Xeykard
The Scales Tip

The Barabel’s hologram stands tall, looking calm yet concerned.
<<"This is a message for the Jedi of the Ossus enclave, and anyone in the Scar Worlds with the skill and inclination to help.
"This one is called Xeykard. This one is a… former Inquisitor of the Sith Empire. It would be understandable if you had reservations about listening to this one, but- it is important, and we have little time.
"The Sith warlord, Ghaesmae, has struck Desevro, the territory of another warlord, Darjos Morcar. Ghaesmae's forces have been largely reduced as the Ashlans have taken the Wyl sector, but she is still a formidable Sith Lord and has loyal forces at her back. Still, her losses have left her unstable, and in need of a victory, so she picked a fight with another remnant.
"Morcar, of course, has no intention of giving anything. His forces have been skirmishing with the Ghaesmae's across the system for a day now – leaving them distracted. The Sith herself remains on Desevro, occasionally going out to toy with the citizenry.
"She is… dangerous, but off her step. Given any time to recover and regain her senses, she may once more become a threat to what passes for stability in this region. This is the best chance to strike her down, while she sits on Desevro.
"This one is no more pleased than you, to be asking for your help. If this one could do it on this one's own, there would be no need for this one's message. But, the warlord is powerful, and this one cannot do this alone. If you are willing, this one will provide a ship and means to infiltrate the palace in Maslovar.">>
A resigned look crosses his face.
<<"Please. She must be stopped.">>


"We'll be arriving in a few minutes," he called back to the passenger area of the shuttle. He'd gone alone to pick up those who'd responded to his message; a gamble, but now that they were onboard, he knew he was safe enough.
Desevro had been rotting long before Ghaesmae had arrived here; even as they passed above he felt like he could smell it, as if the urban metal structures could spoil like food. The stench would get worse once they landed, but that was the least of his worries. His eyes wandered above, tracking the distant flashes of light; the fleets of the warlords were engaging again, meaning the troops on the ground were both on high alert and very few, with most being sent to guard strategic locations or aboard the fleet itself.
The warlord was vulnerable, she had been ever since she'd even gotten the idea to come to Desevro. Xeykard had no intention of wasting the opportunity, even if that meant risking betrayal at the hands of the motley crew that he was now ferrying. He supposed they were thinking the same thing, and wondered briefly who was more trustworthy.
Them, without a doubt.
"Final call. Suppress your presence, if you can, though if you can't-" he thrust out a large fist, opening to reveal a handful of Taozin amulets, "take one of these."