Return of the New Blood
By Michael Weyer
Complicated Briefings
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Sullust was a volcanic world that wasn't usually home to any important matters. It was a port for dark deals and shady meetings, the surface mostly uninhabitable due to its high ash and lava-filled ground. The skies, however, were a different story altogether.
In the years since it had begun its full-scale war against the Empire, the Rebel Alliance had built up their fleet the best they could. They were aided by some of the best ship-builders around, especially the Mon Calamari whose cruisers were the main bulk vessels. Smaller ships were about from every Alliance-affiliated world in the galaxy, hundreds of vessels crowding about from shuttles the freighters and everything in between. Fighters zipped between them, the reliable X and Y-Wings along with newer craft like the small and fast A-Wings and the bulky but powerful B-Wings.
Never before had the Rebellion committed so much of their forces to one place. It was against their long-standing rules to keep themselves separate so as not to present too obvious a target to the Empire. But this was different. This was the build-up to what could very well be the single most important battle of the entire war and everyone in the Rebellion wanted to be part of it.
Floating at the center of it all was Home One, the flagship of the fleet. The largest and most powerful ship of the fleet, it was sleek and pointed with that unique design of the Mon Calamari, looking more grown than built. The inside was as advanced as any Imperial ship with a lighter style to it.
The center was the main briefing room where dozens were gathering. The room was circular with benches set in rows facing the holographic projector at its centerpiece. Officers, captains, pilots and soldiers mingled, talking amongst themselves, chattering about what could be coming that would warrant such a gathering. Several pilots were welcoming back Han Solo who stood with his friends. Leia was wearing a nice tan Rebel uniform with her hair in a bun while Willow wore one of her favorite red outfits with her hair hung loose. Xander was wearing a dark shirt and jacket with his own pants while Chewbacca hung back with only his bandolier.
Amid the crowd, Lando walked about, dressed in a rather stylish tan uniform with a light cape, acting like he perfectly belonged. Han came up to him chuckling, clad in his old black and white outfit. "Well, look at you, a general!"
Lando made a show of humility that didn't fit him at all. "I guess someone told me about my little maneuver at the Battle of Taanab." Years before, Lando had wiped out a band of bandits attacking a small colony with some amazing flying skills…and all for a bet.
Han held out his hands. "Hey, don't look at me, pal. I just told them you were a fair pilot. I didn't know they were looking for someone to lead the crazy attack."
"I want to do it. I owe the Empire."
Han raised his eyebrows at his old friend. "You ever seen one of those Death Stars? You're in for a short generalship, buddy."
Lando smirked. "I'm surprised they didn't ask you."
"Who says they didn't?" Han smirked back. "But I'm not crazy. You're the respectable one, remember?"
Leia smiled and took Han's arm. "Han will be with me on the command ship. And we're very proud of what you're doing, Lando."
Willow's attention was caught by a flash of raven-black hair nearby and she smiled. "Be right back." She broke away from the others to move to the attractive woman in a pilot uniform. The woman smiled back as she embraced Willow and kissed her on the lips.
"Glad to have you back," Kasen Moor breathed. The former Imperial pilot had cut her hair a bit shorter but otherwise was still the confident and skilled woman Willow had grown close to over the last several months. It had felt odd at first for her to be with a woman, so many years of thinking straight pushed in her mind. But Kasen…Kasen just made her feel so good, more than anyone she'd ever been with. She had no idea where this was going but she wanted to find out whatever it took.
Willow looked around and took a deep breath. "Damn. This really is the big one, isn't it?"
Kasen nodded. "They're keeping it quiet but you know how rumors are in the fleet. They've been cramming us in tighter formations and more high-risk maneuvers. No doubt about it, they're prepping for something major."
Willow noted many in the briefing room were settling into seats. "I guess we're about to find out." She and Kasen moved to sit with Han, Leia and Chewbacca as Lando stood nearby. The conversations died out as a trio of people strode up to the main center of the room.
The one in the center got the most attention. Mon Mothama had been one of the key leaders of the Rebellion ever since it was founded. She was known for a steely resolve that put most generals to shame and an aura of command that had managed to keep the Rebellion going. It took a certain type of person to get so many differing factions and races to work together towards the common goal of defeating a far more powerful enemy. She stood proud now, her red hair lighter but her lined face still quite beautiful as she wore a flowing dress, almost angelic…a warrior angel.
She gazed around before speaking in a soft but strong tone. "The data brought to us by our Bothan spies has been confirmed. The Emperor has made a critical error and the time has come for our attack."
A murmur went out as Mon leaned forward to activate the central holographic projector. It lit up as the lights around the room dimmed, creating the image of a green moon circling around. Rotating around it was a red shape that looked like an uncompleted globe, marking the Death Star. "We now have the exact location of this Death Star at the moon of Endor. With the Imperial fleet spread throughout the galaxy in a vain attempt to catch us, the station is relatively unprotected. But most importantly of all…we have learned the Emperor himself is overseeing the final stages of construction."
A larger murmur went up as everyone took that in and Mothma's expression grew cooler. "Many Bothans died to bring us this information." She broke away, backing up and waving at the man behind her. "Admiral Ackbar."
The Mon Calamari officer stepped forward. Like the rest of his species, he was humanoid with orange skin, his hands long-fingered and webbed, his head large and angular with the back forming a dome. Large yellow eyes were situated at either side of the head, blinking as they took in the room. If humans were the heart of the Alliance, the Mon Calamari were the soul. He wore a white and gray uniform as he motioned at the hologram. "Although the weapons systems on this Death Star are not yet operational, it is not without a strong defense mechanism." His voice had a slight gurgle to it but still confident as he went on. "It is protected by an energy shield projected from the moon of Endor."
At his words, a beam of light flew from the moon and surrounded the Death Star in a ball. "No weapon can penetrate this field. The shield must be deactivated before any assault can begin." The field faded. "Once the shield is down, our cruisers can form a perimeter while the fighters penetrate the battle station." The Death Star's image grew to become the main focus for the projection. It was quickly split into a three-dimensional cross-section that was marked by a yellow beam leading to the center. "They will attempt to knock out the main reactor within." A dot flashed as it went down the shaft to the center and in a bright flash, the projection vanished.
The lights brightened as Ackbar waved at Lando. "General Calrissian has volunteered to lead the attack."
"Good luck," Han called out over the congrautionals. As Lando glanced at him, the smuggler couldn't help adding "You're gonna need it."
Ackbar backed away, allowing General Crix Madine to step forward. The grey-haired former Imperial defector still retained some of his old training, ramrod straight as he held a small stick in his hands, speaking in a clear voice. "We have acquired a small Imperial shuttle. Disguised as a cargo ship and using a stolen Imperial code, we will land a small strike team on the moon to deactivate the shield generator."
Leia raised an eyebrow. "Wonder who they found to pull that one off?"
"Probably some poor son of a bitch who lost a coin flip," Xander said.
"General Solo," Madine announced. "Is your strike team assembled?"
Everyone started and glanced at Han. The man actually seemed embarrassed as he shuffled in his seat. "Ah, my team is ready but I don't have a command crew for the shuttle."
Chewbacca instantly raised his hand with a loud roar. "It's gonna be dangerous, buddy, I didn't want to speak for you," Han quickly said.
"We're a package deal, boss," Xander said, raising his hand. "You oughta know that by now."
Han smiled as he turned to Madine. "That's two."
"Three," Leia said, her face beaming with pride as she wrapped an arm around Han.
"Don't forget us." Everyone turned to see Luke and Buffy stepping in from a side doorway, cheers going up at the sight of the last of the JedI. Leia came over to hug them both, stepping back and frowning at Luke's face. "What's wrong?"
He sighed. "I'll explain later."
Buffy smiled at her friends. "So, miss anything?"
"Nah, just running through our choice to all die young," Xander dryly said. Behind them, an aide was coming up to talk to Mon Mothma.
"Business as usual then."
Mon Mothma came up to them, her frown deep. "Ah, I believe you should accompany me to the docking bay. It would appear we have a…situation."
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The idea of having a hundred guns pointed at one single man would seem to be overkill in most cases. When the man in question was Boba Fett, one might wish to have more guns.
If the bounty hunter seemed concerned at the squads of Rebels training weapons on him from every corner of the large docking bay, he didn't show it. He leaned on the side of his ship nonchalantly, his gun at his side. He turned his helmet as he saw the group of newcomers approach and stare in astonishment.
"How in the hell…" Buffy began.
"Trade secret," Fett intoned.
Han brushed to the lead, a hand on his blaster as his face went cold. "The hell are you doing here, Fett?"
"Relax, Solo, not here for you," the bounty hunter said with a wave of his hand. "It's just business." He reached into the ship and gave a tug to a chain. With a grunt, Mara Jade came tumbling out, a collar wrapped around her neck and her hands manacled together before her. Around her shoulders was wrapped a small yellowish creature that appeared attached to the collar.
Both Luke and Buffy started suddenly, gasping as they felt a sever in the air around them. "The hell?" Buffy gaped. "The Force just…"
"Vanished…" Luke finished.
"Ysalamir," Fett answered with some smugness. "Rare creatures but good to have. They project bubbles that basically cut you off from the Force within a certain distance. Picked one up a while back but didn't need it until now."
"What do you want?" Leia demanded.
"Simple bargain. The Emperor's Hand in exchange for….oh, let's say fifty thousand?"
"Fifty thousand?!" Leia's eyes bugged at that.
"I'd ask more but I'm aware you Rebels don't have that much cash floating at hand," Fett answered. "I think that one of the Emperor's key aides is worth it. I'll throw the ysalamir in for free."
"Why us?" Leia asked with suspicion. "Why not deal with the Empire?"
Fett snorted. "She's blown at least two big assignments, Princess. Scourge and Vader would just tell me to blast her myself."
"I thought you were on their side," Buffy noted.
"Only side I'm on is mine, girl," Fett said. "Besides, I know someone in love with their own ego when I see it. Those are a dangerous type to work for."
Mon set her lips straight. "I am not inclined to bargain with a rouge such as yourself."
Fett shrugged. "I'm offering a prime piece of intelligence. Sides, you folks are gearing up for some big battle and chances are you won't be needing the cash anytime soon. Might as well put it to some good use."
Han crossed his arms. "And we just let you fly out of here and sell our location to the Empire?"
"They already know." Everyone turned to where Mara was standing, as cool as she could be. "You think you can have hundreds of ships gathering and no one in the Empire finds out about it? They know you're doing a big offensive, not sure where but they know and they'll probably be ready."
Mothma made a sly smile. "You might be surprised."
Mara shook her head. "The Emperor has plans within plans, most of which I know nothing about. You can't surprise him and you can't play him no matter what you may think."
"We have black belts at being sneaky," Buffy retorted with a smirk.
"Do we have a deal here or not?" Fett announced. "Come on, I've got places to be."
Mothma was silent, mulling it over before she spoke. "We shall pay you the fifty thousand…And an additional twenty-five if you join us."
It was hard to tell exactly whose jaw was dropped lower in the bay. Of course, it was impossible to tell with Fett but he actually started in place as he stared at Mon with everyone else. "Heybuwha?" Buffy finally blurted.
Mon kept herself calm as she spoke. "From what I have heard, you are an expert pilot and we can use plenty of those. Your ship can be most beneficial as well."
Fett let out a laugh. "Are you kidding me, lady? I'm no Rebel and no hero. I'm a guy who gets paid for a fight but I don't take losing propositions."
"Really?" Mothma raised an eyebrow. "You have undertaken many seemingly impossible jobs and always succeeded. You're known for never failing. I would think you would wish to continue that."
Fett bent his head to the side as he studied her. "You're serious, aren't you?"
"Force help us, I think she is," Buffy remarked, turning on Mothma. "This guy is a mercenary!"
"Bounty hunter, clear difference," Fett inserted.
"You actually want to put any trust in him!" Han snapped.
Mon faced him, her face resolute. "As I recall, General, you demanded money rather than participate in the first Death Star attack but you returned."
"Score one for the boss," Kasen muttered.
Mon turned back to Fett. "If the Empire wins, you lose, Fett. You're intelligent enough to know they won't allow rampant crime as it threatens them."
"They can't stop it," Fett shrugged. "It'll sink in just as it did in the Old Republic."
"But people like you, people who are willing to challenge the status quo, will be quick casualties," Mon pointed out. "By aiding us, you aid yourself. You've gotten on the bad side of the Emperor with this move against his Hand. You truly believe there will be no retribution?"
Fett was silent as he cradled his blaster, considering her words for a long moment. "An extra fifty thousand."
"Thirty."
"Forty-five."
"Forty."
"Deal."
Mon motioned to a pair of guards. "Escort the prisoner to a cell until we can question her." They nodded pulling Jade back. The woman locked eyes with Xander who returned her stare without expression as she was marched away. As soon as she was gone, Luke and Buffy felt the Force return to them. "That…was uncomfortable," Buffy said.
Han shook his head at Mon. "I can't believe you want us to trust this guy."
"He'll just up and leave us if things go bad," Leia said.
Fett seemed to growl at that. "When I take a job, I don't leave until it's finished. Even Solo knows that. I may think this is suicide but I'll stick with it as long as I get paid when it's done."
He leaned back on his ship, looking over everyone. "So…any chance for a meal around this place?"
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Apologies for the long delay but this one requires a bit more thought than others. Hope this makes up for it.
