Chapter 9: Havoc Squad

One Week Later

Kalrin had headed down to the command center after receiving a call from Theron saying he needed to talk. He walked in and saw Theron standing over a console on his left.

"What's this about Theron? Have you found Koth?"

"No not yet. Wherever he's gone, he's doing a good job of keeping a low profile. But anyways that's not why I called you down here."

Kal crossed his arms over his chest before responding.

"So why did you call me down here then?"

"You remember the intel you got from Overwatch? Well, I passed along some of it to an old SIS contact of mine, and it was enough to get the attention of some prospective allies."

"That's great, but why are you telling me?" Kal asked confused.

"Well, I thought you'd like to know considering you've worked with them before."

Kal didn't say anything waiting for Theron to continue but he didn't.

"You're totally doing this on purpose aren't you…" Kal sighed but continued on. "Fine *ahem* Theron, who did you get to work with us?"

"Well, I'm glad you asked commander," he said with a smirk. "The data was enough to convince Havoc Squad to take leave of their official duties."

"Havoc Squad? That's great." Kal said excitedly at first. "Wait but when I talked to Yuun he said Havoc Squad was disbanded after the old commander died."

"They were for a time," Theron said handing Kal a datapad. "But after a few years Aric Jorgan, you remember him?" Kal nodded and motioned for Theron to continue. "He yelled and complained loud enough that I guess someone finally started to listen, so they remade Havoc Squad and gave him command. Well, it was either that or they just wanted to shut him up."

Kal looked at the datapad and saw it contained a roster for all the troopers in Havoc Squad currently. Looking through the list he realized they were all new recruits that he didn't recognize besides Aric Jorgen's name being listed at the top with Major next to it.

"This is great Theron, but I still don't see what you need from me."

"Well, you see I have it under good authority that Havoc Squad is conducting an "unscheduled" operation on Zakuul. My contact set up a rendezvous for us, but it is up to you to sell them on the Alliance."

"Them starting a war out here is basically treason," Theron continued on. "And if it gets out that I played a part in poaching them then I may lose the few friends I have left in the Republic."

"I see," replied Kal. "Well, these are definitely allies we could use. Gear up and meet me at the shuttle. We have a Spec Ops squad we need to go recruit."

"Aye aye commander," Theron replied with a salute before walking off to get his gear.

Kal went to his quarters to grab his own set of gear. When he walked in, he saw Lana bent over a desk with a tablet in hand.

"Hello love," she greeted.

"Lana do you ever take a break?"

"I get my rest, don't worry," she replied, dismissing his comment out of hand.

"You only ever get any rest when I force you to bed to get some sleep," he replied dryly.

"Well, there you go, what I said wasn't wrong now was it?" She replied jokingly.

Kal smiled a genuine smile at her. After what happened with Koth she had been different.

"I'm glad to see you feeling a little better."

The smile faded from Lana's face as she turned her eyes to meet the floor.

"I know you want to talk about it but I don't. Not yet anyways," she replied a little sullenly.

"That's okay. I understand."

"When I feel up to it, you'll be the first one I talk to. I promise," she said raising her head to meet his eyes.

Kal nodded, and as the room went quiet, searched for a change of topic.

"Well, you'll have to make do without me for a few days. I'm heading off to Zakuul to recruit some old friends of mine."

"I know," she replied tonelessly.

"You know? Never mind what am I saying, of course you know," Kal said shaking his head.

Lana stood up and walked over to the closest. She rummaged around for a second before she pulled out a backpack and handed it to Kal.

"Theron informed me of his potential recruits before he told you. Here you go. That should be all the gear you'll need for the trip."

"Wow," Kal said taking a look inside the pack and indeed seeing that everything he would need was already inside. "You're amazing you know that right?"

"I know dear, you never let me forget. Though I do appreciate hearing it," she said smiling.

Kal kissed her on the cheek and began heading for the door.

"Alright well I need to meet Theron at the shuttle. Please try to get some rest while I'm gone."

"No promises but I'll try."

Kal smiled at her then walked out the door.

"Yeah, she's definitely not going to try," he said which a chuckle.

Theron and Kalrin were walking through the swamps on Zakuul. They had come into a clearing the rendezvous coordinates had designated as their meeting zone but there was no one in sight.

Kal looked around for Havoc Squad when his comms crackled to life at an incoming transmission.

"I've got an anti-material rifle trained on your position and an unrestricted firing range for at least a hundred meters. That's either really good or really bad depending on who you are."

Kal only raised one of his eyebrows in a questioning look, remaining undisturbed by the message.

"Major Jorgan, now is that any way to treat an old comrade of yours?" Kal replied with a joking tone.

In the distance Kal saw Jorgan stand up from his prone position.

"Stand down Havoc," Jorgan ordered.

The rest of Havoc then began pouring out from behind the trees they were hiding behind.

Jorgan walked up to Kal and gave him a salute.

"Sorry sir, wasn't exactly sure who we were meeting out here and well I didn't really believe it was you at first."

"It's alright Major and you don't need to salute me Major. I don't exactly work for the Republic anymore, so I'm pretty sure I don't outrank you."

"We aren't exactly on best terms with the Republic right now either, isn't that right Theron?"

Theron put his hands up. "Woah don't look at me. Officially I was never here."

"Besides sir," Jargon said cutting back in. "After what you did for me and the… colonel… I'll always salute you." His tone growing somber.

Kal's face also took a dark tone. "Yes, I heard about what happened to her. I'm sorry. The galaxy is darker with her loss."

"She was the best of all of us," he said trailing off at the end. "Anyways if you're here I assume you're the leader of this Alliance I hear is being put together."

"That I am Major, and I'd like Havoc Squad's help."

"I speak for all of us sir when I say that we all want to do our part to help rid the galaxy of Arcann. But first I need you help with an op."

Kal nodded his head in agreement.

"Just tell me what you need."

Before Jorgan could say anything else, a buzzing noise started to fly in from above. Kal and Jorgan looked to the sky to see a drone flying over with a spotlight shining down on them.

"Hostiles!" Jorgan yelled out before shooting the drone done.

"They'll be more where that came from. Dengril, Xaban, take the north route. Abbeth, Torg, the south. Kanner, take Theron, fastest route back to the camp. We'll regroup there."

Kanner nodded her head in acknowledgement and begin leading Theron back to camp.

"Sir, I'll need you with me to cover the retreat," Jorgan asked of Kal.

Jorgan looked around before spotting a good vantage point up on the ridges of the surrounding cliffs.

"Up there is where I'll take watch," Jorgan said pointing at the cliff edge.

Kal nodded his head in agreement.

"Lead the way Major."

Kalrin was watching the rear while Jorgan was picking off patrolling Skytroopers in the area.

"Sir?" asked Jorgan.

"Yes Major?"

"What's your assessment of Arcann."

"Arcann's powerful and dangerous. He's every bit the Sith his father was, which makes him a threat to everyone in the galaxy."

Kal then thought about the fact that Arcann had Kira. That he had probably tortured her in his pursuit to do something about his father. Kal clenched his fist as he felt the anger sweeping through his veins.

"And he needs to be stopped. No matter the cost," he finished.

Kal saw Jorgan nodding out of the corner of his eyes. After hearing a few more shots go off, Jorgan stood up.

"You know the Republic we fought for? Doesn't exist anymore. We gave the reins over to people who don't care how we win, just as long as we do." Jorgan scoffed and shook his head before continuing. "Saresh is all but a dictator now."

Kalrin shook his head sadly.

"So not everything has changed since I've been gone."

"Saresh and her puppet chancellor have everyone convinced that the state of emergency requires executive action. She and the top brass just push through whatever suits their needs. What we've gained in efficiency we've lost in soul. It's not worth the price."

"Well hopefully we can do something about. After we take down Arcann we can work on getting the Republic back to the way it was. Better then it was before, and same with the Empire."

Jorgan looked shocked.

"The Empire sir? Are you crazy?"

"I know it doesn't make sense to you but I'm not really with the Republic anymore. This Alliance is so much bigger then both the Republic and Empire. You know I have Republic and Imperial soldiers working together? Jedi and Sith coming together under a common goal? And sure, while there are problems sometimes and fights that break out people are actually getting along.

"When this war with Arcann is over I'm not going to just lay this Alliance down. If Jedi and Sith, Republic and Imperial troops, can come together and work out their differences then I don't see why the Empire and Republic can't. Maybe for once there can be a united galaxy that lives in peace."

Jorgan shook his head and looked away. "It's a nice dream sir, but I'm afraid that's all it is. There will never be peace between the Republic and Empire, we're just too fundamentally different."

"I beg to differ," Kal replied.

"Well… I hope you are right sir. I think we should be clear to head back to the camp. Follow me," ordered Jorgan walking off into the swamps.

Kal followed Jorgan into their camp where he saw Havoc Squad was waiting for them.

"Welcome back sir!" Kalrin saw Kanner say with a salute to Jorgan.

"Good work everyone, we'll resume the mission tomorrow. Settle in and get some shut eye," he ordered.

"Understood sir," said Kanner. "Get this camp in order and tuck in."

Havoc, at her order, broke apart and began tending to their duties.

Jorgan turned to Kal.

"Sir, the Alliance is your show to run but these soldiers, my men, are my responsibility. We clear?"

"I wouldn't have it any other way Jorgan. Don't worry."

"Good. I'd get some shut eye if I were you. I'll brief you in the morning. Oh-seven-hundred."

"Sounds good Major."

Kalrin walked into the command center in the morning and saw that he was the last one to arrive.

He was greeted with a "Morning sir," from Jorgan and a head nod from Theron.

Jorgan began his briefing.

"Havoc was passed along some interesting data that the SIS found. I assume I have you to thank for that Theron?"

"No comment," replied Theron.

"That data identified a planetary transmitter with a Zakuul Knight outpost. Our mission was to plant a wiretap on that equipment."

Kal thought of the possibilities a wiretap could lead too.

"Knowing what Arcann is up to could lead to massive opportunities."

"Exactly sir. We get a direct line on their communications and Havoc can start hitting targets all over the Spire. All while evading retaliation."

"So, what's the holdup then Major?" asked Kal.

"Planting the bug without it being discovered would either take a month of prep, or a really large distraction."

"Ahh, I see where this is going. What do you need me to do?"

"We'll need the forces you have at your disposal. We'll send your forces along with the rest of Havoc in to attack and draw the Knights out. While they're distracted you and I will sneak into the facility and plant the bug. This will need heavy hitters and you more than qualify."

"Sounds good. I'll begin making the necessary preparations."

Kalrin stepped outside and sent a call out to Lana.

"How's the mission going," Lana said as way of greeting.

"Its been going alright. Listen I need you organize a strike force as large as we can manage without compromising Odessen's safety. We're going on the offensive and we're striking at Zakuul directly…"

Three Days Later

On the Shuttle Back to Odessen

"Well Major, Havoc did really good. It didn't look good at the end there, but Havoc really came through there at the end."

Jorgan nodded his head in agreement.

"They always do sir. You can count on them for anything."

"Yes, I believe I can. So, what's next for you?" Kal asked.

"With your permission sir, Havoc and I will start sifting through this comm data and begin plans of attack for key targets all across the Spire."

"A good plan Major. I like it. Permission granted."

"Thank you, sir," Jorgan responded with a salute.

Kal had just finished showing Jorgan around the base and they were sitting by the main console in the command center.

"Interesting group you've got here sir. It takes all kinds…. I guess." Jorgan said unsurely.

"When you're facing an enemy like this, you take anyone you can get," replied Kal.

Jorgan have an unenthusiastic "Hmm" as a response.

"I'm glad you were able to see Yuun again. It must have been nice to see a member of the old squad."

"That it was sir. I wish he'd decided to join back up with Havoc Squad but if he thinks that he can be of more use in your tech lab then who am I to argue. Just happy to know he's alive and doing alright."

"Speaking of old members of your squad, I forgot to mention someone. I ran into Tanno Vik."

Kal watched as Jorgan's faced transformed into one of visible disgust.

"Vik was a disgrace to his uniform. How he was ever allowed in Havoc I'll never know. If it were up to me, I'd have his ass rotting in a Republic cell," Jorgan said with vigor.

"Well, you may be interested to know that nothing has really changed with him."

Jorgan scoffed.

"I'm not surprised by that at all." Jorgan took a second to clear his throat. "Now if that's all sir I'll get back to work."

"Ah Major, when you're not busy planning out your strike missions, I'd appreciate it if you could help train the recruits around the base," said Kalrin.

"I can do that sir. I'll have one of my men practicing combat drills at all times with the recruits."

"Great, that will be a big help. Thank you Major."

Jorgan gave Kal a salute and headed off to begin his planning.

The first thing Kal noticed upon waking up was that it was pitch black in his room. The second thing was the lack of a body next to him in the bed and upon inspecting the clock she should have been in bed hours ago.

Kal stood up and got out of bed, put some clothes on, and begin to go off and search for his missing companion.

Using the bond to guide him he found himself walking into the command center. It was completely empty at this time of night as only an emergency skeleton crew ran the base at night. However, in the faint blue glow of one of the terminals he could make out a figure sitting there with a datapad in hand.

Knowing that he had found who he was looking for he approached her.

"Lana, we've talked about this."

Lana appeared startled at his sudden interruption. He noticed her shift her eyes towards the clock before responding.

"Sorry dear I didn't realize how late it had become. I'm almost done with these reports. I'll finish up the rest of these and then come join you," she said before immediately locking her eyes back on the datapad in hand.

Kal wasn't having any of it though and proceeded to grab the datapad out of her hand and lay it down on the holoterminal.

"Hey," she began to complain before being cut off by Kal.

"No. No more work. You work yourself to the bone every night and I won't have it any longer. Come along, you're going to bed."

"The work's important and-"

"And it will still be here in the morning. Now come along or do I need to carry you?"

Lana turned her eyes on him after that.

"You wouldn't dare-" she began to say before Kal swooped down and picked her up bridal carry style.

"Kal put me down," she said struggling. "What if someone sees us?"

"No one is going to see us. The only people up right now are the skeleton crew and they don't even work the command center at night."

Lana struggled in his arms for a few more seconds before she relented and locked her arms around his neck.

"Fine but only this once, ok!" she said in what was trying to be demanding tone but didn't come out as one.

Kalrin began to laugh.

"What?" she questioned. "What's so funny?"

When he was able to calm down, he responded.

"You know this isn't the first time I've done this right? You remember the night after the first party we threw?"

Lana took on a horrified face frozen in shock.

"You didn't!"

Kal just gave her a lopsided smirk.

"You are just… just… unbelievable!"

"And I'm telling you this now. If you keep overworking yourself and ignoring when you should be getting rest, I'll start carrying you like this during the day," Kal said as somewhat of a threat.

Lana looked into his eyes and saw that he was serious and that terrified her. Afterwards she laid her head down on his shoulder.

"Fine, you win. I'll start coming to bed every night at a reasonable hour. I promise."

"Good now let's get to bed."

Lana hummed sleepily in agreement as she begin to fall asleep in his arms.

Few Days Later

Kalrin was reading reports in his room when he began to get a call on his holocom. Pulling it out and accepting the call he was surprised to see it was Scorpio calling him.

"I require your attention in the command center… now." She said before cutting off the call.

'Charmer as always Scorpio. Well, better go see what she wants.'

Walking into the command center Kal saw Scorpio, Lana, and Theron standing there.

"There you are," said Theron.

"Astute observation, Agent Shan. It is a wonder the SIS get by without your deductive reasoning," said Scorpio

"You're a droid that's gotten too big for her own bolts. How's that for an astute observation?" Theron replied heatedly.

"Five minutes. Is it possible to go for just five minutes without you two at each other's throats?" Lana asked.

"I'll set the clock," replied Kal. "And in three…. two… one…"

"You're not helping Kal," said Lana boring her eyes into him.

"Scorpio just show the Commander what you found… please," said Theron, with what looked like pain when he said please.

"My analysis of enemy communications obtained by Havoc Squad has revealed something interesting. Hidden inside a mundane signal, I discovered encrypted transmissions, code-named, the GEMINI Frequency. They are broadcast from the throne to every vessel in the Eternal Fleet. The Spire schematics provided by Kaliyo can confirm this."

"It's how Arcann is commanding his warships. This is the break we've been waiting for, a direct line to the enemy fleet," Theron said excitingly.

"Excellent work everyone. I want everyone available pursuing this. Start a plan of attack, it's time to put Arcann on the defensive for once," Kal said while looking over a datapad now.

Kal looked up and saw the command center bustling with activity as orders were being handed out and for the first time in a while, Kal felt good about their chances.

A.N.: Wow it has been a long time hasn't it. I'm sorry it has taken this long to get another chapter out. I don't really have any excuse other then I lost the motivation to work on this story, but with the announcement of another expansion for SWTOR I got back into the game and that has given me back my motivation to work on this story.

Thank you to everyone who has stuck around all this time even though I've been gone. I really appreciate it.

Now early in another author's note I talked about how Fulcrum's story inspired me, and I would write about when I used his chapter for inspiration. Well, the part with the bridal carrying of Lana was it… or at least I think it was. See I went to go and try and read his story so that I could remember what I wanted to take from it, but he seems to have sadly deleted his story for some reason.

Other then that I just wanted to assure people that this story will be completed. It may take a long time, but I will one day put the completed tag on this story, and I can't wait for that to happen.

If you ever have any questions or just want to chat, feel free to send me a pm.

Thanks again for those who have stuck around, and I'll see you in the next one.

Magician

Published 8/1/2021