alecto thought, though it had been that way more often than not of late.

Directly opposite her sat Rhutizh'chal'safan, the Devaronian spymaster, his face as unreadable as ever. Beside Rhutizh was half-Bothan Sar-hent; he sipped a glass of what Alecto assumed was wine when his image resolved, and once he saw her, he gave her a nod and gave himself another few chins in the process. Alecto thought Darth Shakelli, seated beside her, was the opposite of both men—hard-muscled and imposing in a way she had never known Sar-hent to be, but his face alive with passion and his eyes shining with emotions Rhutizh was far too disciplined to betray, even to colleagues.

Perhaps especially to colleagues.

"Happy New Year Fete, Alecto," Sar-hent said genially, toasting her with his glass.

Alecto nodded, wondering what number glass it was today. "And to you, my lord."

"Hello Alecto," Shakelli said with a smile.

"Shakelli."

"I have to say, holographic blue isn't your color at all. I hope we'll see you back soon."

"If Darth Hokhtan wants me back, he knows how to find me."

"Yeah, but I don't; if I didn't have the joy of battle to distract me, I'm not sure what I'd do with myself."

"Well, I know why you'd want me back, so I think I do know what you'd be doing with yourself." Alecto smirked at him. "Of course, it'd be the same even if I was there."

"Ho ho ho!" Sar-hent chuckled. Rhutizh had no expression; if he didn't blink now and then, Alecto might have thought he had died.

"You wound me, my friend," Shakelli said, laying a palm over his heart, but his charming smile didn't reach his eyes.

He was handsome—one of the most handsome men Alecto had ever met, if she was being honest. But she had no intention of becoming his next conquest; they were colleagues, but she was senior in their master's council, and no matter how epic a time she gave him, he would still be more interested in the power he might gain over her. Let him sate himself on his endless parade of slaves; he didn't seem to be in any danger of running out.

It was different for Nevya and Zeff; there was a power imbalance there too, but they came from such different circles that Alecto didn't see the same problems arising. And if Zeff was a spy for Gasald—

The others stood, looking toward the head of the table, and Alecto copied them a second later. Darth Hokhtan came into the holoprojector's field of view and took the seat at the end of the table, between Alecto and Rhutizh. He still wore the simple, functional attire he had favored before his elevation to the Overlordship. His expression of cool command hadn't changed either, but then, it hadn't needed to.

"Sit," he said. "Due to Darth Shakelli and Telther's commands, we've taken Cartao and Von-Alai."

Shakelli nodded and smiled. "My troops are positioned and primed for the assault on Alpheridies."

Alecto sat forward with interest. "I can return for that if you wish, Master."

Darth Hokhtan shook his head. "We're not attacking Alpheridies. Not now, at any rate."

Shakelli deflated. "But why not, my lord? We've hamstrung their supply routes—"

"And that's enough of a victory," Darth Hokhtan cut him off. "If we strike the Miraluka now, their Jedi might rally behind them and put up more resistance than they're worth. Give them a year or two of abandonment by the Republic and we can crush them with minimal casualties."

"There's no honor in a victory over shaaks," Shakelli complained. "My forces and my Acolytes are strong enough to overrun them, and if Rowkwani shows up, I'll deal with her myself."

"Defeating the Miraluka isn't enough," Darth Hokhtan said. "I need to win every battle with enough forces left for the next battle, and the battle after that. The Miraluka are an annoyance; we have a larger target in mind."

Sar-hent swallowed a mouthful of wine, smacked his lips in appreciation, and said, "Obroa-skai."

Alecto laced her fingers together. "Are we ready for the assault?"

A hint of annoyance broke through Darth Hokhtan's composure. "No."

He looked at Rhutizh, who nodded. "Obroa-skai is the vital junction on the Vaathkree Trade Corridor. If we seize only one half, we'll be exposed to Republic counterattack on the Vaathkree and the Perlemian."

Alecto thought she saw where this was going. "And Darth Scyrahd and Darth Nicodeme aren't positioned to match us?"

"They are not."

"Darth Scyrahd and his…second-in-command continue their war against Valin Aresh." Alecto did not have to guess who her master thought really ruled the Reaper and the rest of Scyrahd's fleet these days.

"She should strike down the Hydian in a blitz," Shakelli said. "What's Aresh going to do, abandon his war against Cazars for Celanon and Botajef?"

"If Seldec is any indication, he's arrogant enough to do just that," Alecto warned. "They both provide hyperlanes to Ciutric; he'd think Darth Scyrahd and Nicodeme are gunning for his capital, not Coruscant."

"My sources suggest that is Darth Nicodeme's assessment as well," Rhutizh said. "Corsin and the Core Worlds tempt her, but she sees the strategic value in not interrupting two enemies while they're conveniently killing each other."

"So she lets them grind each other down, then blitzes when one side's dead and the other's depleted?" Shakelli frowned and crossed his thick arms, but he didn't offer further critique. He might be a bloodthirsty marauder, Alecto thought, but he wasn't a dumb thug; he could see the strategic wisdom.

Darth Hokhtan nodded. "Until one side or the other triumphs, and the Reaper ' s fleet sweeps down the Hydian—or unless the Council of Five finds a massive new influx of troops for me—Obroa-skai will remain an aspirational goal. In the interim, we'll continue to acquire Mid Rim planets nearby and build a stronger invasion base, and a buffer for Taanab."

"With your permission, my lord, I'll take some of the new legions for those worlds," Shakelli said. "Blood them early with lighter targets so Obroa-skai and Tirahnn aren't their first exposure to battle."

Alecto magnified the holographic map of the galaxy beside her hand. "Are we talking about the Zeemacht Cluster now?"

Apart from Tirahnn, its capital, the Cluster offered little in the way of substantive prizes, but it was an entire quadrant closer to Coruscant than Taanab; the Cluster was less a gain in itself than it was a major tactical move.

"Not yet; I don't wish to project too far forward with Obroa-skai unconquered behind us. But eventually," Darth Hokhtan said. "Shakelli, I approve. See to mustering the legions and assigning their commanders."

As Shakelli nodded, Alecto remembered her other loyalty. "Master, my Anzat agent on Obroa-skai may not be able to remain anonymous indefinitely. If we're not going to take the planet, I recommend leaving it enough breathing room that beings can come and go."

Shakelli snorted. "I thought your Anzati were supposed to be stealthy."

Alecto gave him a look. "They are, but sooner or later they need to feed, and even librarians will notice a population drop eventually."

"My agents would find it easier to collect intelligence, both on Obroa-skai and throughout the sector, if pressure was…not maximized," Rhutizh added.

Darth Hokhtan looked around the table, then nodded. "So be it. Hampering their resources now won't make Obroa-skai less of a major battle, but losing our intelligence assets there is unacceptable.  Alecto, be certain your Anzati don't compromise us; the Republic is wise enough to understand the significance if one of them is detected."

"Yes, Master."

Darth Hokhtan grimaced in a way Alecto didn't understand, then said, "The subject of conquests brings us to our next item. Alecto, an assignment for you."

"Yes, my lord?"

"A group of Corellian diplomats and industry leaders will be bound for Commenor in a few weeks' time. Evidently they hope to stabilize the planet and its economy, which is still floundering in the wake of your efforts there last year."

Alecto gritted her teeth. From what she had pieced together from news reports and Rhutizh's notes, her Anzat assassin had made short work of the guards surrounding Commenor's Republic governor, but then been slaughtered by Darth Vandak. The knowledge that Governor Thalsyk had died as well did not sooth her temper, though Vandak's subsequent death on Gyndine at the hands of a pair of Padawans helped.

She shared none of that aloud; her fellow Sith Lords got worrisome looks when she showed too clearly her loyalty to her brethren. "I recall."

"The Council of Five does not wish Commenor to be stabilized. Further, the delegation will include Galera and Satir Solo, relatives of Corellia's King."

"His niece and nephew," Rhutizh supplied.

Alecto considered it. "What about Jendaya Rose?"

"Unfortunately no—at least, not at this juncture."

"Is the entire delegation the target, or just the Solos?"

"The Council would prefer the entire delegation be eliminated, but if you have to prioritize, the Solos and the leader of Corellian Engineering are the primary targets."

Alecto nodded. "I'll dispatch some of my brethren to—"

"It won't be that simple." When Alecto fell silent, Darth Hokhtan said, "We've received word that the delegation will be under guard by Jedi."

"Jedi," Alecto repeated. "Which Jedi?"

"Unknown," said Rhutizh. "Given the ongoing conflict in the north, and the fact that Aresh holds his Padawan, I think we can rule out Darakhan."

Alecto shook her head. "I don't understand. I see the value in destabilizing Commenor, but won't killing Corellians, protected by Corellian Jedi, just show Corellia why it needs the Republic?"

"Ah, but therein lies the rub," Darth Hokhtan said. "The Corellians will be guarded by Republic Jedi."

Alecto blinked. "Corellia agreed to this?"

"Given recent events, the Republic was anxious to appear proactive in the protection of its member worlds, rather than outsourcing that responsibility to other members, particularly members with a bent toward rebellion."

Beginning to wonder whether she had been away too long, Alecto asked, "Recent events?"

She did not enjoy the knowing looks Shakelli and Sar-hent traded; only Rhutizh remained unflappable, which might have meant anything. Darth Hokhtan leaned back in his chair and said, "One week ago, Vedya Gasald's fleet ambushed and destroyed the Seventy-Second Republic Battle Group at Eriadu."

"Destroyed?" Alecto repeated. "Completely?"

"She had a number of interdictor cruisers with her, apparently. It seems to have been a clean sweep."

"But Eriadu? Isn't that…what's his name, the new Lakalt?"

"Darshkére, yes. It seems he's had a change of heart regarding the wisdom of maintaining an independent empire; he's submitted his territory and forces to Lady Gasald, who has graciously rewarded him with anointing and a place on her council."

Alecto and Shakelli both snarled, and even Sar-hent growled and set down his glass; apparently this was not common knowledge. Darth Hokhtan surveyed them and nodded. "I see we share some sentiments. Nevertheless, it's done, and Vedya now has Eriadu to supply Allanteen with the raw materials she lost from Milagro.  What she lacks, however, is capable assassins, and so I've graciously agreed to supply the Council's need."

Alecto nodded. "How many Jedi?"

"Unclear, but estimates at Eriadu place the loss of Jedi lives at between two and five hundred. The Jedi can't afford to spare many on guard duty, especially at a loyalist Republic world."

"I'll get a team ready, then."

Darth Hokhtan did not respond at once, worrying a pit by his chin with his index finger. "I give you the assignment, but I leave the details in your hands. You have nearly a dozen Sith in your service now, as well as your Anzati.  If you feel you need to go, then go; if you'd rather delegate, then do so.  But make sure the Corellians are eliminated."

Alecto bowed her head, and Darth Hokhtan said, "Lord Rhutizh will send you the details, and more intelligence as we acquire it. Otherwise, I have nothing further.  Do you have anything for me?"

Alecto made herself decline along with all the others and stand when Darth Hokhtan did, but she was flying on autopilot, and when the holo derezzed, she sat back in her chair, running a hand through her hair. She had been a Sith too long not to hear the challenge in her master's words. If she went herself, she might show lack of faith in her disciples, or even her own failure to train them properly; if she continued serving as Darth Hokhtan's master of assassins, she could hardly handle every mark herself. But if she sent a team in her place and they failed…Darth Hokhtan would probably not have her killed for a first failure, but her position at his right hand was not as secure as her life. Both Shakelli and Sar-hent would have loved to sit in her place. For that matter, several lesser lords on the council would kill for her place in Darth Hokhtan's inner circle; only fear of the Furies kept them from killing her. If Targere thought the Furies wouldn't find out, he would probably try anyway, and if her position became more tenuous, Kai Latra might decide he was more incensed at her blackmailing him than he was afraid of her.

Would there ever be a time when she was secure enough in her position to risk failure through her servants? Nerlus Zedum had survived Garzen's repeated failures, and Alecto's own botched assassination attempt on Senator Glavial Iltek; only his cowardice and incompetence at Taanab had finally cost him his life. Zedum was hardly Alecto's model, but he suggested there was room for error.

Then again, Zedum had been a Sith Lord for many years, and on Darth Saleej's council for most of them. If there was a point at which failure could safely be risked, Alecto sensed she hadn't yet reached it.

I should ask Nevya's advice, Alecto thought, but she wondered. Darth Hokhtan and Darth Saleej had both been willing to seek their subordinates' counsel, but many decisions were presented, considered, and made without Alecto's knowledge until she saw the results along with everyone else; clearly her masters did much of their thinking alone. Or had she simply never been high enough before to be the one consulted? Nevya was her right hand; surely Darth Saleej had sought advice from Darth Hokhtan or Rhutizh without reaching out to others…

Nevya will insist the Brotherhood can handle it, Alecto realized. Or she'll insist on going herself.

Alecto had not been playing to her second's ego during their earlier conversation—not primarily, anyway. Nevya was a skillful and inventive fighter, and while she wasn't a match for Alecto, she was probably equal to Zeff or any of the adepts. But Jedi complicated the question. The Anzati could not quietly murder the Corellians without the Jedi sensing their actions—or assassinate the Jedi themselves, for that matter. It would come to battle.

Nevya had killed the Bith Jedi atop Anaxes Citadel, and she had given Alecto to understand he was not her first Jedi kill. Qritzel, Katrijan, and some of the others had probably killed Jedi—or Sith—before too, and once Ikkyn had gotten off his broken hip, he had been disappointed to miss a chance to try himself against the Dark Vanguard. But Alecto could not put all her deadliest and highest-ranked Anzati on a single mission; if the worst happened, the Brotherhood's upper echelons would be decimated.

Sith would need to be involved.

Alecto had told her eleven potentials that they had passed the point of needless competition with one another; any or all of them could become Sith Lords if they were worthy, and she had created the code exercise and several other training regimens to break them of the me first, me only attitude that ruined so many Sith campaigns, often snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. But there was no guarantee any of them would be anointed, and the only path to lordship—apart from giving Vedya Gasald a triumph, new territory, and who knew what else besides—was mastery of the dark side. And sometimes the dark side did thrive on competition.