Chapter XVIII: Inquisitorius
The Grand Inquisitor - Ordel, Romesch District
It has been half an hour.
Half an hour of uncertainness and self-inflicted cowardice. Half an hour of fruitless internal debates and misguided calculations, each and every single one of them more hopeless than the one before.
The Grand Inquisitor tilted his head in annoyance. What was he supposed to do? Yes, he could lower himself to call the Heartseeker and tell her Admiral that he should contact Lord Vader. He was sure that the man would just be overjoyed at the opportunity to smear him honey onto his lips. Climbing the Imperial ranks with lies and faked hero-worship was the standard for a spineless man like him, wasn't it?
Not like he himself was any different.
But that would mean one thing as a consequence: the very second Vader or reinforcements arrive, he would lose the influence he would gain from killing the traitor sisters. He wouldn't allow such a lucrative opportunity to be taken from him. Killing them and their companion was sure to gain him Vader's favor.
Not to mention that should he really need backup for any reason, he was more than prepared with the things he brought with him to Ordel. The Purge Troopers have proven efficient in the past, minus some cases like the fiasco on Mon Cala. And although the Empire started to vet them out more and more, they still had some usage left, even with their depleted numbers.
And then there was her. But he'd cross this bridge only if he needed.
His mind drifted back to his targets. The Grand Inquisitor wasn't surprised to see Second Sister here. She was always a resourceful one, a true master when it came to dealing with any situation the Force could throw at her. Sadly, he wasn't alone in realizing that. Lord Vader himself had taken note of her abilities, much to his own disdain. Even if she would have remained within the ranks of the Inquisitiorius, the Grand Inquisitor would've had her killed eventually. He couldn't have suffered such a rival.
Ninth Sister was a different story altogether. She was a beast, an animal used for only one thing: destruction. The Dowutin was never destined for glory, she was a tool, crude in its makings, nothing more. He figured that like every tool, she too would break eventually. The Grand Inquisitor doubted that she would have survived the next couple of years anyways, why bother intervening?
What was more interesting, however, was the man that seemingly followed both of them. It had to be Cal Kestis, Tapal's wayward Padawan.
How in the name of the Force he survived Order 66 was beyond him. He has read his file, studied it to the letter ever since his appearance on Bracca. There was nothing out of the ordinary when it came to Kestis, save for perhaps his Force Psychometry. An ordinary Padawan raised during the Clone Wars, without any achievements to his name that would elevate him above his peers.
He never liked that arrogant fool Tapal. But he had to admit: he certainly trained his Padawan well.
But that didn't dispel one question that still clouded his mind: what happened to Cere Junda, Cordova's little whelp? Though Ninth Sister's presence was once more irrelevant in that regard, nobody could deny the bonds she had with both Suduri and Kestis. If she wasn't here, that meant she was probably dead. There was nothing more he'd have savored more than to entertain that thought. Yet only fool would be so certain of the Jedi Knight's demise. He'd have to investigate, that much was sure.
Three Force users. Three former Jedi, two of them turned Inquisitors. One question mark. That should be manageable.
It was decided then. He'd deal with the three of them personally while ...
His holoprojector started to beep, signaling that someone wished to talk to him. With a sleight of hand, he activated the hologram.
Ah, perfect.
''My Lord Inquisitor.''
The ghostly image of another Inquisitor appeared out of thin air, the very same that followed him onto Ordel in the second shuttle. Her visage was hidden behind layers of black Imperial armor and her voice was modified into a deep and harrowing sound that escaped through her mask. Terror personified, just as he preferred it.
Perhaps he should correct one thing about Ninth Sister: She had one use. Saving this one, for example.
''Ah, Second Sister. I've just been thinking about you. Any updates?''
The Inquisitor glared at him in silence, her figure protected by multiple plates of armor, granting her an appearance that resembled more like of a walking tank than a nimble dancer of the dark arts. A scream emerged of camera as Second Sister dragged a woman into the projection, her labcoat marking her as one of the scientists working on the Emperor's project in the mountains.
''I've ensured increased productivity, my Lord Inquisitor. This ... pathetic excuse of an Imperial here wishes to whine, though.''
Once more, he had to admit something: he really started to enjoy Second Sister's antics. There was a certain cunning in her moves that could stem directly from her predecessor - and yet there was also a savage site to her that reminded him of Ninth Sister's volatile nature.
The perfect replacement for both of them. Useful like Suduri, easy to control like Tide. As long as he held her leash, anyway.
''S-Sir ... I ... I - don't whine. I just ... ''
Ugh.
''Sister? Would you?''
Second Sister lifted her heavily armored fist and brought it down onto the helpless woman, throwing her towards the ground with a painful scream.
''Now, let's try that again. Why do you whine so much, my dear?''
His voice was born of sadism and he didn't keep it a secret. He enjoyed this too much as of right now.
''It's ... it's just ... there is still so much ... so much rubble. We ... don't have enough hands up here.''
''Ugh.'' groaned the Second Sister as she grabbed the woman's hair and shoved her out of the projection.
That was a surprise. The Empire has been pouring resources nonstop into Ordel and the ruins harbored by it. And still, there weren't enough laborers to reach optimal efficiency.
That would displease the Emperor. And that would cost him his life.
''The ... whelp is speaking the truth, Grand Inquisitor. There is enough stone and dust up here to fill all of Kamino's oceans.''
Two of his fingers traveled to his forehead, attempting to quell the headache that flowed through his temple. It has been one year and the Emperor wished for results, as is his right. To achieve that meant that the Pau'an needed to look for practical solutions - now.
''Sister, ensure that productivity doesn't falter. I want constant updates.'' he barked in a commanding tone, killing the communication without awaiting her response. Kestis, Junda, Suduri and Tide were one thing. He crossed blades with countless Jedi before, those lost souls were but a number for him.
Pleasing his Imperial Majesty, however, was a task he feared more than facing any surviving Jedi. If not in fear of his personal vengeance, then certainly the wrath of his dark machine-like enforcer.
There was no time for doubt, the Jedi hunter determined. He had to act swiftly and without hesitation.
Agent Eloren - Romesch District, Ordel
Out of the corners of her eyes, she scowled at the patrolling Purge Troopers in a worrisome way.
She understood that they had strict orders to spy on her as they spied on anyone else here, including Milton and every other high ranking official. It was what she would do in the Grand Inquisitor's place and for a woman of Eloren's experience, that was proof enough.
''What. Did your people replace you with improved models, sugar?''
''One more comment and you'll have to replace the last of your teeth as well, mercenary.''
Things were bad for everyone involved. Despite everything, Eloren still hasn't made any tangible progress when it came to revealing the location of the mysterious Cypher Actual and his companions. A fact that didn't go unnoticed by her superiors - and if ISB couldn't tolerate one thing, then it was insurgents one-upping their own agents. Add to that Milton's usual antics and the more restlessly growing band of mercs nestling just outside of Stone Town, things seemingly got worse by the second.
''So, what's the deal here. Who the hell are they?''
Eloren scuffed audibly at that. Who was he to assume that she'd lower herself to answer his questions? It was already almost unbearable to endure his presence, she wouldn't be interrogated like some common thug - especially not by a common thug.
''Enough of this. I've got work to do.''
She didn't even bother to reply to his numerous curses. Shoving the man away from her, Eloren stepped away from both him and the Troopers with haste in her steps. She wouldn't mess up now. All she had to do was to approach this logically: ISB already gained a lot from Ordel and its new industry, that one she could check off of her list. From where she was standing, that left two things to worry about.
Firstly, the Grand Inquisitor was here for a specific reason. And although neither she nor Milton knew what exactly the scientists were up to in the mountains, one didn't need much brain to know that it probably had something to do with the explosion that rocked the planet before her arrival. Though the specifics were certainly above her paygrade, she grasped that there were ruins up there, ruins that - at least partly - resembled those she and Ninth Sister found on Synta all that time ago. Every ruin that could conjure up such an explosion was powerful, powerful enough for the highest levels of the Empire to take note, no doubt.
And yet, she had no idea what exactly was up there.
Truth be told, she didn't have to. Eloren trusted her superiors, at least in that regard. Not to mention that knowing the wrong things could easily get you replaced within the Empire.
However, with all the resources that have constantly been injected into Ordel, Eloren understood that if she messed up, there would be hell to pay. She escaped punishment once already, back when Ninth Sister was lost on Sytna. Something told her that she wouldn't be able to weasel herself out of failure again. Not this time.
Which lead her to her current source of worry: Insurgency.
Resistance movements weren't anything new for her. ISB trained their people well, including both the construction and sabotage of said organizations. Still, no matter how hard she tried, it seemed as if Ordel's insurgents were one step ahead. Always too quick for the soldiers to apprehend them, always escaping without leaving a clue. It was maddening for her.
And now, not only an Inquisitor but the Inquisitor arrived on her doorstep.
Eloren couldn't help but picture whether it would be he that'd execute her if she failed or if Ordel's Storm Troopers got the honor.
She vividly hoped for the later.
As if the personification of her nightmares came to haunt her personally in this moment, one of the doors to her right was opened with a sharp hiss, revealing the visage of the Grand Inquisitor glaring down at her as if she was nothing but live pray for him.
''Agent Eloren, I'm in need of your assistance.'' he turned around and left the door open, ''inviting'' her inside.
Her heart turned to stone as her feet unwillingly dragged her into the room. She could still recollect that day when Ninth Sister brought her to him, after their chaotic struggles on Nar Shaddaa. Somehow, she was even more scared right now than back then.
The room was dark and sparsely lit, the only source of lightning coming from the blue hues of the hologram projected nestled in its middle.
Elroen didn't dare to open her mouth. Clasping her knuckles together behind her back and putting her chin upwards, she stood there like a statue frozen in time. Cussing herself for her creative mindset, her eyes drifted over to the circular lightsaber that rested on the Inquisitor's back. She saw an Inquisitor in action before, she didn't wish to be on the opposite end of it.
''Agent Eloren, would you consider yourself ... hmm. Intelligent?''
Her nails dug into the palm of her sweaty hands.
''I ... yes, Grand Inquisitor. The Imperial Security Bureau has very high standards when it comes to their agents.''
It was the truth, even if her stuttering voice didn't help to solidify her claim. Highly ranked officers, academics - only the brightest and above all else, most loyal of beings were introduced into the agencies ranks.
''Indeed. And yet, your failure on Synta all those months ago ... well, it does put a certain degree of doubt upon your claim, doesn't it? But - '' he raised his hands ''you aren't responsible for Ninth Sister's fate. Or are you?''
Was he insinuating that she actually killed the brutish Dowutin?
''I'm not.''
He strolled over to her, a thin smirk slithering over his face. He lifted his gloved hands and guided them towards her face.
''Indeed. How could you? You are ... you. And that might work to our advantage now.''
Her spine turned to ice as one of his thumbs danced over her cheek.
''Grand Inquisitor?''
''Yes, as I said, I do have a task for you. As you well know, the Emperor's interest in Ordel remains intact. There are considerable resources in play as we speak.''
The Pau'an chuckled darkly as he turned away from her.
''Nobody cares when a couple of soldiers go missing. Why would we? Yet I'm afraid that the Empire might be ... displeased when the situation on Ordel becomes more unstable. Do tell me, dear ... ''
His words were held temporarily as if he savored every moment of her anguish. A possibility that wouldn't surprise her.
'' ... let's say that I'm in need of cheap labor. How would I go procure it on Ordel?''
''Administrator Milton, Sir. With his command, the Troopers could force the people into labor.''
''I see.'' his boney fingers went to his chin, stroking it as he looked at the floor in silent contemplation ''then it shall be done. Eloren, I want you to talk to Milton. Ensure that the people are quickly mobilized. You're granted free reign to do ... whatever is needed to speed up the process.''
I ... what?
If she wouldn't be in the presence of the Grand Inquisitor, she might've even chuckled. Milton had his uses - but at his heart, he was a pure-blooded politician. Ambitious and greedy most certainly, but even he wouldn't suffer the people's wrath, if only it was his self-preservation instinct that prohibited it. It took him long enough for the public to actually approve of him, there was no way in the galaxy that he'd change course now.
''Eloren, I feel that you are conflicted.''
With a swift motion of his hand, the Pau'an grabbed his lightsaber from the back and represented it towards her.
''No, I - please!'' instinctively, her muscles started to tense as she observed the Inquisitor's weapon ''it's not that. It's just that Milton might be a useful moron - but he is still a moron. He'd fear his approval ratings more than anything, I'm afraid.''
It was the truth. There was a reason why she always preferred the Empire's methods of politics over their 'normal' counterparts: Imperial politicians didn't have to care about elections and approval ratings. They just had to get the job done.
''Naturally. Well, then I do believe that our next course of action is obvious.''
Lifting his left hand, the Inquisitor called upon the Force, raising her blaster pistol out of her holster and making it hover in front of her face.
''Do your job, Eloren. The Emperor commands it.''
Her eyes went wide as she grabbed her blaster out of thin air. She knew that it was just a matter of time until Milton outlived his usefulness. Hell, she has prepared herself for that moment ever since. But to actually hear the order was another matter entirely.
''Sir, I understand. But without an administrator, every effort to coordinate our assets here will be for naught.''
Another chuckle, another wave of icy cold that made Eloren shiver.
''It's about time for another promotion, isn't it? After all, not many of your kind have earned the favor of the Imperial Inquisitorius ... Administrator Eloren.''
She glimpsed at him and then back at her blaster. So this was it. One year of service and finally, her reward presented itself. All it took was to get rid of one single fool that poisoned Ordel's efficiency long enough for her to climb even higher through the ranks of the Empire.
And for the first time in her life, Eloren smirked at the Grand Inquisitor.
''It will be done.''
The next few hours were over quicker than she thought.
After leaving the Grand Inquisitor, Eloren immediately retreated into her own office, where she came up with an effective plan. She had to be smart about this, that much she knew. Though she couldn't deny that it would have brought her some pleasure to waltz into Milton's office right now and blast him into oblivion, Eloren also realized that both the people and the Troopers native to Ordel might not agree. Naturally, that meant that she shouldn't be the one to pull the trigger, at least not directly.
Luckily, ISB was prepared for every eventuality.
Eloren knew what she had to do. She'd use the best asset suitable for such a situation: the locals of Ordel themselves.
Who would've thought that her minor pet project would every pay for itself in such a way? After all, all she did was carrying some freakish red mask and spit out populistic rhetoric like a broken vending machine. Naturally, it was the youth that responded best to her manipulations. Those that were so gullible, the young souls that were waiting for a savior to speak just the right words. Their ego be thanked, it was an easier task than she would've ever imagined, at least on Ordel. The people here were so full of themselves that they'd never believe their mistakes to be their own. They'd rather project all of their errors onto some fabled messiah figure, a fact that served both her and the Empire well in the past.
Those idiots deserve to be conquered.
Thus, she donned her mask once more. A symbol of revolution and liberty for some, a beneficial tool for herself.
''For the Revolution.'' she snickered sarcastically as she put the cover onto her face.
Dialing in the communication codes of her assets, Eloren couldn't hide her grin as Ordel's self-proclaimed liberator greeted her with patriotic joy.
''For the Revolution!''
''And for the people, Elizabeth. I have great news for you, my child.''
Elizabeth Loch - spoiled teen and wanna-be insurgent. Idly, Eloren wondered if she was so easily manipulated back when she was still so young. Then she remembered that she had an actual brain and dropped that line of thought.
No matter, Loch had her uses. Both she and her radical friends enabled the Empire to become ever stricter with their measures in Stone Town, all of it in the name of ''public protection'', of course. And who wasn't thankful when someone else fought for your own safety?
''My people are ready, as always!''
Ready to serve the Empire, you mean. But luckily, you don't need to know that, little one.
''Indeed, my friend! I've been given worthwhile intelligence from one of our people. Though it took some work, we actually managed to create a window for you and our brothers and sisters to strike at the authoritarian enemy! Administrator Milton himself, that eternal coward and bloodletting warmonger, will hold a speech today rallying the Empire's new troops ... death squads and sadists, all of them. Luckily, we could get your people literally behind the scenes - with enough explosions to end his terror once and for all.''
She waited some seconds for the meaning behind her words to take effect. It didn't take Elisabeth long to take the bait, coming as no surprise to Eloren.
''Yes! Of course, always! We shall strike at the heart of evil!''
How can people speak like that every day? Ugh.
''Oh yes, my child! Finally, we shall liberate the oppressed people from the claws of the insidious Empire. Palpatine himself shall fear our name! I will send you the data - everything will be explained in there. Gather your people, talk to our man on the inside, plant the bombs, and wait. Once it is done, your escape vehicle will bring you back to safety, as always.''
Will it, though?
That question still needed to be answered. On the one hand, an asset like Loch and her team of radical youths could eventually become a problem, one that would no doubt serve as a black mark as long as she served as Ordel's leader. On the other, she was sure that there'd still be enough uses for them once she was in charge. And why should she waste such a valuable asset?
It was decided then: Eloren would just kill them on another day.
After her call to Elizabeth, it was time to bring Milton on board, for lack of better word. A task that was easy given the context of this entire operation. Milton would never miss a chance to stroke his ego, especially when the ''Empire'' itself wished for him to make a riveting and patriotic speech.
I love my job.
Administrator Milton - Stone Town, Romesch District
''Again, what do you even mean by that?!''
''Are ... are you serious? I mean what I mean, Milton. It ain't subspace science.''
Milton put his face into the palms of his hands and groaned despairingly. He truly thought that that problem was a thing of the past.
''I'll make it easy for you: over the past year, the animals were ... well, controllable. Far from normal, but my people could deal with them without losing too many people. But now ... damn it if I know. As if someone or something threw those beasts into a frenzy. From one second to another, they became even more bloodthirsty ... and that shit wasn't nearly as bad every since right fucking now.''
''I - damn it. How many of your people still remain?''
''Enough, for now. But if this goes on the entire week ... fuck me if I know. Listen up, Milton, we need either more money or more people. I'm no fool, I saw the new arrivals. Those Purge Troopers, as some of the shinies call them? Why not them? Heavy armor, heavy weapons - they sound like a wet dream to my ears.''
Was he serious? He couldn't bother the Empire with such nonsense! Not to mention that the Empire shouldn't even know of the severity of this situation.
''Absolutely not. You people might get more Credits, but you won't use any Imperial resources ... at all! Now get out of here before I have your head myself!''
He didn't care if threatening the man didn't help him in any way. He just wanted him gone. Milton needed to think, to come up with a plan that would -
The mercenary balled a fist and threw it down onto the table.
''Fine, you fucking coward. On your head be the consequences!''
Milton coughed on his own words as the gunslinger's violent reaction quelled him instantly. Without granting him another look, he stormed out of the office, bashing the door close with enough power that Milton feared that he'd take the hinges with him.
Damn it!
Taking in a deep breath, Milton tried to calm himself to no avail. He had to deal with this situation before the Empire got wind of it. If the mercenaries weren't enough to fend off the wildlife's newly found aggression, the animals could easily charge up the mountain. And that would mean that he was as good as dead. And as if his worries weren't already too much to bear, his terminal suddenly began to beep, signaling that it had an incoming call for him.
Eloren? Oh come on ... !
Just like the merc shortly before, he nearly threw his entire fist onto the terminal's buttons.
''Ah, Milton! I have great news! The Grand Inquisitor started to look into some of Ordel's specifics and he was actually pleased with your performance! To acknowledge your service to both the Empire and Ordel, he wants us to host a public event ... with you as the key speaker!''
Milton's eyes sprung wide open. He actually did good? His mind went blank for a second, letting the Agent's words sicker in. He actually did good! Of course he did, why wouldn' he? And just as the Empire was pleased with him, he would ensure that it stayed that way. He'd deal with the animal pest eventually and he just knew that one of his speeches was just what he needed to boost the creative juices in his brain.
''I - yes, of course! Naturally, I'm the ... uhm, key speaker! I shall prepare myself and be there at my convenience.'' he stated with fake smugness as his grin almost threatened to tear his face apart ''send me the details, Eloren!''
''Of course, Administrator. I have a feeling that this will be absolutely grand!''
He didn't bother with a reply. Though the mercenary infuriated Milton to no end, there was a certain truth behind his warnings. Agent Eloren has been given too much leeway in the past. Up until now, however, there was not much that he could do against it, given her background. But if the Empire's favor was truly on his shoulders now? He'd make sure that everyone knew who the boss was around here.
''That'd explain her friendly tone. I'm on the pedestal for not even a second and she already tries to suck up to me. Typical!''
First, Milton did the most important thing when it came to speeches: to look representable. A nice suit here, a patriotic emblem there - all part of politics. He'd look like a well respected Imperial of Ordel, a fact that would resonate heavily with both of his target audiences.
Secondly, he had to come up with a speech that would inspire the people. Milton never really gave much thought to his speeches, truth be told. And why should he? Saying something among the lines of 'you're all so amazing' usually got the job done, anyway. This time, however, he had to make sure that his words would go down into Ordel's history.
I'll write down some buzzwords. They'll eat it up! They'll have to.
He had to squeal in delight at that. His thoughts wandered back to his time in Ordel's council, serving as the head of Ordel's pro-Empire party. If only Loch could see him now. It brought him limitless smug to imagine the fearful coward kneeling at his feet, begging him that he should allow him to return to -
Milton shook his head. He had to focus now, the eyes of the Empire were on him!
Making sure that he looked as dashing as always, he went over Eloren's message one more time. The event would be hosted within the Blue Gate District, the very heart of Stone Town's culture. Naturally, it'd be streamed via HoloNet for all the people of Ordel to enjoy too. It was a fitting tribute for a fitting achievement. To think that one year ago, Ordel's ace up in its sleeve was its dusty old crops - what madness! He turned the planet into a titan of industry and now he would be rewarded for it.
Some hours later, Milton found himself standing upon a wooden stage in one of Blue Gate's richly designed plazas. Behind him, the flag of the Empire proudly swung in the wind with the Heartseeker floating idly far up in the skies above it. He himself was flanked by two Storm Troopers, their soldier-like posture only amplifying the patriotic image that he so adored. Above all else though, he absolutely cherished how the Imperial Anthem was emitted by a set of speakers all around the stage. Already, there were a lot of people below him, faces both familiar and unknown. Local supporters, prominent donors, and many more seemed to have joined him today.
As they should.
Noting how some Imperial Recording Probes started to hover among the masses, he lowered his head once before a big grin set itself in his face.
''People of Ordel, esteemed heroes of the Empire. Today is a day that will go down in Ordel's history forever!''
His supporters started to clap, a fact that only increased the smile that controlled his lips.
''In only a year, we've turned this planet from a glorified farm to an unparalleled powerhouse within our beloved Empire! And under his Imperial Majesty's wisdom, we shall grow even further! Yes, you've heard right, the eyes of the Empire are firmly set upon us and they cry with happiness! Gone are the times where we were only known for our farms and hills. Gone are the times where cowardice influenced our daily life, our incompetent leaders removed by the eternal courage of Ordel's soldiers! Now, we need to face our future and - ''
There was a curious vibration coming from under his feet. A loud hum penetrated the air, making both him and his supporters look around in obvious confusion. Cursing under his breath, he deactivated his microphone and glared at the Troopers next to him.
''Damn it. Find out whatever is making that sound. I can't deal with this, not now.''
They never had a chance to answer.
Another second passed before the hum disappeared into nothingness, the annoyance replaced with a fiery column of death as the stage was torn into literal pieces. The smell of scorched meat and burned wood dominated the air as chaos reigned supreme, its countless screams echoing through the very streets of Blue Gate. Death arrived in the streets of Ordel and it marked the beginning of a new era for the planet. One under firm Imperial rule with no need for fake smiles and heartless speeches - and especially one without Milton.
Far off in the distance, Agent Eloren was hidden in the shadows, a devilish smirk marking her victory today.
? - Ordel, somewhere outside Stone Town
Perhaps coming to Ordel was a mistake.
But then, what choice did he realistically have left? All he owned was either destroyed or stolen, save for the clothes he wore as he arrived here. True, he didn't let fate stop him and once he removed his group's former leader, he could call a semi-luxurious life his own once more. But at what cost?
They had those freaks of nature under control for such a long and time and now, as if per magic, those hellish beasts kill his people by the hour. It couldn't last. Soon, their lines would break and the people of Stone Town were going to depend on the Empire for all of its protection.
Not like he cared much about the people anyway, his own or Stone Towns. But he couldn't suffer another mayor setback, not after having lost everything else so many times before.
''Well. Time to - ''
A cruel sound carried itself through Ordel's landscape as a blazing light engulfed part of Stone Town in the distance. And once more, everything he owned was about to be taken by the flames.
''Milton ... you poor fucking idiot.''
He didn't know what happened and he didn't need to. No matter who was responsible for that, things were going to change now. Variables would be shifted and deep down in his stomach, he knew that neither he or his people were a part of the equation. Thus he lifted his hand and activated the communication unit that was mounted on his wrist.
''It's me - yeah, no shit I saw it. I was checking on some things and I just ... nah, I'm alright. Listen, we don't have much time anymore. The Empire will be coming now. And they'll be coming after everyone, including us. Those paranoid suckers were never one to waste a chance to squish their own billings, fucked up animals dancing on their own borders or not. Guess who Milton is going to blame for this ultimately. We aren't taking that chance - tell the people to buckle up and retreat to the safehouse. We're looting whatever we can on the way and we'll make our way off his forsaken piece of junk. At the double, soldier!''
He wouldn't be the loser, not today. He literally killed for his position and there was nothing he wouldn't do to keep it.
After all, CT-4774 was a fighter, no matter whether he was on Nar Shaddaa or Ordel.
AN: This was originally supposed to be Tuesday's chapter. However, given that it was only the side characters that had a role in it, I thought I'd post it now and give you something else for Tuesday!
I hope you're all doing okay :) I just wanted to chip in and say that you are doing amazing, no matter what is currently going on in your life! Yay you!