Umbara, the "Shadow World", stands apart from the galaxy, cut off within the Ghost Nebula. This did not stop its native population from advancing their technology beyond the galactic standards and becoming a major exporter of doonium.

No sunlight reaches the surface of Umbara, leaving it and its denizens to adapt to a never-ending darkness. Thick clouds hang in the upper atmosphere while fog crawls along the ground, adding to the shroud of the planet and making even technological light sources limited in effectiveness. However, Umbara is not devoid of all natural light. Bioluminescent flora grows like tentacles reaching up from the ground and forming a jungle presence outside the populated cities. In lieu of grass, the ground is pockmarked by coiling plants that rise before turning in upon themselves.

Within this jungle expanse, there are two threats of note that have adapted to the climate of Umbara. Anyone treading upon this territory must be vigilant, lest they fall prey to the flying, predatory Banshee or worse, the Vixus.

It is not for the locale that members of the Brotherhood are drawn to Umbara. Having been members of the Republic—even Separatists—and later rebels under the heel of the Galactic Empire, some Umbarans have taken to living for themselves. These pirates are not above selling some of Umbara's more notable technological advancements. A group, calling themselves the "Shadow Cabal" and led by Wyss Teneb, have taken to exporting a gas capable of stimulating combatants to fight longer and harder.

It is this trade deal that brings you to such a dangerous place. Intel has been passed back and forth, leaving the trade itself in a state of confusion. No one is quite sure exactly who the buyer is. That leaves an opportunity. Some may try to discreetly slip into place and claim the trade for themselves, while others may genuinely be the buyer. The only constant is the chaos that could result from competing interests. An advantage—no matter the source—is beneficial to any force, be they Collective or Brotherhood in origin.

You step into the Shadow World with the future as shrouded as the planet itself.

Bentre checked that both of his lightsabers were in their proper place upon his belt, and that his blasters were similarly in place. Giving his equipment a final glance, Stahoes looked over to his fellow Sadowan. He had taken a fair amount of time reading up on the history of Umbara in preparation for his trip to the planet. It was not a place that was kind to foreign sentients. The files on Sepros had listed this planet as the Techweaver's home planet. Given the man's mechanical skills and combat expertise, Varuk Kru would likely prove to be a great asset.

There were too many unknowns here. The transmission itself had been garbled. If it weren't for the need to buff up the Sadowan fleet, Bentre doubted he would have made the trip out this way. The group calling themselves the Shadow Vipers had assured they could provide all the doonium that the Clan would need. He had many misgivings about this trip, but he took Kru's wilingness as a good sign. He sighed once before taking a final glance at the Ugly Gizka.

Perhaps, he has forgiven me for that little quarrel on Antei, Bentre mused to himself. Even if he is not completely over it, I guess it is better to have a capable potential enemy to a loyal but weak ally.

"Are you ready to go?" Varuk motioned toward the building with the his cybernetic right hand.

"Sure." Stahoes drew his blaster, bringing it level with his shoulder before giving a nod. As the pair made their way slowly toward the building, the Corellian made sure to draw several deep breaths. It felt like the shadows of the planet itself were twisting around them. "How long is it until we are supposed to rendevouz with this lot?"

Varuk glanced at his Inquisitorius scanner momentarily before answering. "They should be here at any moment. Actually, it looks like we might have just made it."

"Oh, what fun." Bentre grumbled to himself.

Movement to the right of the men drew the attention and aim of both Sadowans. "There is no reason to shoot." A white-haired youth stepped from the fog of the planet, his hands up in the air. "You are those Naga Shadows who were looking to score some sweet doonium?"

Stahoes did not lower the weapon he had leveled at the teenager's chest. "Naga Sadow needs some materials. But the better question is who are you?" The fact that this kid had mispronounced the Clan's name irritated him enough, but

"Hey, hey, hey," the teenager grinned slyly, "you are the one who wanted to make contact with the Shadow Vipers. I am just looking to make a quick bunch of credits." The grin faltered as Bentre raised the muzzle of his blaster to aim at the kid's face.

"Enough!" Varuk felt a growl in his throat as he fingered his own Bryar pistol.

"Here I thought we could work together, Varuk. You seem to prove my greater fears true." Stahoes turned his blaster from the teenager toward his comrade. "If you are going to get in my way, I will just have to put you out for a bit while I finish up here."

The flash of a blaster bolt fired just over his shoulder caused the Shadow to instinctively recoil. He turned the recoil into a sideways roll. Things could never just be easy could they?

He was going to make the Techweaver regret his choice.