"Well. Whilst her origins may be mysterious, no-one can do as much as she has been doing without showing up somewhere. I have spent a considerable amount of time in Hutt space and the outer worlds, tracing rumours of her presence.
"She goes by the name 'Kara Katai'. She has made a name for herself- though amongst distinguished circles only- as an extremely efficient assassin. I don't think she is interested in that as a career, however. I think it is a form of cover; allowing her to move around in disreputable areas without attracting too much attention- no-one wants to cross guns with a known killer, and the crime bosses know to give her a wide berth. She may also use the money she gets to buy fuel and other supplies, or private passage when she does not use her ship- as I do not believe she always does.
"From what I can make out, in many places she goes there has been often been civil disturbance. I hear rumours that, outside the Republic, she has been seen at civil wars, revolutions, even the breakdown of society. A similar process to what Roan and Jelena observed on Csssilis.
"But that's not always the way she works. It seems that just as often she strikes at times of external instead of internal problems- invasions, border disputes. Massive pirate raids."
"We are confident that it is likely no coincidence that Pelloran left the Damagran Confederacy unexpectedly as he did," says Mundi. "Unsealing that that tomb would have taken a considerable amount of effort, as would finding one artifact- small enough to be carried personally- inside a large complex, and then setting the charges to desroy it. A very risky operation to undertake in normal circumstances- but much easier if the site is already under attack by pirates."
"Mmm," says Yoda. "Much patience, a plan like that requires. Much foresight also. More than two years it took before Pelloran struck at Agalania."
"The pattern I have built," says Ithrorn, "indicates that she is striking of sites of great antiquity all over the Republic. Museums, archives, tombs... many have been attacked in recent years. In each case, the site is totally destroyed. I cannot always prove she is responsible, but as an example she was sighted near the Great Library of Xenos six months ago- the day it was destroyed in its equally Great Fire."
Vlad nods as the Jedi speaks, looking through the windowed walls of the Council chamber thoughtfully.
"How many such 'heists' did this woman pull off in the past few years?"
Perhaps we could find out all the objects that were stored in most of the places she hit and then cross check them for similarities.
"As far as I can tell, it is not a type that has ever been encountered before in the Republic. Not having a visual record of it does not help, of course.
"However, in my investigations into the Great Fire, I did manage to get a visual record of Kara herself. The Immigration Bureau has lent its resources into distributing this picture to as many outlets as possible in an attempt to track her. They take these matters very seriously as well, and with the Chancellor's backing they have the funding and infrastructure to try and track criminals moving between worlds like her."
"The Bureau, however, would prefer us to make the arrest if she is found," says Mundi. "In any case, we do not intend to wait. She will continue to inflict incalculable damage to property and, of course, life if she is left free. Your mission is to find out as much as possible about who Kara Katai is and where she comes from. Using this as a means to locate her is the main purpose of the mission- but we find it very unlikely she is working alone, and not only because of Gallagher's visions. Some clue about who she represents and what their ultimate goal is is needed. They are clearly a threat to the Republic."
"In fact," says Ithrorn, "I have found just one possible lead. I was actually going to ask one of you to pursue it, before this latest incident increased the urgency of the matter."
For the first time, Windu speaks.
"I do not believe this lead should be followed. I do not trust it. This could prove to be a mistake."
"It is the only option we have," says Mundi. "Inaction is not a reasonable response at this point."
"Dangerous actions can make matters worse," says Windu.
You become aware of a slightly uncomfortable feel in the room. The Council is divided. Yoda speaks.
"Dangerous it is," says Yoda. "Careful, we must all be. Yet act we must."
"Bring him in," says Mundi.
The tall, white-haired man (this time from age) that now enters is elegantly dressed in a blue suit, with a pleasant (but ever so creepy seeming) smile. He is not awed by the august presence of the Council- indeed, he seems faintly amused.
When he walks in and sees all of you, two things happen. First of all, his smile grows wider. Secondly, Wentar, you feel a sudden emotional shift from several members of the group around you. Even from Xeth.
"Well now!" he exclaims. "Isn't this quite the re-union?" His voice is open- pleasant like his smile, and just a bit condescending. "Jelena... you are as beautiful now as when I first met you. And young Vlad!" He brushes some dust off your cloak, Vlad. "How you have come on! You look like a real Jedi now."
He turns.
"And even Xeth..." He utters a series of guttural clicks, making a passable rendition of a Geonosian greeting. "I never thought you would return to Coruscant again, let alone that I would see you in the Jedi temple. Auspicious times indeed!
"And so MANY Jedi! What a serious matter this must be."
When I first described this man, long ago, it was difficult to get across his look and mannerisms.Easier now of course because he looks exactly like Mr. Lindemann from Heroes, played as he is by the irreplaceable Malcolm MacDowell.
For this man is Kir Ascar.
(Ascar! I'd always hoped to see him return... Yeah I've read some of the older episodes. 😛)
Wentar will glance at Xeth, having no idea who this man is, but getting the feeling that others seem to recognize him. Whether that's good or bad is something he's uncertain about. Unsure of what to say, he will say nothing at all for now, letting those who he sensed a reaction from do the talking.