As the team continued moving on towards the nearest settlement, Max and Luger were using their electrobinoculars to visually scan the environment in the hopes of finding said area to make contact with the locals.
"Nothing on my scope." Luger observed. "Just greenery and the usual dirt path."
"You tried enhancing the image?" Max asked.
"Not yet, I'll do it." Luger then made adjustments to the electrobinoucular with negative results. "Negative, not even that."
"Okay. Just check our beacon and make sure it's still online."
Lelei was busy driving the cart as Cato was sleeping. While doing so, she was curious about the blaster rifles on the back of the Republic soldiers.
"Excuse me. I want to ask what unusual staff you are holding." She asked .
Krel was near enough to hear her request and began to head beside the cart.
"You mean our blaster rifles?" He replied.
"That is what they are called? "Blas-ter rifles?""
"They are standard-issue weaponry from where we came from." He explained. "Everyone who is part of the military are trained on how to handle them properly.
"I see. So about them...are they achieved using magic?"
"Not exactly. It's quite complicated to tell how they work for you, but...they serve the same purpose: to eliminate soldiers."
"Aahhh...I can understand now." Lelei understood. "Even if your soldiers are not mages, you people are well-respected."
"Yup."
Lelei stood silent for a moment before introducing herself.
"I'm Lelei...Lelei La Lalena."
"Krel...Krel Daslik." The Besalik followed with his introduction.
A few moments after, a single X-wing flew past the team as it continued with its reconnaissance mission.
"That's one of their wyverns." Bozes commented on it.
"'X-wing', Bozes." Piña corrected. "They have names."
"Oh...sorry, milady. I almost forgot."
A transmission from the pilot was heard.
"This is Red 20 to all nearby units, come in."
"This is Private Marceau of Dragon Company, we can hear you." Tuka responded with her comlink.
"Oh, thank goodness. At least the area's getting friendlier."
"Do you have any info of enemy activity?"
"Negative so far on my scanners." He confirmed. "You should be continuing with your mission without any hinderance."
"Alright, thank you." The transmission ended with Max being impressed with her ability.
"Glad your ability with the comlink has improved." He lauded.
"Yes, I did. Luger help me with it."
"That's no problem." Her friend agreed. "I taught her how to use it."
Max smiled in acceptance. Then, he looked at the sky and saw the sun going down.
"Captain, looks like we have to stop for a while." The Besalik suggested.
"Yeah, we better." Max agreed.
XXXXXXX
A CR90 corvette carrying Republic military officers began to head towards the surface of the planet Mandalore to negotiate a request for assistance following the attack by Imperial forces in Italica. As the ship entered the bio-domed capital of Keldabe their Mandalorian counterparts led by the green Duros A'den Jarrek were standing by at the landing platform. When the corvette landed, a veteran Bothan officer named Skia Ush'kal and his human colleague Altear Haskiden disembarked to meet with their counterparts.
"I've received your message regarding Imperial activity outside the bounds of the Concordance." A'den greeted with confirmation. "I'm getting worried about what's going on."
"Thank you for hearing about it." Skia responded. "Looks like we have unfinished business with them."
"Follow me, we will head for our headquarters to continue with the discussion."
When they entered said building, they head for a room where they will present their findings.
"We have a video feed from one of our soldiers we would like to show to you." The officer said. "But the planet where this is taken is not found in any known planet or system. It is only accessible via a hypergate on Endor."
"That's okay. All we need is to know who are we facing with."
The officers nodded and began to play the feed. What A'den saw is different from many battles in galactic history. Buildings not found anywhere can be seen with their different materials and roads made of different rocks also appeared. Then, a portion of the video features Republic forces engaging Imperial Shadow Troopers and apparent screaming from civilians.
"Put a shield generator behind us! We have to minimize casualties!" One soldier shouted in the feed.
"Yes, sir!"
"Fall back, fall back!"
"Can anyone read me, this is Sergeant Lasskiy?! We are under attack!"
"They're jamming our signals!"
"Oh no, take cover!"
Static began to cover some moments of the engagement due to the apparent detonation of a thermal imploder. As the video kept playing, A'den was disgusted.
"Haar'chak!" He uttered in Mandalorian. "I knew it!"
"That engagement was apparently a well-planned attack." Skia explained. "We have no information so far on further Imperial activity aside from those within the Inner Rim and the Core regions."
"...hmmmm, that's not much surprising at all."
"What do you mean?"
"We've been keeping tabs on their activities for quite some time, even before the Concordance was signed. As our suspicions grew following the Empire's defeat, we decided to launch covert operations to impede their development and hopefully stop repeating history. Currently we are sabotaging key Imperial operations and so far we have found out that a few key officials has escaped. One of them was from Sienar Fleet Systems and he was stationed at Jakku at the time before that fated battle took place."
"Did he brought his works with him?" Altear inquired.
"Not all of it, at least." A'den assured. "We've found that he was planning to modernize the TIE series to be on par with your starfighters. And, here is one other thing: there was a prototype star dreadnaught under construction outside the Executor-class within Kuat's shipyards and left only three weeks before the Battle of Endor with a relatively large fleet. It could be heading for that planet you just mentioned."
"Any idea what class is that ship part of?" Skia asked.
"So far, it was confirmed to be part of the Vengeance-class, a new class of starships."
The Republic officers were concerned about the Empire's activities aside from the revelations.
"...um, we also encountered what appears to be black TIEs equipped with deflector shields." Skia reported which caught A'den's attention.
"Then we must speed up our efforts to stop them. I fear that the Empire are making their next move. I will also inform Fenn Shysa about the news you have brought."
"Thank you for your help." It wasn't long before the Mand'alor Fenn Shysa arrived at the Palace.
"Good day, prime minister." Skia greeted him.
"Su cuy'gar, thank you for coming to our home planet." Fenn replied. "I see that you need help concerning the Imperials?"
"Correct." Altear responded. "We have just brought the news to A'den regarding a recent Imperial attack."
"Burc'ya, they have confirmation on Imperial activity...and it's in a planet not on any of our databases." A'den relayed the news.
"Guess that we have found our next interest point. Officers, inform Republic command about our arrival at Endor in days time. We need to prepare for this expedition."
"Thank you, Shysa." Skia thanked him and both parties exchanged handshakes.
XXXXXXX
The team established camp just as nightfall came. With a bonfire lit up, they began to rest before continuing their journey the next day. Lelei, for her part, began to practice telekinesis with Cato.
"You see that large rock over there?" Her master asked.
"I can see it, master. We can start practicing the levitation."
"Just concentrate hard enough and it will lift."
Lelei began to focus her powers on the rock and after some struggling, managed to lift it.
"Master, I can see the rock lifting up." Lelei informed.
"Very good. Someday, you will become a great mage if we keep on practicing."
"Thank you."
Luger, Max and Krel were watching the two as they began to ponder on this moment.
"You know, that levitation thing reminds me of the Force powers the Jedi once wielded in the days of old." Max said.
"You saw that, captain?" Luger asked.
"No, but my father told me all about them based on his experience during the Clone Wars." The captain replied. "They are quite far from the powers of a Jedi but the similarities are still there."
"And even without the midi-chlorians, or the powers of a Jedi knight for that matter, they still have potential." Krel elaborated. "I heard stories from many people...reliable sources, at least."
Luger was curious about the history of the Jedi.
"So about them...what do they do?"
"They are guardians who keep the peace in the galaxy and balance of the Force in check. During the Clone Wars, they played one of their most prominent roles leading the Old Republic to victory. However..."
"What is it?"
Max hesitated for a moment before revealing more.
"...it's because of Order 66."
Luger was surprised.
"'Order 66?'"
"It was that event that brought near-total destruction of the Jedi and the Old Republic, along with the rise of the Galactic Empire. My father told me about it and at one point, he can barely hear a very disturbing voice talking to the clones as if he's ordering them to attack."
"So...what happened to the Jedi right now?"
"Well...with the defeat of the Empire, it's safe to say that they may be in the presence of rebuilding." Krel continued.
"'Reliable sources,' again?"
"Yeah, you could say that."
Almost immediately, Tuka came to inform them of supper.
"Guys, dinner's ready." She uttered.
They then arrived around the campfire where Piña and Bozes are waiting and began to eat the typical dishes of the planet's cuisine. Soup and meat were among the foods served.
"I gotta say, those dishes sure taste good." Max sampled the dinner.
"You should try the Ma-Nuga meat. It's good." Bozes encouraged.
"Alright." Luger tried taking a bite and he found it good. "...ummmmm...it's quite good."
"I'm glad you'd enjoyed the taste." Piña told. "It's what we've raised for the people aside from grains and seafood."
"Thank you, princess. We shall enjoy this for a while." Krel expressed his satisfaction.
While eating, Luger hesitated which caught Lelei's attention.
"Is something wrong, Luger?"
"Umm...nothing." He replied. "I was just thinking of Tuka and many others."
"You mean that flame dragon that attacked Koan Forest days back."
Luger nodded.
"Me and Max witnessed it firsthand...and we are the ones that killed it but at a high cost. Tuka was the only survivor."
"Did you have magic with you at the time?"
"No, we never used that."
"Then, what did you used to defeat it?"
"We used our X-wings to defeat it in battle."
""X-wings?"" Lelei wondered.
"They are our starfighters. Back then, we are starfighter pilots but command has decided that we add ground combat to the list of skills."
"Those "starfighter pilots" must have been dangerous."
"They are. They can turn the tide of any battle just like a general or any other soldier."
Not far ahead, a hooded figure was walking frailly to the camp and after a few more steps, collapsed. The noise of the sudden fall alerted Luger and the others.
"Huh?" They saw the figure lying on the ground and they fear that he may be unconscious.
"I see someone!" Krel uttered. "He must be in trouble!"
"Let's give him a helping hand." Max told his friends. "Luger, get the medpack."
"On it!" Luger replied.
The rest began to head for the unconscious person and began to carry the figure for the camp. It was revealed to be a young male with lightly blonde hair and cat ears.
"He's beaten up really bad." Krel observed. "I hope nothing serious is going on."
"He should be fine." Tuka hoped.
After bringing him to the camp, his cloak was removed to reveal his ragged clothes and was layed on a sleeping bag for him to recover. With the medpack at the ready, they began to treat him using various equipment like bacta bandages. A scan brought relief for the team as his injuries are revealed to be not life-threatening.
"Whew!" The team sighed.
"That's a relief." Krel followed.
"He will be fine in a couple of days." Max said. "He just needs to recover for the time being."
Then, the boy coughed a few times before opening his eyes.
"...ummmmmhhh...where am I..."
"You are in a tent recovering." Luger told him. "You were beaten up pretty badly."
"...uggh...I thank you...for helping me."
"What happened, kid?" Krel asked. "Did you entered a fight or something?"
"I wasn't trying to fight...I was just trying to return home when a couple of bandits robbed me of many of my...belongings..." The young boy told his account. "I managed to flee but after hours of walking...uggkkk..."
"Just breath easily." Tuka suggested. "You are just recovering."
"Thank you...but...who are you..."
"Most of us are not from here and we are from the New Republic."
""New Republic?" I never heard of that."
"That's okay. We'll tell you everything on the way."
"I'm Ennio, by the way."
"Luger." The first soldier introduced.
"Max." The captain followed.
"Krel." The Besalisk followed through.
"Tuka." The elf finished and Ennio smiled in reply.
XXXXXXX
Early the next day, the team set out from their last known position as Krel took over for the scanning of the environment.
"Looks quiet here today." Krel commented.
"It appears not much activity is taking place at the moment. Must be resting up for the day ahead." Luger agreed.
On Cato and Lelei's cart, Ennio was resting beside a few crates as the two sorcerers were driving.
"You know, the Republic guys sure are a great team ever since we left Italica." The old man commented.
"What do you mean?"
"Before, there is another Empire fighting them and they lost despite all their unusual magic at their disposal. Ironically, the Republic has those things as well."
"Wait, two Empires?"
"The one my master mentioned is more formally known as the Galactic Empire and they have recently lost the war against the Republic." Lelei elaborated. "They are from another place."
"Whoa! Really?!"
"Likely, considering the things they have."
Krel then saw a city in his electrobinocular.
"Looks like we have a city here." He confirmed.
XXXXXXX
After entering the city, they began to explore the area in the hopes of looking for more valuable information.
"All we need to do now is to find someone who can give us more information about the inhabitants of the Rho River." Krel said. "Your Highness, do you know someone here who can help?"
"There is a merchant named Gláucio who would often help out other people with some advice." Piña answered. "He is one of the city's best known people."
"Well...give or take, at least we have some help."
While walking, Tuka noticed an old man struggling to carry his barrels onto his wagon and proceeded to help him.
"Here you go." She assured him before lifting the barrel.
"Thank you, young lady." The man replied. "I want to politely ask. What are you wearing?"
"That's a uniform I wore ever since I became part of the Republic Army."
"Whoah! Whatever army you are from, you are treated quite well."
Then, the rest of the team came to Tuka and Piña instantly recognized the old man.
"Gláucio, thank goodness I have found you." She greeted.
"No need to fear, milady." He assured. "Not much has changed."
"So, do you know more about the inhabitants of the Rho River?"
"I think I can help with that. Follow me."
The team followed Gláucio into his shop and the merchant began to show them some information.
"Princess, why do you need to head for the river anyway?"
"Because there is a threat growing between our lands and an enemy not from here." She explained. "I saw it with my own eyes."
"Have no fear because just three days ago, I have found a few of them while returning home. They are in need of some rare resources so I traded some of those to them and in exchange, gave me some pearls. I befriended one named Gaius and he is kindly waiting for my return."
"That's one long-distance friendship." Luger commented.
"Boy, it doesn't matter where you are now because you, I and they can remember."
"Oh where are my manners, those men are from the Republic Army." She introduced the men to the merchant.
"So that's what the elf meant." He was impressed. "You folks quite put up a show. But...I do have to warn you though that they are the masters of the waters. It would be tough to negoitiate with them while in their domain."
"Anyway, thank you for your help." Max thanked Gláucio.
"It's my pleasure."
After exiting the shop, the team returned to their horses as well as Ennio, Lelei, Bozes and Cato.
"Well, what did you get?" Ennio asked.
"It appears that we may have a difficulty talking to them while not attempting to drown." Max replied. "That's one nut we have to solve."
"Excuse me but me and Lelei can help with that." Cato offered a solution. "Our magic powers should allow you to encase you team in a magic bubble to help get close to them."
"Thank you, master. That's a nice idea."
"But...I'm not sure if I can swim." Ennio was concerned.
"Just stay with Bozes and you should be fine. I'll tell you how to communicate with each other while we are separated."
"Good thinking."
"Time to go, guys." Luger said to his friends.
"C'mon, let's go to our horses." Tuka followed.
The rest nodded happily before setting out for the Rho River.
A/N: Consider this chapter as an open recruitment poster for the other races because more participants will fill the slots and become one of the best the New Republic has created. The next chapter is where another recruit will come in.
EDIT NOTICE: At the suggestion of Mandalaore the Freedom, the Mandalorian capital is changed to Keldabe and adding the original Mand'alor title for Fenn so full credits are given to him.
