Vanguard
Chapter 36
"The Imperial Ball"
[Onderon, Unifar Temple]
The evening sky was calmly settling down over the capital city of Iziz, security was intensified in preparation for the event and the guests were arriving from different parts of the sector. Landspeeders provided taxi service for the officers that had just arrived at the spaceports while some chose to simply walk due to the close proximity; however Imperial Rear Admiral Danforth Whitcomb and his fiancé, Raya Zekna, chose a speeder for their travel. The two sat silently together in the back of the taxi, Ahsoka calmly watched the urban scenery around them, admiring the quiet while waiting for them to arrive, while James kept his eyes focused ahead with the Temple in sight and closing.
"You nervous?" Tano asked when she noticed her partner was unusually silent for the duration of the ride.
"Not at all" he answered calmly "Are you?"
"Not at all" she copied with the same tone which followed up with a confident grin "All we have to do is play along until we're able to get Lux out of there."
"Sounds easy enough. Though I prefer to deal with the situation head on rather than tip toe through the enemy."
"You're just anxious because you don't have any armor on. Don't worry, everything will be alright."
"I hope so. Let's also hope that the Empire hasn't caught onto Percival's ruse, or the mission will be compromised before it even started."
The speeder was slowly coming up into the courtyard where it came to a full stop prompting the SPARTAN to climb out and offer his hand to her to help her out of the vehicle, she accepts the hand and soon enough the two were walking side by side by the arms up the central stairs that led up through the exterior gardens to the temple itself. James' eyes carefully and swiftly analyzed the situation ahead of him, a number of shock trooper patrols wandering around the temple perimeter armed with riot gear, a clone trooper standing near the entrance with a roster in his hands as he checks the names of the partygoers, and a single clone LAAT gunship with red markings gently gliding across the palace.
"Greetings!" a voice called to them from behind.
The two turned around to see another imperial admiral walking up the steps with a human female at his side, both appeared to be in their late-fifties but still seemed remarkably healthy, James answered back "Hello . . ."
The admiral and significant other finally caught up with them and introduced themselves "I'm Vice Admiral Lokolo and my lovely wife Nana."
Nana greeted the two with a pleasant grin and extended her hand to Ahsoka "How do you do?"
"I'm doing fine, thank you" the togruta replied as she shook her hand.
James then introduced themselves "I'm Rear Admiral Whitcomb and this is my fiancé Raya."
"My, what an adorable couple you two look" Nana started "And yet you seem so young to be something of such a high rank Mr. Whitcomb."
"Looks can be deceiving Ma'am."
Lokolo gave a short chuckle "And you're so well-mannered as well. It's hard to find a young man such as yourself who still has respect for others" he then turned to Ahsoka with a grin "I see why you chose him."
"What can I say?" she smiled as she held close to the SPARTAN's arm "He's one of a kind."
"Well there's no sense in staying here in the cold breeze, let's get inside" the Vice admiral stated.
The SPARTAN then gestured with his hand "Lead the way Vice Admiral."
Lokolo nodded to that with a smile and lead the small group up the stairs till they reached the trooper who was taking attendance, the clone raised his hand signaling them to stop and asked "Rank and name?"
"Vice Admiral Jacub Lokolo and my wife Nana Lokolo."
The trooper ran his finger down the list on his pad, his eyes skimming across each name until he found them and reported "Here you are, welcome Admiral and enjoy your stay."
"Thank you trooper" the Vice Admiral replied before he and his wife headed in, it was James' and Ahsoka's turn now.
"Rank and name?" the clone asked.
"Rear Admiral Danforth Whitcomb and my fiancé Raya Zekna . . ."
The trooper began searching for their names as well, he silently scrolled through the screen of his pad skimming through the names. James was becoming weary, despite keeping his posture calm and collected, preparing himself to fight their way out should the ruse fail, while Ahsoka remained calm and composed as she waited for the clone to find them."
"Ah here you are Sir, the name was a bit hard to find but it's there" the clone stated as he gestures his hand towards the temple "Welcome and enjoy your stay."
James' mind was set to ease as he nodded "Thank you trooper" and the duo resumed making their way inside.
Tano waited for them to be out of earshot before she muttered "That wasn't too bad. I guess we owe Percy one now for that."
"I'll see to it about that" the SPARTAN commando commented as they began to approach the large metal doors that were open wide welcoming all to come inside.
The moment they stepped pass the doorway they were met with a large corridor that stretched all the way to another set of open doors at the far end, and between the guests and the ball itself were roughly two platoons of shock troopers standing off to the sides of the corridor with some standing to attention with their hands raised to a respectful salute while others stood guard with blasters in hand. James and Ahsoka began to walk on through the corridor with a clam posture, should for some reason their cover be blown they would not last long out in the middle with this many hostiles. The SPARTAN kept his eyes forward while the togruta stayed close to his side being careful to not stare at the troopers for too long should the recognize her. The walk was long and dreadfully silent save for the marching footsteps of soldiers until finally at last they reached the other end with no complications.
They pass through the last doorway and into the temple's massive ballroom where hundreds of guests from all around the sector went about their business whether it was to talk, eat, or dance. The room was set up much like any other traditional dance with tables and chairs set up along the walls so that a large central opening could be made for those who wished to dance the night away with their partners, on the far end of the room from the newly arrived duo is a stage meant for delivering speeches and presentations though at the moment it was unoccupied.
Ahsoka's eyes scanned the room for Senator Lux Bonteri shortly before Longarm whispers "You have eyes on the target?"
She took another moment to keep looking until she reported "No, he's not here yet."
"So where do we go from here?" he asks as he looks around taking in the atmosphere.
"Now we wait and enjoy ourselves, let's find a seat and-"
"Whitcomb do come sit with us!" a familiar voice called to them.
The two turned their heads towards the source of that call and found Lokolo sitting at a round table with his wife and another couple, they really didn't have a choice and decided to walk over and sit down with them. James pulled Ahsoka's chair out for her, which she gratefully accepts with a grin, before he seats himself down in between her and Nana.
Lokolo began introductions "Danforth I'd like you to meet General Vice from the Azloc system, he's gone out of his way to attend this little gathering to see what the Empire has to unveil."
James looked over to see the general, a rugged man who appeared to have seen combat close hand for some time, though when Jacub mentioned Azloc it presented him an opportunity to learn about the Covenant that resided in the system "Azloc? Where the unprovoked attack took place?"
"I'm afraid so" Vice answered, his voice gruff and felt like sandpaper "They kicked us out of the system within hours. And when our response fleet arrived they were torn down as well, didn't even get into weapons range when the enemy fired."
"I've read the report, thirteen ships wasn't it? One of them roughly three kilometers long?"
"Your reading hasn't failed you there. I've never seen a ship of that size before in my entire life, that thing single handedly destroyed half the fleet before we were forced to retreat. Though before we fled we've noticed that our sensors picked up three of their ships in the northern polar region which was oddly peculiar."
"How?"
"Most of their ships were spread out across throughout the system, most likely to act as patrols, but those three ships were the only sign of concentration on the planet. If you ask me I think they're building a base."
The SPARTAN offered his own theory "Or perhaps they found something . . ."
"That too, though I prefer it be the first" the general sighed before he caught himself "I'm sorry where are my manners, this is my wife Udina"
"Hello" Udina answered kindly with a gentle wave.
James gave her an acknowledging nod and gestures to Ahsoka "This is my fiancé Raya . . ."
Tano gave a gentle grin which was accompanied by a friendly "Nice to meet you."
"So fiancé huh?" Vice asked "Please tell us how you two met?"
Longarm was beginning to open his mouth when Ahsoka started to talk "We met on Coruscant outside one of the major spaceports, I was in a rush to get to a transport when I lost my luggage. That was when Whitcomb here came and helped me out and got me to the transport in time, I wasn't use to that sort of kindness so when we were about to leave I asked him his name. After that it just happened."
Admiral Lokolo glanced at James who answered "She tells it better than I do."
"Such an interesting story" Nana comments "So things just fell together into place afterwards?"
"Yes Ma'am" the SPARTAN nods.
Udina places her hand on Vice's shoulder "Honey, let's go dance a little. We haven't done that in years."
The general grinned "Of course Dear" and turns to the others "If you'll kindly excuse us, I believe it's time we enjoy ourselves."
Lokolo agreed "Yes I believe it is, will you come join us Admiral?"
James hesitated "I'm not sure, I was never the best dancer."
But Ahsoka insisted as she took him by the hand "Come on Sweetheart, now will be a good time to learn."
He attempted to protest "But I-" though it didn't matter in the end when he was pulled from his seat and lead out onto the central floor with dozens of others dancing to the slow calm music.
"Just follow my lead" she told to him "Place your hands here" as she guided the SPARTAN's hands to where they should be, with his hands on her waist and her arms wrapped around his broad shoulders.
The two took a minute to settle into the calm soothing moment until she whispers "I had hoped you'd be as much of a dancer as you are a fighter."
"That's because I really never danced before. I'm a soldier remember?"
"Well there's a first time for everything, soldier. Let's just keep playing our parts until we find Lux."
"And figure out what the Empire is unveiling here as well."
The two fell silent afterwards as they both held each other close in their arms, in order to keep up the act Ahsoka eventually rested her head against the SPARTAN's chest to which there was no protest from him. James couldn't help but look down at her, he could feel her arms resting on his shoulders and her head against his chest. She could hear the powerful lungs as they cycled oxygen through his system, there were also other distinctive sounds in his body which made her presume they were allegedly his cybernetic augmentations. For a second generation SPARTAN he didn't know what to feel at the moment, a division of emotions mainly comprised of a sense of focused attention to the mission at hand and a want to just relax and enjoy the night.
"You're not too bad at this" she muttered loud enough for only him to hear.
"I'm a quick learner" he remarks.
She pulls her head away and gives him an amused grin before something caught her eye, she looks to her right and through the crowd of couples she quickly found who she was looking for, the tall young dashing man with short brown hair and attire that would identify someone as a high profile figure, Lux Bonteri.
"I found him, he's over by the stage talking with the guests."
She breaks away from him "I'll go talk to him, take a seat back at our table."
The SPARTAN silently nods and walks away without a word, afterwards she begins making her way through the crowd being careful not to bump into someone and ruin their moment, until she finally gets close enough to make out the individual voices.
"Well you two look nice together, and how is your son?" Bonteri's voice spoke with its usual charm.
The Imperial official answered "He's doing fine, training to become an officer like his old man."
The lady standing next to the officer noticed Ahsoka and pardons them "I believe the Senator has another guest, come along Hev let's leave these two be."
"Very well."
Lux wasn't sure who the lady was referring to as the left and turned to see one of his closest friends standing right in front of him which brought an astounding amount of relief to his heart "Ahsoka? What're yo-"
But she quickly stops him "Shh" she whispered "Walk with me, and it's Raya tonight."
The two began to walk away from the stage towards the crowd of dancers, Bonteri had to express his relief "I'm so glad to see you again Raya, I was worried."
"Don't worry about me, I wasn't in any danger when it happened. Thanks to a friend I met.
"A friend? I can safely assume he's here otherwise the guards outside wouldn't have let you in."
"He is. Over at the table close to the front entrance, he's hard to miss."
The Senator glanced over to where she mentioned and not long after did he find a large and unusually muscular fellow sitting alone "The large man sitting all alone over there?"
"That's the one, Admiral Danforth Whitcomb."
"Why do I have the feeling that's not his real name?"
"It is tonight."
The two longtime friends slowly made their way over to the table, Lux was becoming more aware of how large this 'Whitcomb; was the more he came closer to the table. The admiral glances up at the senator and gives a welcoming nod to him as he and Ahsoka sat down at the table. That was when Bonteri realized how bright Whitcomb's blue eyes were, it was as if this man could see everything that was to be seen and more, he was taken back but remained calm.
"Whitcomb I presume?" Lux guessed.
The admiral answered "You must be Bonteri, Raya said a lot of things about you."
"I imagine. Might I ask why you two are here? And no guessing games."
"Beating around the bush wasn't my sort of style anyways" Danforth comments "Tell me, what are your views on the Empire?"
"Personally speaking its everything my late mother feared, a tyrannical power with an unquenchable thirst for power and will stop at nothing to obtain it. They already made an example of those who would dare oppose at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant."
"We know. I was there a few days after the raid."
"A few days after- wait that was you who-" Lux stops himself fearing that people might begin to listen in and whispers "That was you?"
The admiral nods confirming Lux's suspicions as the Senator explained what he was told "The whole Empire is talking about that, something about a ship half the size of a star destroyer coming out of a portal and dealing a heavy blow to a warship. Not to mention it had the Emperor worked up given how close it was. But back to my question, why are you here?"
"We're here for you Senator. Something is happening and we need you to be a part of it."
"A part of what?"
The admiral's eyes looked around carefully ensuring no one was close by before they locked back onto Bonteri's and spoke "Rebellion."
Lux took a moment to try and process that and the logic behind it "You can't be serious? Do you realize how massive the Empire's forces are?"
"As a matter a fact we do, but we have a tactical advantage that they can't beat. Method of travel. But we're not planning to go toe-to-toe with imperial troops just yet and that's where you come in, we need you to be the inspiration people need to rally against the Empire."
"I can't, the people of Onderon needs me. I can't just turn my back on them and leave."
"You're right, Onderon needs you and you won't turn from them. Everyone needs a voice to be heard, ranging from the farmers to powerful entrepreneurs that are too scared to speak out against them."
"If I'm the voice then what are you?"
"Consider me as the sword. But back to you- you need to decide if you want to come with us or stay here."
"And if I refuse to take part in this?"
"Then nothing will happen, we leave and you'll never see us again. However if you tell anyone about this conversation I will hunt you down and give you what you deserve no matter how much she begs me not to."
The Senator turns to Ahsoka for advice who adds "Trust me Lux, this is the one guy you don't want to make angry."
He turns back to the admiral "So nothing will happen so long as I don't say anything about this?"
"That's the deal. I understand it's a difficult decision to make. But we need an answer before the event ends tonight. Think about it."
Lux was given a choice, join this man and his long lost friend to take part in this soon-to-be rebellion or to remain here on Onderon and maintain his position as an Imperial senator to help his people. He couldn't imagine what sort of force Whitcomb has at his disposal to make him think he could take on the Empire but if Ahsoka was with him on this then it must be a substantial one. But the thought of leaving his people behind to fight the very people that governed his world left a gut retching feeling in his stomach. He didn't know what to do, and it worried him.
Tano saw how Bonteri was thinking hard about the decision and states "We'll leave you be so you can decide. I know you'll do what you think is right."
At that moment he watches both Raya and Danforth stand up from their chairs and head back into the crowd to resume their dance, Bonteri was left alone sitting at a table with no one to keep him company. Eventually he finds a glass of water on the table and takes a sip from it.
Ahsoka and James eventually found a spot in the middle of the crowd and resumes their slow dance, the togruta lays her head against the SPARTAN's chest once again but he knew this time it was more sincere than a mere act, he could tell she was worried. He holds her firmly in his arms, reassuring her that she wasn't the only one that was worried, and quietly closes his eyes as he bows his head over hers. Their concern for the Lux's decision was well placed, knowing that the choice he makes could mark the end or rise of a rebellion they need. To anyone in the crowd, this would appear that they were truly in love.
"You think he'll make the right choice?" she asks quietly.
"I know he'll do what he thinks is right . . ." he answers calmly.
The two fell silent afterwards wanting to just simply hope that things will turn out for the better, but their moment of silence did not last when a voice called out to the crowd "Everyone! If I may have your attention!"
The crowd gradually turned their attention to an officer standing on top of the stage, standing tall and proud ready for his announcement "If you all could momentarily step off the dance floor, it is time to unveil the latest equipment to be utilized by our glorious Empire!"
Everyone complied with the officer's request, walking off the floor and taking their seats at their tables, and he continues "Ladies and Gentlemen, for the past three years we have watched the brave clone soldiers of the Grand Army of the Republic stave off the Separatists on incalculable worlds ranging from the farthest of the Outer Rim Territories to the very capital of the core worlds. We all can easily recognize them in their symbolic white armor that has protected them over the course of the Clone Wars, with that armor they were rightly given the title of the white knights of the Republic. But now with the new Galactic Empire rising into dominance of the galaxy the one man army will require something that can protect them from any threat posed to them."
He begins to step away from the center stage area as he announces the big unveiling "Everyone, may I present to you the next evolution in combat armor technology, the new face of the Imperial Stormtrooper Corps!"
The floor behind him begins to open up allowing a mechanical lift to ascend to the floor carrying eight soldiers donning pure white pearlescent plastoid body armor that covered them from head to toe, there were a few notable differences from the phase-2 clone armor and this new set but the most major alteration in the design was the helmet itself. Taking the impression of a soulless tyrannical enforcer, the helmet was somewhat similar to the old clone helmet with the exception of the visor which consisted of two black 'eyes' rather than the T-shaped visor on earlier models. The crowd began to applaud for the new armor, seeing it as the materialistic manifestation of the Emperor's new will, all the while Lux, Ahsoka, and James sat idly taking careful notes of the armor.
Bonteri remarked "Wonder how much protection it gives . . ."
Tano notes "It's another way to instill fear . . ."
The SPARTAN adds "What I want to know is how is anyone able to see out of those helmets."
The officer continues "Plated with the latest in plastoid protection technology, the suit can disperse various amounts of energy discharges and keep the user alive and well. Slugthrowers are virtually useless against the plating. State of the art sensor suite and rebreathing filters accompanied by a vacuum sealed environmental bodysuit allows the wearer to survive and operate in extreme conditions. And in addition to the new armor, BlasTech Industries has provided an excellent successor to the DC-15 series of blaster rifles capable of powerful and accurate in a compact frame, they would like to present to you the brand new E-11 blaster rifle!"
The audience continued to applaud further as a trooper from the stand marched forward and held out his compact rifle for everyone to see, the officer went on "The E-11 blaster rifle will serve as the standard issue armament for the Imperial Stormtrooper, much like the DC series the E-11 will provide the trooper with necessary means to counter any threat that dare opposes them and the empire they protect with their lives."
The trooper steps back into rank along with his other comrades in arms as the officer steps forth "As we speak this new symbol of Imperial might is making its presence known throughout the galaxy as we speak, enforcing the very laws that protects us from uncertainty. And those who would dare oppose us will face an enemy of unity and unfathomable strength of our glorious Empire!"
The crowd was cheering at this point, already feeling the security the new Stormtroopers would provide to the galaxy, and finally the officer was beginning to draw his presentation to an end "This concludes our presentation for the evening, thank you all for your support to our fighting men. You may return to the dance floor and enjoy the rest of your evening, you may also come up to the stage and inspect the armor up close and perhaps hear what the men have to say about it. Thank you all, and have a good time."
Ahsoka and the others watched as the officer marched off stage while the guests headed back onto the floor to resume their festivities and she comments "I thought he was never going to leave . . ."
Lux adds "This is only the beginning, I'd get used to it if I were you."
She smirks and turns over to her partner, who seemed fixated on the new armor, and asks "Hey, what're you thinking?"
James answered "Threat assessment, if what the officer said is true then we may have a difficult time on our hands, you two go on while I go and inspect the troops" and stood up from his seat and started walking towards the stage.
The two watched the second generation SPARTAN walk out of sight towards the stage shortly before Bonteri stood up and offered his hand to Ahsoka with his usual charismatic grin "Well Raya, would you care for a dance?"
She gives a warm gentle smile and took his hand before they both went into the crowd and enjoy themselves.
On the stage, James was closely examining the individual details of the armor making out reinforced hard points such as the chest plates, gauntlets and pauldrons, and helmet while easily identifying the 'softer' areas of the armor like the lower torso, leggings, and the exposed bodysuit underneath the white illustrious plastoid armor.
The particular trooper he was inspecting began to glance at him through the two eye sockets which prompted the admiral to ask "Tell me trooper, how's the visibility?"
The clone responded, his voice sounded mechanical due to the helmet's built in vocoder "Between you and me Sir, I prefer my old armor. But if it offers better protection then I suppose we clones will just have to adjust."
"Hm. Well hopefully it will serve you well in the future. The galaxy is always filled with uncertainty."
"Thank you Sir."
Longarm nods to that and carried on with his business, he continues to examine the other troopers' armor until he took a brief moment to look out into the crowd and quickly spotted Ahsoka and Lux dancing with each other the same way she did with him although he noted the body language of the two was something more intimate. She told him that they have met in the past but if there was a form of romantic involvement from before then the mission could easily be compromised severely if left unhandled, he could only hope that this wasn't the case. He turns his attention back to the troopers and resumes taking notes of how to take them down.
Ahsoka and Lux danced to the calm slow music, holding each other close with their eyes closed as they danced as close friends, Lux couldn't get it out of his mind "Raya it's been too long since I last saw you."
"I know" she answered.
"When I heard about what was happening I had feared the worst when I thought about you. I couldn't bear to lose someone like you."
"I know . . ."
Bonteri momentarily fell silent for several minutes, feeling Tano's arms around his shoulders, and asked "Remember when we first met on Raxus in the garden, where we were Republic and Separatist, and we both had our different views?"
"Yeah?" she asks as she looks in him the eye.
"Well, I have to say I miss times like that. I was so caught up in my emotions with my father's death that you allowed me to see the different side of things."
"Your mother did teach us there are always two sides to everything . . . no matter what it is."
"Yes, if only I can see the different sides of this. What you and your friend must be doing right now. But I can't . . ."
She breaks from him "What do you mean?"
"I mean . . . I mean I've made my mind. I'm sorry but I can't help you with your problems. I just can't. I have to do what I can to protect my people, I don't expect you to forgive me but all I need is for you to understand."
"Don't worry I understand . . ." she replied as she started to break away "I suppose it was worth a shot too. But it was nice seeing you again . . ."
She could see the sadness in his eyes as he spoke "Yes, if only it was under more friendly circumstances."
"Perhaps it will be some day" she reassures him.
"Then I'll look forward to it . . ."
"Goodbye Lux . . ." she said with a heavy heart.
Small droplets of tears began to swell up in the senator's eyes as he whispers "Goodbye . . . Ahsoka."
At that moment she turns away from her friend and begins to walk away, her own tears were beginning to drown out her eyes as well but she rubs them away with her arm and took a deep breath to calm herself before heading out to find James who happened to be not too far away from her. She casually strides on until he noticed her just before she motions with her head for him to head into a small guest room that was situated off to the side of the ballroom with glamorous curtains covering the entrance. He catches on and began making his way towards it, once he reached it he pulls the curtain open and allows Ahsoka to pass through first before he follows her in.
He could tell she was emotionally hurt despite the calm posture she presented and asks "What happened?"
"Lux isn't coming . . . he's more concerned for his people than for the rebellion."
"I wouldn't put it against him. I probably would've done the same if I was him. Nonetheless we need a new strategy, we can't beat the Empire head on through force."
"We'll have to start this rebellion somehow, and I think finding someone to be our voice is still our best option."
"Who's going to be that voice? As of now we have maintained the element of secrecy, the Empire doesn't know who or where we are. If one of us steps up then they'll recognize us the moment we touch ground elsewhere. We need someone to sway the people, nobody will listen to a lone soldier, people have already become too afraid of the Jedi, and our best chance can't take the risk."
"I know that- we just need to keep trying. There has to be someone else in the galaxy that is willing to speak out against the Empire."
"Political figures still hold vast amounts of influence over their rightful sectors, perhaps if we coul-" but before James could continue Ahsoka swiftly grabbed his shirt collar pulling him down and press her lips against his with enough speed it actually shocked him.
The SPARTAN felt her warm lips against his own and for once in his life he was genuinely frightened, his arms barely hovered around her waist as he tried to process what was happening. His ears could pick up a trio of footsteps in a very close proximity on a course for the very curtains they hid behind, telling him that people were coming and this was the only way for her to keep him quiet without blowing their cover. Eventually the battle hardened commando was beginning to swell up with a very unusual feeling that was bubbling deep down inside him, of all his years of life he had never felt this sort of experience before and it contributed greatly to his fear of not understanding said feeling. Soon enough his muscles began to relax and his arms started to take hold around the togruta's body, as usual he allowed Ahsoka to take the lead on this strange dilemma as they continue to kiss until he heard the curtains shift behind him and the footsteps stopped in place.
"We're- not interrupting something are we?"
Tano finally breaks away from their moment of intimacy allowing James to turn and spot an Imperial general, his wife, and surprisingly Bonteri who seemed to be utterly upset by what he just witnessed "No . . . none at all. I'm sorry if the moment-"
"Uh erm no need to be sorry, we'll just find another room to discuss politics" the general gave an embarrassed grin "We'll leave you two be . . ." and left.
While the general and his wife left, the SPARTAN noticed Lux's disgusted glare towards him before he too turned and walked out, he then turns his head to Tano and compliments her "That was an effective if not orthodox way of keeping our cover . . ."
"Shut up" she spoke sharply as she gave the soldier a punch across his shoulder.
He brushes the hit off and set his mind back on the situation at hand "So what do we do? Head back to the ship or stay here?"
But before she could answer that question Bonteri's voice spoke to them "You're going to leave this planet, with me along with you."
They quickly turned to see Lux walking back in with his arms crossed, Tano had to ask "Really? What changed your mind?"
"After we danced I tried to think about things on a larger scale, it wasn't only Onderon that as being threatened but numerous star systems as well. My mother would understand if I wanted to keep my home safe, but all she wanted was everlasting peace throughout the galaxy, and to do that I have to what is best for everyone, not just for us. So I'm coming with you."
Ahsoka grinned and accepted her friend's request to join "Welcome aboard Lux."
But Longarm wasn't thoroughly convinced, while what Lux said had been true so far he was only saying that to mask what the SPARTAN perceived as the true reason. He assumed that after Bonteri witnessed the moment between them, a sense of jealousy rose up inside of the senator and now had the urge to make sure this wasn't just a mere act of remaining covert but a beginning to something more. This was evidenced by three things, Ahsoka's mentioning of their past encounters- though he know nothing of the specifics- and longtime friendship they shared, the relative intimacy that was displayed during their dance, and now the disdainful glare he briefly shared with the SPARTAN. James was no fool to truly believe Lux's intentions at this point and easily foresaw possible risks and compromises in their own security and future missions, but he couldn't turn down the huge advantage the senator will give them against the Empire.
The SPARTAN decided to not say a word about what was on his mind and welcomed the senator, though with some caution and regrets in his mind, "Glad to have you with us Senator. Though if we want to maintain Onderon's safety I suggest you not to be open about your decision. This also provides another problem, how to get you off-world without raising any suspicion about your defection."
Tano quickly suggested playfully "We could always kidnap him."
The two men glared at the togruta for making such a suggestion, James started to like the idea and adds "We'll have to make it look convincing. But we need to get away from the heavy security."
"We'll just walk out the way we came in; play it smooth and then we go."
Lux wasn't so sure about the idea but he had no other option "Alright . . . let's get going."
The trio began to head out, with Lux taking the lead, Ahsoka behind him, and James bringing up the rear. They raised no suspicion from the crowd as they continued to dance the night away, the corridor filled with troopers continue to make their routine patrols with no opposition to them leaving, some even saluted to the senator and admiral who gave a dutiful salute back to them. But once they came out through the palace's main entrance onto the garden terrace the trooper standing guard perked up from his moment of lull and spotted Lux leaving.
"Senator!" the trooper called to them as he rushed over with a DC-15A blaster rifle in hand.
Lux and the others stopped in their tracks with Bonteri asking "Yes trooper?"
"Senator you know you were supposed to stay inside during the festivities. I believe you need to return at once."
"Calm down trooper I'm in no danger, besides we came out to get some fresh air. There's no harm in it now is it?"
The shock trooper hesitated, he argues "Sir we have strict orders to ensure you stay inside at all times, I insist you head back inside until the ball comes to an end."
"Strict orders from whom trooper?"
"From Sector command, they're concerned for your well-being."
Lux opens his arms gesturing to the beautiful night sky "It's a lovely night, no danger to be seen or heard of since the formation. I am perfectly alright."
But the trooper chose not to listen anymore and drew his rifle on them "Sir! I suggest you get back inside now!"
In a mere instant, James recognized and effectively eliminated the threat posed by the clone with a well-executed jab into the trooper's side, causing him to coil and double over, followed up with a hard hitting blow to the back of the helmet. The plastoid armor did nothing to counter the sheer force the SPARTAN-ll implemented into the swift strike, and the trooper lied on the ground unconscious.
"Not very subtle . . ." Lux remarked as he watched Longarm pick up the long rifle.
"Neither is this" the commando adds as he turns and struck Bonteri across the head with the butt of the rifle with enough force to knock the senator cold.
"James? Was that really necessary!?" Tano blurted out after seeing how hard the SPARTAN had hit her friend.
He was already placing the inert man over his left shoulder "Had to make it look convincing right?"
But the moment of mischievous grins came to a swift end when a light shined down upon them from the hovering gunship that loomed above, blaster fire immediately came down from the squad of troopers that stood from the troop bay inside. Ahsoka and James knew there was no longer any means to maintain stealth with the latter turning his rifle up singlehandedly and return fire sending bolts slamming against the underside of the transport, it wasn't long after before the two platoon of shock troopers came rushing out of the corridor after hearing the initial shots.
"They have the senator!" a trooper barked as he took aim and fired a stun blast towards Ahsoka who ducks out of the way and turned on her heels to run.
Longarm turned his aim down onto the ground troops and fired off a burst of shots that caught one trooper by surprise across his chest before he too was forced to retreat. The clones immediately began to pursue as they set the city on high alert and the duo of kidnappers ran from the palace with their prize literally in hand.
Please leave your comments and thoughts. Thank you.