[ REVIEWS ]
Guest: Yeah, I completely understand where you're coming from when it comes to overloading on crossovers. That worry is often on my mind when it comes to considering it. Because of that, I always think to consider how a crossover could work, and think of very realistic and reasonable ways it can, and then I bring it in slowly. The MCU being crossed over has been hinted at ever since chapter 25 of V4: A Jedi in Exile. So rest assured that I'm being careful not to overload on the story! Also, the LOJS is still predominantly Star Wars, and the MCU storyline itself isn't going to be in it. That'll be another series by itself.
HPRN: I purposefully left out some bits of Snoke's conversation with Jarik during the Clone Wars, so you didn't miss anything. This was the first chapter where any direct mention of it is confirmed. Jarik battling Thanos and meeting the Avengers is still a long way now, and isn't the focus of the Legacy of Jarik Shan series.
CT7567Rules: Jarik's mother wasn't Mandalorian, his father was. She's descended from Revan. As for different clone characters I'm not familiar with the Null Class Arc Troopers, and I want to wait for CW Season 7 to come out before I decide whether or not I want to work on the Bad Batch. Also next chapter of Alien Robots... and Fulcrum? will answer that question for you.
Shaniverse fan1: Yup, he sure is! I never had thought about it, but I got the idea from another reviewer, and it seemed to epic for Marcus to be Mandalorian that I decided to go with it. Jarik meeting the Avengers is still a very long ways from now, and isn't the focus of the Legacy of Jarik Shan series. Also, Snoke has been around for centuries. Not as long as Yoda, but still quite a long time, and in my headcanon he's an expert when it comes to anything relating with great power.
MasterWars10000: There's still a long ways to go before Jarik ever even gets to Earth, so there's that to consider. Also, I never thought about the whole 'opening' thing but it is an interesting concept. I do have a plan for a lot of this, and I think it'll satisfy you enough once it is revealed in these stories.
Riku Uzumaki: Correct! And the Space and Time Stone's are going to be the same as the canon, which means they're on Earth. Interesting idea about the Lothal Temple but that gets its power from the Force. The Ones had a hand in its creation, and it'll stay that way, with the Force being the dominant power of the World Between Worlds, which is what allows travel through time and space.
C.E.W: That'a a lot of information to take in... lol. But yeah, Mandalorians are nothing if not stubborn and prideful as well haha. Also we may see Saw Gerrera, we may not, who knows? ;)
(Other reviewers): Glad you enjoyed the chapter! Your support is awesome!
Author's Note: I got around to seeing Avengers Endgame... and oh my gosh that was one of the greatest things I have ever witnessed in my entire life. I won't give any spoilers but you all will not be disappointed.
Ahch-To - Unknown Regions
Elita POV…
Covering several hundred square feet isn't easy at all, and I never expected it to be. Nevertheless, it's impossible to keep out some of the feelings of frustration or exhaustion I'm feeling while continuing on this search for my ship. So far all I've found are underwater rock formations, caves, and oceanic plant life. Not to mention all of the aquatic creatures, some of which include water dragons. A blip of movement on my sensors tells me that something is approaching, and I look over to see what I think is a Seashocker approaching me.
It's entire body looks like two dragons partially combined into one, which means it has two heads as well. When it notices me, it starts swimming in my direction, a few electrical charges coming from its mouths. Transforming my arm into a blaster, I take aim and charge it up to produce a bright blue glow in response. When it unleashes a ball of electricity, I shoot a single energy blast, which meets the electricity in between us, causing a small explosion. The Seashocker appears surprised a hesitant, before deciding to swim away after that, much to my relief. As I'm transforming my arm back, I receive an incoming call over the comms.
"Elita, you there?" I hear Jarik say.
"I'm here, still looking for my ship though. Do you need anything?" I ask him.
"I don't think so…" he replies, seeming like he's considering before responding more confidently. "Well, me and Mara are about to go off on another mission."
"Oh, well I can come," I offer. "What's the mission?"
"No no, you don't need to come. I think we can handle this one. This'll be more of a 'stealth' mission anyways, so to speak," he responds.
"Oh. You're sure then?" I ask cautiously.
"Yeah, I'm sure. I just called you to let me know we'll be gone for the moment, which means you'll be here until we get back," he explains.
"Alright, got it," I reply in understanding. "Still, if you need assistance don't hesitate to come back and get me, ok?"
"Got it, thanks," he says, ending the call.
Standing in silence for a moment, I mull over the possibility of what they're mission could be about before dismissing it. Whatever it is, I would feel a lot more comfortable helping them with it, but at the same time I'm sure they can handle it. A sudden beeping from my scanners gets my attention, and I start to pick up a very faint signal nearby. Excited, I make my way in its general direction, hoping that the source of this signal is my ship.
Hyperspace - Outer Rim Territories
Jarik POV…
"So, why exactly did you decide not to have Elita come along?" Mara asks.
"Like I said, this mission is going to need more stealth," I explain to her. "I'm sure she's good at being stealthy, but here in our galaxy, she sticks out like a sore thumb."
"Yeah, I see your point," she replies in reluctant agreement. "But wouldn't we need heavy firepower as well?"
"Maybe, but I feel like relying on her too much can affect us badly in the long run. Besides, I have a feeling that Thrawn is going to be involved with this somehow," I tell her.
"He's always in everything," she grumbles irritably. "So what's the plan? I doubt the two of us can just waltz in there and free mom without any effort."
"You're right about that for sure," I nod in agreement.
Before I could go on further to explain my idea for how to get this to work, R5 comes rolling into the cockpit and starts beeping urgently at us.
"What've you got R5?" I ask him.
He beeps back, and Mara frowns in worry.
"So there really is an execution happening?" she replies, and he beeps in confirmation.
"Was the person listed?" I ask him.
He beeps back, shaking his dome: he doesn't know. And they're also not going to have this execution be on a public broadcast. Instead, they're planning on playing it after it happens. Not typical Imperial protocol, but it could be because of the circumstances. It also means they're keeping this event under heavy lock and key.
"Typical," I mutter, crossing my arms.
"Is that a bad thing, or a good thing?" Mara asks.
"Depends. It could be they're keeping the whole thing secret because they don't want anybody to find out about it," I theorize.
"Like us," she states.
"Yeah," I confirm with a nod.
"Is… is mom really going to be there?" she asks me uneasily.
"I hope she's not at risk of being executed, but… at the same time I hope it is her," I admit with a sigh. "This is the only clue we have about her possibly still being alive."
"What do we do if it's not her? Or if it is her and we don't get her in time? Or-" Mara starts to ask nervously.
"Hey, Mara, calm down," I tell her, laying a hand on her shoulder. "Look at me. Whatever happens, we're going to do our best alright? If she isn't there, we'll just have to improvise. But if Ahsoka is there, we are going to get her back, I promise you. Ok?"
She nods her head slowly, managing to calm herself down a little bit.
"Ok," she replies, looking up at me. "So how are we gonna do this?"
"Well like you said, the two of us doing this by ourselves will be really hard, so that's why we're calling in backup," I tell her.
"The Ghost Crew?" she deduces.
"Yeah, we're going to ask them," I nod in confirmation. "But we're also going to reach out to Rylla, and to Saw Gerrera."
She frowns thoughtfully for a moment. "Isn't he the guy that mom and I came across on Jedha?"
"Yeah, that's him. He leads his own rebel group called the Partisans. I will say though that their methods are… too extreme for my liking," I admit cautiously, remembering some of the things he's done that I've read about in reports. "But he's from Onderon, and we fought alongside each other in the war."
"That sounds cool," she replies with interest. "It'll be nice to see Rylla again too."
"Yes it will," I say in agreement.
Chopper Base - Lothal System
I set the Knight Hawk down on the landing pad, a few workers down below directing me in. Once the ship lands, I shut down the engines and then stand up from my seat to head out, since Mara is already waiting at the door. Grabbing my cloak, I glance at R5 for a moment.
"R5, you stay here with the ship. Keep a look out in case me, Mara, or Elita call you," I tell him.
He beeps back a sarcastic, exasperated sounding response, but I pay him no mind. He may say a bunch of irritating things or complaints about assignments he's been given, but he always carries them out. Besides, he's one of the only five people that know where Ahch-To is—including Ahsoka in that list—besides the Decepticons.
Once at the door, Mara opens it, and we walk down the ramp to be greeted by the Ghost Crew, as well as Rylla and Hayden.
"I'm assuming this means you got the message," I remark.
"Loud and clear Jarik," Rylla responds with a smile, before frowning. "Is Ahsoka really… where you say she is?"
"I don't know for certain," I admit. "But I saw it in a vision."
"We looked into any possible execution events on Onderon, but we couldn't find any intel about it," Hera says.
"R5 found it, but he couldn't find a record of who they're executing. They're keeping it from the public eye, at least until they've carried it out," I tell her.
"That's not like the Empire. They always broadcast an execution publicly," Kanan says with a frown.
"If it isn't public, it means they probably don't want anybody knowing about it," Rex points out.
"Yeah, that's what we thought," Mara adds.
"No offense to what I'm about to say, Master… ehm, Jedi," Hayden interrupts, coughing nervously, and Rylla rolls her eyes. "But are we really going to go off what's basically a 'dream?' I'm not interested in basically throwing myself to the Empire."
"Visions aren't common among Jedi, but they often have levels of truth in them," Rylla tells him.
"Common for me," I mutter quietly, and Mara snorts, trying to contain her laughter.
"Is that supposed to mean something?" Hayden asks her weirdly.
"We gave up on trying to understand Jedi visions a long time ago kid," Boil remarks, giving Rex a knowing look.
"I'll say," Zeb grumbles in agreement, giving Kanan and Ezra a pointed look.
"How the heck are you fossils still alive then?" Hayden asks the clone troopers incredulously.
"Fossils?" Boil and Rex both exclaims, taking some offense.
Zeb laughs to himself while some of us sigh in exasperation.
"How about we focus on that later?" Hera suggests.
"If there's a chance Ahsoka's still alive, I say we should take it!" Ezra declares eagerly.
"Now that I can agree with," Mara says.
"I'll inform Commander Sato about the mission," Hera tells us.
"I'll go with you. I'm sure he's going to give us a mouthful when he realizes this is all based on a Force vision," Kanan offers jokingly.
"As if we don't get enough of that," she replies dryly.
They both head off to do that, and I look over at Sabine, noticing that she's looking at me, appearing uncertain, awed, and confused all at the same time. I frown thoughtfully, wondering what's got her so quiet... and why she's looking at me that way.
"Sabine?" I ask, jolting he rout of her thoughts. "You seem awfully quiet."
"Huh? Oh, yeah, sorry. I was just, thinking," she stammers in reply.
I can tell she seriously wants to talk to me about something, yet something keeps holding her back.
"Is there something you need to talk to me about?" I ask her.
"Yes!" she exclaims before glancing away nervously. "Well... it can wait, actually."
Ezra also glances at her, the two sharing a knowing and uneasy look with each other. I furrow my brow at them in confusion, realizing that something was up with them, and whatever it was most likely concerned me. Before I could press them on the issue, Rex and Boil both approach me.
"So, you really think Commander Tano is on Onderon?" Rex asks.
"Force, I don't know," I let out a sigh. "I really hope this is a chance to find out if she's still alive but, at the same time she'd be in serious danger."
"I get what you mean," he replies in understanding.
"Where's Elita then? I'd imagine she'd be ready to join in on a mission this important," Boil comments.
"Normally but, she's busy with her own thing at the moment," I explain with a shrug. "Besides, she wouldn't be able to blend in very well on this one."
"Suppose that's true," he replies in agreement.
"How's Shaak doing?" I ask.
"Doing alright. She's been working on training the new recruits more. More keep coming in," Boil explains.
"Well she's certainly got her hands full," I remark, crossing my arms with a smile.
"More than that for sure. This is the Jedi who helped with the training of Domino Squad," Rex scoffs with a grim, nostalgic smile.
"True enough," I say in agreement, sharing a small laugh. "I'm gonna go talk to her, catch up with things."
"Sure thing Commander," Boil says.
"I'm not a Commander Boil," I reply in exasperation, rolling my eyes.
"I know Commander," he replies with a grin.
Rex chuckles while I shake my head with a sigh, walking off to find Shaak.
Finding the training room to be currently in use, I walk through the open door and lean against the wall inside, crossing my arms as I survey the scene. A group of ten rebel recruits are in a training simulation, with two teams of five. The objective is a simple one: eliminate the other team with quick efficiency. They're practicing with stun rounds and are positioned around the room, which is set up to simulate an average city street. Shaak is sitting on a short observation platform on the other side of the room, overlooking the scene.
I watch as they finish up this practice run, one team winning the skirmish with two men left standing. Once it's clear the battle is over Shaak presses the button to let a horn sound, and the stunned recruits regain their mobility, their practice uniforms unfreezing.
"A good effort by both teams this round," she tells them. "But remember, you must stay vigilant and aware in the battlezone. Losing focus for even a second could mean the difference between life or death."
"Yes ma'am," the recruits all say.
Shaak then catches notices of me, and I offer her a small smile and a nod.
"Dismissed. Your next class begins tomorrow at 0900," she informs them.
The recruits all salute her, and then file out of the training room after that, talking and mingling with each other in casual conversation, some of them being jokesters. This class is definitely on the young side, that's for sure. I make my way over to Shaak as she gathers some of her things together, and swivels around in her chair to face me.
"It's good to see you again Jarik," she greets warmly.
"You as well Shaak," I reply.
"As good as it is though, I take it this isn't simply just to drop by and chat?" she questions knowingly.
"Right to the point huh?" I remark quietly in exasperated amusement, to which she smiles softly at. "However, you would be right in that case."
"What is it then?" she asks.
"...I think Ahsoka is still alive," I state. "She's been captured by the Empire.
She blinks in surprise before frowning thoughtfully.
"I guess you get right to the point as well," she murmurs.
"I saw a vision, showing her about to be executed," I tell her grimly. "By Vader."
She furrows her brows with worry and concern, looking up at me.
"I see," she says softly. "And you're planning to rescue her?"
"Yeah."
"I know this is important to you Jarik, and I won't make any effort to stop you," she says, making me narrow my eyes. "But you must be careful when it comes to visions of the future. It's possible Ahsoka may not even be there."
"I know," I say with a heavy sigh. "But if she is there, I can't just ignore it."
"I wouldn't expect you to when it comes to Ahsoka," she replies knowingly. "Are you certain however that you could've seen it wrongly, or perhaps you were mislead?"
"Mislead?" I ask in exasperation. "I don't think so. For whatever reason I have a special gift with forsight. I've seen a lot of visions that have turned out to be true."
Shaak frowns uncertainly in response before nodding in reluctant agreement.
"Very well then. I hope the best of luck on your mission Jarik," she tells me. "Just be cautious will you? I wouldn't put it past Darth Sidious to be using some form of sorcery to lure you into a trap."
"I know. I'll try," I reply grimly, attempting to be reassuring.
I know she means well and all, but it's still easy to see the old ways of the Jedi Order still clinging on with her viewpoints. Not that she's wrong in this case, because she has valid reason to be concerned, but I just don't see how Ahsoka isn't captured. Snoke was using that to taunt me, so that's gotta be something.
Onderon - Japrael Sector
The Ghost boomed out of hyperspace above the surface of Onderon, coming out on the opposite side of the planet instead of the usual exit. Thanks to me and R5's skills, we managed to put together a short change in the hyperspace lane leading to the planet in order to avoid the Imperial blockade. Because this is an Inner Rim planet, the Empire is going to have a higher presence.
The Knight Hawk is obviously way too risky to take, and Rylla and Hayden's ship isn't large enough to transport all of us, so we went with the Ghost instead. While also being a widely known ship within the Empire, there are so many others just like it with the same Corellian design that tracking it down isn't as easy. I'm sitting up front in one of the back chairs of the cockpit along with Rylla: Hera and Kanan sitting up front in the pilot's chairs.
"Well, looks like your hyperspace lane worked," Hera comments.
The thing about traveling through hyperspace: you can only travel through calculated hyperspace lanes. That's why a blockade doesn't always have to surround the entire planet.
"Of course it did," I reply with a shrug.
Rylla rolls her eyes.
"Well, we've made it to Onderon. So what's the plan? You mentioned that you were calling in backup?" Kanan asks me.
"Yeah. From an old acquaintance of mine: Saw Gerrera," I inform them.
"Gerrera?" Rylla asks in surprise.
"Yeah," I reply with a nod, looking at her. "You know him too?"
"We've met," is all she offers in reply.
Guess it wasn't the friendliest encounter then.
"I've heard of him. Senator Organa doesn't have a positive view of him," Hera says cautiously.
"I know he doesn't," I admit with a sigh. "Saw's heart is in the right place. He just struggles with going about things properly."
"That's an understatement," I hear Rylla mutter.
"So, working with the Partisans huh?" Hera asks dryly.
"They should be at the landing zone already," I inform her. "Don't be too alarmed if they view us as a threat first. Saw can be... paranoid."
"Duly noted," Kanan responds sarcastically.
As the Ghost zooms over the blue and purplish colored jungles, the evening sun casting an orange glow, I get up from my chair and make my way towards the exit ramp, bringing Rex and Boil with me along the way. It'd be best for Saw to see a few familiar faces first before things get too out of hand.
"Alright, we're approaching the landing zone," Hera says over the comm.
"Copy that Hera," I reply.
"So, we're meeting up with Saw again huh?" Rex asks me.
"Yeah, we're meeting Saw," I reply in agreement.
"I'm kind of excited. From what I know, he sounds like me," Boil jokes.
"When it comes to recklessly rushing into battle, you two are twins," Rex says, rolling his eyes.
"Everything else though, is different," I add.
"Different how?" Boil asks with a frown.
Me and Rex glance at each other, and he shrugs. The Ghost shakes a little bit as the hydraulics adjust to the ship landing on the ground in the middle of the forest. Funny enough, the landing site is actually the same Insurgent Camp that Saw and Steela used during the Clone Wars.
"He's a little, well a lot more... intense," I offer.
"Uhh Jarik, we've got hostiles on all sides," Hera says, alarmed.
"Should we shoot?" Zeb asks.
"No, don't! It's Saw!" I quickly tell them. I could sense him being among the different lifeforms outside.
"Dad, are you sure it's them?" Mara asks.
"Yes, it's them," I tell her. "Nobody come out until I give you the signal."
Closing the transmission, I glance at the two clone troopers on either side of me and give them a nod, and Boil opens the exit ramp. The three of us slowly walk down the ramp, making sure our hands are clearly visible as we come out to prevent any panic. A group of Partisans gather around to greet us, all with their blasters raised. A tognath stands in the middle of their group with his own blaster, seemingly the one in charge at the moment.
"Exit the ship slowly! If you reach for anything, we will open fire!" he orders in his language.
"Well isn't that nice," Boil mutters sarcastically.
"Stand down. We are the ones who called for your aid," I inform them calmly.
"We'll judge you for ourselves," he retorts.
"Enough Benthic!" a voice calls out. "Stand down men!"
We glance over to see none other than Saw Gerrera moving forwards, and the Partisans all obey his order by standing down. Saw is wearing some form of armor, a blaster holstered on his leg, although otherwise nothing too special about what he's wearing. He's definitely much older than what I remember, the only hair on his head being a beard and mustache. He also has a thin scar running across his face.
Rex, Boil and I also lower our arms, and we approach each other as he eyes us with a furrowed brow.
"You got my message I see," I say again, more dryly this time.
"That I did," he replies with a nod. "Very bold plan you have. I'm surprised the Alliance is letting you go through with this."
"Well when you're one of the founding members, and everything else that I am, they tend to respect that kind of status," I say with a shrug.
He chuckles in response. "True enough."
Smiling, I step forwards and we both grasp hands with each other to exchange greetings.
"It's good to see you again Saw," I tell him.
"And you as well Jarik," he replies, before glancing to the side. "And also you too Rex?"
"Can't keep this old clone out of a fight," Rex replies, moving forwards.
"No you can't," he says, chuckling.
"It's good to see you alive my old friend," Rex says, the pair also grasping hands. "I'd like you to meet my friend, Boil."
"Nice to see another clone fighting the good fight," Saw remarks.
"I'm always ready for a battle," Boil says with a confident grin.
"There's something I can respect! Nothing works better than a good explosion or two!" he replies eagerly.
Boil glances at me with a wide grin. "I like him already."
I roll my eyes in exasperation, sharing a knowing look with Rex.
"Still, I'm all for taking it to the Empire, but I'm not sure how we're gonna pull this off," Saw admits with a frown. "Especially if they're supposed to be executing Ahsoka."
"I know. But we're not the only ones who came. The rest of the team is waiting inside," I inform him.
Saw nods in understanding. "Smart move. I probably would've had them blasted if you didn't come out first."
Rex and I grimace momentarily at the comment, and Boil blinks in surprise, frowning. Still I brush it off, knowing that's just how Saw is, and it's not something I can change overnight.
"Right," I say dryly.
"Oh right, sorry," Saw apologizes, realizing what he said.
"It's fine," Rex sighs.
It's really not, but whatever.
"Ok guys, everything's good out here," I say over the comm.
It doesn't take long for the rest of the team to exit the ship, with Mara walking out first to come stand beside me. The Partisans all tighten their grips on their weapons in suspicion and mistrust, but thankfully don't raise them. Saw blinks at her for a moment, narrowing his eyes.
"Do I know you?" he asks.
"We met before," she replies warily. "I'm Mara."
Recognition dawns in Saw's eyes, and he chuckles in response.
"Ah yes, the red haired girl with Ahsoka a few years ago!" he says. "Adopted daughter apparently!"
"Yup," Mara replies.
The Ghost Crew, along with Rylla and Hayden all exit the ship, the latter two standing at the back, remaining tense and cautious around Saw.
"Ok, quick introduction for you guys. This is Hera, Kanan, Ezra, Sabine, Zeb, and Chopper," I start off, pointing out each other them. "As well as, Rylla and Hayden. Rylla's a close friend of mine."
Rylla and Saw both meet each other's gazes, and Saw freezes, laying a hand on his blaster. Some of the Partisans notice and raise their weapons halfway, the tension in the air so thick I could cut it with my lightsaber.
"This is awkward," Ezra mutters to Zeb.
The res of the Ghost Crew are also tense, Sabine gripping her blasters in her holsters tightly.
"So... you're the bounty hunter with a sense of... morality," Saw states, his voice cold.
"And you're Saw the pirate," Rylla replies cautiously.
"Ironic, coming from you," he scoffs.
"Uhh, who exactly was stealing the supplies again?" Hayden says with a finger raised.
"Is taking from the Empire wrong?" Saw retorts.
I roll my eyes in annoyance and move forwards before things get messy.
"Alright listen up you two. I don't know anything about how you guys know each other but I'm just gonna say right now that I don't care," I interrupt, standing in between them. "You may not like each other, but I like both of you guys, so that should be enough for a truce. Deal?"
Rylla and Saw both keep staring at each other before Rylla slowly nods her head. Saw also nods afterwards, although very reluctantly. Still, it's enough to satisfy me.
"What am I, dead meat?" Hayden asks me, sounding offended.
"Don't even get started dude, I've never met you before," I retort with a sigh.
Hayden makes a face but shrugs in agreement. "Fair point."
"So..." Saw starts, letting go of his blaster. "Shall we begin planning?"
The Ghost Crew, Mara and I were all gathered around the old holotable left behind from the war—which I managed to get working again—along with Rylla, Hayden, Saw, and Benthic. The hologram was showcasing an image of Yolahn Square, as well as the palace.
"If they're performing a private execution, most likely they'll be doing it inside Unifar Temple, instead of the Square," Saw explains.
"That would make sense. Where inside of the Temple is the real question," I comment.
"I've tried contacting Senator Bonteri to help us find a way inside, but he hasn't been responding to my calls," he adds.
"Lux?" I ask in surprise, and he nods. "Huh, haven't seen him in a while."
"If he isn't responding, it's possible the Empire may have found out he's a double agent," Hera points out in concern.
"Maybe, but he had a transponder set up to warn us if he was caught," Saw says in disagreement.
"Still, we can't rule out the possibility," Kanan adds.
"So, where should we start?" Zeb asks.
"Just getting inside is gonna be difficult. There'll be lots of Imperial patrols surrounding the palace, and security protocols keeping it locked," Sabine says, analyzing the hologram with a frown. "I'm not sure how we can do it without tipping off the alarm."
"We could try through the top," Saw suggests. "I did that once. There's a one way shield that doesn't activate unless you try to escape."
"Oh, I remember that," I remark with an approving nod.
"Without being spotted?" Rylla points out.
"They're going to see us scaling the Temple no question," Hayden scoffs in agreement.
"Then what do you suggest?" Saw demands.
"Are there any secret entrances?" Ezra suggests.
"Those would work if Bonteri was responding. We can't rely on those without his aid," he replies.
"Well we need to think of something! They're scheduled to execute Mom tonight!" Mara exclaims.
"I know Mara, but until we figure it a way to get inside we can't blindly assault the place," Hera reminds her.
"Maybe we could smuggle you guys in boxes?" Hayden suggests.
"I don't think just any shipments coming in," Rylla replies.
"Not to mention way too risky. They'll search everything," Rex adds.
"How about a distraction?" Boil suggests.
"That's it," I finally speak up, getting everyone's attention. "That's what we need: a distraction."
"Then we could sneak in without much issue!" Mara adds with a smile.
"It'll have to be big," Sabine says.
"I'm sure it will," I reassure her, turning to Saw. "I suppose it's not too much to ask for your group to lead the charge?"
"I wouldn't mind putting some explosive damage against the Empire," Saw adds in agreement.
"What would you hit though?" Kanan asks.
Saw looks at Benthic, who speaks up.
We are running a bit low on ammunition and supplies. We could target one of their big storage houses, and blow up the joint afterwards," he suggests.
"He's right. Lux Bonteri's been helping to supply us, but like I've mentioned already, he's gone silent," Saw says.
"I like it. We should do it!" Ezra exclaims with a grin.
"Those storage houses are very close to civilian areas though," Hera points out with a frown.
"What's your point?" he demands.
"Innocent people could be caught in the crossfire," she explains.
"Imperial citizens that can stand to watch the Imperial flag destroy our freedoms," Saw says with a frown.
"Wow. That's cold, even for me," Hayden remarks, brow creased.
"Hey, they didn't ask for the Empire to be in charge," Sabine says.
"But they do nothing to stop them!" Saw argues.
"They still have families to worry about. They're innocent. We can't risk their safety, or else we're no better than the Empire," Kanan responds.
"Or maybe you're not willing to do what's necessary to win this war!" Saw retorts.
"That's enough, all of you!" I snap, temper flaring. "We don't have time to waste. My wife could be on deaths door right now, and you want to argue with each other?"
Everyone goes silent, a little surprised at my furious outburst. Mara is a little stunned, but she hardens her face and stands beside me in a show of support and agreement with my words. Seeing the looks on their faces, I let out a heavy sigh.
"Look, I know you guys are concerned about civilians, I am too. But we don't have a better plan," I tell the Rylla and the Ghost Crew.
Before they can argue, I turn around and face Saw as well.
"And Saw, I am fully aware of how you've fought the Empire. And I will admit that I don't approve of your tactics, even if they turn out to be more successful," I tell him firmly. "If you're going to lead the distraction for these supplies, then you better make sure to keep the civilians out of the crossfire. Deal?"
He scowls in angry bitterness, glaring at me and sharing a displeased look with Benthic. Thankfully however, he nods his head in agreement, and I sense him to be genuine.
"Good," I nod with satisfaction, turning to the others. "Now, here's what we need to do: we're going in two teams, a Stealth team and a Raid team."
"Well we know Saw's going on the raiding team," Rylla remarks, giving him a suspicious glance.
"Rylla, Kanan, Ezra, Mara, Sabine, and Hayden, you'll come with me on the Stealth team to rescue—hopefully—Ahsoka," I inform them.
"And the rest of us?" Rex asks.
"The rest of you guys will go with Saw's team to help with the distraction," I tell him. "Hera and Chopper can standby on the Ghost for a quick evac."
"My men and I have our own way of getting off world once we're finished," Saw informs us.
"Alright, then you guys do your thing after that," I tell him.
"Why are we split up like this?" Ezra asks curiously. "Not that I'm arguing with the plan."
"You guys are more suited for sneaking into places quietly," I explain. "Especially for those of you who are a Jedi. You'll be needed in there."
I hesitate for a moment, and then brush it off. I hope I'm wrong but... if Vader or Sidious are present then we're the only ones who could face him.
"Even me?" Hayden asks in surprise.
"You're a smuggler, being inconspicuous is part of the job description," I point out.
"He's got a point," Rylla shrugs in agreement.
"The rest of you are more useful helping with the distraction. You're fighters, and Hera of course is the pilot."
"It's a good set up," Hera says in agreement.
"Saw, you know these streets better than the rest of us, so you're leading the Raid team," I tell him. "However I also want you to listen to Rex if he suggests something. He's done this type of thing longer, and he's led countless battles."
Saw glances at Rex for a moment, and then nods. "I can work with that."
"Everyone understand the plan then?" I ask.
There are a few words of confirmation and nods all around the holotable, and I smile in relief, eager to get this started.
"I'm coming Sweetie Horns," I think to myself, feeling over the still shattered remains of our Force bond.
Jungle Wilderness - Onderon
3rd person POV...
Trekking through the jungles of Onderon, Maul comes across the ledge of a small hill, which gives him a good view of the area in front of him. Not too far away is the capital city of Iziz, a single Star Destroyer hovering in the sky a thousand feet above it.
Maul narrows his eyes, knowing all too well that there's supposed to be an execution taking place later tonight. He doesn't care about that at all, but it obviously has high importance to Shan, since he's here as well.
He could feel Shan's presence, having come to recognize it, though it was very subdued. And if Shan was here... then so was Kenobi.
Maul grins savagely to himself, continuing on his way to the city. He would wait for Shan and Kenobi to put their plan into action, and he would follow them. Then he would have the perfect opportunity to finally kill Kenobi, his most hated nemesis. It also wouldn't hurt to end the life of Jarik Shan along the way.
Unifar Temple, Iziz - Onderon
3rd person POV...
Inside of the palace dungeons, a lone figure hung shackled in energy bindings. They were weak and exhausted, having been beaten for the past day or two. And things only got way worse recently.
The door opens, and the sound of cold mechanical breathing sends a nervous shiver down their spine. Darth Vader himself walks through the entrance, and gazes up at his prisoner.
"Your purpose is almost complete. Be glad that your misery ends tonight," he states coldly.
"Why are you doing this to me...?" the prisoner groans.
"Thanks to you, Jarik Shan is coming to Onderon in the hopes of rescuing his precious wife," Vader says with a growl. "And then the greatest threat to the Empire will finally be destroyed for good."
"You think your Empire will continue?" the prisoner asks weakly with a defiant glare. "There will always be someone to oppose you."
"And they will always fail," another voice declares.
Darth Sidious, the Emperor himself, walks through the door and smirks up at the prisoner, his yellow eyes gleaming.
"No one shall ever again dare challenge the Empire with Shan gone. The last of the Jedi will be hunted down, and the Rebellion crushed," Sidious says confidently.
"No they won't. That will only inspire more resistance," the prisoner retorts.
"Then they too shall fall," Sidious states. "You will be interrogated. Tortured. You will give me the location of your friends, and allies..."
The Emperor lets the threat linger for a moment.
"...and then you will die."
Ohhh man. Everything is going down next chapter! Stay tuned to learn what happens next! :O