Well welcome everybody to my newest Star Wars short story. This one doesn't have a title, but I think I might write a few more short stories about this group. If you follow my main Harry Potter story, Night is Long, you might be delighted to hear that I am writing that again. Not many views on the first story in this short story compilation, but with time I hope that changes. Let me know what y'all think about this and for sure check out my other stories too! I love feedback and y'all have a great day.
"One hell of a hideout, huh."
"Cut the chatter, Hardhead."
"Sir, yes, sir!"
The voices of the two speakers were identical. Indeed it was not just the voices that were identical but the two beings were exact genetic copies of each other. These two, 'Hardhead', and 'Othus' were half of an elite Republic squad of Commandos known as Kill Team Bravo. Othus was the Captain, Hardhead the demolitions expert, and the two other members of the team, Speed, and Hotshot were the technician and crackshot respectively.
Kill Team Bravo, as this group had been designated, had been created as a group of Clone Commandos that would handle the delicate assassination jobs that were a brutal necessity of war.
But as the team made it's way, essentially silently, through tunnel after winding tunnel Othus looked to their Commander for guidance. Jedi Master Von Dolros, a young Weequay Jedi in the prime of his life, was leading the way. His padawan, Christa Kelsey, a young human female from Coruscant itself, followed behind her Master. Behind her was Captain Othus, then Hardhead, followed by Hotshot, and finally Speed brought up the rear. Everyone kept their heads on a swivel, helmet lights sweeping back and forth. Kill Team Bravo was here, way out on the fringe of the Outer Rim, bordering Wild Space, hunting a dangerous assassin in the employ of the Separatist Alliance. The assassin was a Shistavanen who was wanted for the murder of a Senator on Coruscant. He had been tracked down by Republic Intelligence and Kill Team Bravo had been sent in, led by Master Dolros. His padawan had come along, being judged old and experienced enough to come. She was on the very verge of Knighthood, and was eager to prove herself.
The Captain found that he did agree with what Hardhead had said, though. It was one hell of a hideout. It was located on a large asteroid, just a short hyperspace jump away from Koda Station in the Outer Rim. It's winding tunnels and long hallways were all opulently decorated with expensive metals and fine works of art. The entire place was clean, if eerily empty. The commando squad had been searching for the better part of fifteen minutes and had yet to come across a single droid or organic.
The group reached a fork in the hallway. A hand signal from Master Dolros that was relayed back informed the team that they would be splitting up. Himself, Hotshot, and Speed would be going down the left passage while Christa, Captain Othus, and Hardhead would be going down the right.
A pair of bright yellow, lupine, eyes followed the clone commandos movements on a datapad screen. It had been fifteen minutes since the group had arrived, no doubt here to slay him. Korta Roxe snarled, and grabbed his blaster rifle and commlink. He almost felt bad for the clones. They couldn't have come at a more misfortunate time… for themselves.
The group was appearing to split up, one group taking a path down the hall that would eventually lead to himself, and the other group taking the path that would lead to the secret hangar, where a nasty surprise was awaiting them.
Korta clicked the commlink twice, sending a message on his secure channel, and grabbed a handful of extra power cells and thermal detonators as he maneuvered his slightly over 2 meter frame outside of his hiding spot. He was prepared to go and meet these 'commandos' and see what they were really about. After all they were just clones, and how could a clone match an organic being in skill? They were born and bred in test tubes!
Jedi Master Von Dolros was nearing forty five years of age, but that did not slow him down at all. He was in peak physical condition, even despite the three long years of war with the Separatist Alliance. He had been on hundreds of combat missions, several dozen of those with the very same team he was with now. They worked well together and had experience.
He felt ahead of his group as he led them on with the Force. He could not detect any living beings, except for the clones and his padawan learner. His mind drifted ever so slightly as he considered his padawan, Christa Kelsey. The war had forced her to grow up a bit faster than he had liked, but she had adapted well and proven herself in combat again and again.
The Jedi's green blade illuminated the dark and empty hallway when the Force suddenly surged in activity.
"Down!" He shouted as he hit the ground, rolling away from a cluster of blaster shots. The two clones behind him reacted as well. Speed dropped down to one knee, raising his DC-17m and returning with several of his own blaster bolts. Hardhead, the heavy weapons and demolitions expert hefted up his LS-150 ACP repeater, sending a hail of plasma charges down the hallway.
It seemed that whatever or whoever had shot at them had disappeared, but Master Dolros knew better. He was up from the ground in a split second, his lightsaber held in both hands as he charged. He knew from experience that Speed would be covering his flank, and that Hardhead would be coming up behind the two. He activated his commlink and spoke. "Contact with enemy! Keep searching, I'll stay in touch." The message was for Captain Othus and his padawan, and within moments he had received a blip acknowledging his statement.
The hallway they were currently running down was barely illuminated, and then only by the helmet illuminators on the commandos Katarn-class armor. Another blaster bolt flew down the hallway, briefly illuminating a shadowy figure at the end of the hallway. Master Dolros instinctively deflected the bolt and continued down the hallway. It was only fifteen meters to the end.
The Force flared a warning just a split second before the entire hallway was lit up in a fireball and an explosive shockwave sent the clones and Jedi Master stumbling. It was only due to the Force that he was able to deflect another blaster bolt through the smoky haze of the dark hallway. Now a steady stream of red blaster bolts were flying downrange towards him and his clones, from at least two sources. It was impossible to make out the figures firing at them.
The Jedi Master quickly returned to his charge, largely unfazed by the explosion. Behind him and to his left he heard a quick cry of pain, but it was quickly silenced and replaced by an angry shout and rapid blaster fire.
"Speed's been hit!" Hardhead yelled out into the commlink. His ACP roared a return of fire down the hallway as he went to check on his wounded comrade.
Speed's voice was heard next, "Flesh wound. I'm alright!" Master Dolros was glad that Speed was okay. He shouted his next order, "Charge!"
He heard two sets of bootsteps behind him as he reached the end of the hallway, and now saw their enemies. Two droids, commando droids, were ducking and firing even as the Jedi Master sprinted towards them, dodging and deflecting blaster shots. He sliced one droid in half, and the other bashed his rifle across the Jedi Master's jaw. Pain throbbed, but it was not unbearable. A quick Force Push sent the droid skittering down the hallway, blasting wildly along the way.
Speed arrived at the Jedi's side, with Hardhead two steps behind him. A flurry of blaster bolts turned the droid commando into spare parts, sparking in the dim hallway. Master Dolros noticed distinct scorch marks and burns along Speed's right shoulder.
They had reached another 'T' intersection, and were standing in the middle of it. The Force Push had sent the droid down the left hallway. Suddenly the clank of metal down the right side drew their attention. A twin linked blaster cannon descended from the ceiling, and opened fire. A moment later an identical blaster cannon descended from the ceiling of the left hallway, and it opened fire as well. The clones and Jedi were caught in a crossfire, with very little cover.
"EMP now!" Master Dolros yelled even as Speed primed one of the EMP blast grenades from his belt and tossed it down the left hallway. The Jedi was busy deflecting shots from the right hallway's blaster as Hardhead tried his best to gun it down. The clone commando's shots seemed nearly entirely ineffective.
A web of static burst out of the EMP grenade, and to Speed's surprise it did nothing to stop the blaster.
"They're shielded, sir!" The Jedi nodded, and began walking backwards. The clones continued firing at the cannons, until the were all safely in the hallway they had come from.
The blasters ceased firing when they could no longer see the clones, and the group took a moment of respite from the incessant blaster fire.
"Contact with enemy! Keep searching, I'll stay in touch."
Padawan Kelsey raised her own lightsaber, blue in color, and led her fireteam down the right side corridor. Captain Othus was right behind her, his DC-17 raised and ready. Hotshot followed him, his DC configured to sniper pattern, his head on a swivel as he scanned the hallway and watched their backs.
"Sir, schematics read that we are approaching the hangar." Captain Othus relayed over the commlink.
The young padawan nodded and kept her pace. Her mission was to first eliminate any means of escape so that if the mission went south it would be impossible for their target to leave. The clones had their own extraction lined up for when they completed the mission.
As the group approached a set of open blast doors they all dropped to the floor. They could hear voices up ahead, talking to each other.
It was difficult to make out exactly what was being said, but the advanced audio receptors in the clones armor picked it up without too much difficulty.
"I don't see why we're here. Some backwater asteroid on the edge of the galaxy. We should be with the boss." One voice said. The voice was deep, and masculine.
Another masculine voice answered the first, "I don't know. But orders are orders and the boss told us to be here."
Padawan Kelsey motioned with her hand for Hotshot to move forwards, creeping closer to the open blast doors as he raised his sniper pattern blaster. He aimed down the sight and peered out into the hangar beyond.
"Sir, I'm seeing two combatants. Appear to be wearing Mandalorian armor…" His voice trailed off. Captain Othus responded on the closed commlink inside the helmets, "What is it, Hotshot?"
"Death Watch, sir. Two of them."
Padawan Kelsey's blood ran cold. She had been up against the Death Watch on exactly one occasion before and it had been a massacre for her squad of troopers. She had barely escaped with her life, and had not escaped uninjured at that. She still bore a large scar from a Death Watch vibroblade.
She spoke, quietly, into her commlink, "Hotshot, do you have a clean shot?"
The clone commando responded, "Negative, sir. Can't get a clean kill shot."
The Padawan nodded and motioned for Captain Othus to prepare thermal detonators. She counted down on her fingers
...3...2...1… Two thermal detonators rolled into the hangar, catching the two Death Watch unawares, scarcely two seconds later they detonated, sending a reverberating shock wave throughout the hallway even as the Padawan and Captain Othus rose up and entered the room. Hotshot began firing into the hangar.
The thermal detonators had not killed either of the Death Watch members. Their quick reactions and jet packs had allowed them to dodge the blast, and the two began firing rapidly into the open blast doors. Captain Othus returned fire as Padawan Kelsey deflected the first shots away. As the Republic fireteam entered the hangar they noticed a shuttle and a small starfighter. One of the Death Watch members landed on the wing of the shuttle, firing his blaster. Captain Othus sprinted ahead, and ducked below the wing of the starfighter, using it as cover.
Hotshot was doing his best to line up kill shots, but it was difficult with the Death Watch jet packs giving them increased mobility. He was firing shots as accurately as possible, but it was not as effective as he hoped. His frustration grew as he squeezed off several shots and they were all dodged.
The Death Watch fighter on the shuttle wing activated his commlink, and second later a set of blast doors on the opposite side of the hangar opened. In came three commando droids of the Separatist Alliance, all sprinting at full speed and firing their blasters. Suddenly the Padawan and clones were outnumbered. This was not ideal, but it was also definitely not insurmountable for the Republic strike team.
The Death Watch member still on the ground took off into the air, still firing his blaster rapidly. A precise blaster shot from Hotshot hit him in the chest and he went down, landing hard on the metal floor of the hangar. His rifle went skittering across the floor, and as he got up he drew two blaster pistols, still firing as fast as he could.
Captain Othus switched his focus from the Death Watch fighter on the shuttle to the commando droids instead, dropping one with a clean headshot.
Padawan Kelsey jumped high, using the Force, and landed on the shuttle, very close to the Death Watch fighter who had been firing at Captain Othus. She dodged several shots before swinging her lightsaber, forcing the fighter to jump backwards and shoot up into the air. He fired his rifle several times, only for his shots to be blocked.
Hotshot was now pinned down by the door, the Death Watch fighter and one commando droid keeping him suppressed. Captain Othus was also nearly pinned down by the starfighter, the remaining commando droid laying a heavy stream of fire on him. The second Death Watch member was engaged with fighting the lightsaber wielding Padawan in front of him.
"I'm pinned down!" Hotshot shouted across the comm channel. Captain Othus dared to raise his head a moment and fired off several shots at the Death Watch member who was using his pistols. The man went down, catching one blaster bolt to his left shoulder. He continued firing with his right hand, but at a much reduced rate. Captain Othus ducked again as a hail of blaster fire forced his head down.
Padawan Kelsey jumped to the side, dodging a trio of blaster bolts, and swung her lightsaber. She caught the Death Watch fighter in the leg, near his foot, and severed it completely. The man swerved hard on his jet pack, careening into a wall, making the jetpack explode. He died with a pained shout and Padawan Kelsey turned her attention to the two commando droids. One was still firing on Hotshot along with the Death Watch member, and the other was firing on Captain Othus with precise, deadly blaster shots.
She hurled her lightsaber into the back of the remaining Death Watch fighter, running him through, and summoned it back to her hand with the Force. By now the two commando droids had realized they lost the upper hand and retreated through the blast doors that they had come from.
"Hotshot, guard that door! Captain, lets rig these explosives!" Padawan Kelsey ordered, and the two clones hopped to. Captain Othus retrieved several thermal detonators from his pack and began rigging up several meters of det-tape on both the shuttle and the starfighter.
Hotshot took up a defensible position at the blast doors, vigilantly watching in case the droids returned. It had been a fierce, but rather short, fire fight. They were all uninjured, but had spent a good amount of ammunition.
"Sir, explosives are rigged. Let's get out of here!" The Captain yelled as he handed the Padawan the detonator. She nodded and the group moved into the hallway that the droids had gone down. It appeared to go for 10 or 15 meters before turning to the side.
"We'll have to clear the blast zone before we detonate. You didn't put too much, right Captain?"
"Right, sir." Too much would compromise the structure and jettison them all into the cold black void of space.
The group turned the corner, heading down the only hallway where the commando droids could have gone, staying alert and vigilant. The hallway opened up into a room, what seemed to be a kitchen.
Captain Othus scanned the room, now taking point, and waved the group in. The other two followed him. The kitchen was empty, and led into a dining room. Captain Othus saw movement at the other end of the room through the darkness, and waved the group to halt. He raised his blaster and waited a moment. From the opposite corner that he saw movement a blood red blaster bolt flew forwards, hitting him in the chest piece. Captain Othus went down as Padawan Kelsey used the Force to send every dish, bit of silverware, and chair flying to provide some cover.
"Man down!" was yelled over the local commlink as Hotshot dashed into the room and grabbed the downed Captain, who was moaning even as he fired his DC at the commando droids hidden in the corners of the room.
One droid went down to a blaster bolt from the Captain and a deflected blaster bolt of its own, it's head exploding in a mass of sparks. The sparks showered down around it's body, lighting up that corner enough for the decadent works of art to be illuminated for a brief moment. The other commando droid began to retreat to the opposite doorway, still laying down a barrage of accurate blaster fire. The Captain ducked as Hotshot dragged him clear of the incoming fire and began to treat his wounds with bacta spray after quickly removing his chest plate. It was not a very serious wound, but it would need treatment at a Republic base. The damage was too much for the field med-kit to repair.
Padawan Kelsey's hastily thrown lightsaber cut the droids retreat short, impaling it through the chest and sending it crashing into the ground. Padawan Kelsey summoned her lightsaber back to her hand and went to check on the Captain. He was injured, but back up and standing now. His armor was back on fully.
"Captain, can you fight?" She asked.
She could hear the indignation in his voice as he replied. "Of course, sir!"
"Then up and at em', soldier!" Was her reply, and he rose to his feet, unsteadily at first, but gathering himself after a moment.
"We'll stay here for a moment and let that bacta settle in." And the group stayed, preparing to defend the dining room from any attack that might come.
Jedi Master Dolros, Speed, and Hardhead were currently pinned down, deadly blaster fire keeping their heads down. Speed had been hit pretty hard, but was still in fighting condition. Whenever anyone in the group would stick out their head a barrage of blaster fire would rain down.
The two clones looked to the Jedi Master for guidance. He met their gaze and stood, walking several paces to stand next to a bare section of wall.
"If I remember correctly, on the other side of this wall is a storage room." Speed nodded. They had all memorized as much of the schematics as they had had available before the mission.
Without much further ado the Jedi Master cut a hole into the wall, using the Force to push the now free wall section into the storage room. Hardhead led the way into the room, his ACP ready to fire. Nothing was in the room except several crates, some appearing to hold food, and some appearing to hold ammunition.
Master Dolros entered the room next, his lightsaber drawn and his mind reaching out to the Force. Speed came in behind him, blaster ready.
The Jedi walked over to the far wall, and stuck his lightsaber through it, cutting another hole. He used the Force to push out the now freed section and carefully peered out. He was directly under one of the cannons, and quickly jerked his head back inside when the cannon in the opposite hallway swerved to bear on him.
He swung his lightsaber upwards, still safely concealed in the room, and sliced the cannon above him in half, a small explosion ringing out. Using a series of hand signals he relayed to the clones that they would move down the hallway, only being under fire from the still remaining cannon for several meters before they were in safety. With a final gesture Master Dolros leapt out into the hallway, lightsaber up and ready as he watch the cannon swivel and begin firing.
He deflected three duos of shots from the dual linked cannon as the two clones dashed behind him. "Now!" He shouted.
From a crouched position, Speed raised his DC-17 and fired an accurate burst of shots, hitting the blaster cannon and knocking it out of commision. A shower of sparks rained down from the ceiling as it was destroyed.
The Jedi Master relaxed for a moment and began to lead the two clone commandos further through the complex.
Korta was angry now. These Republic dogs had come into his home, his space, and had ruined everything. His contingent of Death Watch had been killed, he had seen that on his surveillance systems. The commandos had also destroyed several of his droid guards.
The angry Shistavanen set down his blaster rifle, and made his way to a locked cabinet. Quickly typing the keycode into the pad the locks undid with a hiss, and the door slid open to reveal his prized possession. A T-7 Ion Disruptor rifle, or at least a prototype version was hung in front of him. It was a nearly priceless weapon, very valuable and also very very illegal. He had received it as a bounty reward from Count Dooku after a particularly difficult mission to assassinate several Senators.
Korta Roxe removed the rifle from its case, and checked the display. It was fully loaded, and he had plenty of ammunition. He clicked the commlink twice more, and typed several commands into a datapad before shutting the armored cabinet once more and leaving the room.
His large paw like feet made very little sound as he stalked through his darkened complex. For millennia his people had been extremely adept hunters and stalkers, and he was no different than his ancestors. His ears perked, and he smelled the air, utilizing all of his senses to stalk his prey. He knew that the commandos had split up, the Jedi Master leading two and the Padawan leading the other two. He was unconcerned about the young Padawan. She would be dealt with soon enough. He had set his gaze on the Master, Jedi were renowned throughout the galaxy for their skill and prowess, especially since the break out of the Clone Wars. To kill a Jedi would give Korta much recognition and respect among the bounty hunter community, not to mention a very large bonus from the Separatists.
Ion disruptor in hand Korta prowled, his large frame all but invisible as he moved. He knew exactly where he was, and exactly where the Jedi he was hunting was. It was only a several minute walk from his position.
It was indeed only several minutes later that Korta heard the sound of boot steps, and he crouched, hidden behind several statues to the side of the hallway. Moments later a flashlight beam swept across the hallway where he was hiding. Korta kept still, not even daring to breathe. The light passed him over, sweeping around the hallway and then disappearing. That was when Korta leaned out, and raised his rifle.
The flashlight belonged to one of the clones, it was mounted on what appeared to be a heavy weapons system that he wielded with both hands. This clone was at the middle of the ha, with the Jedi behind him. The second clone commando brought up the rear, as Korta could see.
Korta zeroed in on the Jedi Master, the ion disruptor primed and ready to fire. He took a breath in and held it, squeezing the trigger with the next heartbeat. A greyish ball of energy flew down the hallway, speeding towards its target.
Hardhead was leading the way as the trio moved deeper and deeper into the complex. Behind him Master Dolros was contemplating their next move. They had not yet engaged their real target, but he was confident that they were closing in. The Force had been oddly quiet in the last few minutes, which put him on edge. Speed was behind the Jedi, bringing up the rear. His wound from earlier was not bad, only seeming to give him mild pain and annoyance.
The group had swept several more rooms and hallways, and was now making its way up to a four way cross road of hallways.
"Seems like this place is just all hallways, huh, boss?" Speed said.
The Jedi nodded his agreement. It was rather odd, but none of them knew very much about deep space complexes on asteroids.
Hardhead entered the four way intersection of hallways, and swept his LS-150 all around, sweeping his light down each hallway.
Hardhead spoke, "Which way, sir? Please advise."
Master Dolros walked up beside him, glancing down each hallway. Speed was behind, peering ahead into the hallways.
The Force flared a warning, but as the Jedi Master turned he realized it was too late. From the dark hallway a speeding ball of energy was rushing directly towards him, not even a second away. As it closed the distance he felt himself violently shoved forwards, nearly smashing into a corner of a wall. He heard a grunt of pain and exertion and quickly scrambled to regain his footing, and ignited his lightsaber.
Speed was on the ground, writhing in obvious pain, and convulsing. Beams and crackles of the same grey energy hopped across his body, not to mention the gaping hole that had been left behind in his chest plate. Dolros could feel in the Force the pain that Speed was feeling. He ran to his side, to tend to his wounds.
Hardhead opened fire down the hallway where the shot had come from, and to his relief no more fire came. He was worried about his comrade. They had been brothers for as long as either could remember, sharing such a tight bond as clones. Of course this was not the first time either had been wounded in combat, but it was always a stressful and trying experience. But Hardhead knew he had a job to do, and right now the best way he could help Speed was to lay down suppressing fire as the General tended to his comrade. He gave out an angered yell, frustrated at the situation.
Speed was in bad condition. The wound itself was non-fatal, but critical. It was what was happening to his body that was disconcerting, and something that the Jedi had never seen before. The clone was now screaming in pain, and Dolros could see why. His body was disintegrating right before his eyes, armor, skin, muscle, bone, and all. Wherever the grey energy seemed to leap a small bit seemed to disappear.
Dolros could feel the Force in the clone fading, and fading fast. Above them he could hear and see Hardhead yelling as he fired his heavy repeater. Within two minutes Speed was dead. Not only dead but completely disappeared. The Jedi felt his spirit fade into the Force, hopefully reaching peace.
The Jedi Master stood now, his lightsaber in hand, and tapped Hardhead on the shoulder to tell him to stop firing. The near incessant stream of blaster fire stopped, and for the first time the clone looked down to Speed, only to see a blank space of floor, nothing but the commando's gun left behind.
"He's gone, Hardhead. Completely. I've never seen anything like it?"
Gone? But how could he be gone? All of him, and his armor, just gone without a trace of blood or debris? It didn't make any sense, but Hardhead saw the sincerity in his generals eyes and knew he was telling the truth.
An impassioned shout escaped past his lips. He had been through so much with his squadmates. From training to Geonosis, and countless battlefields and victories together. But now Speed was gone, gone forever. He didn't even have much to remember him by. Hardhead scooped up his fallen comrades gun, and magnetically locked it to his armor. Tears burned in his eyes even as he refused to let them fall.
The Jedi put a hand on his shoulder, and Hardhead felt a little better. His general would lead him through this, and they would reunite with the rest of the squad soon enough.
The general gave Hardhead several gestures and commands, and then crouched by a corner to use his commlink. Hardhead stayed in the intersection of hallways, and kept a vigilant watch.
"Kelsey, Kelsey come in. This is Master Dolros. Speed is dead, and we're up against a weapon I've never seen before. Be careful. Meet us at rendezvous B as soon as possible."
A crackling reply came back. "Yes, Master. Captain Othus has been wounded and needs attention, but it is nonfatal. See you soon." The Padawan sounded subdued to Hardhead, almost definitely because of the sad news from her Master. It was also not good news that the Captain had been injured. This mission seemed to be going down hill, but Hardhead knew the group had dealt with worse, like that mission on Teth a year earlier. That had nearly been disastrous, but thankfully they had all pulled through.
Standing up the Jedi general spoke to Hardhead, "Let's move. We need to regroup." As the Jedi began to walk down the hallway where the shot had come from the clone spoke. "Sir, down there?"
"Yes. It's the only way to rendezvous point B according to the schematics. We need to get there fast." The clone commando nodded his answer.
The two made their way down the hallway extremely cautiously, scanning every shadow and searching through the Force for any life forms. They made it to the end, and entered a room, what appeared to be a small command room of some sort. A locked cabinet stood in the corner, and several datapads were strewn about. The Jedi tucked them away before moving on.
Three hallways and two rooms later the duo found themselves at a dead end, facing a wall that shouldn't exist. As the two poked around it cautiously, trying to find any fault or way to open it a deep and breathy chuckle echoed through the dark hallway. The two spun immediately to face where it had come from.
"You like my new addition? Sorry it screwed up the schematics you stole. Hahaha." The 2 meter frame of Korta Roxe emerged from the shadows, a large and unfamiliar rifle held in his hands. He pulled the trigger, sending another ball of grey energy down the hallway.
"Down!" Dolros yelled, and both he and Hardhead jumped to the floor. The ball of energy splashed into the wall behind them, disintegrating a fist sized portion.
Dolros shoved his hand outwards, using the Force to knock the Shistavanen off balance and tumbling to the ground. While the Separatist assassin recovered both Hardhead and Master Dolros rose to their feet. Hardhead began firing, several shots barely missing Speed's killer.
All of a sudden a rain of red blaster bolts flew down the hallway from behind the Shistavanen, and two more commando droids stepped up next to him, firing their blasters. Master Dolros began using his lightsaber to deflect the shots, as Hardhead crouched to fire more accurately.
Most of the droids shots hit the wall behind them, but it was too much steady fire to return with accurate shots. However, Hardhead managed a lucky head shot on one, dropping it to the floor. A moment later a red bolt glanced off his arm piece, spinning him slightly and leaving a bad burn mark.
"Hardhead!" The general yelled, as he deflected a shot nearly perfectly and almost took off the Shistavanen's head.
"I'm good, sir!" The clone yelled as he raised his repeater and squeezed the trigger, firing wildly and indiscriminately down the hallway. Multiple blasts hit the remaining commando droid, sending it to the floor with its comrade. More blaster bolts sprayed the walls and floor, pinning the assassin down when he tried to line up another shot with his rifle. Soon the heavy repeater clicked empty, out of shots.
"Hardhead, thermal detonator, now!" The Jedi yelled as he used the Force to knock down Korta again to keep him from firing his dreadful weapon.
The clone dropped his repeater, and primed and tossed two thermal detonators down the hallway, grabbing Speed's DC from his belt when he raised his arms again.
The downed Shistavanen had no time to react to the two thermal detonators that had just landed at his feet. Within seconds they detonated even as he tried to scramble away.
His body went flying down the hallway in the opposite direction of the clone and Jedi Master, his fur scorched and burnt. Within moments the two had recovered from the explosion and shockwave and approached the unmoving assassin. Hardhead has his DC drawn, and Dolros had his lightsaber ready. The clone kicked over the body so it was face up, and now Dolros could tell for certain the Separatist had died in the explosion. His spirit faded into the Force, just like Speed's had, and just like Dolros had felt hundreds of spirits do before. He sighed. The war had brought so much violence and death to the galaxy. Jedi were now no longer the peace keepers that they had been, but instead were warriors and generals.
"Hardhead, we need to get to rendezvous point B now. Inform the others that we downed the target and get a status report." The clone saluted as they both walked away from the body and towards the wall that should not have been there. Once more the Jedi Master used his lightsaber to cut a hole through the wall, and the two entered through it. Rendezvous point B was a several minute walk from their position now, provided nothing else had been altered from the schematics.
"We've eliminated the primary target, and are moving to rendezvous point B now. Status report, Commander Kelsey?"
Even after three whole years of war Padawan Kelsey was unsure she would ever get used to being called Commander. She just didn't feel like a military commander, but here she was helping to lead a covert mission on the edge of Wild Space.
"All ships have been destroyed. The Captain is injured, and needs treatment soon, but is stable. Hotshot and I are fine. We are two minutes out from the rendezvous point."
Since the trouble in the dining room they had had no issues, the trio of Hotshot, Captain Othus, and the Padawan moving ahead steadily. It was disconcerting that Death Watch had been involved, but that would be a matter to report to the Jedi Council on Coruscant when they returned and debriefed.
The group made their way to the rendezvous point, what the schematics had shown to be a warehouse storage type area. They found it contained mostly food supplies and large oxygen containers. It had been designated as the rendezvous point not because of its contents or its location, but because it actually concealed the entrance to what would be the extraction point. The asteroid complex had an incredibly large tunnel complex hidden under it, and from the rendezvous point the tunnels could be broken into and used to reach the supply hangar deep below. The complex had two hangars, one which was used for personal shuttles and starfighters, where the Padawan and the commandos had been earlier to destroy the ships, and another where every two months a light freighter would be sent to resupply. It was empty most of the time, and was where a gutted out and refitted B-7 light freighter was waiting courtesy of the Republic Navy. It was a special ship used by the commandos on certain missions. It was not a stealth ship, but it was undetectable to most scanners and sensors and had an upgraded engine and armor. It should be waiting for the team right now.
"Hotshot, let's get the Captain comfortable." Hotshot nodded and set about doing just that. The Captain let out a small growl at being talked about as if he weren't standing right there, but a stab of pain from his chest cut him off.
He was leant up against a box, and Hotshot went about applying another round of bacta spray to his wound. It was not pretty, and would likely leave a pretty gnarly scar even when they were able to treat it.
Padawan Kelsey came and sat next to the Captain. He had taken the news of Speed's death very harshly, as had Hotshot. She could sense anger at themselves for not being there to protect him, sadness and sorrow that Speed was gone, but also frustration that they were powerless to do anything.
The commlink crackled to life again. It was Hardhead again. "Commander Kelsey, we're one minute out. Over."
She replied by clicking the commlink once, acknowledging the transmission. She didn't have much to say right now, it was beginning to set in for her that Speed was truly gone. They had been good friends, she had been closest to him out of any in the squad. It was tough news, but she would have to deal with it later, once they were away from this damned asteroid. She kicked out her feet, huffing in anger and frustration. Captain Othus looked over to her, slight concern in his eyes. She waved him off and got to her feet, calling out. "Hotshot, let's get the Captain ready to move. Master Dolros and Hardhead are almost here!"
"Yes, sir!" Came the obedient and quick response, and a moment later the Captain was on his feet, supported on his left side by Hotshot while Kelsey helped support his right. She could now sense Hardhead and her Master approaching the door to the supply room from down the hall.
Their reunion had not been a happy one. Hugs and handshakes had gone all around, but very few words were spoken. Dolros could sense, just as Kelsey had, that Captain Othus and Hotshot were angry with themselves for not being there. Master Dolros just put a hand on the Captains shoulder, and nodded respectfully. The Captain returned the nod, and understood that the Jedi did not blame either himself nor Hotshot. Casualties were unavoidable in war, and it was miraculous that the squad had gone so long with no deaths at all.
As Master Dolros examined Captain Othus's wound he spoke to the group. "We need to get to the extraction point quickly. He'll be alright, but I do not want to waste any time." The group agreed, and made their way over to a section of the floor with no crates or tanks covering it. The Jedi duo used their lightsabers to cut a hole, the metal plating falling down and clanging on the tunnel floor below.
Hardhead was the first in, his LS-150 reloaded and ready, with his illuminator on. He scanned the area for a moment before giving the all clear. Padawan Kelsey was the next one down, and then Captain Othus, who was lowered down by Kelsey and Dolros. Hotshot came next, and took up a guard post watching the other end of the hallway as Hardhead. Master Dolros was the last one in.
The Weequay Jedi spoke, "Let's move. Its 150 meters down this hallway, then 50 down another to the right, according to the schematics."
He and Hardhead led the group, LS-150 repeater and lightsaber raised. Kelsey took up the rear while Hotshot made sure the Captain was alright. His condition was still stable, but deteriorating. Another round of bacta spray would need to be applied soon.
After several minutes of walking the secure helmet commlinks activated in each of the clone commandos helmets. A second later a transmission began, coming from the Chancellor's private channel. "Execute Order 66." Was heard through three different helmets, but only to the clones. The Jedi did not hear it said.
"Execute Order 66."
Hardhead stopped in his tracks. Order 66? What was Order 66? Then it hit him.
Springing forth from the back of his mind he immediately knew what it was. It was the emergency protocol in case the Jedi Order ever tried to usurp the Republic and take command for themselves.
It was almost inconceivable to him that the Jedi would do such a thing, but in the split second since the order was issued it made sense. They had bred the clones for war, controlling them, sacrificing them by the thousand to win their battles. It made sense to him that they might try and take power.
With a heavy heart at what must be done Hardhead turned, and raised his LS-150, bringing it to bear on the Jedi Master now slightly in front of him. The Jedi was just now turning, a look of confusion on his face, and a question as to why Hardhead had stopped walking on his lips. Hardhead pulled the trigger, sending a volley of point blank blaster bolts at the Jedi. It had been about five seconds since the Order was issued.
Jedi Master Dolros turned. He had been leading the group to the extraction point, it was only another 50 meters down this hallway and then another 50 down another hallway. But for some reason Hardhead, who was beside him, had quit walking.
And that was why Dolros turned. He was just beginning to ask what was wrong when he saw the clone commando raise his rifle. The Jedi's confusion doubled. His confusion doubled again when the Force gave him a split second warning that the clone fully intended to kill him. It was unbelievable that the clone would try to kill him! But through a lifetime of service and meditation and trying to understand what the Force was trying to tell him Jedi Master Dolros trusted the Force implicitly. He was sure it would not lead him wrong, no matter how unbelievable it's warning was.
Mind still swimming in confusion and doubt Master Dolros made sure he was in a good defensive stance. He didn't want to believe what the Force had warned him of, but he had to prepare for it to be true.
It took just a moment for his doubt to be silenced. Three blaster bolts leapt from Hardheads LS-150, and in the close quarters combat inside the tunnel it was very difficult to block them. But block them he did, with the use of the Force and his fast reflexes. A quick Force Push sent the clone careening into the tunnel wall behind him, a crunching noise bouncing through the tunnel. Hardhead slumped to the ground, unmoving.
"Execute Order 66."
Hotshot stopped walking. He was confused. He had never heard of any 'Order 66' and he wasn't sure what it meant. The Chancellor had ordered it though, and it must be obeyed.
In a mere moment the information came to mind. Order 66 was the backup in case the Jedi tried to overthrow the Republic and take power for themselves. And it made sense to Hotshot. He realized now how terrible the Jedi had been. They went from world to world imposing their will and forcing planets to break their sovereignty and join the Republic. It was sickening. Almost as sickening as forcing the clones to fight and die for them. The clones did not serve the Jedi only. They served the Republic, and only served the Jedi because they were part of the Republic. But now, because the Jedi had tried to seize power, they were no longer part of the Republic, but rather were active enemies of the Chancellor and the Galactic Republic. And Hotshot knew exactly how to deal with the Republic's enemies.
In front of him Hardhead quit walking next to Master Dolros. Hotshot saw him bring his weapon up to bear even as the Jedi turned around. Three shots leapt from Hardheads weapon, but the Weequay Jedi's lightning fast reflexes saved his life. The three shots were all deflected, and a quick shove of his hand has sent Hardhead flying into the wall, a crunching noise echoing through the tunnel. Hotshot's HUD read that it was still receiving vitals from Hardhead, but that he had been knocked unconscious.
Hotshot raised his own rifle, his sniper pattern DC, and fired twice at the Jedi Master. One bolt was blocked, but one hit it's mark, slamming into the Jedi's arm. The force from the impact made the Jedi spin, opening him up for another attack. Two more shots followed, one hitting his other arm, the other his chest. The Jedi sank to his knees and his lightsaber clattered to the tunnel floor. The chest wound was serious, very serious. Hotshot heard a scream from behind him. It could only be the Padawan learner. He would deal with her after he executed the Jedi in front of him.
Beside him Hotshot could no longer see Captain Othus he was so focused on executing Order 66. It turned out to be a mistake as he began to line up a killshot on the Jedi Master he felt double impacts slam into his ribcage.
"Execute Order 66."
Captain Othus stopped walking. The command had come from the Chancellor himself, so it had to be obeyed. But what was Order 66, Captain Othus asked himself? Then he remembered.
It was the contingency order to be given in case the Jedi ever attempted to take control of the Senate and Galactic Republic. But for the Order to be given then that meant the Jedi had turned against the Republic, against what they had fought for for three long years, and had served for for millennia.
Captain Othus had heard it all before, whispered conversations in hushed tones among the troopers that maybe, just maybe, the Jedi were using the clones without a care in the galaxy as to their safety or wellbeing. And Othus would be lying if he said he had never had a similar thought. Clones died in the thousands, sometimes that many in a single battle, but did the Jedi ever seem to care?
No, he thought. No they did not. Captain Othus withdrew his two pistols. But as he was preparing to raise them and fire on the Jedi he had a thought. The Jedi did care. They cared so much. But they couldn't care all of the time for every single clone. With millions of clones and only thousands of Jedi that was impossible. And now that he thought about it Master Dolros and Padawan Kelsey had always cared about him and his squad, many times putting their lives on the line so the clones would be safer. The Captain could think of a dozen times that Dolros had personally saved his life.
But was that just because the Jedi needed the clones to fight their war?
No. Captain Othus knew that couldn't be true. The Jedi were not using the clones, at least not without caring.
Several seconds had passed. Captain Othus saw Hardhead and Hotshot stop walking. Hardhead raised his weapon and fired a trio of bolts just as Master Dolros turned to speak to him. In an incredible display of skill and aptitude the Jedi blocked all three shots even at point blank range, and sent Hardhead into the tunnel wall with the Force. His HUD still showed life signs from Hardhead. The Captain tried to shout an order to stand down, but searing pain in his chest stopped him.
Captain Othus dropped to the side of the tunnel, and slid down the wall, both pistols still in his hands. He was shocked that Hardhead could just throw away such a bond with Master Dolros and fire on him. It hurt his heart. He saw Hotshot raise his sniper configured DC and fire off two shots of his own at the Jedi Master. One was deflected, which Othus observed in his silent shock. He was still in lots of pain from his chest wound, and it was getting worse by the minute.
One of the two shots hit the Jedi in the arm, sending him on a half spin. Two more shots from Hotshot hit the Jedi, one more in the other arm and one in the chest. Captain Othus knew he had to do something as he saw the Jedi fall to his knees and drop his lightsaber. Othus heard a scream from his side somewhere behind him. It sounded like the Padawan.
He raised his arms, a pistol in each hand, and squeezed each trigger. The first two shots hit Hotshot in the rib cage from below, Hotshot squeezed off a shot at the kneeling Jedi which went wide, flying down the tunnel. Two more blaster bolts hit Hotshot in the chest, followed by two more. It hurt Captain Othus to have to do this, it hurt him in his soul. But he knew he had to to protect Master Dolros and his Padawan. It was the right thing to do.
Captain Othus served the Republic, and had his entire life, and would continue to serve the Republic until the day he died. But he could not serve the Republic if that meant killing the Jedi, because he knew there was no way the Jedi would betray the Republic. But now not only Hotshot but Hardhead too had failed to realize that the Jedi would never betray the Republic and had instead turned their backs on the Jedi and Captain Othus.
Hotshot sank to the ground, Othus's HUD reading that his vital signs were now dropping quickly. With another dual trigger press they were eked out entirely, and the commando Captain felt sick to his stomach. His chest wound burned painfully as he rose to his feet and looked around the tunnel.
Padawan Kelsey was having a bad day. The mission had started off alright, but had gotten complicated rather quickly. She never liked when the squad had to split up and she had to be away from her Master, but she figured that was just part of life as a Jedi. She would have to learn to let go of attachment soon enough, if she ever wanted to be a full fledged Jedi Knight.
Speed's death had hit her hard, doubly so because nothing except his blaster had been recovered. What kind of terrible weapon could disintegrate a whole body, armor and all? It's something only the cruel Separatists and their assassins would use, surely. But at least the mission had gone smoothly since then. They had rendezvoused without problem and had made it into the tunnel safely. They were only several minutes away from the extraction point.
But that was when everything had gone to hell.
First Hotshot, Hardhead, and Captain Othus all stopped walking at once, hands up to their helmets like they were receiving a transmission on the commlink. She checked her own, but heard nothing at all. Then, seconds later, Hardhead raised his heavy repeater and fired on her Master. She had yelled a warning, but it did not matter. Her master had reacted with lightning speed in the cramped tunnel, blocking the shots. She didn't know why Hardhead had attacked him, but she was glad when he was sent flying into the wall and crumpled into a heap.
She had not moved an inch since the situation began, frozen in shock. She felt her heart squeeze when she saw Hotshot raise his weapon. He fired two shots. One was deflected, the other was not, hitting Dolros's arm. Two more shots came, one hitting her Master's other arm and the other hitting his chest.
As she saw her Master sink to his knees Padawan Kelsey began to scream. She still had not moved, shock freezing her muscles in place. She was so confused. How could Hardhead do that? And how could Hotshot? He was going to kill Master Dolros? Or at least he was, Kelsey saw, until Captain Othus intervened.
He was slumped against the wall, just a few meters away from Hotshot. Kelsey saw as Hotshot raised his rifle to get the kill, and fear struck her. Relief flooded her body, but came with more confusion, as Captain Othus fired his pistols into Hotshot's ribs, and then into his chest, and then into his chest once more. Hotshot fell to the ground, now even with Captain Othus. Two more bolts leapt from the pistols and slammed into Hotshots chest. If Padawan Kelsey had been focusing she would have felt his spirit leave his body and enter the Force. But she was not focusing.
She saw Captain Othus rise, and turn towards her. His pistols were still in his hands, but were not aimed at her. Still, fear gripped her heart and she lifted her lightsaber, ready to attack him if need be. He dropped his pistols, and raised his hands in a non-threatening gesture. His chest wound was obviously not in good shape.
It was now that a weak and wet cough was heard from the end of the hallway. Both Kelsey and the commando Captain turned and sprinted to the Weequay Jedi. He was on his hands and knees, blaster marks on each arm, and was weakly coughing blood onto the tunnel floor.
The Captain reached him first, gently helping him up to a sitting position. The Jedi spat a bit of blood, but looked gratefully towards the captain. Kelsey was at his other side shortly. She could now feel, through their strong bond, that the Force was leaving his body alongside his life force.
Tears welled in her eyes, even as her Master turned to face her. Blood ran down in thin lines from his mouth, over his cracked and dry Weequay skin. A tear rolled down her cheek, and he wiped it off, even that slight movement paining him.
"Do not worry, Padawan... I can feel in the Force that the times are changing, and that you must be strong... Always know your duty, but never forget what is right. Times will be hard. You will not know who to trust. You must trust in Captain Othus... He will keep you safe along your way. You must finish your training, Kelsey, and I deeply regret that I can not be there to see you become a Knight." His speech was marked by pauses to spit blood or struggle to breath, but it was no less meaningful to Kelsey, who was nodding as he spoke. She took every word to heart, feeling in the Force that he meant every word and that every word was true.
He cupped her chin, before turning his attention to Captain Othus. He spoke once more, "Captain, I know not what has happened to the Republic, but you know your duty... Keep her safe, and keep yourself safe... I must be going now, goodbye old friends." The Captain nodded, standing up straight and giving a full salute, even despite the burning pain. Kelsey grabbed the Jedi's hand, refusing to believe that he was leaving this life. But moments later she was forced to believe it as his spirit left his body. A tear rolled down her cheek, hitting the tunnel floor. It would just be the first of many.
Just as Captain Othus turned to speak to the Padawan, to tell her that they must be moving onwards, the situation changed again. Neither had noticed that in the past few moments Hardhead had regained consciousness.
With a sprint and a shout Hardhead charged the Padawan, slamming her into the wall, knocking the breath out of her. It took a second for her mind to clear from the hard hit and the air to return to her lungs. A punch landed on her ribs, another hard hit. She gathered herself enough to react, using the Force to push Hardhead away, and also igniting her lightsaber.
Almost simultaneously she swung the lightsaber at Hardhead, while Captain Othus fired his pistols. The lightsaber sliced into Hardhead as the blaster bolts slammed into him. He sunk to the ground, dead, as the smell of burnt ozone filled the air.
"He's dead." Captain Othus stated the obvious. Kelsey nodded in response.
The Captain spoke again. "We need to get moving, immediately." Again Kelsey nodded. The two walked along in silence, down the tunnel and then turning down the other tunnel. They were only 10 meters from the blast door entrance to the supply hangar when the Captain motioned for her to stop.
"Look, Commander, the clones have been given orders to destroy all Jedi. I don't know what's going on, but it came from the chancellor himself. I'm afraid that all clones will be trying to kill you on sight."
Kill on sight? Why the hell would they do that, Kelsey thought absently. She was reeling from the loss of her Master. She just nodded.
"I want you to wait here. I'm going to go see if the ship is here, and I'll deal with any clones on board if I have to. Understand?" Kelsey nodded again, and the Captain noted that her eyes seemed to look past him, not at him. He put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently as he readied his pistols and opened the blast door.
The B-7 light freighter was waiting exactly where it was supposed to be. It was black, all black, and was a familiar sight to Captain Othus. He and his squad had used it in nearly half a dozen missions.
The entry ramp lowered with a hiss of steam, and a white armored clone trooper jogged out, a DC-15A clutched in his hands. He stood at attention for the Captain, and spoke, "Sir, extraction vessel Ashaton is ready for launch. Is the rest of your squad coming?"
"No. I'm all that's left." The Captain replied as he approached the ramp. He still had a pistol in each hand.
The clone nodded, "Yes, sir! Has Order 66 been executed?"
The Captain sighed, shaking his head. "The Padawan escaped. We will leave her here to die."
The clone trooper spoke, "Forgive me sir, but should we not make sure that she is dead?"
Captain Othus barked a response, "She will die here, cold and alone once we destroy the life support systems. Lead the way, trooper." The trooper turned to lead the Captain up the ramp into the Ashaton.
Captain Othus sighed. The clone trooper obviously had no problem with killing the Padawan, even suggesting that they hunt her down. He was clearly like Hardhead and Hotshot, and wished to fulfill Order 66 completely. The commando raised his pistol, firing a point blank shot into the back of the troopers head. It was a dirty thing, to kill a man from behind, but sometimes it must be done. Othus easily recalled what Master Dolros's last order to him had been.
The Captain walked up the ramp and into the B-7. He rounded a corner, walking down the hallway to the cockpit with his pistols drawn and ready. There was no door, and the Captain could see the pilot as he prepared the freighter for launch.
"Pilot?" Othus asked. The pilot turned, just in time to see a pair of raised pistols aimed at his face, and a bright blue flash. His body crumpled to the ground, two neat holes blown into his helmet.
It took Captain Othus several minutes to drag the two clone bodies out of and away from the Ashaton. He was moving slowly because of his wound. He clicked the commlink active.
"Commander, the area is safe now." He received no response, but moments later Commander Kelsey walked through. He greeted her at the ramp, helping her up and into a seat in the passenger compartment.
He spoke to her before he left, "Commander, I will be in the cargo bay if you need me." She nodded.
Once he was satisfied that she was safe the Captain went to the cargo bay. It was nearly empty, but for several crates of weaponry, armor, and medical supplies. A small medical bay was present, with only a small cot and miniature bacta tank mounted to the wall. It took up about half the space inside the cargo bay, the assorted cargo and supplies taking up the other half.
Captain Othus strapped himself in to the miniature bacta tank, localizing it around his chest. It soon went to work, and he almost immediately felt better. He would require several hours inside the tank, and would still be left with a nasty scar most likely.
It was one hour into his stay in the tank when Commander Kelsey came into the cargo bay. She said nothing, a haunted look still in her eyes. She sat down across from the Captain, watching as the bacta slowly knitted his wound back together, leaving behind pink scar tissue.
The Captain watched her. He was worried about her. He had never seen her so in shock, but he supposed she had a good reason for it. She had just watched a squad of clones she had known throughout the entire war and had developed a close bond with kill her Jedi Master, who she also had developed an incredibly close bond with. It was as if her siblings, her older brothers, had turned on each other and killed their father, only for the eldest brother to turn on his own siblings. Her world had been thrown upside down and stomped on, and Captain Othus did not envy her.
His world was shaken too, but he was a soldier, and he knew how to deal with shock and trauma. He was afraid that the Padawan was not quite so experienced with death. Of course over the last three years she had seen plenty of death, but never experienced quite so close or so devastatingly all at once.
"Commander? Are you alright?" He asked after several minutes.
She took a moment to respond, simply shaking her head no.
"Death comes for us all. It's something we have to deal with."
The Padawan's blue eyes met the Captain's dark brown eyes. Tears formed in her eyes once again.
"But how?" She asked, her voice quite.
The Captain thought for a minute. He wasn't very good at dealing with these situations. It was actually the first time he had ever been in a situation like this. He was a soldier, one of the best of the best, he didn't have time to think about life or death. But now, for the first time in his accelerated life, he thought about what it meant to die and what it meant to live.
"I guess that's what we have to figure out, Commander."
The End
This was the first story I've done for a long while, but I really enjoyed writing it. I knocked it out mostly in about two sessions. I'm back to working on the next chapter of my Night is Long Rewrite, so if you like that story that some good news. I have another Warhammer 40k story planned too, but I'm feeling like I'm starting a lot of stories without really finishing them.
Let me know if you want this short story series to continue/ what you think of this one/ the first one. I really enjoyed this and I think that the characters are cool and could be developed some more. Depending on the feedback I might do another short story in this installment.
Have a good day, y'all.