Within the Borders: Mandalore Part 4
Tantooine: The U-Wing
Ezra held up the fake Dark-Saber and smiled. Triston looked at it and shook his head, the fake appeared to be exactly like the real Dark-Saber right down to the smallest detail. "Will it work, I mean will it turn on and be like the Dark-Saber."
Switching on the Fake, a dark Blade appeared and hummed just like the original. Cutting it back and forth, Ezra smiled. Then plunged it into himself. Triston jumped forward with shock and concern that Ezra just committed suicide. Then stared as Ezra flipped it over and pointed it back at the ceiling. "It works, but it is not a Lightsaber. More like a black light that looks like a Lightsaber." Ezra chuckled at Triston's expression.
"That is not funny, I thought you just killed yourself." Triston then smiled and laughed. "After we save Rau, you have to let me keep that."
"Sorry, it is more than likely this will not hold up for what else it is for." Ezra turned it over and Triston could see a small compartment under the Hilt of the Fake. "Inside this will be one of Sabine's favorite things. A Flashbang with a Smoke Bomb." Pointing to a switch, near the bottom of the Hilt he showed Triston the activator for the Flashbang and Smoke Bomb. "Just in case we need to make a hasty retreat."
"Now that you have the fake Dark-Saber built, do you want me to contact Bo-Katan and inform her to tell Vurgo it is here on Tantooine?" Triston asked as he stepped over to the transmitter.
"Yes, also that if everything goes right we should be rescuing Fenn Rau anytime now." As Ezra deactivated the Fake and put it on his belt. Now the hard part, waiting for one of Vurgo's cronies to come and take them to Vurgo to do the trade.
Tantooine: The Warehouse
Straining with all of his might, Rau tried to pull the chain from the wall. Breathing hard, he dropped it and leaned back. "Well that did not work." He mumbled to himself as he heard something from the corridor that made his blood run cold. Sena and Yeisa had returned.
"So, can we play with him? Did you ask Lord Vurgo about us being able to play with him?" One of the Twil'ek girls asked Grovak.
"Yes, Lord Vurgo says you may later. After he gets the Dark-Saber you may play with him." Grovak said to the two, making his voice loud enough so Rau could hear him. Just to add some torment.
"Why so long, why not now?" One of the other whined.
"Lord Vurgo thought it would be funny that after you play with him, we release him and then tell his wife that he was used by you." Grovak chuckled at that and the two stopped protesting. They too began to laugh at the thought of causing discord with someone's significant other.
Rau did not join in the laughter, it was not funny. Wondering what he would tell Bo-Katan, not only did he allow himself to be kidnapped. Now how would he explain that he was sexually abused by two Twil'ek females while he was being held captive. That would not go over well no matter how he tried to explain it. Grabbing the chain again he began to pull with all of his strength.
In the Main Chamber, Vurgo activated the transmitter. It was time to check on his demand. Knowing the Mandalorians by now his paid informant would have told them what it would take for the release of Fenn Rau and by now the Ruler would most likely agree. Smiling broadly he recorded his demand then waited for the transmitter to send the message through another contact. The reply came almost instantly, it was already here on Tantooine waiting for him to make contact. "Excellent." Vurgo said as he gave a laugh. Once it was in his hand he could contact the buyer and then get the Million Credits.
Knownest: The Wren Fortress
Sabine could not take it anymore, getting out of bed she quickly put on her clothes but not her Armor. Sneaking out of her room she made her way to the balcony. If she took one more nap she would not be able to sleep tonight. It did not help that every time she took a nap, she dreamed of Ezra. She wanted him home with her and not out on some adventure. No matter how important it was. Standing on the balcony she inhaled the cool crisp air and felt better. Shivering slightly due to the cold she suddenly felt someone drop a coat over her shoulders. "Stang, someone found me already." She whispered as she turned to thank whoever provided the coat. Seeing her Mother standing slightly behind her with a concerned expression.
"It is a little cold out here for you to be without a coat in your condition." Ursa said firmly as she scowled at Sabine.
"I am pregnant not ill. I wish you and Father would stop worrying and fussing over me." Sabine said, then regretted saying it. They both were driving her crazy. "Sorry, I like some of the fussing and concern. But you and Father are treating me like I am helpless."
"We cannot help it, Sabine. You are carrying our first Grandchild and I guess we have been a little concerned about you. With Ezra not here, we both want to make sure that you are taken care of." Ursa replied then moved over besides her. "I and your Father will try not to fuss over you so much."
"That is all I ask." Sabine exhaled and watched the steam from her breath float into the air.
"Now it is really cold out here and I do not want you to get a chill. So come inside." Ursa said as she attempted to move Sabine inside. Seeing Sabine roll her eyes. "I will stop making such a fuss over you tomorrow."
Sabine shook her head and just gave up, allowing her Mother to guide her inside.
Tantooine: The Streets of Mos Eisley
Walking behind the contact, Ezra let the force flow through him. The human man that guided them was short, with greasy brown hair. He would glance back to make sure that both Ezra and Triston were following him. As they walked, Triston fingered his Blaster Pistol watching the Guide closely. "I do not trust our Guide." He stated as he moved closer to Ezra.
"To tell the truth, neither do I. I get the sense that he would betray us in a second and lead us into a trap." Ezra responded, putting his hand inside to the secret pouch that held his Lightsaber. He had no intention of trying to use the Fake Darksaber, especially since it was basically worthless. He had constructed the thing in less then a day. A normal Lightsaber minimally took Two to Three Days in a rush or following the proper way; two weeks. Passing several large Holo-Screens Ezra paused, his eyes focused on the advertisement.
"JOIN THE FIRST ORDER; IT IS THE FUTURE. BECOME THAT FUTURE. JOIN NOW.
Staring at it Ezra stumbled. "What the Hell is this? What is the First Order?" He asked loudly as the Guide returned and smiled.
Gesturing at the Holo-Poster. "Yeah the First Order has placed these all over the place. Some type of recruitment drive." Then the Guide realized that he might have provided information that Vurgo did not want given to anyone. "Come, Lord Vurgo is waiting."
Returning to follow the Guide, Ezra glanced back at the Poster then at Triston. "That is disturbing, we need to find out what the First Order is."
"I think you might be right." Triston looked again at the Holo-Poster and shuddered. There was something strange about it. Returning to follow the Guide, Ezra did not say anything more and Triston wondered if there was something sinister about the First Order to make Ezra suspicious.
At the Warehouse, Two Galamorians crossed their Force Pike Axes in front of them. The Guide instantly held out his hand. "I will take the Dark-Saber please."
"No, the deal is the Dark-Saber for Fenn Rau. Once we see Fenn Rau then you get the Dark-Saber." Ezra stated, putting his hand down to the Blaster at his hip. Waiting for the Guide to make a decision.
"Fine, Lord Vurgo awaits." The Guide said in a huff and Ezra suspected that if he had given the Dark-Saber to the little weasel they would never see it again.
following the Guide inside, Ezra noticed that the two Bulky Galamorians walked in behind them. Approaching the raised dais, he saw the large Hutt laying on it surrounded by three Twil'ek girls that moved about suspiciously.
"Ah, so you have brought the Dark-Saber." The Hutt said with a glint in his large eyes.
"Yes, where is Fenn Rau?" Ezra asked, looking about the room for Rau. "Bring him out or we are leaving."
Waving to one of the other Humans in the room, the man strode down a corridor and soon he was leading Rau by a chain into the room.
"There he is, now give me the Dark-Saber." Vurgo the Hutt demanded, holding out one of his hands towards Ezra. Exhaling Ezra unhooked the fake and approached.
"Let Rau come over to us." Ezra demanded, not giving the Dark-Saber to Vurgo. With a wave the Human Guard released Rau and let him move over to Triston and Ezra.
"You cannot give the Dark-Saber to him." Rau protested but watched as Ezra handed the hilt to the Hutt.
"Yes, I have it. This is worth One Million Credits." Vurgo held the Dark-Saber high in the air and examined it. Everyone saw the drop of drool lather on the large lips of the Hutt. Without even looking at Ezra, Triston and Rau. He smiled. "Kill them." He ordered as every Guard in the room pulled out assorted weapons.
Drawing his Blaster he gave it to Rau, then Ezra reached into the hidden pouch and pulled out his Lightsaber. Igniting it. The room was bathed in a green light as the Blade came to life. Spinning around, Ezra cut the Vibro-Axes in half and then one of the Galamorians. Vurgo screamed in horror and rage as he glared at Ezra. Meanwhile Triston and Rau began to fire, dropping other Guards.
"He is no Jedi, Kill him." Vurgo explained as two other Guards ran towards Ezra and in a flash of green light fell to the floor. Then to Vurgo's amazement one of the Galamorians flew backwards as if he was thrown across the room. "Sithspawn he is a Jedi. Flee!" Vurgo stated trying to move his bulk towards the secret entrance to the Bog Chambers below. The Three Twil'ek girls followed closely behind him. Rau jumped in front of the Hutt and pointed his smoking blaster at the Hutt.
"Do not move, Vurgo!" Rau said loudly. Vurgo grinned and activated the Dark-Saber.
"Ho ho ho." Vurgo rumbled as he slashed the black blade across Rau and then stared in confusion when Rau just stood before him unharmed. "What, this is the Dark-Saber?" Turning it around in his hands he saw the small switch on the bottom and pressed it. The Dark-Saber exploded in a white and gray mist that caused the Hutt to drop it coughing. The gas encircled Vurgo's head and the Hutt whined with disgust as the gas caused him to cough and wheeze. The three Twil'ek girls ran past Rau and headed to safety. "Guards, help me." He pleaded as he rubbed his eyes.
Rau stood still and laughed at the big slug. Then with disgust walked away from Vurgo, returning to Ezra and Triston. "We better get out of here, he might have others coming." Rau suggested as he watched Ezra deactivate his Lightsaber.
"We have a ship nearby." Triston stated as he glanced around the room. All of Vurgo's Guards were dead, wounded or unconscious. Following Ezra who took point they head out of the Warehouse. Outside they walked quickly towards the U-Wing that waited on the Landing Port.
"That was not the Dark-Saber was it?" Rau asked amused, following closely behind Ezra.
"Nope it was a fake that I built. You do not think we would give the real Dark-Saber to someone like Vurgo do you?" Ezra stated nearing the U-Wing. Entering the ship he removed his helmet and put it down. Moving into the cockpit and bringing the ship online for departure.
"I would like to think Bo-Katan would for me." Rau said as he sat in the co-pilot seat and switched on the Navigation system.
"I am sure she would, but in hindsight that might not be the best idea." Ezra lifted the U-Wing off the Pad and flew it towards space. The ship was slow to move, but soon it picked up speed and thrust into orbit. The Desert World rotated below them as Rau calculated the jump into Hyperspace. Eager to get home to Bo-Katan.
Vurgo finally made his way into the secret Bog Pool chamber. Jumping into the Murky waters to wash the Gas residue off him, he finally could see. Surging back to the surface a Dark Clad Man stood waiting.
"Where is the Dark-Saber?" The Man asked.
"I was unable to obtain it, I will try again." Vurgo told the Man, preparing to dive back into the water. He knew the consequences for failure. Before he could the Man threw a thermal detonator into the Murky Waters just besides Vurgo.
"Not necessary, we will find a way without you." The Man turned as Vurgo tried to get out of the Water before the Detonator went off. Walking away the Detonator exploded shredding Vurgo all over the Chamber. Picking up a Comm-Link the Man spoke. "Vurgo failed, Milord. I will find another way to obtain the Dark-Saber."
"Not necessary, Servant. Return to us." The cold voice replied then the link closed. The Dark Clad man covered his head with his cloak and walked out of the Warehouse. Leaving behind several Thermal Detonators on a timer that would destroy all evidence of him and that of those within. Walking slowly, he stopped at the Holo-Poster and exhaled. "The First Order will rise far beyond the Empire." He said then turned and left.
With a Jolt the U-Wing was pulled out of Hyperspace and the Three on board all stared at the small Fleet of Imperial Star Destroyers before them. An Interdictor Cruiser could be seen off to Port. Ezra swallowed as he looked out at the Five Star Destroyers, Four Carrrack Cruisers and several Corvette Cruisers. "I think we are in trouble." Ezra stated feeling the sudden pull from one of the Star Destroyers Tractor Beams.
"Shit, I just want to go home. What is with you Ezra, it seems trouble always comes to you." Rau said as he gave a short chuckle. "So how are we going to get out of this one?"
"I do not think we will, that is the Chimaera and that means Thrawn." Ezra pointed to the Star Destroyer that was pulling them into the Hanger Bay. Five TIE Fighters appeared to fly escort for the U-Wing Fighter Transport.
"I thought Thawn liked you?" Triston asked, biting his bottom lip.
"With the fall of the Empire, I do not think he likes anyone. I believe our best bet is to surrender for now. If he wanted me dead he would have just blown us up as soon as we were effectively pulled out of Hyperspace. He wants something." Ezra stated fingering his Lightsaber.
"How do you know that? Maybe he wants to personally kill you." Rau said as his eyes looked around the slowly approaching Hanger Bay.
"No Thrawn does not hold grudges or does not do anything without a reason. No he wants to talk to me." Ezra replied, letting the Force calm him. "He knows it is me on this ship. I suspect he had some spies on Tantooine and figured that Bo-katan would have me go on the rescue mission for you. It all fits."
"It sounds like your time with Thrawn gave you some insight into his tactics and strategies." Triston stated, picking up his helmet and getting ready to fight. "Sorry Rau that we do not have your Armor. Shall we get ready to face the Imperials?"
"You two are going to stay on the Ship. I will go out alone." Ezra stood and walked to the back of the Ship. "Before you both argue, it me that Thrawn wants to see. Just get the Ship ready to leave." As the U-Wing set down, Ezra opened the Hatch and walked out with his hands in the air. Triston and Rau watched him from the Cockpit, gripping their Blasters tightly in their hands.
Glancing around the Hanger Bay, Ezra saw a squad of Stormtroopers standing at attention. No weapons were pointing at Ezra, then he saw Thrawn walking up to him with a slight limp. "Greetings Grand Admiral, what brings you here?" Ezra asked as Thrawn walked up to him.
"Greeting Ezra Bridger. I take it you already know how I knew that you were here." Thrawn smiled and his eyes flashed.
"Yes, I figured it out as I was being Tractor Beamed into the Hanger Bay. I am here, so why am I here?" Ezra asked wanting to get to the point of this.
"The Empire is gone, the last Remnants are scattered throughout the Galaxy. This new First Order is replacing it and I have no place within it. I am leaving with what ships and personnel that I can save. I want you and your Wife to come with us." Thrawn said as he exhaled. "I have foresee that it might not be safe for you within the Borders of the New Republic. Not safe for you or anyone that you care for." Gesturing towards a table and chairs. "Come let us sit and I will inform you of what I have discovered." Then Thrawn limped towards them, escorting Ezra to the chairs.