Good evening, everyone! How are you all doing on this cool night of Saturday, February 29, 2020? I'm doing well, as I got back from a stressful night at work, and now I've got at least five days off from the job, so I can work on the next chapter of this story. Sorry it took so long to work on this, but I had to wait for Squasher and JSailer to edit the chapter, as they had their own project to work on. So, in the meantime, I worked on three interludes for the characters, and I hope they can be published soon. But, as a fair warning, this one will likely take a bit of work, given the intense negotiations to follow between the New Republic and Teutonic Sector's governments, the imminent battle between the Zann Consortium, Black Sun, Empire, and New Republic, and the escalating Serroco situation for Bahl'al and the Empire. Well, I'd better get started, as I'm gonna need to go to bed soon for yard work tomorrow morning. Wish me luck, and may God be with us all in these difficult times.
(Sunday, March 1, 2020 Addendum.) Hey, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm night? I'm doing well, as I went to church a little while ago, did some yard work beforehand, and relaxed for most of the day. I've managed to write about 2,300 words so far in this chapter, and I have a few hours left before I go to bed. So, two days ago was my 25thbirthday, and I had a good day. I can't believe I'm already a quarter of a century old. Man, where does the time go by so fast? I just hope things can slow down a bit for a while. Well, I'm gonna take a break from writing for a little while, and relax before I get back to writing. Everyone have a blessed night. Oh, and I hope that the next chapter of Iron117Prime's Worlds Collige: The Ninja Tribunal Sagais updated soon, as I'm chomping at the bit for this great story to continue. But, they've got three other stories to work on, so I can't blame them for working on other works too.
(11:42 PM Addendum.) Hey, everyone! How are you all doing tonight? I'm doing well, as I've written almost 3k words so far in this chapter, and in just over 24 hours since last night. Oh, and I've played a bit of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, and got to destroy two of the war machines, recruited several assassins, and completed Sequence Four. I got 80 Gamerscore Points out of the night. Well, I'd better go to bed now. Have a blessed night, everyone.
(Monday, March 2, 2020 Addendum.) Hey, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm but breezy day? I'm doing well, as I have written around 600 words so far today, and I have eight hours or so left in the day. At the rate I'm going, I can't wait to finish this chapter by tomorrow night. So, in sadder news, today's the 7thanniversary of the final episode of SWTCW: Season Five: "The Wrong Jedi." Man, that episode was a real heartbreaker, with what persecution and hatred Ahsoka was forced to endure before she set out on her own. I feel so bad for her. Oh, and starting tomorrow, I'm gonna get to work on schoolwork again, as I've been taking it easy for the last few days to rest. I can't just write all the time during my Spring Break. One last think: in eight days, I'm gonna get the next Dragon Age book, Tevinter Nights. I really hope it's good, as I really want to play the next game when it comes out in a year or two. Well, better get back to writing. Oh, but first, I think I'll finish the Johnny Cash book, as I've been on it for too long. I think I'll tackle a WWII book afterwards.
Meanwhile, Onboard the Gauntlet
In Orbit Above Sernpidal
"This report is most disappointing, Lord Vader." Emperor Palpatine seethed. "I had hoped that you would be able to contain and eliminate the nuisance, but it appears that I cannot even rely on the Empire's iron first to deal with four fugitives."
Vader bit back the urge to retort, but Kimmund wasn't so wise to folly of that.
"With respect, Emperor, Lord Vader was lucky to escape his battle with the aliens alive. Most of my men died on that planet, and are likely undead thralls. Nothing we threw at them even seemed to phase the monsters, and I am not certain even our orbital bombardment was successful in killing them."
Sidious's amber eyes bore into the Clone Commander's with such murderous intent that the soldier had to summon all his discipline not to flinch. Despite this, he concluded, "We were ill-prepared to face this threat, my liege. If we encounter them again, we must answer them with a far greater show of force."
To Vader's surprise, Sidious pondered his words carefully. "I do not believe that is wise."
"And why is that, my master?" Vader asked.
"You told me they can convert the dead into thralls for their army. Meaning every soldier, worse every Force-user who dies at their hands will only serve them. The last thing we want is to lose a battle with mass casualties."
"What do you propose, my liege?"
"For now, nothing. We maintain our blockade to prevent any vessel from escaping and continue the evacuation efforts. In the meantime, however, we must investigate these creatures. As Commander Kimmund put, you were ill prepared, and the next time might produce fatal results. I will consult with the Prophets of the Dark Side for answers."
"Then it might benefit the Empire to pursue another potential asset, my lord."
Sidious cocked his head at him curiously, "Elaborate."
He did, and the old man's eyes widened, "This young man, this Auron, is not only from our ancient past but is working for our enemy? And he has the gall to call himself Sith," he spat in disgust, "and you wish to seek him out?"
"He is the most knowledgeable of this species, as much as it pains me to admit."
Sidious sighed, "You mentioned that he is preparing something to be used against us."
Vader recalled the man's exact words, "'You'll soon find out.'"
"What do you think of this?"
"I am not certain. Whatever it is, it will no doubt be a threat to not only the Empire, but the Sith Order itself. Regardless, he is needed to defeat the Xipototec."
"I agree… but he is a threat to us, Lord Vader. I would issue the order to dispose of him once the 'Xipototec' are dispatched, but he is of the ancient times. There is knowledge there, potentially even to fill in the gaps left from the Dark Age."
"You would have me capture him?"
"If possible. If not, kill him. We cannot afford a rival… especially from another Sith."
Vader considered the statement. "You suspect something, my master?"
"I will need to meditate on the Dark Side to confirm my suspicion. Carry on with your current assignment, my apprentice."
The image of Sidious flickered out. Nervously, Kimmund turned to Vader. "My Lord, I apologize for my bluntness, and I will take full responsibility for whatever punishment you see fit."
"Come with me, Commander." Vader ordered him, before the two clones left the Sith Lord's personal meditation chambers for Gauntlet's command bridge.
As they entered the turbolift and the doors closed, Vader's spoke, "Your sentiments regarding the hopelessness of our mission were well placed, and even your boldness prompted the Emperor into sensible action."
"Permission to speak freely, sir?"
"Granted."
"I thought he was going to kill me, m'lord."
"It was surprising he didn't. However, the fortunate direness of the Xipototec threat as well as our disadvantaged state against the Jedi, was likely enough to reconsider wasting more good officers."
Kimmund looked at him, taking the obvious hinted compliment. But he kept silent, which was fortunate as Vader jutted a finger at him.
"I advise you never to do that again. The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am, and he will not forget your transgression. I cannot always protect you."
Kimmund nodded, his discipline preventing his fear from showing on his face. But Vader could sense it. He didn't hold it against him. He would've been stupid or insane not to feel fear.
"I will keep my criticism to myself, then."
"A good answer, Commander. Of this, I wonder what prompted your boldness?"
Kimmund smiled thinly lipped, "I'd best not say, m'lord. I will say this, though. I would've thrown myself on those monsters if it meant you and my men escaping."
From behind his mask, Vader gave a satisfied smile. "Then I will say this. The Empire's days of incompetent, brazen rule will soon come to an end. Change will usher in a better era."
Vader watched Kimmund's reaction, seeing the knowing look there but nothing else. "That is pleasing to hear, my lord."
"Indeed it is, Kimmund. Indeed it is."
Meanwhile, On Vermund
Within the Capital City
Inside the Octagon Command Center
"It is an honor to meet the esteemed leaders of the Teutonic Sector." Obi-Wan respectfully bowed, the two Pro Consuls and their subordinates returning the gesture.
"Have a seat, Master Jedi," said one of the Pro Consuls, a silver haired man with a worn face Kenobi recognized as retired Naval Praefecti (Grand Admiral) Crawford Carrick, "there is much to discuss."
"Indeed," Obi-Wan replied, "Master Uriel has told us about your dedication to protecting your people and your loyalty towards the noble ways of your ancestors."
"Flattery will only get you so far, Master Jedi," the second Pro Consul replied. This man too Kenobi recognized as Grand Master Odo de Molay.
Though unlike with Carrick, he had no visual image to work from. Instead, he sensed the graying warrior's immense power, the intensity of which reminded him of Mace Windu.
He only hoped he didn't also have his old friend's stubborn disposition. "Of course not, Master Molay. With that in mind, I suggest we get straight to the point."
"I would suggest the same," Carrick said, "you're here on behalf of your New Republic and Jedi Order to suggest a political and military alliance against the Galactic Empire-"
"And the Sith," Molay added.
"Yes, and the Sith, correct?"
"I am," Kenobi nodded, "and I am here to present the argument that would be most beneficial to you."
Carrick gave him a smile, "Then I'm sorry you had to trouble yourself rehearsing your probably very well crafted arguments for this matter, Master Kenobi."
"Then you will not hear out my arguments?"
"Because we don't need to. My good friend Molay here made a very simple argument last night. The Empire is a mutual enemy, both politically and spiritually, if you will. In other words, if the Empire wins this war then I doubt our neutrality would keep them from gunning for us next."
"No Sith can stand a rival," Molay said flatly, "and we are precisely that. Worst still, we are the last remnants of the Ancient Republic."
"Then you'll side with us?" Ventis said rather shakily.
"We're not a dictatorship, Ventis Uriel," Carrick replied, "as you very well know. This will have to be discussed first. But I and Molay are of the opinion that allying with you is the best course."
"I must protest, Pro Consul!" Majority Speaker of the Assembly, Lana Thorne, roughly asked, "We have remained neutral in the affairs of the galaxy for a thousand years, and that has maintained our independence as well! Who is to say that once the New Republic is the sole power, we would be integrated by force?"
"We have no interest in doing that!" Tau exclaimed.
"For now," she replied sharply, "who's to say after this war? In a decade, or two? No nation who arms itself as you have would be content enough not to be ambitious."
"You mistake us for the Empire. Also your own nation is extremely well armed and you used that to keep the rest of the Galaxy from bothering you."
"I do not speak of the Empire, Tau Palpatine. I speak of the Old Republic you replace. It's history is full of nothing but expansions and wars to forcefully draw other member states."
"That's being unfair, Speaker," Minority Speaker Hawke Straget countered, "every nation has that kind of history, including ours. And Kenobi is correct that we are a military super power with a long standing martial tradition, and yet we do not conquer or expand."
"For good reason," Legatus Secutus Quinn said, "the Old Republic after the end of the New Sith Wars attempted to have this sector disarm as according to the Ruusan Reformation. Our continued martial tradition is in many ways a continuing deterrent."
"That won't last, Legatus," Tau rebuffed, "you may have been lucky to stay out of the Clone Wars, but I assure you the Empire will not let you continue to exist."
"And yet you have managed to drive them to their knees in under five years."
"Don't be a fool, Quinn," Carrick reprimanded, "their loss is a complicated matter involving the New Republic hitting them while they were still in the process of reorganization. They hit them at their weakest, and they still are a major threat."
"Perhaps it should stay that way," Thorne scoffed, "the Separatists could not force us to join their war because they could not afford another front. I say the same here. We benefit more from a galaxy without sole superpowers dictating how we should all live."
"That's dangerous thinking, ma'am," Quinn retorted, "the Separatists for all their flaws was a populus movement. They acted from the will of the people. The Empire doesn't."
"Don't make this yet another plebeian argument, Legatus. The Separatists were led by an aristocrat, not too dissimilar to our own government and the Empire. We all have our Patrician classes."
Kenobi considered those words and remembered the social classes of the Sector. Patricians were members born or married into the political influential, the old guard. Though they held no real political majority as most monarchies did thanks to the sector's political structure, they did still hold influence. That was their currency.
Conversely, the Plebeians were the common citizens, but this was where the irony lay. In Kenobi's experience, aristocrats like the late Count Dooku were not only social and politically elite, but also economically. Not here, though. Prestige, not credit, was the Patrician's standard. As such, there were many Plebeians who were vastly richer.
"Except the Patrician classes of both the Separatists and the Empire were not truly Patrician," Kenobi began, rising to his feet and walking to the center stage, "Count Dooku was commanded by Sidious, who as you know, was Chancellor Palpatine. He created the crises that led to the creation of the Separatists. He gained control of them, and it was he that killed billions, if not trillions of beings just so that he would, as Speaker Thorne stated, be the sole power in the universe."
"Master Kenobi is right," Tau added, "my… father, is not a man who shares power. He wants absolute control, and he will stop at nothing to get it. Ladies and Gentlemen, it doesn't matter whether or not you stay out of this war. Sidious sees you as a threat. He will destroy you. The best thing for the galaxy is to destroy him first."
The Teutonic speakers fell silent at that, before Thorne sighed, "As much as it pains me to say, but there is merit in your argument. However, our concern about the matter of our independence is concerning, especially by our history with your predecessor state."
"Speaker Thorne, we are not the Old Republic. We are the New Republic," Obi-Wan declared, "and we do not make the same mistakes as our predecessors."
"No, you just make new ones," Quinn rebutted, "such as siding with those criminal slugs."
Obi-Wan turned to Tau for a moment, "A regrettable, but necessary evil."
"With respect, I think that proves our argument rather than hinders it," Ventis replied, all eyes turning to him, "I am not a member of the political council, but it is obvious that the Hutt Empire will not be integrated into the New Republic. They are to reform, yes, but they are going to be independent."
"Would you have us reform?" Speaker Straget asked.
"Why would we? We two nations are cousins, more similar in many regards than any other. Besides, there are too many other threats out there for us to be picking a fight with you."
"You speak of the Chaos threat?" Molay asked.
"And others. The Knights of Olpaka have grown in power over the years, with one of their own commanders becoming what you call Strigoi."
"Wait what?!" Straget exclaimed.
Molay sighed, "You and the rest of the civilian leadership were going to be briefed on this matter after the assembly."
"I… I apologize, then," Ventis bowed his head, "but the point stands. There are increasing threats that must require cooperation, not conflict, to defeat."
"There isn't a need to apologize, son. I'm lousy at scheduling," Carrik waved it off, "But I do agree the Knights, even without a Strigoi in their leadership, have become a nuisance. As you all know, they have launched raids into our territory for the purpose of stealing ships and technical designs. It's clear that they have ambitions for expansion."
"It's not just expansion," Kenobi interrupted, "the Knights of Olpaka want to expunge the Force itself from the galaxy. Should they gain the means to, they will launch a crusade of genocide upon the galaxy."
"That is also not considering the other threats that are out there," Tau stated, "such as the Vong, the Nephilim, and the Fallen Celestial Sauron on the world of Arda, as you no doubt read the briefs on. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is not just a political conflict. Evil, true evil, is coming to this galaxy in many shapes and forms. If we, the pillars of righteous and goodness in this galaxy do not stand together, we will hang separately."
There was a great silence in the room as the various military and political leaders looked amongst themselves. Except for Carrick, who was smiling knowingly, and Molay, who's grim eyes brightened a little.
"We will need to adjourn to discuss this," Speaker Throne said.
"Then I call an adjournment," Carrick replied, striking a hammer on a pallet, "we will reconvene at nine o'clock sharp tomorrow morning. Dismissed."
They all rose with the shuffling of chairs and the Assembly made their way out the door. Molay and Carrick however called over Kenobi, Tau and Ventis.
"We need to discuss your true parentage, Tau Palpatine," Molay said bluntly, "meet us for dinner tonight."
"Dress informally," Carrick smiled, "this'll be a meeting of friends."
Two Hours Later
Within the Halm Sector
In the Katana Fleet's System
Onboard the Tislera's Memory
"All right. Dreadnaught number sixty-two is ready to go, and we'll be brining another two online shortly." Adrina reported to the Twi'lek general. "Oh, also, we got the Katana Flagship fully operational, and Echo and Tech finally have the computer virus ready for testing. I'll transfer it to you and Colonel Rostu at once."
"Good. But before you do that, have the flagship send the twelve ready Dreadnaughts to Tanaab to in order to refuel." Cham gruffly said.
Suddenly Isval exclaimed, "Cham, we've got three large signatures and several smaller ones reverting to realspace from Sector Eight, at the edge of the system!"
"Can you identify them?"
"Signatures coming in-oh, you've gotta be kriffing kidding me! We've got three Star Destroyers and their Imperial escorts arriving!"
"Merde! Warn Rostu, and have all available fighters launch! Adrina, see if you can get two or three dreadnaughts ready to ram the incoming Destroyers. Then get that virus to Rostu and me. Maybe we can test it on an Imperial capital ship after all."
"You sure about these orders? I thought the New Republic wanted the dreadnaughts intact for their navy. And Echo said that the virus wasn't ready for testing against the Imperials yet."
"I have a plan to make it work, and I'll bring Rostu and Echo up to speed on it soon enough. And better to sacrifice a few Dreadnaughts than losing them all! Now, hurry!"
Five Minutes Later
Onboard the Katana Flagship
"I thought you told General Syndulla that the virus wasn't advanced enough for the Imps." Tech complained to Echo as the latter finished the upload.
"He's not trying to take control of the Destroyers, just weaken them enough for the ramming to finish it off while our starfighters cover their run." Nick clarified. "But can it be done?"
"I'm approximately 89.3% certain that the virus can work on disabling two of the Destroyers shields and weapons systems, but that's the limit before the last destroyer has enough data to create a firewall. And that doesn't take into account the TIE Fighters they'll deploy in the meantime." Tech advised the colonel.
"Then we'll just have to handle the last Destroyer on our own when we're done. Upload the virus to the lead two Destroyers, and then send the four closest Dreadnaughts towards them." Nick ordered.
"Right away, sir."
Meanwhile, Onboard theAnya Kuru
"Show me precisely what we're dealing with, Lieutenant. And make no delays." Captain Harcourt sternly ordered his XO while observing twelve Katana Fleet Dreadnaughts jump to hyperspace.
"Yes, Sir. Looks like we've got about nine New Republic capital ships and around seven dozen frigates and corvettes restarting the Katana Fleet. If I had to guess, I'd say they've been forced to reactivate the dreadnaughts one at a time. It's the only rational explanation as to why they're still in the system."
"Excellent deduction, Lieutenant. How many Dreadnaughts remain in-system?"
"If these readings are accurate, then it looks like there's one hundred and thirty eight Dreadnaughts still up for grabs."
"Then notify Grand Moff Trachta and Moff Mors, and advise them and their fleets to make all due haste." Aaron ordered before a communications officer warned him,
"Captain, the Steadfastand Bloodfinare reporting that their shields and heavy weapon systems are down! It looks like a virus has infected each of their systems. And they each have two Dreadnaughts heading right towards them with maximum power to the engines and shields, and a large starfighter escort covering them. They're requesting orders."
"So, the enemy's already found the Katana flagship, and already played their first move. They're far cleverer than I gave them credit for." Aaron mused.
"Sir, they're requesting your orders." The XO repeated.
"Have them launch all fighters and support craft, and then pull back to a safe distance so we can disable the Dreadnaughts with our ion weapons and heavy bombers. Once they're disabled, we can move ahead to begin claiming what ships we can for the Empire."
It seems this will become a battle of felinx and rodus until our reinforcements arrive.Aaron mused.
Meanwhile, Onboard the Chalk's Lethality
"We'll be there in no more than six hours, Colonel! We're about to cut two hours off our time by taking a shortcut through an old smuggler's route. You think you guys can hold out until we arrive?" Anakin told Nick.
"We'll manage, as long as you don't delay. If youfigured out a shortcut, then I'd wager that Zann and Xizor have some secret routes of their own to employ. And there's no telling when more Imps will arrive to try and save their buddies."
"We'll make all due haste. Just keep surprising the enemy, and you'll do well. May the Force be with you, Colonel." Rex bade farewell to the Korun before the transmission ended.
One Hour Later
On Vermund
Inside the Octagon Command Center
Within the Tactical Center
"I don't like this," Speaker Thorne said as she picked at her dinner.
"Then you should've ordered something else," Legatus Secutus Quinn replied ryly, "like this lobster here. Certainly better than that stew you're letting go cold."
"You go cold, Quinn," she snorted, "and that's not what I meant. Why did Carrick and Molay request a personal dinner with the representatives without informing us what it pertains to?"
"I think you've answered your own question, Lana," Speaker Straget said, "there are matters even we are not privy to. If I had to guess, Jedi business."
"And that is precisely the problem. We are the representatives of the Senate and the Legion, and yet we are being kept out of the loop because of the affairs of a cult."
"That's dangerous talk, Speaker," Tribunus Adraina Orda rebutted, "that 'cult' is partly the reason our nation has been able to survive independent of the galaxy for a thousand years."
"But does that justify the power, influence and secrecy the Jedi maintain? We were elected by the people or appointed by our superiors based on merit. Our actions therefore are transparent."
"I wouldn't toot your horn too much, Thorne," Quinn smirked, "you talk of transparency, despite having your secret affairs and things in closets."
"None of which pertain to Sectorial Security. Jedi business or not, we should be present to hear what is being said."
"You know how these things go, Speaker," Orda sighed, "they need to figure out a way to explain matters that involve the Force in a way that makes sense to us ignorant folk."
"Or they could just be having dinner," Straget shrugged, "I hear Tau's wife is pregnant with twins."
"She's a Togrutan, yes?" Quinn asked, to which Straget nodded, "That is incredibly rare. Only 1 in 4 have the necessary gene to mate with humans, and even less of that number ever produce children to begin with."
"I wonder if there's a running bet on what the children look like," Straget chuckled, earning a few odd looks, "what I mean is that hybrids like this are never a sure thing. Sometimes they look like either parents, other times they're a mix. It's always a roll of the dice."
"Speaking of dice, perhaps we should inquire if one does exist," Orda grinned, "I wouldn't mind betting a few credits on this."
"Why? We don't know this couple," Thorne gripped, "other than that one of them is the son of a sith despot, and the other was the Apprentice of the famed Hero with no fear."
"Hence why you're not a legionnaire, Speaker. You never ask why in gambling, but how much."
"Pfft," Thorne finally took a sip of her stew and asked for it to be reheated, "what did you make of their arguments today?"
"I think they make sense," Straget said, "the Empire's run by the Sith and our Pro Consul is a Jedi. Only a matter of time before we cross gladiī."
"Not to mention we are one of the last remnants of the Army of Light," Quinn added.
"That's what still concerns me," Thorne sighed, "a broken record I am, I still cannot shake the fear of what a galaxy alone with the New Republic will look like. Perhaps this generation's leaders are exactly what they claim to be. But what about later?"
"The alternative is to let the Empire stand?" Orda asked, "They are the greater threat."
"A greater threat to the New Republic, which in turn ensures that they will never consider annexing us."
"There is another thing that you are forgetting, Speaker Thorne. War is not about killing the enemy just to kill him, but to get him to do what you want. It's controlled violence with a clear goal at the end."
"Your point?"
"The New Republic doesn't have the capability to destroy the Empire out right, not without exposing itself to other threats. Instead, it wishes to thrash it enough to capitulate and accept whatever terms they have in mind."
"In short," Quinn concluded, "the Empire will continue to exist. Even neutered, it still will pose a threat."
"A threat enough to keep Republican eyes off us?" Thorne posed, "And there is the matter of their dealings with the Hutts and the Vong."
"The Vong I know very little about, but from what I understand that was a group who joined them in a rebellion against their master. But the Hutts?" Quinn sighed, "I share your sentiments. That race of vile scum should be crucified along every public road in the Outer Rim."
"Ever the colorful descriptor, Quinn," Straget chuckled, "but I would think your Legionary mind would see the benefit of allying with them."
"I do. They control a crossroads of trade routes in the Outer Rim, including ones kept secret. Regardless, they are honorless scum who will betray them. I don't care what flowery promises of reform they've made. They are Hutts, and they have not changed since before the formation of the Old Republic twenty five millennia ago. Why would they change now?"
"I'd say because they have no choice," Orda countered, "we've all heard the rumors of what happened to Jabba the Hutt. The galaxy is entering a new era, and the Hutts must adapt if they want to survive. Besides, are we forgetting that a Hutt once ruled the Old Republic and was beloved at the time?"
"Exceptions do not make the rule."
"Perhaps they should, Legatus. If we are to survive, for example, we must adapt and change."
"For better or worse?" Thorne asked.
"Only time and the Celestials can tell that, Speaker."
Meanwhile, On Serroco
Within the Catacombs
"He is close." Bahl'al warned Rahm and Sergeant Darin LaRone after they halted their approach.
For the last four hours, they had been searching the catacombs for the purported sightings of Anguis at their forward outposts before they went dark. Of course, the Imperial leaders knew that it was an obvious trap, but they also realized that the chance to learn more about the Chaos cultists' movements and potentially capture the leading cultist was too valuable to pass up.
After taking the necessary preparations for when the trap snared shut, Bahl'al took Colonel Moch, the Stereb's Chief Scout, Eldr'nol, a company's worth of Stormtroopers that included the cybernetically enhanced Darin, and two squads worth of Moch's battle droids to hunt for the shapeshifter.
Clutching his saberstaff tightly, he felt the presences of several dozen corrupted Stereb, and was prepared to order the attack before a Z-X3 battle droid turned its built-in blaster cannon towards a dark tunnel, and monotonously said, "Intruders detected."
Blasting away before anyone could countermand the orders, they were surprised to hear the dying screams of several Stereb, and even the pained shriek of an unknown voice.
"OW! Stupid droid! How'd you find me!" The voice whined, making Darin freeze up in bloodcurdling fear from their last bloody encounter.
"That's him, isn't it?" Bahl'al deductively asked.
"Yes, yes, sir."
"Muster your courage, and remember your men and brothers. They're counting on you to make the galaxy a safer place for everyone to live in." Bahl'al rallied one of the few beings he fully trusted as an ally.
"Good speech, sir. I will," he then switched to his squad's comms, "Stay alert at all times and engage the second you get a visual. But above all, stick together. Anguis will try to divide and slaughter us for nothing but his own twisted amusement."
Just then, Bahl'al, with his free hand, unleashed a torrent of Force Lightning to his right, and immediately fried six unfortunate cultists in an instant.
"My Lord! Behind you!" Rahm shouted.
An instant later, he glanced at the arm of a Mantellian Savrip coming up from behind him, and backhand him into a wall. Falling into several stalagmites, Bahl'al grunted from the backbreaking pain as he struggled to get up before two Stormtroopers came to help him up.
Ahead, Rahm charged the opponent and delivered an uppercut that echoed painfully in the cave. The Savrip staggered back from the blow, blood pouring down from a bust jaw. Bahl'al knew the limits of Rahm's suit, and likewise knew that blow should've ripped the beings head off.
Instead, it laughed in a voice too high to belong to the being, "Oh, I'll enjoy taking you down first, little man."
"Open fire!" Darin shouted as his men unleashed hell on the Savrip before he morphed into a Kybuck, and immediately bolted into the darkness.
"Hold your fire!" Bahl'al shouted after he returned to the small army. "Don't waste your ammo on pointless shots!"
"Do as he says!" Rahm ordered, and turned to Bahl'al, "So, this is to be a game of bloodletting, eh?"
"Precisely, Colonel." Bahl'al concurred, before ordering Darin, "Sergeant. Contact Bacara and Kota at once. Have them move to Phase Two, and keep in constant communication with us."
"Right away, my lord."
Now, the game is afoot.The Sith Apprentice mused before ordering his men forward.
Meanwhile, Within the Halm Sector
In the Katana Fleet's System
Onboard the Anya Kuru
"How long until the first of the recovered Dreadnaughts are reactivated?" Aaron ordered the Steadfast's captain, whose Star Destroyer was critically damaged and scuttled from a dreadnaught's suicide run, forcing the ship's remaining crew to retreat to the surviving three captured Katana Dreadnaughts.
"We'll have them up and running again in no more than ninety minutes. The systems are still intact, if a bit worn out. Fortunately, most of my crew worked on Dreadnaughts for the Judicial Forces before, so we can jump start them ahead of schedule."
"Good. Alert me the instant they're up and running again. We'll need every advantage we can get until our reinforcements arrive." Aaron ordered before his XO deferentially reported to him,
"Apologies, Captian, but Moff Mors and Colonel Belkor are reporting that their fleet will be arriving in approximately one hour."
Nodding in acknowledgement, he asked the Bloodfin's captain, "How long until your systems are fully restored?"
"I'm afraid it'll take at least two hours. This virus did a number on our shields and weaponry, and don't even get me started on the damage it did to our engines and hyperdrive. But with the time the reinforcements will grant us, we will rejoin the fight in time to make a difference."
"Then we'll have to engage in guerilla tactics until we can turn the tide of the battle." Aaron resolved, before ordering him, "Have your repair crews work double-time to get the Bloodfinback to optimal capacity, and report to me the minute you're ready. I'll have your escort craft and three TIE squadrons cover you until you can reenter the fight. Just hurry, or all our heads will be on the line."
Saluting the Senior Captain, he ended the transmission, and Aaron ordered his officers, "Prepare to take us in, and initiate a Marg Sabl on the New Republic once we close in on their recovery efforts. We need to keep them off-balance if we're to salvage something from this mess."
Seeing another seven Dreadnaughts enter hyperspace, making the total count now in the New Republic's control to reach an even seventy, Aaron insisted, "Make all due haste."
Meanwhile, On Sernpidal
Outside the Capital City
"The Imperials have evacuated much of the planet and are blockading the system." Kars told his brothers, "It's only a matter of time before they devastate this world. We must flee."
"And then we can plan our next move, and rebuild our armies to take the fight back to Vader and the Jedi." Tupac growled.
"We let our anger and desire for revenge blind us." Xipil groaned, still healing from his wounds. "I say we get off this planet, find another one, lay low for a while and get a better scope of this new era. We can build our armies up better this way, and hopefully regain our full strength by finding a few Force-rich victims."
"I hate to admit it, but that makes sense to me. With our current strength, we couldn't even beat Vader when we had the advantage. We need to recover and learn all we can about our enemies before we make our next big play." Zuma agreed.
"I agree." Kars concurred. "We will only risk our people's vengeance with another reckless attack. For now, however reluctant it might be, we must go against our code and choose cunning and secrecy over force."
"Come. We have a long journey ahead of us if we're to make it to a city and find a ship to take us to safe havens." With that, the Xipototec got into their two pilfered speeders, and bolted away to the closest spaceport for their freedom, and to escape the approaching sunrise.
Well, I think this is a good place to end the chapter! So, the battle for the Katana Fleet has begun, but the New Republic has a good head start on claiming the dreadnaughts. Oh, and the Teutonic negotiations are underway, with promising beginnings between the New Republic and Teutonic Sector, while the Serroco campaign is preparing to escalate in to a manhunt. So, how are you all doing on this warm day of Tuesday, March 3, 2020? I'm doing well, as I worked on some homework today, and read the second chapter of Worlds Collige: The Ninja Tribunal Saganot even half an hour ago after it was updated. Oh, I've also been watching much of Season 2 of Danny Phantom, as that show was the best Butch Hartman ever came up with. And, I finished the Johnnny Cash book, and will get started on a WWII book soon. Hope you're all having a great day, and I hope to write Ch. 19 soon. Have a blessed day, everyone. May the Force and Iluvatar be with you all, and long Live the Expanded Universe!
(Friday, March 6, 2020 Addendum.) Hey, everyone! How are you doing on this cold and windy night? I'm doing well, as I have decided to read some Star Wars books instead of the WWII book, and already finished Legacy of the Force: Exile, yesterday before getting started on Sacrifice. Oh, and I finished the last character interlude that jojobinks01 requested, so I expect it to be up in a few weeks. Oh, and I need to let you know that I won't be able to write this weekend, because I'll have to work tomorrow from 12-6 PM, and 1-10 PM this Sunday. I just hope it isn't too messy and crazy at the theater. Well, time to get this chapter to Squasher for the final look over. I know I've said this before, but God be with us all in these difficult times.
