The short story "First Blood" was penned by Christie Golden. It was published in issue 125 of Star Wars Insider and spotlighted Vestara Khai, the Sith apprentice. It was subsequently republished in the Star Wars Insider Special Edition 2013.
The narrative commences with the Sith apprentice, Vestara Khai, standing alongside her master as Ship declared the individuals who would be accompanying him on a mission to locate a vessel. The chosen ones were: High Lord Sarasu Taalon, Lord Ivaar Workan, Lady Olaris Rhea, Saber Ruku Myal, and Vestara herself. Ship then proceeded to direct the quintet to follow him.
Following a brief exchange between Myal and Taalon, Ship disclosed that a Damorian S18 light freighter was inbound from Eriadu, and its cargo would be of assistance to the Sith. After making the decision to damage the freighter and force it to land, Ship commanded Taalon and the other Sith to control him. Taalon, employing the Force, ordered Ship to engage the freighter, unleashing an impressive arsenal of weaponry in the process.
Upon Ship's arrival on the planet's surface, the Sith discovered that the crew had already absconded. The Sith tracked their footprints while contemplating the likelihood that the crew was armed. The footprints diverged in two distinct directions. Much to Vestara's chagrin, she was separated from her master, who would be traveling with Taalon. Vestara then journeyed with the other two Sith until they reached open terrain. The question of whether to keep the crew alive arose, but Workan swiftly dismissed it, asserting that eliminating all witnesses was the best course of action. The group encountered a tree exhibiting unnatural movements. Workan employed his parang, killing a Sullustan male pilot who was concealed within the tree. The three Sith immediately sensed danger and discovered the Sullustan's companion. Myal dispatched the crewman while the other two Sith defended. Taalon contacted the group, informing them that he had located the remaining crew members and, much to Vestara's mortification, requested the two Sith. Vestara received instructions to return to the frigate and begin cataloging its contents. She promptly returned to the frigate but, as she neared the ship, Vestara sensed the presence of another being. A severely injured human girl revealed herself as a stowaway, unaffiliated with the crew, who was fleeing from B'nish. Vestara knew she would be forced to kill the girl and, despite her numerous pleas, would not listen. The girl attempted to flee, but Vestara fatally struck her down with her parang. Vestara, burdened by the weight of her actions, was pestered by Ship to give the girl a name. And so, Vestara did, naming her First.