Chapter 14: The Exchange
2 days later, it was around midday, a few hours away from when the exchange was supposed to happen. Daimon was standing next to Master Korran, his old master who had joined him in watching Sera train. He watched as Sera swung her lightsaber (Protosaber) around which was powered by a belt-mounted power pack.
It was the same for all Jedi during this time, even Daimon which prevented him from being able to throw his lightsaber at people during combat. The concept of a kyber crystal powered lightsaber not being powered by another power source, was not a thing during this time in Jedi history.
This is one of the things that Daimon hoped to change sometime in the future as lightsabers were relatively primitive during this time.
Sera was being trained by a training droid, an archaic model that was effective enough for teaching techniques. Its spherical body floated mid-air, shooting blaster bolts to test Sera's reflexes. She twirled, each swing of her protosaber guided by the Force.
"She's progressing nicely," Master Korran said approvingly, her hands clasped behind his back. "You've chosen your Padawan well."
Daimon nodded, watching as Sera deflected another bolt. "She's talented, no doubt about that," he said. "And given enough time, she will become a great Jedi Master in the future."
Master Korran nodded, agreeing with his statement since if Daimon was teaching her what he knew, then Sera's future within the order was more than secured. "I see a lot of your own techniques within her movements, alongside a few new things I've never seen before."
Daimon smiled as what she was seeing was the more simplified version of his own lightsaber techniques that Sera had learned.
As a few more minutes passed, they were joined by another, Shrimee who had just returned from a mission. Seeing Master Korran already here, she paid her respects by bowing her head, "Master Korran." she said.
"Shrimee," replied Master Korran, returning the bow. "How was your mission?"
"It was fine, the Republic just discovered another world and wanted to initiate first contact peacefully." explained Shrimee.
"The inhabitants seem to be in the early stages of technological development, but they possess a rich cultural history. It went peacefully enough, though their leaders were wary. Understandable, considering how unfamiliar they are with outsiders. I recommended sustained communication channels before introducing any major Republic presence."
Master Korran nodded approvingly. "Wise counsel. The Jedi should always approach such matters with patience and respect."
"And now if you will excuse me Daimon, I have other matters to attend to" Master Korran said as she stepped out of the training room.
As she left, Shrimee walked up next to Daimon "We should have our Padawans test their abilities against each other sometime soon," Shrimee suggested. "It would be good for them to experience the unpredictability of another student's fighting style. Sera seems sharp, let's see how she fares against my Padawan."
Daimon nodded, glancing at Shrimee who looked quiet stunning in her consular robes. Her idea had some merit to it, as Sera would get to experience another Padawan's fighting style. It would also give her a chance to win a training fight against another Force user since whenever the two of them trained, he always won but also made sure to teach her at the same time.
"Sure, when we're both not too busy, let's do that" he replied as his comm link started blinking. Pulling it up, he pressed the button to hear Aria's voice, "Daimon, it's time let's meet at the designated location,"
"Copy that Aria, I'll be right there." he replied turning towards Shrimee.
"We'll, I have my own mission to attend now," Daimon said clipping his comm link back to his belt. Shrimee was curious about what mission he was one, but she heard how urgent the other voice sounded so she decided to wait until he returned to ask him.
Stopping her training, Daimon and Sera left the Jedi Temple and proceeded to the meeting location. The location was a makeshift headquarters that was set up within the Haskara District docks.
Arriving within the rugged, industrial expanse of the docks, Daimon scanned their surroundings. The Haskara District was alive with activity, a mix of steam rising from heavy machinery, cargo haulers rumbling across durasteel platforms, and dock workers shouting orders in various alien dialects.
Walking in the commander center set up within a makeshift prefab building, Aria along with dozens of other agents were present within the room. Aria stood over a holotable that projected a faint blue hologram of the district.
"Just on time," she said gesturing for them to join her. "We've intercepted some encrypted communications confirming movement of Black Hand agents about a point marked within Bay 47-A as the rendezvous site for the exchange."
"Any updates on what's being traded?" Daimon asked, his voice steady, though his mind raced with possibilities.
Aria shook her head. "Nothing concrete yet. Some chatter points to high-value contraband—potentially weapons-grade tech or rare kyber crystals, but that's purely speculation." Her sharp blue eyes flicked up to him. "Whatever it is, it's worth their lives and reputations. Black Hand doesn't risk exposure unless the payoff is monumental. And if they're willing to risk meeting in a high-traffic zone like this, it's no small deal."
Daimon nodded, based off what he knew from lore, Kyber Crystals are extremely valuable and could be turned into destructive weapons. "Then we can't afford to let this slip through our fingers. What's the plan?"
Aria tapped a few buttons on the holotable, zooming in on Bay 47-A. The hologram revealed a labyrinth of crates, scaffolding, and cargo ships docked in tight proximity. "We'll divide into three teams. Team One will cover the upper walkways for a bird's-eye view of the exchange. Team Two will secure the perimeter to ensure no one gets in—or out—without us knowing. Your team, Daimon, will infiltrate the bay and observe the exchange directly."
Aria handed each of them a small data pad containing schematics of the bay and key points of interest. "We have thirty minutes before the exchange begins. Get into position, stay sharp, and remember, we need them alive if we're going to uncover their full operation."
As the teams dispersed, Daimon and Sera made their way to Bay 47-A. The air grew heavier with industrial fumes, and the sound of machinery clanged around them. They kept to the shadows, weaving through stacks of containers that created narrow corridors and blind spots.
They arrived at a vantage point overlooking the meeting area, concealed behind a stack of durasteel crates. Below, a group of individuals in dark cloaks had begun to gather, their movements calculated and cautious. At the center of the group, a small cylindrical container sat on a hover pad, its faint glow indicating something powerful and potentially dangerous inside.
Daimon whispered, "That must be the item. Stay focused."
Moments later, a new group approached from the far side of the bay. Unlike the cloaked figures, these individuals wore armor, their weapons visible and ready. Black Hand enforcers. The tension in the air grew thicker as the two groups faced each other.
One of the cloaked figures stepped forward, his voice sharp and authoritative. "Do you have the payment?"
The armored leader chuckled, tossing a small case onto the ground. "Credits, untraceable. Now hand over the package."
As things were progressing, Daimon felt like something was off, causing him to look to the far right of the exchange where some upper walkways were and see other figures who were armed.
Before he could warn Aria and her agents, everything went wrong.
A loud explosion rocked the bay, sending debris flying. From the upper walkways, blaster fire erupted as a third group appeared, pirates looking to hijack the deal.
"Ambush!" Daimon yelled as blaster fire was being shot from nearly everywhere within the Bay.
Reaching his hand out, Daimon pulled the weapons away from everybody who wasn't an agent and made them hang in the air. Seeing this, Aria ordered her people to move in. "There unarmed, move in and arrest them!" she ordered as dozens of agents moved in and began to arrest the various groups.
Some tried to run or even fight with their melee weapons, but the entire area was already cut off leaving no escape routes and those that had melee weapons were taken down. Everybody was eventually arrested, and the package was secured and prepped for transport. While Daimon would have loved to just jump down there, he did agree to do this Aria's way.