Good afternoon, everyone! How are you doing on this cold day of Saturday, February 8, 2020? I'm doing well, as I did some homework earlier before I have to go to work in less than four hours. Which means I need to get started on this chapter before work today and tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll be able to get off early tomorrow, but with Birds of Preynow out, it could go either way. So, are you all okay after the tornado warning, massive storms and flooding, and high winds that buffeted the East Coast over the last two days? Thankfully, I got out of school just before it went into lockdown, so I made it home just before the storms hit. At least I managed to get my 2nd smut chapter with Tau and Ahsoka complete yesterday, since I didn't have to volunteer due to the power being out yesterday. Well, I think I've rambled on enough. Time to get started on writing.
(Monday, February 10, 2020 Addendum.) Hey, everyone. How are you doing on this cool day? I'm doing all right, but I'm exhausted from work last Saturday and Sunday, since I worked nine hours last night, and I need to rest today. I also did a bit of homework, and I'll do some more later on. And at least I have over 2,600 words done so far. So, only 11 days until SWTCW Season Seven premiers, and I'm very excited. Oh, and I don't expect my 2nd smut chapter to be published for a while, since Squasher and JSailer have their own stuff to worry about for at least a few days. But that's okay, as I can wait a while, if need be. One more thing, I expect that I'll be very busy this weekend with work, given that Sonic the Hedgehog is gonna come out this weekend. Wish me luck. Oh, and, I have an idea for the Teutonic Sector that the New Jedi Order will soon implement. The idea was given to me by RogueLeader114, and I give him full credit.
Meanwhile, In Deep Space
Within the Bimmiel System's Outskirts
Onboard the Bloody Baron
"Sir, we have several shuttles exiting hyperspace. They're transmitting the clearance codes Commodore Denimoor provided us." Axe, a Clone Stormtrooper deserter, reported to Sarcev and the assembled Knights deserters.
"About time Shoore got here. He's precisely fifty-five minutes later than anticipated." Medrid grunted.
"Oh, don't be so exact all the time." Pooja groaned. "He probably had transportation troubles, since he and his crew had to take nonregistered ships from the New Republic."
Just then, the twenty shuttles of diverse designs reverted out of hyperspace, and the hologram of Shoore soon appeared, with him apologizing, "Sorry for the delay. We had to stop a couple times from a spontaneous gravity well. Could've been the Imps or Jedi working on a new design."
"It was definitely the Imperials, Admiral." Sarcev confirmed, "Or, should I say, Supreme Commander Shoore."
The Zabrak officer did a double take at that. "I must have some communication errors on my end, because it seemed like it said you were making me commander of this makeshift armada."
"It's true. We all voted that you were the best fit for the job. It was either this, or an oligarchic government, and that would've ended horribly." Briol clarified. "We'll all be serving as advisors to you in order to give you the best input, but we'll have ultimate veto power over you for all major decisions if you abuse your authority."
"I-surely there is somebody better qualified. I'm no fleet commander."
"There is no one else, old friend." Vivian argued. Everyone else nodded their heads, and Sarcev implored him on.
"Admiral, your men believe in you. You strike me as someone who doesn't slink from their duty. Well, now's the time."
Shoore sighed in defeat. "Fine. But don't expect a fancy speech for me, because I'm terrible at those. And I want all of you to do your part for this alliance. Now, our first order of business is to figure out a name for us."
"Really? That's our first order of business?" Riordan asked in a deadpanned voice.
"Well, yeah? What are we going to call ourselves?"
"The Shadow Alliance?" Sacev suggested facetiously, "In all seriousness, though, what about the Rogue Company?"
"Rogue Company," Shoore mulled, "it's intriguing, but why that name?"
"Well, look around you. All of us are deserters of one government or another, like a bunch of rogues. Now we're mercenaries on the fringes, and in order to be legitimate, we need to declare it as a company. Rogue Company."
"I actually like it," Kar agreed, "makes us sound like the pirates in Olpaka's legends."
"You gonna pick up an eyepatch and pegleg now?" Riordan asked.
"Kriff you, Rio."
One by one, the commanders settled on the vote. Shoore nodded. "Alright, I hereby declare us 'The Rogue Company.' We'll come up with official drafting later. For now, we need to locate a shadowport for us to lay low and begin establishing our operations."
"In the meantime," Sarcev interrupted, "I ought to inform you of a mission I agreed to undertake for Tau on Ord Cestus in about four weeks…"
Meanwhile, On Imperial Center
Within the Imperial Palace
"How long until the first models can start production?" Sidious asked Umak Leth, Deputy Master of Imperial Projects, as the obese human finished his demonstration of weaponized mobile factories, codenamed "World Devastators."
"With the funding you have reallocated from the defunct Project Stardust and the factories granted to me on Tython and Byss, I can projected completion of the first prototype being ready within 18 months. An assemblage of five to ten combat ready models will take longer. At best, five years."
"We do not have five years, Leth," Palpatine hissed.
Leth gulped, but he didn't let his fear show in his voice. "I understand, my lord, but these are complex machines. If I rush production, cut too many corners, we could run into catastrophic failures in the field."
Palpatine sighed, rubbing his temple, "If I provided the assistance of Master Bevel Lemelisk, Director Krennic and their staff to aid you in perfecting their design, could you cut the production time down?"
Leth nodded diplomatically, "I can, m'Lord. I can promise you three years, but nothing less. And assuming nothing catastrophic happens during production, I might be able to get the prototype out in 12 months instead of 18. But I cannot promise either sooner."
"I will take your word for it. You have leave to begin work immediately on Byss."
"As you wish, my Emperor," Leth bowed as he spun on his heel and waddled out of the throne room. Any other time, Leth might've suffered in for that slight transgression. Sidious caught himself there.
"It is precisely for that reason that my Empire is crumbling," he sighed, "I cannot just kill without cause anymore. I must relearn patience, champion my assets and allies. I must be like Chancellor Palpatine, the man who brought the Republic and Jedi low, than Darth Sidious, who has let his victory slip from his fingers."
Leth was not a fool. If he said it would take him three years, it would take him three years. In the meantime, he had other projects to consider. He typed in Bevel's frequency, and the hologram of the Death Star's architect appeared.
Sidious quickly elaborated what he wanted done, and Bevel nodded. "Yes, my Lord. We can transfer the core of the superlaser to Byss for application in the dreadnaught in construction there, and no one will be any wise. However, it will take us at least three months to transfer the other components to your stronghold."
Sidious glowered, "Can it be done any quicker?"
"Not without attracting attention. Three months is the best that can be done."
"Very well, three months… and not a day later. We cannot afford anymore delays."
"Of course, my liege, it will be done without delay." Bevel bowed as he disconnected. With that concluded, Sidious now took the time to stretch out his powerful senses into the corners of his Empire. Even with the rising Light, he could still fathom his enemies subtle movements, especially his hated descenedent and that traitorous Skywalker.
"But where are you?" he asked aloud. Carefully, he peered into the mist of the Force without showing his hand. There, he felt Tau Palpatine and Obi-Wan Kenobi on the otherside of the galaxy, in a sector strong with the Light. Not just in strength but numbers.
"The Teutonic Sector," he smiled thinly. It was only natural for them to ally. He cursed that he did not strike at those remnants of the Jedi Lords sooner, but he had felt his Empire hadn't been ready for the campaign. Worse, the Separatist had not yet been crushed.
He snorted at that. Tau had struck him at the worst possible moment, before he had solidified his empire. But, there was nothing to be done with it. They would ally, and he would have to be ready.
Now he searched for Skywalker. He too was on the other side of the galaxy, in the midst of hyperspace. But where was he going? He concentrated his will, attempting to discern where this hyperspace lane might potentially be going. As he did, he pulled up a holographic display and began matching what he saw with the available data-charts.
"The Halm Sector is directly ahead…" he mused, "why is he going there? There is nothing out there save for asteroid fields and destroyed worlds."
Sidious delved into the Dark Side to find an answer, peering into glimpses of possible futures. The piercing glow of the Light made that ironically difficult, causing many of his visions to dissipate before he could see them clearly. Then he caught something strange.
He saw a vision of something that had already happened. There, in a workshop, was the Arkanian geneticist terrorist K'am'ir Zaarin, better known as Zeta Magnus. He had been notorious for his acts of terror against the Republic, most notably the virus that had killed the crew of the fabled Katana Fleet on her maiden voyage, which had in turn led to its disappearance. He too had disappeared during the Clone Wars.
He considered why he was shown this. Had the New Republic found Zeta Magnus? No, they wouldn't have sent Skywalker or the force accompanying him just to capture him. What else could it… he froze. The Halm Sector was completely deserted, Skywalker was going there in force and the Dark Side had shown him Zeta Magnus in the past.
It could only mean one thing. "They've found the Katana Fleet."
It must've been found in Tau's future, and he had just given that information to his masters. Sidious acted quickly, pulling up a link to Trachta, Volta and another Moff named Delian Mors, who was currently retreating from Ryloth.
"You're majesty?" Mors asked first. Sidious could sense that she was scared for her life, considering her disgraced position. He ignored this and began.
"I know where the New Republic is going, and what they're after. Listen to me very carefully..."
One Hour Later
Within the Zhar System
Onboard the Imperial-class Star Destroyer Anya Kuru
Within the Captain's Private Quarters
"Now I understand the secrecy of the orders, Moff Mors." Captain Aaron Harcourt deferentially replied as she gave him his orders, "You can count on my support for this operation. I will call up as many favors as I can from the adjacent sectors to assist you and Trachta."
"Thank you. But please hurry, old friend. The Emperor informed me that the New Republic already has a healthy head start. Failure is not an option." Delian implored.
Two Hours Later
In Deep Space
Within the Mid Rim
Onboard the Tislera's Memory
"The first four dreadnaughts are ready for hyperspace, Cham." Pok reported." Pok reported.
"Excellent work, old friend. Can they make it to Varon with their current fuel reserves?"
"I doubt it. But they should be able to reach Dac or Mandalore no problem. It's not Varon, but at least they'll be safer there than at our world." The shipjacker reported.
"Then get them ready to travel there. I'll tell Rostu about the change of plans, and inform Raddus and Shysa about their incoming visitors." Cham turned to face Gobi, "What's the progress of Colonel Rostu and his forces' efforts?"
"They're reporting that they'll have another five dreadnaughts operational within the hour."
"Good. We're making progress. We just might pull this off after all." Cham breathed a sigh of relief before Isval warned him.
"Cham, we're receiving a transmission outside our frequency. Their codes are from a man claiming to have hacked the New Republic's communications in the first place, and he says he has information on a second crime syndicate coming after us."
Then our saboteur must be making his demands.Cham deduced, "Do we have an ID on the man's transponder frequency?"
"No. They're covering their tracks well with countless firewall layers of encryption that our people have never seen before. They- they're saying a syndicate called the 'Zann Consortium' is trying to steal our prize out from under us, and they'll be here around the same time as Black Sun."
"Open a line to them, but on a one-way frequency. I won't risk them learning any more about the operation than necessary. And get Rostu, Skywalker, and Kota on the line so they can stay in the loop." Cham ordered her.
Soon enough, the image of a Mandalorian bounty hunter appeared, and he breathed a sigh of relief, "Finally. I was worried you wouldn't respond after my horrific blunder, but I had to take the chance to give you a fighting chance."
"Don't try to stall us with small talk. Who are you, and why are you trying to warn us, given how you leaked our operation to the Empire and Black Sun?" Cham demanded of the mysterious mercenary.
"That's a fair, if inaccurate, accusation." The man admitted. "But I need to speak with General Skywalker and Colonel Rex, because they know me from the last war as a trusted friend, and I can explain everything to them."
"They'll be here soon enough. You can deal with us in the meantime." Nick replied.
"Fine, but only because we're all running out of time." The Mandalorian removed his helmet, and revealed the all too familiar face of a Fett Clone. However, this was unusually pale, scarred, and even bore some cybernetic enhancements.
Cham watched as Nick's eyes shot open. "Echo!? Is that you?!"
"Good to see you again too, Major Rostu. Or should I say, Colonel. Congratulations on the promotion, Sir." Echo smiled before Cham asked the Korun,
"You know him?" Cham asked.
"Yes sir, he was an ARC Trooper who served with the 501st. He was captured during the war, tortured and experimented on, before he was rescued a few weeks before the war ended."
"Then why are you here, Trooper Echo? Shouldn't you be with the Empire?"
"Because I'm a fugitive, General. My control chip was removed when I was captured. As a result, I was able to resist my mental programing when Order 66 was given. I've been on the run since."
"And you hacked into our network? Why?"
"Two reasons. First, to study you. Second, I'm a scrapper and mercenary on Bracca. I heard through channels rumors about the Katana Fleet being found. If I could capture at least one, I could free a lot of friends who are stuck in contract on that planet. However, Tyber Zann and Xizor had agents on my ship and they piggy backed my signal."
"Well that explains Black Sun, but I'm not familiar with this Tyber Zann. Who is he?" Cham asked.
"He's an Imperial Cadet who created his own private crime network. The rumors are that he wants to challenge Xizor's position in Black Sun, and capturing the Katana Fleet would do it."
"And you brought him to us!" Nick snapped, "Because of you, hundreds may die in this coming battle! We may have just lost our chance to extract this entire fleet for the good of the galaxy because of you!"
"Leave him be," Anakin Skywalker suddenly said as he, Rex, Rahm Kota and Colonel Skirata appeared, "what's done is done. At least now we know the leak wasn't from us."
"General Skywalker," Echo said, stopping himself short from drawing to attention and saluting.
"MasterSkywalker, Echo. I'm not a General."
"Sorry, old habits," he turned to Rex, "and congratulations on your promotion, Colonel."
"Congratulations on you surviving, Echo," Rex replied, narrowing his eyes, "but Nick is right. By slicing our communications, you have put us all in jeopardy. Why the hell didn't you come to me first?"
"Because you wouldn't have forked over what I wanted, Sir."
"Well we're damn well not going to do that now, toi imbécile!" Cham snapped, "We ought to have you shot for what you did!"
"General, calm down," Anakin sternly ordered, "right now, we've got multiple parties looking to steal this fleet from us. And I'm not just talking about pirates."
"What do you mean?" Kal asked.
"I felt the Dark Side wash over me here. I'm not certain, but I suspect it was the Emperor."
"You think he knows what we're doing here?"
"I don't know, but I don't want to take the chance. Even with the strength of the Light making it difficult for the Dark to see, anything is possible. Either way, we need to prepare for a possible battle against three enemy forces. Cham, what is the status on our recovery?"
"Four Dreadnoughts are getting ready to launch, and we're bringing another five online at the moment, but our best estimates have us taking us at least two full days to recover them all." Cham warned his fellow officers.
"Really?" Echo said in surprise, "Nine dreadnoughts? What have you been doing?"
Cham grew red at that. "I suggest you keep your tongue about things you do not understand, imbécile. These ships have been in free-float for decades. It is a miracle that they even function, and most of the ships had to be jury-rigged. Worse, we do not have a large enough crew because we did not want to draw attention… unlike you. So, unless you have something to contribute, shut your bouche."
"Well, I have a few tools that will help speed up the process." Echo said.
"Fine," Cham hissed, "we need every hand. But if you step out of line, Clone, I will kill you and your crew. Do we understand each other?"
"Perfectly."
"In the meantime, we need to find the Katana flagship," Rahm began, grimly smiling. "If all else fails, then we're going to ram a few Dreadnaughts down their throats."
Two Hours Later
On Vermund
Within the Uriel Estate's Library
"Doing a bit of light reading, dear?" Ahsoka playfully asked Tau as he perused the datapads provided to him by Robert and Benjen.
"More like instructive reading on how the Ordo and Teutonic Sector treat their Force Sensitives in their general population. We really ought to start implementing their programs for training those with a weaker aptitude for the Force in other ways."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"See for yourself."
She quickly did. Throughout the Teutonic Sector, fifty academies known as the Valenthyne Farfalla were set up even for those with weaker but latent Force potential; using that training to for whatever they chose, whether that be as future instructors for the academies, or as productive members of Teutonic society.
"So, you want to open schools to train those the Jedi Order would normally ignore? I could see this bridging the general populace with the Order, and help prepare the galaxy for all the dangers coming our way."
"And that brilliant mind is one of the reasons I married you." Tau smirked as he rose to peck her on her lips, "Benjen has already agreed to talk to his fellow Grand Masters on this idea, and he, Obi-Wan and Robert are gonna help me draft the proposal before the summit begins."
"Then you mind another 'brilliant mind' helping you out with that idea? And we can send a copy to High Command once it's drafted. Whether or not the Teutonic Sector allies with us, we need to implement this idea as soon as we can." Ahsoka offered as she sat down next to Tau.
"Hey, have you heard rumors of a betting pool going around about our kids?" Tau asked while writing on a piece of flimsi.
"Unfortunately, yes, dear. Most of High Command is betting on what our kids'll look like when they're born, or whether they'll each be a boy or girl. Even Ventis, Obi-Wan, Anakin and Rex are a part of the betting."
A look of astonishment crossed Tau's face before he smirked, "Is that betting pool allowed for anyone?"
"What, you want to enter the betting pool?" Ahsoka teased him, "Yeah. But the maximum bet is a thousand credits, and I don't know how they'll feel about the father betting on his own kids."
"Oh I'm not gonna bet alone, luv. You're gonna bet with me on a boy and a girl each. This'll be a nice lesson for them."
"And the prospect of winning about thirty thousand credits for the two of us wouldn't hurt either, right?"
"You know me so well, dear." Tau grinned, "Besides, we'll need it when Edaan and Ashla are born. Their tantrums are going to be a nightmare."
Concurrently
The Katana Fleet
"Captain we're ready to fire this puppy up," Adrina called to Echo.
"Excellent, the dreadnought sigma is coming online." Echo replied as he activated the ship, making it the fifteenth. Echo's comlink pinned and he activated it to see Cham. "We're ready to link up with the rest."
"Good, move onto the next one." Cham said curtly, the contempt palatable in his voice as he disconnected.
Adrina came in and sighed, "They're really holding this against you, aren't they?"
Echo shrugged, "I can't really blame them, I dealt with this situation really stupidly. I made my bed, now I have to lie in it."
"Why don't we just take a dreadnought and go? Get our friends and just leave."
"And become wanted fugitives of the New Republic? No, I'm not going to run from yet another government. Besides, many of them are my friends."
"Could have fooled me."
"Ad." Echo sighed, "We brought this unnecessary attack on them. They have every right to be angry with me. We could have avoided this if we had contacted Rex first."
"But you arrested the traitors in our ranks! Why is that not good enough?"
"Ad, what I did was wartime espionage. That's a hangable offense. Even if I knew what monitoring capabilities the Empire had, I could have found a better way to reach the New Republic than spying on them."
"You haven't told them about the listening posts? About them making more of you?"
"Not yet, we're a little busy with this. Besides, I'm gonna need something to keep my neck from going into a noose."
"You think it'll go that far?"
"If Cham has his way, yes. I may be willing to admit my fault, but I'm ready to die for it."
One Hour Later
Onboard the Imperial-class Star Destroyer Arcann
In Orbit Above Serocco
"All droids and troops are accounted for, Colonel Moch. We're ready to rain down hell on these traitors." Marine Commander CC-1138, better known as Bacara, reported after he recalled from Commodore Thrawn's campaigns to aid the pacification efforts popping up all over the Empire. Rahm smiled fondly at him. It was rare to meet another humanoid with an affinity for tearing droids apart by hand, and his Marines were no exception.
"Good. This field test is crucial for the expansion of our program, and perhaps the first step in perfecting the art of personal combat."
"I can agree with that, sir. Reminds me of Mygeeto."
"Unlike Mygeeto, we have no traitors in our midst," Mahc smiled, "and plenty of clear targets."
"Aye, sir. I'll see you on the ground."
One Hour Later
In Serocco's Catacombs
There's just no end to these monstrosities!Bahl'al cursed while decapitating five Stereb cultists, and blasting three Warp creatures into a wall to crush them into a bloody pulp.
The Sith Lord had been fighting for the last twenty hours straight, and he knew that his reserves were running dangerously low. Even though his army was fighting magnificently, he knew that they had barely made any progress in expunging the Chaos forces from this world, and Anguis was still nowhere to be found. A new strategy had to be used if they were to gain the advantage on this world.
"My Lord! Colonel Moch and our Royal Guard reinforcements have arrived! They're heading to our position as we speak!" A Stormtrooper captain shouted.
Just in time.Bahl'al breathed a sigh of relief before he asked his commander, "What of our forward position? Can it hold with what forces we currently have?"
"Yes, my Lord. The enemy's attacks are lessening in ferocity and numbers. We think they're preparing to retreat and reassess their situation."
"Then let them go for now, and order all forces to hold their positions. We're all too exhausted to pursue, and we cannot afford to try any glorious charges against this enemy." Bahl'al ordered the commander.
"Have what commanders you can spare return to our forward command post to strategize our next move, and have Moch and the Royal Guard commanders meet me there. The rest of our forces need to establish watch rotations so we all can rest up from our slugfest."
Meanwhile, Deeper Within the Catacombs
"I beg you, my lord, let me go after the Imperials and their Sith Apprentice now, while they are wounded and tired. They will not stand a chance against my full might!" Anguis the Avaricious, right hand of Chaos warlord and Daemon host Occisor, pleaded with his lord.
"A wounded enemy is all the more dangerous as you should very well know, my friend," Occisor replied, "besides, we need to keep the false Emperor's attention diverted away from our brothers and sisters and their glorious efforts, and what better way to do that than with a bloody quagmire? I merely ask that you take your time slaughtering them."
"Then I will do this for Khorne and all of his servants, and drag as many of these false Empire's lapdogs down with us as possible."
"Good. Alert me if any significant changes occur, or if you and your followers need extraction. I will not leave my best servant defenseless against the most dangerous Sith alive." Occisor reminded the shapeshifter before ending the transmission, leaving a fuming Anguis to scout out the enemy's defenses for his next offensive.
Meanwhile, On Sernpidal
Within the Capital City
Just Outside the Imperial Garrison
"Guess we know why the garrison went dark, Lord Vader!" Commander Kimmund shouted as he decapitated a zombified Stormtrooper.
"Save your breath, Kimmund! You'll need it to fight off these creatures!" Vader bit back as he telekinetically ripped the heads clear of charging undead.
Ever since landing on this accursed planet, the Imperials had been dogged by the Xipototec's thralls and their ambushes. They were slowly wearing them down, and the strategic bombardments from Savit's fleet had done little to halt their attacks. Every monster they killed was replaced by three more.
Worse, the leaders of this madness were nowhere to be seen.
"Can you sense how many of these monsters are in the city, my Lord? Or where they're leaders are hiding?" Kimmund asked as they fought their way to the docking bay, escorting hundreds of surviving citizens out.
"No, but they might have left the city for other prey," Vader answered, "or they could have left the system altogether in all this chaos, especially without fleet occupied."
'If you are looking for us, Darth Vader, then perhaps you ought to look right above you.' A young, rageful voice shouted above them. There, standing at top the spaceport's control tower, were the four responsible for this world of horror.
They leapt from the top, coming down a hundred feet with the grace of a Cathar.
"The Xipototec, I presume?" Vader asked.
"You presume correctly," one of them said, "since you're about to die, allow us to introduce ourselves. I am Kars, the leader of the last of our noble race."
"And I'm Zuma. Gotta give you primitives' credit. You sure are innovative and plentiful buggers. We haven't feasted this good in ages!" The youngest-looking Xipototec said with glee.
"My name is Xipil. I'm going to enjoy peeking through your mind, as your minions have grown rather stale to my tastes. Still, they get the job done." The strongest-looking Xipototec continued.
"Fine. I'll play along, if only to get this charade over with." The final, older-looking Xipototec groaned. "Name's Tupac, and I'm gonna enjoy sucking you dry for the destruction you unleashed upon our homeworld. And after we deal with you, your Emperor and the Jedi are next for what they did to us."
Vader ignited his saber with a hiss, and order Kimmund through their private channel, "Have all available squads assist us against these demon spawn, and order Ronan evacuate what civilians you can before Savit obliterates the city. If I can't kill them, then I'll strand them here until the sun rises."
Kimmund nodded, and motioned his men forward as he went to contact Ronan. Zuma smirked at them.
"So, you're not going to try and convince us to surrender?" Zuma rhetorically asked.
"Open fire." Vader grimily ordered as more of the undead pressed into the battle.
Meanwhile, Within the Varon System
Onboard the Tenacious
"You have a new mission for me already?" Vega asked Director Yularen, still fresh from his intense workout routine.
"Yes. One that requires a more covert touch," Wullf confirmed."Normally this reconnaissance work would fall under Intelligence's jurisdiction, but since this has a Jedi-centered situation, we felt it best to involve the order to best ensure the mission's success."
"Forgive my reluctance, Director, but are you sure you made the right choice in choosing me? The missions I'm better suited to do are more high-profile and, well, chaotic."
"I'm well aware of your condition, Jedi Ryal. But almost every other Jedi is involved in an operation at this point, so we're stretched rather thin. And we have valid reason to believe there is more to this mission than meets the eye. Meet me at my office at 0800, and I'll give you the full rundown of the situation. I'll also be selecting an operative to work with you. Out."
"Wonder what that was all about?" Vega asked Daniel as the transmission cut in.
"Guess the New Republic has a big mission in store for you," The hologram replied, "hey, you okay?"
Vega sighed, "Truth be told, I miss Ruby like crazy."
"You mean your augmentations are going into overdrive again?"
"No, I've kept that in check with my training and meditation. What I mean is if I should take the next step with her in our relationship."
"Are you sure about that?" Daniel asked, "This isn't your hormones talking, right?"
"No, this is me, and I'm being serious. Granted," he shook his head and sighed, "at this rate, I might need to wait a while. Hell, I'm doing all these missions for the pay so that if she does agree, I have something for us to live off of."
"Not if, Vega, when. Everybody knows she's got it bad for you."
"Everybody?"
"Everybody. Look, I might be out for a while, but you can talk to Mysta about this if you ever need advice."
"That's if he's not busy working on a nuke," Vega chuckled, "but I'll keep that in mind."
"How many bombs can a single man make?" Daniel asked, "He's been at it for the last few weeks."
"Daniel, it's Mysta. The man probably has enough firepower to blow up a system. Hell, the nuke's a patent. He's going to be a very rich man."
"Maybe you should get your name on the contract and get some of the royalties."
"I'll probably just settle on joining his PMC… or weasel my way into being his partner."
"Ha, now you're getting back into spirit, little brother. Alright, I have to go hunt some glorified big dogs with my fists."
"Maybe we should switch places," Vega grinned, "and it's 0745. Wullf's on the other side of the ship… I need to start running."
"Have fun!" Daniel echoed as he ran out of the room, his transmission cutting out.
Well, that ends the 16th chapter of my story! What did you all think? Do you think I included too many plot threads, or not enough? Are you surprised to see Echo in this story? Truth be told, I wanted to include him sooner, but it wasn't the most opportune time. Don't worry, he'll play a big role in the Battle for the Katana Fleet, with both Xizor and Tyber Zann making their appearance in the saga. Man, will it be fun writing those characters, as they were evil masterminds in their stories and/or games. And, RogueLeader114, who was inspired by X-Men, inspired the idea for the Valenthyne Farfalla academies. Squasher and JSailer will probably edit the idea, or at least the name, but I wanted to make sure to give the proper credit where it was due. Oh, and now the Emperor knows about the Katana Fleet, and is sending reinforcements to recover it. But the New Republic has a backup plan in mind, should the worst come to pass. And the Sernpidal and Serocco situations are rapidly heating up. So, how are you doing on this warm evening of Tuesday, February 11, 2020? I'm doing well, as I had school today, but I won't be able to write for a while due to school and projects fast approaching, so I'll be busy for the next couple of days. That's why I rushed to get this chapter done quickly. Oh, and I've been reading more of Assassin's Creed: Heresy, and it's a fascinating book. Afterwards, I'll get back to Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, starting with Exile. So, I'd better get this chapter to Squasher and JSailer for their analysis and revisions. May the Force and Iluvatar be with you all, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
