- Nefta: "We had to do it, Sedriss. Palpatine is trapped in the Netherworld, he could be there for a thousand years!"
- Sa-Di: "Someone has to rule the Empire, Sedriss."
- Sedriss: "Yes, that's true… One powerful individual must rule, but that certainly won't be you!"
- ―Nefta and Sa-Di explain themselves to Sedriss[src]
The Second Duel on Byss was an engagement between Imperial Military Executor Sedriss QL and two rogue Imperial Force Adepts.
Prelude
Sedriss returns to Byss.
- "Palpatine should have known, we can't wait indefinitely. The throne cannot sit empty or the Empire will collapse!"
- ―Nefta
After Emperor Palpatine's most recent death during the Battle of Pinnacle Base, the two Force adepts, Nefta and Sa-Di, attempted a power grab. Spreading rumors that Palpatine would not return in another clone body, and began looking to eliminate any opposition. One of their primary opponents was the Imperial Executor Sedriss QL, so Sa-Di began calling for the Executor's execution, claiming that his failure during the Battle of Balmorra had shaken faith in him. Sedriss rushed to Byss to address this issue.[1]
Storming into the Emperor's cloning laboratory, Sedriss found Nefta and Sa-Di killing Palpatine's few remaining clones. When Sedriss angrily questioned them, Nefta explained that he and Sa-Di were fearful of the Empire collapsing during Palpatine's absence, believing that he could be trapped in the Netherworld of the Force for millennia. Feeling that the Empire needed a powerful individual on the throne, and seeking to place themselves on that pedestal, they took the initiative.[1]
The Duel
- "What's the matter, Nefta? Is your magic of no use to you against a Dark Side Warrior?"
- ―Sedriss QL
While Sedriss agreed with the idea that the Empire needed a powerful individual on the throne, he did not believe Nefta or Sa-Di were worthy of this. He drew his lightsaber and attacked.[1]
Sedriss attacks Nefta.
Nefta was the only one of the two able to engage Sedriss, as Sa-Di was wielding a battle axe rather than a lightsaber. He managed to fend off Sedriss' frenzy, but was quickly outmatched. His attempts to attack Sedriss through the Force were useless, provoking only the Executor's scoffing at his "magic". Nefta was slashed in half just below the chest.[1]
With Nefta handily defeated, Sedriss began advancing on the grovelling Sa-Di. Sa-Di attempted to convince Sedriss that he had not called for the Executor's execution, claiming to respect all of Sedriss' decisions. Sedriss countered that if Sa-Di respected all of his decisions, then he would approve of Sedriss' decision to execute him.[1]
Sedriss cut Sa-Di in half with a powerful overhand.[1]
Aftermath
Palpatine, reborn once more.
- "I have stood fast upon the day of your return, Emperor. These are the last of the traitors."
"Good. Now we must proceed with our plan." - ―Sedriss and Palpatine.
With the two traitors eliminated, Palpatine revealed himself. Having taken a new clone body, he complemented Sedriss' handiwork, pleased that at least one of his "chargemen" has remained faithful, Palpatine called for the capture of Leia Organa Solo and her unborn child, and revealed that he had a set of surprises in store for the rebellion.[1]