Thanks,sister hopefully would get good Marine husband,and brother become good Marine himself.
War on the Horizon
- Thread starter MarkWarrior
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Chapter 43
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 43
Date: January 11, 3015/11.01.7954CRC
Location: En Route to Karthakk system
"We managed to trace the starfighters and lone ship used to attack us at Beloria to the Lok Revenants," I looked out over the command staff. "When we're finished, I don't want any remnants of these 'Revenants' escaping.
We're bringing the Leviathan to blockade the system with the upgrades we've made as long as she's operational, they won't be able to leave.
Now, Commodore Jewel will be in charge of the space battle while I bring in our forces to take out what they have on the ground.
Official documentation and orders have been sent to your datapads, review, revise, and submit your own operational plans by the end of the week," I stared at some of the junior officers. "Any questions?"
"Just one, sir," a hand was raised by a Second Lieutenant. "Aren't these guys against the Trade Federation?"
"Just because we have one common enemy doesn't make them our friends," Sheppard took over. "The Lok Revenants and their friends the Mere Resistance have been harassing every hyper lane they can reach. They just kicked out the
Federation so they didn't have any local opposition."
"Now, you've got your orders, and we've got a plan, but remember that plans can and will change when we get to the battlefield, so remain flexible and listen to your senior officers, dismissed."
As the different officers peeled out of the briefing room to head back to their units, a lone man remained behind.
"Colonel Hull," he saluted when I acknowledged him.
"Lieutenant Commander Sturn," I read the rank insignias and his nametag. "Is there something I can help you with?"
"No sir," He replied. "But there is something I can help you with."
"And what might that be?"
"I operated in this area until I joined up with the Marksman," the Mandalorian explained. "I know of a few ways they might try to leave from if we don't block them off."
"You're in command of one of the Gozanti's correct?" I asked.
"Yessir," he replied. "I brought my own ship with me when I joined up, but it's in the refit yards at the moment."
"Get this information to the Commodore," I waved Victoria Jewel over. "You'll want to hear this."
"I'm all ears, Commander," she turned her attention to the other officer.
"Well, if we can pull up a map of the system, I can point out a few of the routes that the locals use to mess with any potential enemies they might face. We're not the first group to try and take them down, and unless we do it right, we'll end up surrounded. We might have the edge in both skill and firepower, but there are a lot of them, ma'am, and I don't want us to end up pinched in a trap due to bad intel."
Date: January 21, 3015/21.01.7954 CRC
Location: Republica 500, Coruscant, Coruscant System, Corusca Sector, Galactic Republic
"This.. was not what I expected," Palpatine sighed as he looked at the latest reports Amedda had handed him. "They were supposed to be led to the Republic, not to another band of pirates."
"It seems that the ones that picked up the contract were based out of the Karthakk system," Amedda replied. "And that they overestimated their chances of success."
"We shall now have to contend with Corellia making a fuss," Palpatine sighed again. "They will be extremely belligerent now that they are no longer able to fence goods from the pirates that they allowed to plague the nearby hyperlanes."
"Will that not further your plans to set the Confederacy against the Republic?" Amedda asked.
"Indeed it does." The chancellor mused. "I must speak with the High Council and the Senate, there is much to set in motion."
As soon as Palpatine finished speaking the doors to his office burst open to reveal an obese Twi'lek waddling into the room flanked by two gorgeous aids.
"Chancellor, we must do something!" Orn Free Taa gasped for breath. "Ryloth is declaring their independence as we speak, and are about to join the Confederacy."
"Of course," a grandfatherly smile appeared on Palpatine's face. "We must call a meeting of the Senate immediately to address this issue. It is most dreadful. To think that they would ignore their own representative, unthinkable."
"When you were put on loan to me from Colonel Hull, I did not expect this," Dooku glanced up and down at the Twi'lek that was attempting to look innocent in front of him. "You weren't supposed to actually bring Ryloth to the Confederacy. You were to begin sounding them out to see where they would lean."
"While I would like to claim the credit for this," Sienn smirked. "I can't. I really was just performing basic intel gathering ops on the slaving rings that were being run out of Ryloth."
"Then how did we end up with this?" Dooku gestured towards the hologram showing breaking news from all of the major networks.
"Some of the Marksman that only served their four year term decided to go back home," she shrugged. "Turns out that once they had a taste of what being treated properly was that they didn't want to leave others languishing there."
"So I have Hull to blame for this?" the Count raised his eyebrow.
"Not really," she shook her head as she glanced down at a ring that lay on her left hand. "Ryloth was already halfway on this path, and they were sick of that fat slob Taa claiming to represent them and then turning his back on the slaving rings that were being run behind his back."
"I have no further questions," the old Jedi Master sighed. "You may return to your lover."
"Two more years," Dooku laid his head on his cool desk after the woman had left. "That's all that I have to endure and then I get to retire, two more years of this nonsense."
"Head of State," a secretary knocked on the door. "There's a representative from Rendili Stardrive here to speak with you as well as a group from someplace named Zonama Sekot."
"Send them in," Dooku sighed. "Two years," he muttered. "Two long years."
Date: January 11, 3015/11.01.7954CRC
Location: En Route to Karthakk system
"We managed to trace the starfighters and lone ship used to attack us at Beloria to the Lok Revenants," I looked out over the command staff. "When we're finished, I don't want any remnants of these 'Revenants' escaping.
We're bringing the Leviathan to blockade the system with the upgrades we've made as long as she's operational, they won't be able to leave.
Now, Commodore Jewel will be in charge of the space battle while I bring in our forces to take out what they have on the ground.
Official documentation and orders have been sent to your datapads, review, revise, and submit your own operational plans by the end of the week," I stared at some of the junior officers. "Any questions?"
"Just one, sir," a hand was raised by a Second Lieutenant. "Aren't these guys against the Trade Federation?"
"Just because we have one common enemy doesn't make them our friends," Sheppard took over. "The Lok Revenants and their friends the Mere Resistance have been harassing every hyper lane they can reach. They just kicked out the
Federation so they didn't have any local opposition."
"Now, you've got your orders, and we've got a plan, but remember that plans can and will change when we get to the battlefield, so remain flexible and listen to your senior officers, dismissed."
As the different officers peeled out of the briefing room to head back to their units, a lone man remained behind.
"Colonel Hull," he saluted when I acknowledged him.
"Lieutenant Commander Sturn," I read the rank insignias and his nametag. "Is there something I can help you with?"
"No sir," He replied. "But there is something I can help you with."
"And what might that be?"
"I operated in this area until I joined up with the Marksman," the Mandalorian explained. "I know of a few ways they might try to leave from if we don't block them off."
"You're in command of one of the Gozanti's correct?" I asked.
"Yessir," he replied. "I brought my own ship with me when I joined up, but it's in the refit yards at the moment."
"Get this information to the Commodore," I waved Victoria Jewel over. "You'll want to hear this."
"I'm all ears, Commander," she turned her attention to the other officer.
"Well, if we can pull up a map of the system, I can point out a few of the routes that the locals use to mess with any potential enemies they might face. We're not the first group to try and take them down, and unless we do it right, we'll end up surrounded. We might have the edge in both skill and firepower, but there are a lot of them, ma'am, and I don't want us to end up pinched in a trap due to bad intel."
Date: January 21, 3015/21.01.7954 CRC
Location: Republica 500, Coruscant, Coruscant System, Corusca Sector, Galactic Republic
"This.. was not what I expected," Palpatine sighed as he looked at the latest reports Amedda had handed him. "They were supposed to be led to the Republic, not to another band of pirates."
"It seems that the ones that picked up the contract were based out of the Karthakk system," Amedda replied. "And that they overestimated their chances of success."
"We shall now have to contend with Corellia making a fuss," Palpatine sighed again. "They will be extremely belligerent now that they are no longer able to fence goods from the pirates that they allowed to plague the nearby hyperlanes."
"Will that not further your plans to set the Confederacy against the Republic?" Amedda asked.
"Indeed it does." The chancellor mused. "I must speak with the High Council and the Senate, there is much to set in motion."
As soon as Palpatine finished speaking the doors to his office burst open to reveal an obese Twi'lek waddling into the room flanked by two gorgeous aids.
"Chancellor, we must do something!" Orn Free Taa gasped for breath. "Ryloth is declaring their independence as we speak, and are about to join the Confederacy."
"Of course," a grandfatherly smile appeared on Palpatine's face. "We must call a meeting of the Senate immediately to address this issue. It is most dreadful. To think that they would ignore their own representative, unthinkable."
"When you were put on loan to me from Colonel Hull, I did not expect this," Dooku glanced up and down at the Twi'lek that was attempting to look innocent in front of him. "You weren't supposed to actually bring Ryloth to the Confederacy. You were to begin sounding them out to see where they would lean."
"While I would like to claim the credit for this," Sienn smirked. "I can't. I really was just performing basic intel gathering ops on the slaving rings that were being run out of Ryloth."
"Then how did we end up with this?" Dooku gestured towards the hologram showing breaking news from all of the major networks.
"Some of the Marksman that only served their four year term decided to go back home," she shrugged. "Turns out that once they had a taste of what being treated properly was that they didn't want to leave others languishing there."
"So I have Hull to blame for this?" the Count raised his eyebrow.
"Not really," she shook her head as she glanced down at a ring that lay on her left hand. "Ryloth was already halfway on this path, and they were sick of that fat slob Taa claiming to represent them and then turning his back on the slaving rings that were being run behind his back."
"I have no further questions," the old Jedi Master sighed. "You may return to your lover."
"Two more years," Dooku laid his head on his cool desk after the woman had left. "That's all that I have to endure and then I get to retire, two more years of this nonsense."
"Head of State," a secretary knocked on the door. "There's a representative from Rendili Stardrive here to speak with you as well as a group from someplace named Zonama Sekot."
"Send them in," Dooku sighed. "Two years," he muttered. "Two long years."
Proclaimed ruler for life by 99% of the population in 3, 2, 1! Congratulations your retirement is to rule forever!
Chapter 44
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 44
Date: January 20, 3015/20.01.7954CRC
Location: On board the Leviathan Karthakk system
"All ships, remember to use the Ion cannons first, we want to capture as many ships as possible," Jewel looked out over the holotable, the magnetic seals on her boots anchoring her to the ground. "Paige, your marines ready to go?"
"Ready to launch as soon as you have targets for us," Paige checked the chamber of her rifle before sitting down in the bay of the boarding craft.
"Ma'am, we're dropping out of hyperspace in two minutes!"
"I want confirmation that everyone's in their vac-suits," Jewel looked at the captain of the ship. "The Leviathan is yours."
"Aye ma'am," the Captain began barking orders at his bridge crew.
"I want the Grav generators powered on as soon as we exit hyperspace, and get those fighter squadrons out, I want them to hit anyone nearby," the Captain sat down in his chair, exchanging a nod with the Commodore.
"Exiting Hyperspace in three, two, one!"
The flowing starfields receded as the Karthakk system greeted them.
"Grav generators are deployed, the exit is locked down!"
"You have comms ma'am," the comms officer reported.
"This is Commodore Jewel of the Marksman," Commodore Victoria Jewel calmly started. "The Lok Revenants and their allies the Mere Resistance launched an unprovoked attack on our base, resulting in the death of our civilians. Surrender and you'll get a fair and just trial. But if you decide to stand and fight, then we'll make sure that you don't get the chance again."
"Give them five minutes to respond," the Captain ordered. "If they don't, they're to be considered hostile."
"Enemy fighters are being launched!"
"Blaze, you're in charge of the CAP," Jewel looked at the pictograms representing the ASF fighters. "I want those fighters gone."
"We'll handle them," the pilot replied. "Squadrons Alpha through Charlie, you're covering the big ships, Delta through Foxtrot, begin bombing runs. Golf and Hotel, you're on escort duty, make sure those Marines make it in safely."
Groups of fighters split up and began following his orders and Blaze sighed as he looked at the lone fighter remaining in the bay. He longed to be out there in the middle of the furball, but with rank came responsibility, and his was to ensure that the Aerospace wing was coordinated properly.
"Remember boys and girls, we've got a lot of flak between us and the planet," Alvin "Chopper" Davenport said as his sensors began picking up the enemy starfighters. "Keep your cool, remember your training, and stick to your wingman and we'll all go home," Chopper smirked under his helmet as he switched channels. "Leviathan, Alpha Squadron has the honor of escorting your fine ship today."
"Flattery will get you nowhere, Chopper," Lieutenant Colonel Kei "Edge" Nagase cut in. "You know that they muted you a long time ago."
"It's because of my charm," Chopper laughed as the distance between the opposing forces lessened. "We both know that they wouldn't be able to handle me if I were stationed on a ship. Ladies love an Ace like me."
"One of those things is certainly true," Edge laughed. "Now focus up, it looks like the welcoming party is here."
"Alpha, we've got a projected intercept course, long range precision targeting is a go," Chopper's tone turned serious. "Lasers and PPCs first, then missiles, wait on the guns until you're certain of a kill shot, and remember, Ammo is cheap, lives are expensive, if you need to save your wingman, then hit 'em with everything you've got."
After giving the final words of wisdom, Chopper sent a signal to Archer and hit the afterburners, quickly reaching a speed that would have been unheard of back home.
"Thank you inertial dampening," he muttered as he tracked a white streak across the void of space. "Now, who's first on the list?"
A trio of modified Gozanti cruisers began heading for the Leviathan, their quad laser cannons and single turbolaser batteries scattering harmlessly across the ancient ship's shields.
"Shields are at eighty percent and holding!"
"They've hit us with their best," the captain smiled savagely. "Let's repay the favor."
As one, a cluster of ion cannons fired, the first volley shattering the first Gozanti's shields before a handful of turbolaser slagged the engine, sending the modified vesssel spinning wildly off course.
"Ma'am, enemy ships dropping out of hyperspace, they're flanking us."
"Time to call in the big guns then," Jewel smirked.
"Copy that, bringing the Katana to bear."
The dark gray vessel appeared behind the flanking ships, its turbolaser batteries shattering the ships as the modified Rendili Star Dreadnaught dominated the battlefield.
"You called for a Hammer?" Captain Kaylee Frye asked cheerily.
"Indeed we did," Jewel replied. "How's the new girl handle?"
"Like a massive whale with a lot of guns," Kaylee replied. "But aside from that, she's sexy and sleek."
"Glad to hear it, mind watching our flanks? We seem to be having a bit of a pest problem."
"Copy that, moving to holding pattern Yankee," Kaylee replied. "We'll keep the flies off of ya."
The waiting was the worst part of any military operation. Being stuck in limbo, not knowing what happened to the soldiers and sailors that you sent ahead, praying that you hadn't wasted their lives in the pursuit of nothing more than a petty agenda.
"Colonel, direct comms from the Commodore!"
I tuned my helmet into the comms station.
"You got a report for me?" I asked Jewel.
"Aye sir," I could hear the savage grin on her face. "We have met the enemy and they are ours. They never knew what hit them, you should be clear to land and engage on the ground."
"Anything else to report?" I asked.
"Yessir, we've got some Senator from Naboo demanding to speak to our leader, something about negotiating a peace settlement between us and this band of pirates."
"We don't negotiate with terrorists and pirates," I replied. "I'll meet with the senator and try to explain that."
"Good luck sir," Paige shook her head. "She's got quite a chip on her shoulder."
"Sheppard, proceed with the invasion as planned," the Messenger jumped into hyperspace headed for the Karthakk system. "I'll join you once I've dealt with the Republic's watchdogs."
Date: January 20, 3015/20.01.7954CRC
Location: On board the Leviathan Karthakk system
"All ships, remember to use the Ion cannons first, we want to capture as many ships as possible," Jewel looked out over the holotable, the magnetic seals on her boots anchoring her to the ground. "Paige, your marines ready to go?"
"Ready to launch as soon as you have targets for us," Paige checked the chamber of her rifle before sitting down in the bay of the boarding craft.
"Ma'am, we're dropping out of hyperspace in two minutes!"
"I want confirmation that everyone's in their vac-suits," Jewel looked at the captain of the ship. "The Leviathan is yours."
"Aye ma'am," the Captain began barking orders at his bridge crew.
"I want the Grav generators powered on as soon as we exit hyperspace, and get those fighter squadrons out, I want them to hit anyone nearby," the Captain sat down in his chair, exchanging a nod with the Commodore.
"Exiting Hyperspace in three, two, one!"
The flowing starfields receded as the Karthakk system greeted them.
"Grav generators are deployed, the exit is locked down!"
"You have comms ma'am," the comms officer reported.
"This is Commodore Jewel of the Marksman," Commodore Victoria Jewel calmly started. "The Lok Revenants and their allies the Mere Resistance launched an unprovoked attack on our base, resulting in the death of our civilians. Surrender and you'll get a fair and just trial. But if you decide to stand and fight, then we'll make sure that you don't get the chance again."
"Give them five minutes to respond," the Captain ordered. "If they don't, they're to be considered hostile."
"Enemy fighters are being launched!"
"Blaze, you're in charge of the CAP," Jewel looked at the pictograms representing the ASF fighters. "I want those fighters gone."
"We'll handle them," the pilot replied. "Squadrons Alpha through Charlie, you're covering the big ships, Delta through Foxtrot, begin bombing runs. Golf and Hotel, you're on escort duty, make sure those Marines make it in safely."
Groups of fighters split up and began following his orders and Blaze sighed as he looked at the lone fighter remaining in the bay. He longed to be out there in the middle of the furball, but with rank came responsibility, and his was to ensure that the Aerospace wing was coordinated properly.
"Remember boys and girls, we've got a lot of flak between us and the planet," Alvin "Chopper" Davenport said as his sensors began picking up the enemy starfighters. "Keep your cool, remember your training, and stick to your wingman and we'll all go home," Chopper smirked under his helmet as he switched channels. "Leviathan, Alpha Squadron has the honor of escorting your fine ship today."
"Flattery will get you nowhere, Chopper," Lieutenant Colonel Kei "Edge" Nagase cut in. "You know that they muted you a long time ago."
"It's because of my charm," Chopper laughed as the distance between the opposing forces lessened. "We both know that they wouldn't be able to handle me if I were stationed on a ship. Ladies love an Ace like me."
"One of those things is certainly true," Edge laughed. "Now focus up, it looks like the welcoming party is here."
"Alpha, we've got a projected intercept course, long range precision targeting is a go," Chopper's tone turned serious. "Lasers and PPCs first, then missiles, wait on the guns until you're certain of a kill shot, and remember, Ammo is cheap, lives are expensive, if you need to save your wingman, then hit 'em with everything you've got."
After giving the final words of wisdom, Chopper sent a signal to Archer and hit the afterburners, quickly reaching a speed that would have been unheard of back home.
"Thank you inertial dampening," he muttered as he tracked a white streak across the void of space. "Now, who's first on the list?"
A trio of modified Gozanti cruisers began heading for the Leviathan, their quad laser cannons and single turbolaser batteries scattering harmlessly across the ancient ship's shields.
"Shields are at eighty percent and holding!"
"They've hit us with their best," the captain smiled savagely. "Let's repay the favor."
As one, a cluster of ion cannons fired, the first volley shattering the first Gozanti's shields before a handful of turbolaser slagged the engine, sending the modified vesssel spinning wildly off course.
"Ma'am, enemy ships dropping out of hyperspace, they're flanking us."
"Time to call in the big guns then," Jewel smirked.
"Copy that, bringing the Katana to bear."
The dark gray vessel appeared behind the flanking ships, its turbolaser batteries shattering the ships as the modified Rendili Star Dreadnaught dominated the battlefield.
"You called for a Hammer?" Captain Kaylee Frye asked cheerily.
"Indeed we did," Jewel replied. "How's the new girl handle?"
"Like a massive whale with a lot of guns," Kaylee replied. "But aside from that, she's sexy and sleek."
"Glad to hear it, mind watching our flanks? We seem to be having a bit of a pest problem."
"Copy that, moving to holding pattern Yankee," Kaylee replied. "We'll keep the flies off of ya."
The waiting was the worst part of any military operation. Being stuck in limbo, not knowing what happened to the soldiers and sailors that you sent ahead, praying that you hadn't wasted their lives in the pursuit of nothing more than a petty agenda.
"Colonel, direct comms from the Commodore!"
I tuned my helmet into the comms station.
"You got a report for me?" I asked Jewel.
"Aye sir," I could hear the savage grin on her face. "We have met the enemy and they are ours. They never knew what hit them, you should be clear to land and engage on the ground."
"Anything else to report?" I asked.
"Yessir, we've got some Senator from Naboo demanding to speak to our leader, something about negotiating a peace settlement between us and this band of pirates."
"We don't negotiate with terrorists and pirates," I replied. "I'll meet with the senator and try to explain that."
"Good luck sir," Paige shook her head. "She's got quite a chip on her shoulder."
"Sheppard, proceed with the invasion as planned," the Messenger jumped into hyperspace headed for the Karthakk system. "I'll join you once I've dealt with the Republic's watchdogs."
Interlude: Some Conversations are Worth Having
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
"Senator Amidala," I greeted the petite woman with a sharp nod. "I've got an invasion to run, so is there any chance we can make this quick?"
"The Senate has attempted to reach you with a Summons for quite some time now," She sat down, making it clear that this would not be a short conversation by any means. "All of our communiques have been ignored."
"Ma'am," I looked her in the eye and took off my helmet, my hair and beard looking a bit crazy. "With all due respect, I don't answer to the Senate. I answer to my employers, and to the moral code written out in the Marksman's founding. So, unless you're here to take me in on trumped up charges, I'm afraid that I'm going to have to ignore you."
"I believe it would benefit you tremendously to make a case before the Senate," Padme raised an eyebrow. "After all, if everything you are doing is legal, then you will have nothing to fear."
"Fuck it," I exhaled. "Amidala, I'm going to be blunt. These pirates attacked my people and killed my civilians. I'm not going to negotiate with them, I'm going to eradicate them and send a message to pirates everywhere. I have recordings of what they did, and I have multiple reporters recording exactly how this campaign goes. And no, I refuse to appear before a senate and defend myself when I have done nothing wrong. I also won't have anything to do with a hypocrite.'
She moved to speak but I cut her off with a glare.
"You, Senator Padme Amidala, claim to be a pacifist, but you are not one. No, you are among the worst of those who love peace. You see, if you were truly a pacifist, you would have laid down your arms and surrendered to the Trade Federation. But instead, you went and fought against them, those are not the actions of a pacifist." I slammed my gauntleted and armored fist against the table, leaving a dent in it as my nostrils flared.
"You do not even have the strength to stand by your convictions," I said after a moment. "I know of those who were true pacifists. Those who refused to even pick up a weapon to fight, even in a war that was just! They at least had the strength of character to stand by their beliefs. Venturing out into battlefields to help those who were dying and injured. But you? You picked up the blaster yourself, you waged war, you fought. Nay, you fled when your people needed you to be strong and overthrow their attackers."
I sighed as a tear fell from her eye as revelation began to dawn on her.
"I wish that we lived in a perfect galaxy and that war were not required. But we do not live in such a galaxy. And as such, I ensure peace remains the way that it must be maintained. Si vis Pacem, para Bellum."
"If you really want me to speak before the Senate, then try talking to Tarkin, he's one of my employers, and can ask me to speak on one of my contracts if necessary."
I turned and began to leave the room.
"And Senator. When you're ready to talk about the real world, you know where to find me."
"That was a pretty harsh dressing down," Jewel said after I stepped out of the room. "I'm glad you had me record it, I'm sure our Drill instructors will be impressed."
"It needed to be done," I replied. "You can let the Representative out of his holding cell, provided he's still frozen in carbonite, that is."
"He's not set to unthaw for another day," she took up a position on my left flank. "Sheppard is getting ready to make planetfall as we speak."
"He's on schedule then," I reseated my helmet. "Time to finish this and get back home."
"The Senate has attempted to reach you with a Summons for quite some time now," She sat down, making it clear that this would not be a short conversation by any means. "All of our communiques have been ignored."
"Ma'am," I looked her in the eye and took off my helmet, my hair and beard looking a bit crazy. "With all due respect, I don't answer to the Senate. I answer to my employers, and to the moral code written out in the Marksman's founding. So, unless you're here to take me in on trumped up charges, I'm afraid that I'm going to have to ignore you."
"I believe it would benefit you tremendously to make a case before the Senate," Padme raised an eyebrow. "After all, if everything you are doing is legal, then you will have nothing to fear."
"Fuck it," I exhaled. "Amidala, I'm going to be blunt. These pirates attacked my people and killed my civilians. I'm not going to negotiate with them, I'm going to eradicate them and send a message to pirates everywhere. I have recordings of what they did, and I have multiple reporters recording exactly how this campaign goes. And no, I refuse to appear before a senate and defend myself when I have done nothing wrong. I also won't have anything to do with a hypocrite.'
She moved to speak but I cut her off with a glare.
"You, Senator Padme Amidala, claim to be a pacifist, but you are not one. No, you are among the worst of those who love peace. You see, if you were truly a pacifist, you would have laid down your arms and surrendered to the Trade Federation. But instead, you went and fought against them, those are not the actions of a pacifist." I slammed my gauntleted and armored fist against the table, leaving a dent in it as my nostrils flared.
"You do not even have the strength to stand by your convictions," I said after a moment. "I know of those who were true pacifists. Those who refused to even pick up a weapon to fight, even in a war that was just! They at least had the strength of character to stand by their beliefs. Venturing out into battlefields to help those who were dying and injured. But you? You picked up the blaster yourself, you waged war, you fought. Nay, you fled when your people needed you to be strong and overthrow their attackers."
I sighed as a tear fell from her eye as revelation began to dawn on her.
"I wish that we lived in a perfect galaxy and that war were not required. But we do not live in such a galaxy. And as such, I ensure peace remains the way that it must be maintained. Si vis Pacem, para Bellum."
"If you really want me to speak before the Senate, then try talking to Tarkin, he's one of my employers, and can ask me to speak on one of my contracts if necessary."
I turned and began to leave the room.
"And Senator. When you're ready to talk about the real world, you know where to find me."
"That was a pretty harsh dressing down," Jewel said after I stepped out of the room. "I'm glad you had me record it, I'm sure our Drill instructors will be impressed."
"It needed to be done," I replied. "You can let the Representative out of his holding cell, provided he's still frozen in carbonite, that is."
"He's not set to unthaw for another day," she took up a position on my left flank. "Sheppard is getting ready to make planetfall as we speak."
"He's on schedule then," I reseated my helmet. "Time to finish this and get back home."
Padme deserves some of that. Though not staying and fighting may have been the smarter choice.
Chapter 45
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 45
Date January 20, 3015/20.01.7954 CRC
Location Lok, Karthakk system, Outer Rim Territories
"Sheppard, talk to me," I stood on the bridge of the Leviathan and looked down on the planet below.
"Anti-aircraft guns are pretty much nonexistent," the man reported from his Cyclops, the camera angles showing the battle around him. "Bravo Battalion is pushing to take control of the factory while we move on to the pirate's main complex."
"Copy that, Major, keep me updated," I cut the transmission as I sighed. "Commodore, can you summarize the space battle for me?"
Victoria nodded before gesturing to a small briefing room just off of the bridge.
"Minor casualties and those we did take were in equipment, not manpower," she slid a sheet of paper over. "Here's the estimated casualties, damage, and salvage we've tallied up so far."
"Looks good for the most part," I glanced at the sheet, skimming through the data. "Our Gozanti refits aren't exactly keeping up with the rest of our ships though."
"We're running them in wolfpacks for now," Jewel replied. "It's working for now, but we're gonna have to phase them out or into other larger groups to fill gaps."
"They're ships we need right now, even if we can't use them as effectively as we might have hoped," I grasped. "Any ideas on what we can do to improve our situation in space?"
"I'm working on something," She smirked. "But we don't have the infrastructure to build anything of our own, so I've got the Argo working on some specs for me, and then I'm going to see if we can talk a shipyard into building them for us," She gestured for me to get comfortable. "Now, I think that you and I need to work on some doctrinal changes if we're going to be in space this much. And given some of the lessons we just learned, it's probably better that we work on them now."
"Oh look, they've actually got tanks!" James MacAfee grinned as his Archer's battlerom registered movement. "Looks like we've got some Trade Federation knock-offs, boss."
"Hold!" Packer ordered. "Mithril, disperse into the surroundings, I want to see how our Tigers and Goblins measure up. 'Mechs, you're on standby for support, I want the Archer's ready to receive fire support missions."
After he gave the orders, the company dispersed, with MacAfee shifting behind a small hill along with the other two Archers and a Toro, the fireteam's last two members being a bit slower seeing as they were twin LRM carriers.
"Our tanks are doing a pretty good job," James sighed, disappointed that he would be denied action once again.
"This is Rifle Actual, we've got what appears to be some sort of artillery platform in the distance, standby for fire support mission."
James cracked his neck as he waited for coordinates, the mobile HQ tied into the group's systems giving his battlecomputer exactly what it needed as it generated a set of coordinates from the spotters and gave him the right path to arc his missiles over the hill at the enemy.
"Fire for effect," the fireteam lead ordered, a small timer counting down for the group to release the hailstorm of missiles.
James pulled on the triggers for his twin LRM-15s, his heavy 'mech rocking backward for a minute as the missiles flew towards their targets, the cockpit seeming to heat up suddenly before cooling off again as the desert heat did nothing to help with the cooling of his 'mech.
"Good effect on target!" the Mithril operator reported. "We're moving in to secure the survivors. Thanks for the assist."
"'Mechs get ready to push up and relieve the tanks, it looks like the Revenants dug out some more tanks out of nowhere, and I want them dead and gone before we push to that factory."
James pushed his 'mech up to speed to crest the hill, standing atop it in the armored giant as his sensors revealed fifteen more tanks pushing out from hiding to engage the Marksmen's own vehicles.
"Pick your targets and take 'em down," Packer ordered. "The Infantry are near to the factory, so it's left to us to finish being the distraction so they can make sure that the pirates didn't leave behind any traps."
James' computer rang with a targeting lock as he enhanced and zoomed in on a cluster of four tanks in perfect formation as they tried to engage the Goblins and Tigers.
Squeezing his triggers again, thirty missiles left his torsos, the LRMs dropping on top of the four tanks, causing two to spin out of control as their repulsors failed and damaging the other two before two bursts of autocannon fire put them out of their misery.
"Sensors show we're in the clear, Major," the CO of their company reported. "I'm pulling back to repair and rearm."
"We'll see you back at the dropship," Packer responded. "Good work out there."
"The locals seem friendly," I remarked as a wad of rocks and mud struck the outside of the SUV I was riding in.
"They think we're just taking the place of the pirates and the Trade Federation," Sheppard shrugged. "It'll take time to prove that we're not either of them."
"We just conquered their world," I looked at the young boy whose fist was still outstretched from the throw. "We're taking over the factory, and tearing down Nym's palace to rebuild anything we destroyed."
"Factory was staffed by slaves after the Federation pulled out," Sheppard sighed. "They're gonna be just as angry as any of the locals."
"We'll offer them transport to their homeworlds if they still have family left alive," I replied. "If they don't have anywhere to go we can offer temporary housing locally, or we can send them to the destination of their choice," I looked at the arid near-desert that led into steppes across this section of the world. "We can afford to give them a lump sum equivalent to three months' salary for having worked in the factory immediately, but everything else is up to them, we can't afford to be more generous than that."
"Not without cutting into our bottom line on this op at least," Sheppard agreed. "I know this was a retaliation op, but that factory is the only reason we're gonna be breaking even."
"The factory alone was worth this op," I shook my head. "Our local Neimoidian gave us some details on the sort of output we can expect and how to reprogram this sort of thing."
"And?" Sheppard raised an eyebrow.
"Depending on the size of the factory and what we want it to manufacture, we're looking at an overstrength battalion of tanks every two months," I grinned. "And if we manage to finally finish the program that some of the techs are working on we'll be converting everything over to Fusion engines."
Date: February 4. 3015/04.02.7954 CRC
Location: Nubian J-Type diplomatic barge
"Typho," Padme glanced at the guard captain. "I have a question for you."
"Yes, senator?" the man looked at his charge.
"How would you prepare Naboo for another Trade Federation Invasion?" She asked, sitting down and giving him her full attention.
"How long do I have to prepare, ma'am?" He asked in return. "Because a lot depends on how much time I have.'
"Let's call it a year," Padme replied. "What would you do given a year to prepare?"
"Take volunteers and expand the Guard to do more than take care of the palace," he immediately responded. "Begin importing blasters and heavy weapons to store for future use. I'd then get with the Gungans, start running drills so that we're not getting in each other's way. I'd have more starfighters built and I'd see about hiring some of the Marksman's bigger ships," he glanced out the viewport at the Katana. "We'd still have some people hurt, but the Trade Federation wouldn't be able to pull off what they did the first time."
"And what of negotiations?" Padme asked.
"With all respect, senator," Typho looked her dead in the eye. "The Trade Federation has proven that they won't respect anything other than force. They weren't willing to try the first time, I doubt they'd be willing if it came to a second one."
"And why the Marksman?" she asked one last question.
"They've proven that they'll hold to the letter of their contracts," Typho shrugged. "They might be lethal soldiers and mercenaries, but every piece of intel we've got on them suggests that they're good people. If given the option between them or someone else, I'd pick them every time," he then shook his head. "Why these questions all of a sudden?" he asked. "It's not like you to be shaken by anything."
"The Colonel may have confronted me on some of my beliefs," Padme sagged in her chair. "And I am afraid that he may be right in some of them. That I may have been hampering peace in the Republic by some of my actions."
"Well," Typho stroked his chin in thought. "If you believe that he is right in some way, then do research, you are friends with the Jedi, yes? Surely their records of history could help you understand."
"I will have to make an inquiry of the Temple," Padme hummed in thought. "Typho, after we evaluate the status of those in the system set a course for Coruscant, I believe that there is much for me to do."
"C'mon little bro," Satele walked down the ramp of an odd ship. "I want to see what we're dealing with."
"Well, It's no Basilisk War Droid," Jacen followed. "But it certainly looks deadly."
A giant bipedal machine turned from where it had been cutting down a tree, a a bubble-shaped cockpit popping open as a Twi'lek looked at their ship.
"You're not allowed to set the ship down here!" she yelled out over the distance.
"What do you mean?!" Jacen yelled back.
"The Marksman control all airspace over the planet, unless you got clearance, expect a visit shortly!"
As soon as the Twi'lek's voice finished echoing a handful of ASF fighters streaked overhead, the sonic boom as they passed rattling the ship below while an oddly shaped ship set down right next to the Shan's ship, a group of armored soldiers piling out and pointing weapons at them.
The siblings raised their hands with their palms out, showing that they weren't trying to engage in hostile behavior, the holsters for their weapons on their hips and out of easy reach.
"Not lookin' to start a fight 'ere," Satele smiled at the soldiers. "Just haven't been 'round these parts in a while."
"You were broadcast a flight and landing pattern," one of the soldiers stepped forward. "Why did you not follow it?"
"We've got some old comms gear," Jacen sighed. "I've been meaning to get it fixed, I just haven't had the time."
"We'll need to get some records, and you'll have to come with us," the soldier responded. "We'll leave your ship here for the time being, with a promise not to move it or touch it until you've been properly cleared."
"You're going to want our weapons, aren't you?" Satele raised an eyebrow.
"Unfortunately, yes," the leader looked at her kit. "We do allow people to carry weapons, but not onboard our ships unless they've been properly vetted."
"Perfectly reasonable," Jacen unclipped his holster and set it on the ground, a silver cylinder and a handful of Vibroknives joining the pile on the ground."
"Boot knife too," another soldier commented.
"Fine," Jacen sighed. "But if a single one of them is missing."
"None of it will go missing," the leader stated firmly. "We're professionals, not some bandits from the Ouskirts of the 'Sphere."
Satele quietly set her weapons to be collected as she continued to examine the armor the soldiers wore.
"I haven't seen powered armor in a long time," She stepped forward. "Where'd you get it?"
"Classified," someone replied. "Join up, and maybe you'll get to find out."
"I might have to take you up on that offer," Satele smirked as she boarded the dropship. "Not like I got much else going on."
The dropship lifted off once they were aboard, her ASF escorts heading back towards the base with a cargo of importance that they didn't even know they possessed, for a Mantle and Guardian traveled with them.
Author's Note: Seeing as I'm only really updating once a week, I'm going to try for chapters between 1500-3000 words from now on. Might even increase that number as things go on, we'll see.
Date January 20, 3015/20.01.7954 CRC
Location Lok, Karthakk system, Outer Rim Territories
"Sheppard, talk to me," I stood on the bridge of the Leviathan and looked down on the planet below.
"Anti-aircraft guns are pretty much nonexistent," the man reported from his Cyclops, the camera angles showing the battle around him. "Bravo Battalion is pushing to take control of the factory while we move on to the pirate's main complex."
"Copy that, Major, keep me updated," I cut the transmission as I sighed. "Commodore, can you summarize the space battle for me?"
Victoria nodded before gesturing to a small briefing room just off of the bridge.
"Minor casualties and those we did take were in equipment, not manpower," she slid a sheet of paper over. "Here's the estimated casualties, damage, and salvage we've tallied up so far."
"Looks good for the most part," I glanced at the sheet, skimming through the data. "Our Gozanti refits aren't exactly keeping up with the rest of our ships though."
"We're running them in wolfpacks for now," Jewel replied. "It's working for now, but we're gonna have to phase them out or into other larger groups to fill gaps."
"They're ships we need right now, even if we can't use them as effectively as we might have hoped," I grasped. "Any ideas on what we can do to improve our situation in space?"
"I'm working on something," She smirked. "But we don't have the infrastructure to build anything of our own, so I've got the Argo working on some specs for me, and then I'm going to see if we can talk a shipyard into building them for us," She gestured for me to get comfortable. "Now, I think that you and I need to work on some doctrinal changes if we're going to be in space this much. And given some of the lessons we just learned, it's probably better that we work on them now."
"Oh look, they've actually got tanks!" James MacAfee grinned as his Archer's battlerom registered movement. "Looks like we've got some Trade Federation knock-offs, boss."
"Hold!" Packer ordered. "Mithril, disperse into the surroundings, I want to see how our Tigers and Goblins measure up. 'Mechs, you're on standby for support, I want the Archer's ready to receive fire support missions."
After he gave the orders, the company dispersed, with MacAfee shifting behind a small hill along with the other two Archers and a Toro, the fireteam's last two members being a bit slower seeing as they were twin LRM carriers.
"Our tanks are doing a pretty good job," James sighed, disappointed that he would be denied action once again.
"This is Rifle Actual, we've got what appears to be some sort of artillery platform in the distance, standby for fire support mission."
James cracked his neck as he waited for coordinates, the mobile HQ tied into the group's systems giving his battlecomputer exactly what it needed as it generated a set of coordinates from the spotters and gave him the right path to arc his missiles over the hill at the enemy.
"Fire for effect," the fireteam lead ordered, a small timer counting down for the group to release the hailstorm of missiles.
James pulled on the triggers for his twin LRM-15s, his heavy 'mech rocking backward for a minute as the missiles flew towards their targets, the cockpit seeming to heat up suddenly before cooling off again as the desert heat did nothing to help with the cooling of his 'mech.
"Good effect on target!" the Mithril operator reported. "We're moving in to secure the survivors. Thanks for the assist."
"'Mechs get ready to push up and relieve the tanks, it looks like the Revenants dug out some more tanks out of nowhere, and I want them dead and gone before we push to that factory."
James pushed his 'mech up to speed to crest the hill, standing atop it in the armored giant as his sensors revealed fifteen more tanks pushing out from hiding to engage the Marksmen's own vehicles.
"Pick your targets and take 'em down," Packer ordered. "The Infantry are near to the factory, so it's left to us to finish being the distraction so they can make sure that the pirates didn't leave behind any traps."
James' computer rang with a targeting lock as he enhanced and zoomed in on a cluster of four tanks in perfect formation as they tried to engage the Goblins and Tigers.
Squeezing his triggers again, thirty missiles left his torsos, the LRMs dropping on top of the four tanks, causing two to spin out of control as their repulsors failed and damaging the other two before two bursts of autocannon fire put them out of their misery.
"Sensors show we're in the clear, Major," the CO of their company reported. "I'm pulling back to repair and rearm."
"We'll see you back at the dropship," Packer responded. "Good work out there."
"The locals seem friendly," I remarked as a wad of rocks and mud struck the outside of the SUV I was riding in.
"They think we're just taking the place of the pirates and the Trade Federation," Sheppard shrugged. "It'll take time to prove that we're not either of them."
"We just conquered their world," I looked at the young boy whose fist was still outstretched from the throw. "We're taking over the factory, and tearing down Nym's palace to rebuild anything we destroyed."
"Factory was staffed by slaves after the Federation pulled out," Sheppard sighed. "They're gonna be just as angry as any of the locals."
"We'll offer them transport to their homeworlds if they still have family left alive," I replied. "If they don't have anywhere to go we can offer temporary housing locally, or we can send them to the destination of their choice," I looked at the arid near-desert that led into steppes across this section of the world. "We can afford to give them a lump sum equivalent to three months' salary for having worked in the factory immediately, but everything else is up to them, we can't afford to be more generous than that."
"Not without cutting into our bottom line on this op at least," Sheppard agreed. "I know this was a retaliation op, but that factory is the only reason we're gonna be breaking even."
"The factory alone was worth this op," I shook my head. "Our local Neimoidian gave us some details on the sort of output we can expect and how to reprogram this sort of thing."
"And?" Sheppard raised an eyebrow.
"Depending on the size of the factory and what we want it to manufacture, we're looking at an overstrength battalion of tanks every two months," I grinned. "And if we manage to finally finish the program that some of the techs are working on we'll be converting everything over to Fusion engines."
Date: February 4. 3015/04.02.7954 CRC
Location: Nubian J-Type diplomatic barge
"Typho," Padme glanced at the guard captain. "I have a question for you."
"Yes, senator?" the man looked at his charge.
"How would you prepare Naboo for another Trade Federation Invasion?" She asked, sitting down and giving him her full attention.
"How long do I have to prepare, ma'am?" He asked in return. "Because a lot depends on how much time I have.'
"Let's call it a year," Padme replied. "What would you do given a year to prepare?"
"Take volunteers and expand the Guard to do more than take care of the palace," he immediately responded. "Begin importing blasters and heavy weapons to store for future use. I'd then get with the Gungans, start running drills so that we're not getting in each other's way. I'd have more starfighters built and I'd see about hiring some of the Marksman's bigger ships," he glanced out the viewport at the Katana. "We'd still have some people hurt, but the Trade Federation wouldn't be able to pull off what they did the first time."
"And what of negotiations?" Padme asked.
"With all respect, senator," Typho looked her dead in the eye. "The Trade Federation has proven that they won't respect anything other than force. They weren't willing to try the first time, I doubt they'd be willing if it came to a second one."
"And why the Marksman?" she asked one last question.
"They've proven that they'll hold to the letter of their contracts," Typho shrugged. "They might be lethal soldiers and mercenaries, but every piece of intel we've got on them suggests that they're good people. If given the option between them or someone else, I'd pick them every time," he then shook his head. "Why these questions all of a sudden?" he asked. "It's not like you to be shaken by anything."
"The Colonel may have confronted me on some of my beliefs," Padme sagged in her chair. "And I am afraid that he may be right in some of them. That I may have been hampering peace in the Republic by some of my actions."
"Well," Typho stroked his chin in thought. "If you believe that he is right in some way, then do research, you are friends with the Jedi, yes? Surely their records of history could help you understand."
"I will have to make an inquiry of the Temple," Padme hummed in thought. "Typho, after we evaluate the status of those in the system set a course for Coruscant, I believe that there is much for me to do."
"C'mon little bro," Satele walked down the ramp of an odd ship. "I want to see what we're dealing with."
"Well, It's no Basilisk War Droid," Jacen followed. "But it certainly looks deadly."
A giant bipedal machine turned from where it had been cutting down a tree, a a bubble-shaped cockpit popping open as a Twi'lek looked at their ship.
"You're not allowed to set the ship down here!" she yelled out over the distance.
"What do you mean?!" Jacen yelled back.
"The Marksman control all airspace over the planet, unless you got clearance, expect a visit shortly!"
As soon as the Twi'lek's voice finished echoing a handful of ASF fighters streaked overhead, the sonic boom as they passed rattling the ship below while an oddly shaped ship set down right next to the Shan's ship, a group of armored soldiers piling out and pointing weapons at them.
The siblings raised their hands with their palms out, showing that they weren't trying to engage in hostile behavior, the holsters for their weapons on their hips and out of easy reach.
"Not lookin' to start a fight 'ere," Satele smiled at the soldiers. "Just haven't been 'round these parts in a while."
"You were broadcast a flight and landing pattern," one of the soldiers stepped forward. "Why did you not follow it?"
"We've got some old comms gear," Jacen sighed. "I've been meaning to get it fixed, I just haven't had the time."
"We'll need to get some records, and you'll have to come with us," the soldier responded. "We'll leave your ship here for the time being, with a promise not to move it or touch it until you've been properly cleared."
"You're going to want our weapons, aren't you?" Satele raised an eyebrow.
"Unfortunately, yes," the leader looked at her kit. "We do allow people to carry weapons, but not onboard our ships unless they've been properly vetted."
"Perfectly reasonable," Jacen unclipped his holster and set it on the ground, a silver cylinder and a handful of Vibroknives joining the pile on the ground."
"Boot knife too," another soldier commented.
"Fine," Jacen sighed. "But if a single one of them is missing."
"None of it will go missing," the leader stated firmly. "We're professionals, not some bandits from the Ouskirts of the 'Sphere."
Satele quietly set her weapons to be collected as she continued to examine the armor the soldiers wore.
"I haven't seen powered armor in a long time," She stepped forward. "Where'd you get it?"
"Classified," someone replied. "Join up, and maybe you'll get to find out."
"I might have to take you up on that offer," Satele smirked as she boarded the dropship. "Not like I got much else going on."
The dropship lifted off once they were aboard, her ASF escorts heading back towards the base with a cargo of importance that they didn't even know they possessed, for a Mantle and Guardian traveled with them.
Author's Note: Seeing as I'm only really updating once a week, I'm going to try for chapters between 1500-3000 words from now on. Might even increase that number as things go on, we'll see.
It's been too long since I've read any Star Wars materials. What do these terms mean in the setting? I know Guardians were supposed to be the soldiers of the Jedi Order in the Old Republic.
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
They’re references to two extremely valuable, rare, and force sensitive crystals that essentially get lost to time post KOTOR.
"Guardian" was also a specific role for some Jedi to follow and train in.
PeaceMaker 03
Well-known member
Just read the last chapter. This is a good spin-off from your other stories.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing.
Chapter 45
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 46
"Thank you for allowing me to use the Jedi Library," Padme bowed to the older woman. "I did not expect such a rapid response."
"It is not often that anyone from outside the Order requests to look at our records," Jocasta Nu smiled. "Now, there will of course be some records that are restricted that you will not have access to, but most of it should be free for you to research and peruse as you wish."
"Am I allowed to retain any copies of works that I might wish to continue reading while I am not here, Master Nu?" Padme asked as she took a seat.
"That will have to be a decision made on a case by base basis," Jocasta replied. "Now, if you need any assistance, there are many padawans and assistants that should be around to help."
"Thank you once again," Padme smiled as the Jedi Librarian stalked off to stop someone from archiving something in the wrong place, again.
And with that final statement, the Senator of Naboo began her search into the past and what it would mean for the future of the Republic.
–
–
"Senator Amidala," Obi-Wan greeted the woman. "It's a pleasant surprise to see you here."
"Obi-Wan," Padme smiled at the older man. "I was just getting ready to leave. But if you have time later, I would love to meet with you and get your opinion on some things."
"Of course!" the man stroked the beginnings of a beard he was growing. "I don't have your comms frequency though."
"Here," Padme handed her comlink to Kenobi. "Input your frequency there and I'll get to you later. Unfortunately, it seems I'm running late for a committee meeting and have to leave."
"It was a pleasure to see you again, Senator," Obi-Wan moved out of the way as Amidala rushed towards the landing bays and her waiting speeder, a familiar astromech droid following as fast as his wheels allowed.
"Very peculiar," Obi-Wan shrugged as he entered the library. "I wonder what all that was about."
"The Confederacy is going to fund our development project," the CEO of Rendili Stardrive looked at the table, the holograms for the owners of all of the shipyards that built licensed products seated around it. "This, is the basis for our project."
"Sir, that looks like Old Republic tech," one of them pointed out. "Why would be go backwards in time?"
"Because this, isn't licensed or in production anymore," the CEO smirked. "And the tech isn't that much older. The owner of said antique allowed us to make detailed scans before we modernized what we could on the ship. She might be older, but if what the shipwrights and engineers tell me is correct, we'll have the best cruiser in the galaxy. Built for anti-piracy operations and ready to be sold to both PDFs and the Confederacy Navy at large."
"How long will development take?" An older woman asked.
"Six to eight months," the CEO replied. "Which gives most of you time to finish the refits of the Katana Fleet and prepare your shipyards to build it in bulk."
"That's just a light cruiser though," someone pointed out. "The Confederacy is going to want something larger if there's any major fleet actions. And there's only two hundred ships in the Katana fleet."
"That's why we're going back in time again," another image was shown. "We're making some modifications due to complaints we have received about the Command and Control systems, but we're bringing back several designs that were easier to manufacture, and with improved power infrastructure, we can make adjustments that will mean the Confederacy has the most modern Navy in the Galaxy."
"Why the Confederacy though? Surely the Republic is going to be exploring options as well to combat the build up of the Confederacy."
"The Republic has turned to Kuat Drive Yards! Ignoring everything that we have sacrificed over the last few thousand years to ensure its survival!" The CEO slammed his fist on the counter, the droid hand leaving a crack in the obsidian table that extended all the way to the end. "No, we and several other smaller companies are turning to the Confederacy. You are not beholden to us, so I will not ask you to side with us. But know that we will not be licensing the new designs to your yards," he held up a hand to stave off the rage. "You may continue producing whatever you are already licensing from us provided the proper fees are paid. But do not expect more than that. As of next week, we will begin breaking off all contracts with the Republic's government. Now, any questions?"
All of the yard owners stood up and began shouting at once, barring a few older men and women that exchanged short messages, looked at the CEO and nodded at him as he met their eyes before the holograms winked out.
"Calm down the lot of you!" someone physically present shouted down the rest of the group. "One at a time or he can't answer any of our questions."
After a few more minutes everything simmered down, the pot was still near a boil, but it had slowed.
"Now, one at a time."
"Where are we going to get the starfighters to fit with the cruisers?"
"I'm working on contracts and licensing with several manufacturers," the CEO explained. "I should have some more solid information by the end of the month."
"What about selling to the Planetary Defense Forces of planets that are still within the Republic?"
"It's your yard," the CEO shrugged. "The Confederacy has first rights of refusal to any of the cruisers that we manufacture though. It is a part of our contract."
"But what about…
"What is your business on Beloria?" A harsh voice asked.
"Same as most of the people who visit these days," Satele shrugged. "I'm here to meet with the most interesting group on this side of the galaxy."
"We're going to need more than that," the man looked at the woman through his helmet's visor.
"It's the truth in this case," Satele shrugged. "The ship we brought is my brother's it's been passed down for a long time and while he upgraded and modernized most of its components, he might have forgotten the communications suite."
"We've got a team going over your ship now," the man leaned back in his chair. "If your story is true, then you have nothing to worry about."
—
—
Meanwhile, in another interrogation room…
"And Satele, she just doesn't understand that fixing a ship costs a lot of money, I'm three to four million credits in debt but she still thinks that I'm fine because I've been on the same planet for the last fifteen years," Jacen complained. "I mean, do you see how ratty my jumpsuit is? I'm barely able to make the payments I've got now, much less able to finish the last upgrades the Hawk needs."
On the other side of the table a soldier was making periodic marks on a sheet of flimsy, while another behind the see-through mirror was writing a detailed report on all of the information they were getting.
"I know what you mean," the soldier took off his helmet to run his fingers through his hair before tucking it back down. "Family can be tough sometimes."
"And to make matters worse, it's me and five sisters, I'm barely able to keep Satele out of trouble. But no, Jacen has to make sure all of the girls stay out of trouble and stay in school while mom and dad go off bounty hunting around the galaxy."
"I'm going to need to swap places here in a bit," the soldier commed the Sergeant in charge. "I know we're getting good intel, but I'm starting to fall asleep here."
"We'll call it quits in fifteen, Josh. Their story checks out for the most part."
"Thank God," Joshua breathed. "I've been listening to this guy complain all day."
"I'd get used to it," Sarge chuckled. "You're the guy's handler for his stay here."
"Who'd I piss off?" he muttered.
"You impressed me," a voice broke into the channel. "It's not every day that our Security Forces have to deal with someone like this."
"You heard Major Dunham," Sarge shrugged. "IT looks like you're getting picked up by the spooks."
"Fuck me," Joshua breathed. "There goes my retirement."
"At least the pay's better, right?"
"Not enough to justify the paranoia," Joshua replied. "Now shut up so I can hear this guy finish up."
"Thank you for allowing me to use the Jedi Library," Padme bowed to the older woman. "I did not expect such a rapid response."
"It is not often that anyone from outside the Order requests to look at our records," Jocasta Nu smiled. "Now, there will of course be some records that are restricted that you will not have access to, but most of it should be free for you to research and peruse as you wish."
"Am I allowed to retain any copies of works that I might wish to continue reading while I am not here, Master Nu?" Padme asked as she took a seat.
"That will have to be a decision made on a case by base basis," Jocasta replied. "Now, if you need any assistance, there are many padawans and assistants that should be around to help."
"Thank you once again," Padme smiled as the Jedi Librarian stalked off to stop someone from archiving something in the wrong place, again.
And with that final statement, the Senator of Naboo began her search into the past and what it would mean for the future of the Republic.
–
–
"Senator Amidala," Obi-Wan greeted the woman. "It's a pleasant surprise to see you here."
"Obi-Wan," Padme smiled at the older man. "I was just getting ready to leave. But if you have time later, I would love to meet with you and get your opinion on some things."
"Of course!" the man stroked the beginnings of a beard he was growing. "I don't have your comms frequency though."
"Here," Padme handed her comlink to Kenobi. "Input your frequency there and I'll get to you later. Unfortunately, it seems I'm running late for a committee meeting and have to leave."
"It was a pleasure to see you again, Senator," Obi-Wan moved out of the way as Amidala rushed towards the landing bays and her waiting speeder, a familiar astromech droid following as fast as his wheels allowed.
"Very peculiar," Obi-Wan shrugged as he entered the library. "I wonder what all that was about."
"The Confederacy is going to fund our development project," the CEO of Rendili Stardrive looked at the table, the holograms for the owners of all of the shipyards that built licensed products seated around it. "This, is the basis for our project."
"Sir, that looks like Old Republic tech," one of them pointed out. "Why would be go backwards in time?"
"Because this, isn't licensed or in production anymore," the CEO smirked. "And the tech isn't that much older. The owner of said antique allowed us to make detailed scans before we modernized what we could on the ship. She might be older, but if what the shipwrights and engineers tell me is correct, we'll have the best cruiser in the galaxy. Built for anti-piracy operations and ready to be sold to both PDFs and the Confederacy Navy at large."
"How long will development take?" An older woman asked.
"Six to eight months," the CEO replied. "Which gives most of you time to finish the refits of the Katana Fleet and prepare your shipyards to build it in bulk."
"That's just a light cruiser though," someone pointed out. "The Confederacy is going to want something larger if there's any major fleet actions. And there's only two hundred ships in the Katana fleet."
"That's why we're going back in time again," another image was shown. "We're making some modifications due to complaints we have received about the Command and Control systems, but we're bringing back several designs that were easier to manufacture, and with improved power infrastructure, we can make adjustments that will mean the Confederacy has the most modern Navy in the Galaxy."
"Why the Confederacy though? Surely the Republic is going to be exploring options as well to combat the build up of the Confederacy."
"The Republic has turned to Kuat Drive Yards! Ignoring everything that we have sacrificed over the last few thousand years to ensure its survival!" The CEO slammed his fist on the counter, the droid hand leaving a crack in the obsidian table that extended all the way to the end. "No, we and several other smaller companies are turning to the Confederacy. You are not beholden to us, so I will not ask you to side with us. But know that we will not be licensing the new designs to your yards," he held up a hand to stave off the rage. "You may continue producing whatever you are already licensing from us provided the proper fees are paid. But do not expect more than that. As of next week, we will begin breaking off all contracts with the Republic's government. Now, any questions?"
All of the yard owners stood up and began shouting at once, barring a few older men and women that exchanged short messages, looked at the CEO and nodded at him as he met their eyes before the holograms winked out.
"Calm down the lot of you!" someone physically present shouted down the rest of the group. "One at a time or he can't answer any of our questions."
After a few more minutes everything simmered down, the pot was still near a boil, but it had slowed.
"Now, one at a time."
"Where are we going to get the starfighters to fit with the cruisers?"
"I'm working on contracts and licensing with several manufacturers," the CEO explained. "I should have some more solid information by the end of the month."
"What about selling to the Planetary Defense Forces of planets that are still within the Republic?"
"It's your yard," the CEO shrugged. "The Confederacy has first rights of refusal to any of the cruisers that we manufacture though. It is a part of our contract."
"But what about…
"What is your business on Beloria?" A harsh voice asked.
"Same as most of the people who visit these days," Satele shrugged. "I'm here to meet with the most interesting group on this side of the galaxy."
"We're going to need more than that," the man looked at the woman through his helmet's visor.
"It's the truth in this case," Satele shrugged. "The ship we brought is my brother's it's been passed down for a long time and while he upgraded and modernized most of its components, he might have forgotten the communications suite."
"We've got a team going over your ship now," the man leaned back in his chair. "If your story is true, then you have nothing to worry about."
—
—
Meanwhile, in another interrogation room…
"And Satele, she just doesn't understand that fixing a ship costs a lot of money, I'm three to four million credits in debt but she still thinks that I'm fine because I've been on the same planet for the last fifteen years," Jacen complained. "I mean, do you see how ratty my jumpsuit is? I'm barely able to make the payments I've got now, much less able to finish the last upgrades the Hawk needs."
On the other side of the table a soldier was making periodic marks on a sheet of flimsy, while another behind the see-through mirror was writing a detailed report on all of the information they were getting.
"I know what you mean," the soldier took off his helmet to run his fingers through his hair before tucking it back down. "Family can be tough sometimes."
"And to make matters worse, it's me and five sisters, I'm barely able to keep Satele out of trouble. But no, Jacen has to make sure all of the girls stay out of trouble and stay in school while mom and dad go off bounty hunting around the galaxy."
"I'm going to need to swap places here in a bit," the soldier commed the Sergeant in charge. "I know we're getting good intel, but I'm starting to fall asleep here."
"We'll call it quits in fifteen, Josh. Their story checks out for the most part."
"Thank God," Joshua breathed. "I've been listening to this guy complain all day."
"I'd get used to it," Sarge chuckled. "You're the guy's handler for his stay here."
"Who'd I piss off?" he muttered.
"You impressed me," a voice broke into the channel. "It's not every day that our Security Forces have to deal with someone like this."
"You heard Major Dunham," Sarge shrugged. "IT looks like you're getting picked up by the spooks."
"Fuck me," Joshua breathed. "There goes my retirement."
"At least the pay's better, right?"
"Not enough to justify the paranoia," Joshua replied. "Now shut up so I can hear this guy finish up."
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Chapter 47
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 47
Date: June 20, 3015/20.06.7954 CRC
Location: Serenno, Serenno System, Aubek sector, Confederacy of Independent Systems
"It is obvious that you have never handled a long blade before," Dooku led Hull through the basic kata and stances of Form-I. "But it is clear that you have handled some form of bladed weapon before today."
"I learned a bit of knife combat," Hull shrugged. "But most of the time if you're that close to someone, either they're dead, or you are."
"I did notice that you do not remove your standard attire for this," Dooku adjusted Hull's stance, kicking his feet into the proper placement. "I assume there is a reason for this."
"Train like you fight," Hull immediately responded over the hum of the training saber. "I'm going to be wearing armor on the battlefield. I'm going to have all of this kit on me. A lightsaber would be a last resort for me. Rifle first, handgun second, and then melee if all else fails."
"All the same, should you run into someone who has some Jedi training, I would prefer it if you were able to defend yourself properly," Dooku smirked. "It would not do for one of my closest advisors to not know how to properly utilize a weapon."
"I'm not going to be able to pick this up right away," Hull shifted into another stance. "Honestly, it would be better if we put me under stress. I tend to perform and remember things better that way."
"Then let us begin," Dooku launched himself at Hull, his saber ignited and prepared to strike one of the less armored sections of Mithril, only to be narrowly parried by Hull shifting weight and locking blades.
"Good," Dooku laughed. "Now, we can really see what you are made of."
"There is improvement," Siri Tachi and her Padawan Ferus Olin watched as the Mercenary Commander launched an offensive against Dooku, a training blaster in his right hand to mimic his usual sidearm.
"It is not that he is better with a lightsaber," Ferus pointed out. "It is that he is not as rigid as we are, and is willing to do things that we were cautioned against as younglings."
"Hmm," Siri contemplated the less graceful but nevertheless effective movements of Colonel Hull. "Master Dooku will retain an edge. But I believe that if he had a squad of his Marines that Hull would overcome the Count. If with losses."
"Master," Ferus turned his full attention to Siri. "I have noticed that you seem increasingly fascinated with military action and strategies. I worry that you may be focusing on the potential for war."
"Ferus," Siri smiled sadly. "War is coming. I did not understand it at first, for my visions of the future have often been plagued with conflict for that is where Jedi are most often called to settle things. But this, this goes beyond that. I have glimpses of what is to come, and if we are not ready for it, then the Galaxy as we know it will cease to exist in a recognizable way."
"But war?" Ferus shook his head. "I thought we were the defenders of peace? That's what Jedi are supposed to do!"
"And pray, tell," Colonel Hull's voice cut in. "How do you expect anyone to defend peace unless they are prepared to sacrifice their own for it? There's a saying from my homeworld, and I feel as if it's wisdom has been forgotten here. 'People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.'"
"I've not heard that before," Dooku stroked his chin. "I shall have to make a note of that, it seems useful for keeping the need for a military present and at the forefront of the CIS."
"Listen," Hull looked Ferus in the eye. "I wish we lived in a perfect galaxy, but we don't. And until the universe eventually dies off we're going to be stuck with the hand we are dealt. People fight, for many reasons, some of them noble, but many…" Hull seemed to look into his own past. "Let's just leave it at that. People fight, they start wars, and others step in and end said wars. The cycle of peace y'all have had is impressive, but it is at its end. So prepare for the war of the future so that you can ensure that peace will endure afterward."
"Now, Siri, it is your turn to step in," Dooku sat next to Ferus. "Our Colonel here must get used to fighting enemies with different and varying styles, otherwise he may get familiar with how any one person operates."
Siri leapt up and ignited her blade, a grin on her face as she began dueling Hull, a front flip over the man allowing her to strike from his blind spot as he spun around to continue the engagement.
"You are too slow," Siri taunted. "Where is all of your vaulted experience now?"
"I wasn't allowed to bring grenades," Hull grunted as he caught her violet blade on his own, a kick driving her back into a front flip as she brought her guard up.
"Of course, flashbangs are a little unnecessary at this junction," Siri replied.
"Who said anything about flashbangs?" Hull grinned as he pulled out a tubular device from a hidden pack and pulled a pin, bright red smoke filling the arena as his visor hid his face once again.
"I thought you said you weren't allowed to bring grenades?" Siri covered her mouth with a small section of her tunic as she focused the force on slowing her breathing.
"I'm not," Hull's voice echoed from a few different spots. "But that doesn't mean I didn't bring them anyway."
"Never fight fair," Siri sighed as she recalled a statement I had made while we were looking for the Katana Fleet. "I had forgotten how ridiculously far you take that statement."
"A lost fight or battle means more dead," a flurry of blaster bolts came from a section of the smoke and were casually deflected by the knight. "I prefer to win," the larger and armored figure appeared in front of her, his blaster firing rapidly as he narrowed the gap, his saber meeting hers and pinning it in place as the training blaster stung at her skin and burnt some of her tunic.
Then Siri did something odd, she allowed one of her hands to leave her blade and shift to the small of her back where a small holdout blaster was located, with a quick twist of her wrist, she fell back, allowing Hull's blade to strike the ground as she squeezed off shots of her own, the armor absorbing some, but the simulation settings showing that he was still taking some damage.
Then the smoke cleared as massive fans and other aspects of the new training room manifested itself and Dooku stood between the combatants.
"Unfortunately, we shall have to end this here, as entertaining as it is," Dooku looked at Hull. "There is a situation. A group called the Ryloth Rising Storm has taken their new representatives hostage and are demanding that the Confederacy return Ryloth to the Republic immediately."
"Count," Hull took off his helmet, revealing sweat dripping down the bearded face. "You can't negotiate with terrorists or their ilk. They'll just demand more."
"Then what is it you recommend?" Siri asked. "They're likely to kill the hostages if nothing is done."
"I'll get the hostages out," Hull stated firmly. "Or die trying, but you cannot give them what they want."
"Can you guarantee the safety of the hostages?" Dooku closed his eyes and reached into the force for a brief moment.
"No one can guarantee anything in this life," Hull replied. "But I'll be damned if I let terrorists lead anyone I'm serving around by the nose."
"You have one month," Dooku's eyes snapped open. "If this goes on longer than that I will broach other options to the Confederacy government."
Hull nodded and took off at a jog towards where his personal vessel was in the landing bay.
"Siri, Ferus," Dooku looked at the two Jedi. "I believe that he will require your assistance. The Future is clouded and dark at the moment, but you two will be required."
"Ferus, go fetch our packs from our quarters," Siri instructed. "I will meet you at the landing pad."
"Remain cautious," Dooku cautioned the Knight. "I do not believe that this was a happenstance, and those who are responsible will seek to ensure that they are secured and hidden from view. And keep an eye on Hull, I sense a unique danger ahead."
"How long will it take you to put together a hostage rescue team?" A hologram of Colonel Hull greeted Paige from a pedestal in her office.
"Three days," Paige replied. "I take it there's a lid on this intel?"
"We've got a month to rescue hostages," Hull informed her. "I need tight lips and good operators without twitchy trigger fingers."
"Got it," Paige nodded. "What kind of resistance are we expecting?"
"Unfortunately, we don't have much intel, and the usual channels aren't bringing up enough to satisfy me."
"Fuck," Paige sighed. "Mark, this sounds a lot like a trap."
"I know," Mark stroked his beard. "But we can't take a chance when it comes to a new government and terrorists or hostages."
"How'd they manager to capture them?" Paige asked.
"Small escort, and the Federal government doesn't provide transport for the individual planetary or system governmental officials," Hull responded. "They wanted to avoid the very image of corruption, after all."
"Alright," Paige looked at the limited data she'd been sent. "I'll meet you in orbit in three days. Godspeed, Colonel."
"Godspeed, Major," Hull replied. "Godspeed."
Date: June 20, 3015/20.06.7954 CRC
Location: Serenno, Serenno System, Aubek sector, Confederacy of Independent Systems
"It is obvious that you have never handled a long blade before," Dooku led Hull through the basic kata and stances of Form-I. "But it is clear that you have handled some form of bladed weapon before today."
"I learned a bit of knife combat," Hull shrugged. "But most of the time if you're that close to someone, either they're dead, or you are."
"I did notice that you do not remove your standard attire for this," Dooku adjusted Hull's stance, kicking his feet into the proper placement. "I assume there is a reason for this."
"Train like you fight," Hull immediately responded over the hum of the training saber. "I'm going to be wearing armor on the battlefield. I'm going to have all of this kit on me. A lightsaber would be a last resort for me. Rifle first, handgun second, and then melee if all else fails."
"All the same, should you run into someone who has some Jedi training, I would prefer it if you were able to defend yourself properly," Dooku smirked. "It would not do for one of my closest advisors to not know how to properly utilize a weapon."
"I'm not going to be able to pick this up right away," Hull shifted into another stance. "Honestly, it would be better if we put me under stress. I tend to perform and remember things better that way."
"Then let us begin," Dooku launched himself at Hull, his saber ignited and prepared to strike one of the less armored sections of Mithril, only to be narrowly parried by Hull shifting weight and locking blades.
"Good," Dooku laughed. "Now, we can really see what you are made of."
"There is improvement," Siri Tachi and her Padawan Ferus Olin watched as the Mercenary Commander launched an offensive against Dooku, a training blaster in his right hand to mimic his usual sidearm.
"It is not that he is better with a lightsaber," Ferus pointed out. "It is that he is not as rigid as we are, and is willing to do things that we were cautioned against as younglings."
"Hmm," Siri contemplated the less graceful but nevertheless effective movements of Colonel Hull. "Master Dooku will retain an edge. But I believe that if he had a squad of his Marines that Hull would overcome the Count. If with losses."
"Master," Ferus turned his full attention to Siri. "I have noticed that you seem increasingly fascinated with military action and strategies. I worry that you may be focusing on the potential for war."
"Ferus," Siri smiled sadly. "War is coming. I did not understand it at first, for my visions of the future have often been plagued with conflict for that is where Jedi are most often called to settle things. But this, this goes beyond that. I have glimpses of what is to come, and if we are not ready for it, then the Galaxy as we know it will cease to exist in a recognizable way."
"But war?" Ferus shook his head. "I thought we were the defenders of peace? That's what Jedi are supposed to do!"
"And pray, tell," Colonel Hull's voice cut in. "How do you expect anyone to defend peace unless they are prepared to sacrifice their own for it? There's a saying from my homeworld, and I feel as if it's wisdom has been forgotten here. 'People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.'"
"I've not heard that before," Dooku stroked his chin. "I shall have to make a note of that, it seems useful for keeping the need for a military present and at the forefront of the CIS."
"Listen," Hull looked Ferus in the eye. "I wish we lived in a perfect galaxy, but we don't. And until the universe eventually dies off we're going to be stuck with the hand we are dealt. People fight, for many reasons, some of them noble, but many…" Hull seemed to look into his own past. "Let's just leave it at that. People fight, they start wars, and others step in and end said wars. The cycle of peace y'all have had is impressive, but it is at its end. So prepare for the war of the future so that you can ensure that peace will endure afterward."
"Now, Siri, it is your turn to step in," Dooku sat next to Ferus. "Our Colonel here must get used to fighting enemies with different and varying styles, otherwise he may get familiar with how any one person operates."
Siri leapt up and ignited her blade, a grin on her face as she began dueling Hull, a front flip over the man allowing her to strike from his blind spot as he spun around to continue the engagement.
"You are too slow," Siri taunted. "Where is all of your vaulted experience now?"
"I wasn't allowed to bring grenades," Hull grunted as he caught her violet blade on his own, a kick driving her back into a front flip as she brought her guard up.
"Of course, flashbangs are a little unnecessary at this junction," Siri replied.
"Who said anything about flashbangs?" Hull grinned as he pulled out a tubular device from a hidden pack and pulled a pin, bright red smoke filling the arena as his visor hid his face once again.
"I thought you said you weren't allowed to bring grenades?" Siri covered her mouth with a small section of her tunic as she focused the force on slowing her breathing.
"I'm not," Hull's voice echoed from a few different spots. "But that doesn't mean I didn't bring them anyway."
"Never fight fair," Siri sighed as she recalled a statement I had made while we were looking for the Katana Fleet. "I had forgotten how ridiculously far you take that statement."
"A lost fight or battle means more dead," a flurry of blaster bolts came from a section of the smoke and were casually deflected by the knight. "I prefer to win," the larger and armored figure appeared in front of her, his blaster firing rapidly as he narrowed the gap, his saber meeting hers and pinning it in place as the training blaster stung at her skin and burnt some of her tunic.
Then Siri did something odd, she allowed one of her hands to leave her blade and shift to the small of her back where a small holdout blaster was located, with a quick twist of her wrist, she fell back, allowing Hull's blade to strike the ground as she squeezed off shots of her own, the armor absorbing some, but the simulation settings showing that he was still taking some damage.
Then the smoke cleared as massive fans and other aspects of the new training room manifested itself and Dooku stood between the combatants.
"Unfortunately, we shall have to end this here, as entertaining as it is," Dooku looked at Hull. "There is a situation. A group called the Ryloth Rising Storm has taken their new representatives hostage and are demanding that the Confederacy return Ryloth to the Republic immediately."
"Count," Hull took off his helmet, revealing sweat dripping down the bearded face. "You can't negotiate with terrorists or their ilk. They'll just demand more."
"Then what is it you recommend?" Siri asked. "They're likely to kill the hostages if nothing is done."
"I'll get the hostages out," Hull stated firmly. "Or die trying, but you cannot give them what they want."
"Can you guarantee the safety of the hostages?" Dooku closed his eyes and reached into the force for a brief moment.
"No one can guarantee anything in this life," Hull replied. "But I'll be damned if I let terrorists lead anyone I'm serving around by the nose."
"You have one month," Dooku's eyes snapped open. "If this goes on longer than that I will broach other options to the Confederacy government."
Hull nodded and took off at a jog towards where his personal vessel was in the landing bay.
"Siri, Ferus," Dooku looked at the two Jedi. "I believe that he will require your assistance. The Future is clouded and dark at the moment, but you two will be required."
"Ferus, go fetch our packs from our quarters," Siri instructed. "I will meet you at the landing pad."
"Remain cautious," Dooku cautioned the Knight. "I do not believe that this was a happenstance, and those who are responsible will seek to ensure that they are secured and hidden from view. And keep an eye on Hull, I sense a unique danger ahead."
"How long will it take you to put together a hostage rescue team?" A hologram of Colonel Hull greeted Paige from a pedestal in her office.
"Three days," Paige replied. "I take it there's a lid on this intel?"
"We've got a month to rescue hostages," Hull informed her. "I need tight lips and good operators without twitchy trigger fingers."
"Got it," Paige nodded. "What kind of resistance are we expecting?"
"Unfortunately, we don't have much intel, and the usual channels aren't bringing up enough to satisfy me."
"Fuck," Paige sighed. "Mark, this sounds a lot like a trap."
"I know," Mark stroked his beard. "But we can't take a chance when it comes to a new government and terrorists or hostages."
"How'd they manager to capture them?" Paige asked.
"Small escort, and the Federal government doesn't provide transport for the individual planetary or system governmental officials," Hull responded. "They wanted to avoid the very image of corruption, after all."
"Alright," Paige looked at the limited data she'd been sent. "I'll meet you in orbit in three days. Godspeed, Colonel."
"Godspeed, Major," Hull replied. "Godspeed."
Chapter 48
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 48
Two Weeks later…
"I assume you have a plan," Siri looked around the holotable we'd installed in the Messenger's briefing room.
"We do," Paige stepped forward. "I've got two companies of Marines here, and some of Dunham's intel people. Sienn is in charge of the intel squads."
"What we have here are some of the remnants of the groups that benefited from the old Status quo on Ryloth," Sienn's purple and olive hands touched a control on the table, bringing up an image of an armored Twi'lek. "They've banded together and are hoping that they'll be able to convince Ryloth to return to the fold of the Republic. Now, we're not certain, but some of our traces point to them being funded by Orn Free Taa."
"Terrorist actions funded by the old regime," Paige agreed. "Based on the reports I've read, they won't hesitate to execute the hostages if they think they're going to get caught."
"Also, Colonel, you're going to want to stay in the ship," Sienn glanced in Hull's direction. "There are a lot of bounty hunters on the planet, and considering that there's a pretty lucrative bounty on your head…" She trailed off.
"I thought this was just a backwater," Hull glanced at Siri, the Knight nodding in confirmation.
"It doesn't even have a name," Siri agreed. "It's just a number in this sector."
"Doesn't matter," Paige looked at the map of the warehouses and other assorted building "below" them. "We're not going to make a bunch of noise down there, we're going to get in, quietly take out the terrorist and then exfil. No springing traps, no running battles, we do this like professionals."
"I've got three people tailing the 'Rising Storm' now," Sienn agreed. "Once we get the location of the hostages we'll be making a HALO jump from a Gozanti."
"We've got two of them dressed up like standard freighters," Paige explained. "We'll make it seem like they were badly maintained and suffered a failure, having cargo and other things drop from the cargo hold to conceal my Marines on their descent. Upon landing, we'll group up and begin moving through, securing the hostages first and then clearing out the terrorists so our ships can land."
"And we're ready for failure points as well," Sienn continued. "In the event that something goes wrong, we've got a Sting on standby to provide Close Air Support."
"We'd rather not need it," Paige sighed. "But I won't protest some air support on hand."
"Once the hostages are secured, we're transporting them in the Sting to Raxus, we have multiple ships on standby from the CIS to provide escorts and a medical frigate for any medical assistance they might need."
"I'll keep an eye on things from here then," Hull nodded. "I'll be sending Knight Tachi with you, she knows to follow instruction and will stay out of the way, but you might want someone with some precog to assist."
"We've worked with Tachi before," Paige nodded. "She'll be a welcome addition to the team."
"I'll work with the splicers we have," Hull said after a pause. "If we can get access to the systems they're using we might be able to trace things all the way back to whoever's behind this."
"Half of my team specializes in data recovery," Seinn glanced at her assistant. "We'll rip everything we can from their databanks."
"Alright," Hull clapped his hands together, the sound echoing a bit. "We've got a plan, let's execute it."
"Hey Xito, mind if I snag one of those?" Pra Cusinn eyed the death stick in the hand of his buddy.
"Nah, go ahead," Xito held out the pack, allowing Pra to grab one. "It's been a long few weeks."
"You think that they'll actually respond to our demands?" Pra asked, squeezing down on the end of the stick with his thumb and index finger as the ignition device at the end hissed as it lit the stick.
"I'm just here to admire the beauties," the other Twi'lek shrugged. "You saw that Togruta that the boss has, right?"
"Fine piece of ass on that one," Pra smirked. "I'd love to have her dance at my place."
"I want her on her knees," Xito puffed on his stick. "The things I'd do…"
"She's just as liable to cut it off if she gets the chance," Pra snickered. "The boss had to inject her with that special drug to get her to calm down."
"Yeah," Xito shuddered. "I like spice as much as the next guy, but not when it's like that."
"Whoever ends up with her is going to have to deal with the symptoms," Pra agreed. "That's going to cost as much as any extra training."
"Boss is planning on selling her to the Hutts anyway," the other Twi'lek stubbed out his Death stick before continuing his patrol. "We should get back to it. I'd hate to be stuck out here when it's time to rotate shifts."
As the two moved to continue their patrol an explosion sounded far in the distance, a couple of freighters overhead trailing smoke and debris.
"Kriffing backwaters," Pra snorted. "That sort of thing wouldn't happen if they maintained their ships properly."
"They probably haven't seen yard time since they were built," Xito snickered. "Bet you fifty credits they're Outer Rim manufacture."
"You're on," Pra laughed. "Now let's go find the lazy bastards who're supposed to fill in for us."
As the two terrorists meandered their way back through their routes to inside, they narrowly missed a handful of lights that shined like the stars among the debris that drew close to the ground, over fifty suits of Mithril hit the ground with dull thuds, and two suppressed rifles coughed, sending both Pra and Xito to their afterlife.
"Sitrep!" Paige barked.
"Five wounded, two dead" Jenkins replied soberly. "They didn't hit the ground right and broke some bones. The two dead hit the debris on the way down."
"Bravo, you're to stick with the wounded," Paige ordered. "Alpha, Charlie, you're with me, let's move it people!"
"Delta, we're to begin securing the perimeter," Jenkins ordered the remainder of the Marines. "I want the LZ clear for our wounded and the hostages."
"Knight Tachi, you're to stay on my six," Paige looked at the armored robes of Siri Tachi. "We'll need you to calm down the hostages once we have them secured."
"Got it," Siri nodded.
"Stack up!" A noncom barked as they neared the closest doorway, the sensors causing it to remain shut for a moment.
"Flashbang going out!" a Marine pulled the door open for his partner to toss a grenade in, a bright flash and thud echoed as the marines moved in. The flash barely showing inside of the Mithril's helmets as the visors polarized to compensate.
The first squad finished breaching and continued down the building, Paige bringing up the rear with a second squad and the Jedi Knight in tow.
The first hallways and rooms were cleared quickly as the alert hadn't yet been sounded, the squads each branching off to clear different sections of the facility as Paige, Siri, and Fireteam Charlie moved to where Siri had sensed the hostages.
"This next room has the hostages," Siri stopped the fireteam before they breached the next door. "I would caution you against using lethal options in the next room."
"Flashbangs and stunners," Paige ordered, allowing her rifle to dangle from its sling as she grabbed the stun blaster rifle from her pack, her marines doing the same. "On you," she nodded at Siri.
Siri took a deep breath and then slammed the door open, a flashbang tucked into her had that was released and controlled with the force to hit the best spot to blind the room's occupants.
Then Paige breached the room first, clearing out a corner with her stun blaster as Siri leapt in afterward and knocked out the leader of the terrorists with a swift punch.
"Corpsman!" Paige called for the Doc after the room had been subdued. "Get in here! We've got wounded!"
"Room's clear, Major!" the leader of Fireteam Charlie reported. "Permission to prepare prisoners for transport."
"Granted," She looked at the group of Twi'lek men and women huddled in the center of the room. "But keep them separated from the hostages. If they get ahold of the prisoners we won't have any intel to collect from an interrogation after they're done with them."
"Yes, ma'am," the noncom nodded before ordering his fireteam around.
"Jenkins, we've secured the hostages, please tell me you have good news."
"Perimeter's clear except for a small group," a bit of gunfire was heard in the background. "Give us a few and we'll have them dealt with."
"Copy that," Paige knelt down and unpolarized her helmet so that a shaking representative could see her face. "I'm calling for evac, these people need to get out of here."
"Archon's Favor, we've cleared out the Tangos, you are cleared to land."
"Roger that," Hober's voice sounded chipper. "Your ride is on its way."
"Make sure your Doc's ready," Paige pulled out her medkit. "We've got wounded."
Two Weeks later…
"I assume you have a plan," Siri looked around the holotable we'd installed in the Messenger's briefing room.
"We do," Paige stepped forward. "I've got two companies of Marines here, and some of Dunham's intel people. Sienn is in charge of the intel squads."
"What we have here are some of the remnants of the groups that benefited from the old Status quo on Ryloth," Sienn's purple and olive hands touched a control on the table, bringing up an image of an armored Twi'lek. "They've banded together and are hoping that they'll be able to convince Ryloth to return to the fold of the Republic. Now, we're not certain, but some of our traces point to them being funded by Orn Free Taa."
"Terrorist actions funded by the old regime," Paige agreed. "Based on the reports I've read, they won't hesitate to execute the hostages if they think they're going to get caught."
"Also, Colonel, you're going to want to stay in the ship," Sienn glanced in Hull's direction. "There are a lot of bounty hunters on the planet, and considering that there's a pretty lucrative bounty on your head…" She trailed off.
"I thought this was just a backwater," Hull glanced at Siri, the Knight nodding in confirmation.
"It doesn't even have a name," Siri agreed. "It's just a number in this sector."
"Doesn't matter," Paige looked at the map of the warehouses and other assorted building "below" them. "We're not going to make a bunch of noise down there, we're going to get in, quietly take out the terrorist and then exfil. No springing traps, no running battles, we do this like professionals."
"I've got three people tailing the 'Rising Storm' now," Sienn agreed. "Once we get the location of the hostages we'll be making a HALO jump from a Gozanti."
"We've got two of them dressed up like standard freighters," Paige explained. "We'll make it seem like they were badly maintained and suffered a failure, having cargo and other things drop from the cargo hold to conceal my Marines on their descent. Upon landing, we'll group up and begin moving through, securing the hostages first and then clearing out the terrorists so our ships can land."
"And we're ready for failure points as well," Sienn continued. "In the event that something goes wrong, we've got a Sting on standby to provide Close Air Support."
"We'd rather not need it," Paige sighed. "But I won't protest some air support on hand."
"Once the hostages are secured, we're transporting them in the Sting to Raxus, we have multiple ships on standby from the CIS to provide escorts and a medical frigate for any medical assistance they might need."
"I'll keep an eye on things from here then," Hull nodded. "I'll be sending Knight Tachi with you, she knows to follow instruction and will stay out of the way, but you might want someone with some precog to assist."
"We've worked with Tachi before," Paige nodded. "She'll be a welcome addition to the team."
"I'll work with the splicers we have," Hull said after a pause. "If we can get access to the systems they're using we might be able to trace things all the way back to whoever's behind this."
"Half of my team specializes in data recovery," Seinn glanced at her assistant. "We'll rip everything we can from their databanks."
"Alright," Hull clapped his hands together, the sound echoing a bit. "We've got a plan, let's execute it."
"Hey Xito, mind if I snag one of those?" Pra Cusinn eyed the death stick in the hand of his buddy.
"Nah, go ahead," Xito held out the pack, allowing Pra to grab one. "It's been a long few weeks."
"You think that they'll actually respond to our demands?" Pra asked, squeezing down on the end of the stick with his thumb and index finger as the ignition device at the end hissed as it lit the stick.
"I'm just here to admire the beauties," the other Twi'lek shrugged. "You saw that Togruta that the boss has, right?"
"Fine piece of ass on that one," Pra smirked. "I'd love to have her dance at my place."
"I want her on her knees," Xito puffed on his stick. "The things I'd do…"
"She's just as liable to cut it off if she gets the chance," Pra snickered. "The boss had to inject her with that special drug to get her to calm down."
"Yeah," Xito shuddered. "I like spice as much as the next guy, but not when it's like that."
"Whoever ends up with her is going to have to deal with the symptoms," Pra agreed. "That's going to cost as much as any extra training."
"Boss is planning on selling her to the Hutts anyway," the other Twi'lek stubbed out his Death stick before continuing his patrol. "We should get back to it. I'd hate to be stuck out here when it's time to rotate shifts."
As the two moved to continue their patrol an explosion sounded far in the distance, a couple of freighters overhead trailing smoke and debris.
"Kriffing backwaters," Pra snorted. "That sort of thing wouldn't happen if they maintained their ships properly."
"They probably haven't seen yard time since they were built," Xito snickered. "Bet you fifty credits they're Outer Rim manufacture."
"You're on," Pra laughed. "Now let's go find the lazy bastards who're supposed to fill in for us."
As the two terrorists meandered their way back through their routes to inside, they narrowly missed a handful of lights that shined like the stars among the debris that drew close to the ground, over fifty suits of Mithril hit the ground with dull thuds, and two suppressed rifles coughed, sending both Pra and Xito to their afterlife.
"Sitrep!" Paige barked.
"Five wounded, two dead" Jenkins replied soberly. "They didn't hit the ground right and broke some bones. The two dead hit the debris on the way down."
"Bravo, you're to stick with the wounded," Paige ordered. "Alpha, Charlie, you're with me, let's move it people!"
"Delta, we're to begin securing the perimeter," Jenkins ordered the remainder of the Marines. "I want the LZ clear for our wounded and the hostages."
"Knight Tachi, you're to stay on my six," Paige looked at the armored robes of Siri Tachi. "We'll need you to calm down the hostages once we have them secured."
"Got it," Siri nodded.
"Stack up!" A noncom barked as they neared the closest doorway, the sensors causing it to remain shut for a moment.
"Flashbang going out!" a Marine pulled the door open for his partner to toss a grenade in, a bright flash and thud echoed as the marines moved in. The flash barely showing inside of the Mithril's helmets as the visors polarized to compensate.
The first squad finished breaching and continued down the building, Paige bringing up the rear with a second squad and the Jedi Knight in tow.
The first hallways and rooms were cleared quickly as the alert hadn't yet been sounded, the squads each branching off to clear different sections of the facility as Paige, Siri, and Fireteam Charlie moved to where Siri had sensed the hostages.
"This next room has the hostages," Siri stopped the fireteam before they breached the next door. "I would caution you against using lethal options in the next room."
"Flashbangs and stunners," Paige ordered, allowing her rifle to dangle from its sling as she grabbed the stun blaster rifle from her pack, her marines doing the same. "On you," she nodded at Siri.
Siri took a deep breath and then slammed the door open, a flashbang tucked into her had that was released and controlled with the force to hit the best spot to blind the room's occupants.
Then Paige breached the room first, clearing out a corner with her stun blaster as Siri leapt in afterward and knocked out the leader of the terrorists with a swift punch.
"Corpsman!" Paige called for the Doc after the room had been subdued. "Get in here! We've got wounded!"
"Room's clear, Major!" the leader of Fireteam Charlie reported. "Permission to prepare prisoners for transport."
"Granted," She looked at the group of Twi'lek men and women huddled in the center of the room. "But keep them separated from the hostages. If they get ahold of the prisoners we won't have any intel to collect from an interrogation after they're done with them."
"Yes, ma'am," the noncom nodded before ordering his fireteam around.
"Jenkins, we've secured the hostages, please tell me you have good news."
"Perimeter's clear except for a small group," a bit of gunfire was heard in the background. "Give us a few and we'll have them dealt with."
"Copy that," Paige knelt down and unpolarized her helmet so that a shaking representative could see her face. "I'm calling for evac, these people need to get out of here."
"Archon's Favor, we've cleared out the Tangos, you are cleared to land."
"Roger that," Hober's voice sounded chipper. "Your ride is on its way."
"Make sure your Doc's ready," Paige pulled out her medkit. "We've got wounded."