Author's Note: I believe we're doing quite well here. This story's getting pretty good reception and I got plenty of you guys having my back as I continue to write whenever I can for this. Today, as I update this story, we have broken the Eight Thousand view count. I just want to take the time now to show my appreciation for all of those who continue to support, click, or read this story. Thanks guys! You're the best!

Feel free to leave a review, perhaps some constructive criticism and I will see if I am able to message you back so we can have a friendly chat. Alright everyone, enjoy Chapter Thirteen.

~Sincerely, Buffalo.

In good hands, Takeo waited patiently for his examination to be completed as he allowed an abiotic being to complete its handy work. It was such a strange and safe sight for Takeo to see this galaxy implementing walking steel to serve as a means to heal people. To say the least, it was a blessing for the droid to examine the wounds that he had endured in battle.

"Sir, please remain still while I tend to your blaster marks."

"Do your work machine." Takeo responded.

It was not all terrible. Takeo had little concern for the shoulder had just been grazed and the round, open burn on his arm. All that needed to be removed from his range was his backpack, sword, and arm guard along with the wrapping he already had worn.

"Mmm…I hope the Emperor will appreciate my efforts…" He mumbled as the droid continued its work. "Machines to replace man in the duty of a nurse. Dishonorable, but effective."

"Alright sir, I am finished."

With a groan and a stretch, Takeo pushed himself from off the examination table. He held out his arms in front of his as he gently stroked the bandage that had been placed over top of his wounds. Though slightly numbified, the stings were still present.

"You will be able to return to battle soon, you just require rest. I advise you take a few days to recover. Make sure to keep your arms elevated."

"Though Takeo appreciates the assistance my most steel ridden medic, I need not rest."

"Yes you will."

Stiffening up, Takeo stood firm and bowed with the entering Ahsoka Tano coming into the Medical Bay. He had already been given a direct order now, one that he would be more convinced to take to heart for the time being.

"These droids are great at what they do. I suggest that you take his advice."

"Of course ma'am. It is of my programming to know the basic functions of many living organisms. Assessing the integrity of this man's human figure has been no trouble."

"Thank you 2-1B."

On even terms, the droid left with small remnants of clanking metal hitting the ground as it walked, holding the scripted satisfaction of its programming. Takeo remained skeptical of his witnessing accounts.

"What manner of sorcery would possess someone to create such a…such a…" Takeo continued to ask a question out loud. He made himself wary of the fact that Ahsoka has been a long time embodiment in this galaxy. In no way did he wish to disrespect an aspect of life that would have been embodied itself into livelihoods of those who were housed the galaxy.

"Clear your mind Takeo Masaki." Ahsoka urged in a faint whisper.

"Ack…" Takeo sighed and groaned in defeat, beginning to lay out his honesty while keeping his utmost stiff and reserved composure. "This technology lightyears beyond my understanding is just so very pressuring to lay grasp upon. I had never realised that something as abominable as mechanization would prove effective in the most dire need of recovery. I am however grateful of such a convenience. And I need not forget of the vessels that houses my shelter."

"Good. I am glad." Ahsoka smiled.

"It is in my honor that I will endeavour to continue the fight against the mechanized abominations that Group 935 has given birth to but," His vision shifted from that of the Togruta to his bandaged arm once more. "I believe that today's recovery has given me a new light of perspective, one that I must continue to develop a…uh...tolerant taste."

"Your patience must continue to persevere." As should hers. Group 935 was going to be a long and expansive mystery to solve on top of the many grieving conspiracies that have piled up in her operations below the radar.

"For the time being, I shall continue to operate with members of Ghost vessel. I must use that final piece that I have been granted after my battle for one of our many steps; the purple fragment of that crystal with great power meant to imbue the heart of to that of the Jedi...or perhaps the universe itself."

"One step at a time."

Many steps have already been taken, with more to inevitably take in the future. All that could ever be done was to sit back and relish the opportunity to appreciate the steps that have already been taken.

"Okay…the more I look at these beauties, the more I dig 'em. They're pretty damn cool."

The four Kaibuur Crystals were definitely a big step. Though the four were no Jedi with comprehension of their concepts and philosophies, they could still recognize the significance that resided within the colored fragments. The clusters of purple, blue, red, and yellow glowed a top the small projection table that was housed in the Ghost. They had time to themselves before more ground rules were set for their compensated residence across space.

"Mmm yes Dempsey I can hold some relation to that. But I still see no reason why red is such dangerous color. As I have mentioned before, it suits Nikolai and Mother Russia very well and now Nikolai can hold flaming soul of home in palm." Nikolai murmured.

"I believe the concern that rests upon the shoulders of this crew, comes the markings of who holds the torch of evil." Takeo gestured.

"Yes Takeo. That's probably it but alas, they were no match for your mental and physical resilience my friend." Richtofen grinned as he nodded.

"I appreciate the gesture Richtofen." Takeo nodded. "But I know not to how that vile woman in black is ranked in this…Empire." He clenched his teeth in speaking their enemy's name. "Or have I forgotten?"

"It don't matter what that gal's name was Tak." Dempsey flamboyantly commented, switching to a more in depth tone shortly afterwards. "All we really know is that the woman was one of those 'Inquisitors' Commander Tano had briefed us on."

"I still remember the dreaded sight of her red blade…the most unnatural and pitiful sound of her voice." Takeo recollected his thoughts as his eyes grew foggy in focus.

"Wait…" Richtofen gazed at the ceiling and he remained quizzical. "Do these crystals ONLY serve the purpose of customization in color? Those laser swords…I wonder if the Empire would have a blueprint on how such a device is constructed. There's bound to be one or two lying around."

"Oh no German…" Nikolai growled. "I know I cannot trust you. If such a weapon is mass produced in the name of 935, our world will be brought into the brink of annihilation let alone the many worlds here."

"You really don't understand don't you Nikolai?" Richtofen sighed. "That's the absolute last thing I'd want…although admittedly, I am quite curious as to how 115 energy would react if converged with the crystal but I know that such a risk will cost my life so...anyone want to volunteer-?"

"NO Richtofen, we do not want to be your guinea pigs or lab assistants or test subjects." Dempsey snorted, interrupting what he knew he was going to ask. "NO. FUCKING. CHANCE."

"…"

There really was nothing at all that could be stated as a retort in the Doctor's defence of an instinctive and programmed desire to discover the functions and combinations for the future endeavours of scientific recordings. A change of subject was in welcome.

"So…" Richtofen spoke up, twiddling his thumbs. "Are we satisfied? Dempsey? Nikolai? Takeo? Are you finding our alliance with these freedom fighters wonderful as of date? Any concerns yet?"

Unappreciative of his dry attempt to change the topic of conversation, they merely grunted and hawked in frustration. They all knew he was avoiding their questions on purpose, stalling continuing to remain persistent. Should they have been even obliged to just let it go and move on to a different topic?

…Fine.

"Questions remains of this realm but I am grateful for any ally we encounter." Takeo answered.

"All is good. For time being we have shelter to settle in, meals to eat, and more comrades with more vivid and lively personalities to share stories and fight with." Nikolai said.

"What's there to say…?" Dempsey shrugged. "It's like Nikolai said, I am actually really liking the varieties of different backgrounds that makes every single one of them less of a bore. Again I mean really, what's there more to say? I'm in a spaceship for crying out loud! Never thought I live to see that!"

"Ya. I am pleasantly surprised as well!" Richtofen happily nodded. "We never seem to agree on anything but I like this crew! The only time we seem to get together is when there's blood flying and little pretties dying of course but now I feel rather satisfied now that we have…others to look to."

"Who's your favorite?" Dempsey wondered.

"Well it certainly can't be the big hairy purple fellow." Richtofen remarked with a light chuckle. "And that older fellow seems rather humble for a veteran of his discounted age. Ahsoka? Eh…" He took a light pause and puffed his lips in contemplation. "…She is so-so."

"Just answer the question Doc, we don't need fifty million pages!" Dempsey exclaimed.

"Hera." Richtofen quickly spurted out. "Definitely Hera."

Silence began to perpetuate and light frowns of thought shaped on the other three's faces in reaction to the response. What first began as small huffs of breath, ended when uncontrollable laughter was exerting itself from within Dempsey.

"I answered your question so now can we just move along?" Richtofen snarled.

"You her 'momma's boy' now ain't ya?" The chucking did not cease itself and soon wheezes started to occur when Dempsey could feel his lungs shifting vigorously. When he stopped, he sighed in relief and allowed his typical breathing rate to stabilize.

"If I am, I am definitely not the first to be under her care!" Richtofen fired back aggressively. "At least someone else other than Maxis shares concern for my well-being!"

"OH YEAH…?" Dempsey shot himself up on his feet and stood toe to toe with him. "You ever going to explain that Richtofen? You sure as hell like keeping your secrets but I'm pretty sure we can root 'em out one way or another." The sincere crack of knuckles echoed briefly.

"Yes Dempsey, I WILL." Richtofen responded, resisting the urge to break down timidly as his resolve remained vigilant. "We just need to get to the castle and proceed from there, that's all that matters. I have explained before, Maxis will find us. Maxis WILL save us."

Soon long after silence consumed the vacancy of the room's space, with Nikolai and Takeo silently watching Dempsey and Richtofen sparring it out with harsh glares, the captain of the Ghost freighter had announced her entrance through the automatic door swinging open.

"Alright guys I need you all to do me a huge favor."

With the four now standing firm, wiping away any form of excessive emotion, they allowed her to carry on with what she was going to say.

"You're going to be staying with us for a while. Me, Ahsoka, and the rest of my crew have been negotiating your necessary accommodations so I need you to pay attention."

Within the boundaries of the cataclysmic Galactic Empire, within the vicinity of a Star Destroyer, there stood the authoritative and lenient Inquisitors carefully reviewing everything that had been recorded via the courtesy and resilience of the ISB agent that was present.

Though they were merciful and considerate enough to let the rest of those servicing themselves under the Empire's regime take a moment of silence for their fallen brethren, their bodies still needed to be disposed of. The survivors of the prison break would need to seek treatment for reasonable compensation with their continued service. They deserved that much, if not for the Inquisitors to be checking what has been recorded from the Stormtrooper's helmets.

"Such precision." The Seventh Sister commented, pausing the feed.

"You have done quite well Agent Kallus. Lord Vader will be pleased." The Fifth Brother stated.

"Hmph." Kallus scoffed with a hint of appreciation. "It has been my pleasure Inquisitor but let us not waste precious time here." He patted his hand against the projection table and leaned forward to glare at the picture of Takeo Masaki. "We have a new threat to eradicate and an alliance we have been unable to nurture due to distance and restriction."

"And there is the recent incident that has occurred." The Fifth Brother added. "Have we no word from this Group 935?"

"None at the moment." Kallus replied, shifting his head to make eye contact. "But what we know for certain is that 'Base G935' has been ordered by the Emperor himself to be sealed off for the time being."

"Do we desire more cooperation with these feeble researchers from an inferior planet?" The Seventh Sister questioned.

"If we are able to remain cooperative with them, then there is a higher chance to eradicate the rebel threat that opposes our Empire to date. We must also keep in mind that a former member of Group 935 has allied himself with those insurgents."

"Yes…the one who possesses the artifact." The Seventh Sister remarked as Kallus switched the image from the video feed. "Doctor Edward Richtofen." She growled saying that name as she glared at the old sepia colored photograph.

"It would appear that your machines have failed to perform such the simplest of tasks on Ilum." The Fifth Brother scolded. "But let us not weaken our resolve. The Key is still within the boundaries of the rebellion."

"Oh I believe we can do much, MUCH more than retrieve the artifact." The Seventh Sister grinned deviously. "It is still a possibility to perhaps repurpose those men. All FOUR of them, so that they may pledge their allegiances to us."

"I will give credit to where it is due." Kallus confessed, crossing his arms and standing straight while the footage played. "They all fight with brutality and little mercy but they think they are fighting a righteous war. I am convinced that the brutalities they have faced in their time will not break their spirits so easily."

"Oh Agent Kallus…" The Seventh Sister solemnly sang in a mimic-like taunt. "Do you still dwell on your defeat in the hands of Captain Takeo Masaki?"

"Worry not Inquisitor, for I have no means of submitting myself to failure or intimidation so easily." Kallus retorted. "And neither does our new compatriots. Take Doctor Groph for example."