Donovan fell asleep quickly, not surprising considering the days events. In only a few hours, he had been confused, confronted by storm troopers, attacked with a lightsabre, thrown out a window, approached by an eager female, demonstrated his abilities of the Force, and closed it off with a small skirmish with a training probe and a short tennis match with his master. Combine this with his tormenting dreams the previous night, its no wonder he fell asleep in seconds. Benvole crept into his room while Donovan slept, he cracked the door slightly peering at the bed where his Padawan slept.
"Sleep well, my Padawan." He said softly, almost to himself. He did not intend the sleeping Donovan to hear it. He ducked out of the room and closed the door quietly. Benvole headed for the other bedroom as he began to unbutton his uniform.
Back on Orepsorp, Lt Commander Spikket remained a prisoner of the Rebel Forces there. He received daily visits from General Addick under the mask of 'interrogations'; Addick felt it necessary to maintain this front until news from Donovan or Admiral Benvole arrived.
"Did he tell you anything?"
"Very little. He is using his newly appointed rank to plan an attack from the inside. We have a small outpost on Kannto, nothing huge, just some ships and a garrison, its not necessary to set up a large outpost on Kannto, there is very little resistance there. Anyway, this outpost, Imperial Depot-9, is just a front, the truth is that we have a secret base beneath the surface."
"Yes, I've heard the rumors, this is where all the research and testing goes on, right?"
"Yes, but would you ever think it could be on Kannto?"
"Well, no."
"It would have done you no good if you knew anyway, that place is the most secure facility in all of the Empire, it would easier to break in and steal the cloaks from the Palpatine's back than getting underground without authorization."
"Does Benvole have authorization?"
"Sort of, he does not have alpha clearance. You see, we are testing a new craft, I honestly don't know anything more than that, Benvole is there to see it safely escorted to the 4th Fleet for testing. I honestly have no idea what his plan is, in truth, I don't think he has one; the entire time I have known him, never once developed a plan ahead of time. 'Trust your instincts' he would always say, and apparently it worked. He was given promotion after promotion for his great decisions in battle."
"The Jedi have reaction abilities we do not. In the older times, they would tell stories about the Jedi, and if you ever saw them in battle, you'd know why."
"I hope your son is learning well. Benvole will need an ally if he is going to pull off anything inside that fortress."
"I hope so too." The General nodded respectfully at Spikket as he rose from his chair. Spikket looked up at him and smiled. "Soon, old friend, but not yet" he turned and exited the prison cell where Spikket was held. Two rebel guards escorted him down the hallways of the sub-level of the Academy building. Lieutenant Orehn approached.
"Were you able to make him speak General?"
"Not for anything useful."
"Did he say why he is here?"
"Claiming to warn me. I think he is just here to observe in case he ever makes it back, he will know our strength although he doesn't know our location."
"You're not planning to release him are you?"
"Of course not. But if one of our spies should be caught, the Empire would be in favor of a trade. Which is why we must keep him secure at all times. Are the cadets ready class?"
"I think so, sir, I saw them walking from the cafeteria."
"Good."
Admiral Benvole knocked abruptly on Donovan's bedroom door. The loud sound cut sharply through his peaceful head and woke him instantly. He hopped to his feet and walked toward the door to open it.
"Get yourself ready. We have a few more things to discuss." Benvole was already dressed in his Uniform. He looked well rested and alert despite the fact that the sun had not yet risen. Donovan squinted to adjust his eyes and try to focus on his master.
"Yea... I'll be right there." He staggered toward the bathroom and washed his face in the sink. He paused for a moment as he looked at himself in the mirror. "Good luck" he whispered to his reflection. He turned off the water and grabbed for a towel.
He entered the main room of the suite just as the sun was rising. From the large window, through which he had been tossed only a few hours earlier, he could see the soft clouds illuminated brilliantly with colours of green and pink. Sunrises in Sioul were nothing like this.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Benvole spoke as Addick turned to face his master.
"Yes...it is." Addick responded in a monotone voice.
"Are you about ready to go?"
"Yea, I guess so."
Benvole turned and walked to the door leading into the hallway. He pushed the button on the panel beside it and it rose up revealing a silent hallway, still asleep. He paused as he looked at his Padawan, still standing in the same spot.
"Are you coming?"
"Sorry." Said Addick shaking his head as if to return from a spell.
"Every journey has a first step, my Padawan." Benvole turned and walked down the hallway, Addick scurried along to follow. As they walked down the hallway, Benvole spoke softly. "Alright, here's the plan. We enter the complex as normal. I will ask about progress, chat with my aides, etc, and you will follow silently. When I instruct you, retreat from my side and proceed to a computer terminal, there you will have to disable security relay."
"Do I need codes or anything?"
"You already have everything you need. While you are doing this, I will find the seven officials and their seven keys."
"How are you going to get the keys away from them? I'm sure they will heavily guarded."
"I'll think of something. I always do. After you are done disabling the security relay systems, you are to head back to the surface and prepare to create a diversion. Wait for my signal, trigger the diversion, and then get back to the hangar as fast as you can. If everything has gone accordingly, I will be there waiting for you."
"What if...." Addick asked nervously but his Master interrupted
"Think positive, my student. Deception is a weapon, do not be afraid to use it. You must always be able to handle the situation if you want to remain alive. We don't have a contingency plan, if something should go wrong, just make sure you can escape, get back to the spaceport and hitch a ride out of here."
Donovan did not like his master's tone. The time for action had come, he could see now Benvole was not the crude and harsh Imperial Dictator he had perceived him to be. He prepared for the days events as if he would not see tomorrow.
"I sense your emotions are conflicting. Do not worry, your skepticism is normal as you have been taught careful planning and strategy all your life, and here I am, telling you in one's days time to forget them all and trust your instincts. You must not let your emotions control your actions. Pay no mind to me, complete your tasks and we will be out of here before they knew what him 'em. Above all, you must focus, and remain focused."
Donovan opened his mouth to speak, but his master quickly turned and presented a finger, instructing silence. The two Jedi, dressed once again as Imperial officers, marched down the hallway to the elevator. Benvole' steps seem to pierce the air; sharp and loud, the sound of his boots hitting the tile floor beneath them sent shiver's down Donovan's spine. Today, his master looked even fiercer than when they had first met. His broad shoulders and smooth black skin seemed to scream with authority, intimidating and dominating.
They exited the spaceport and walked to a parking area.
"Do you have a transport here?"
"A bike."
Benvole extended his arm handing Donovan a set of keys. A few meters up ahead, Donovan opened his eyes widely as he looked up a brand new hover-bike. It was a pretty standard vehicle for the region but it the chrome fixtures and imperial markings caught Donovan's eye in a way he had never felt before. A sidecar was attached for the Admiral.
"Very nice." Remarked Donovan as he mounted it and inserted the keys into the ignition. Admiral Benvole climbed into the sidecar, his tall legs barely fitting. Donovan started it up as the bike rose to its cruising height of just about half a meter off the ground. Donovan adjusted his helmet as he looked at the Admiral doing the same. They shot off with low-pitch whistle leaving behind only a small cloud of dust.
They rode for miles across the white sands of Kannto. The morning sun began to rise over a ridge; casting its brilliant white gleam over the seemingly vast planet landscape. As the glare became blinding, Donovan flipped down dark face shield of his helmet, he glanced at Benvole who had done so moments earlier. It was eerie how much his master looked like a real Imperial Trooper.
"Can I ask you something, Master?"
"Of course."
"What is your full name? You introduced yourself to me only as Admiral Benvole."
"Audius Benvole. I chose the name for myself when I entered OCS all those years ago. I've actually grown quite accustomed to it. Before that I was known as Orie Haiduu."
"Orie Haiduu?"
"The Empire has been hunting the Jedi since they first formed, no thanks to Vader. He has heard that name before, he knows that I vanished, and have not since turned up dead, but he has no idea I am an Admiral in his own Starfleet. Please refer to me as Benvole, especially since we are trying to maintain a level of secrecy."
"Do you know what my name was, before you brought me to my father?"
"I'm sorry, I don't. I didn't know who you were, or even your master, but I could feel you were strong with the Force, and so I had to save you. The rest you know."
Donovan nodded he turned his attention back to the mission and to the small outpost, now appearing on the horizon.
"There it is, straight ahead. Transmit clearance code, middle switch." Benvole could hardly be heard as a swift wind picked up and blew directly into their faces.
"Got it." Addick hit the switch and ducked his head to avoid the wind blowing right into his face.
"Seems like we arrived just in time. Storm picking up." Benvole was nearly shouting as they could see ominous dark clouds swirling overhead.
"I thought Kannto was mostly desert." Addick shouted back to his master
"It is, but when storms form, they are no joking matter. Count on flooding and chaos."
"Great!" said Donovan sarcastically
"Do not be so quick to judge, this could work to our advantage."
Within a few minutes, they had arrived at the front gate of the outpost. A few low buildings made of concrete and a small control tower and power generator were all that broke the flatness and relative tranquility of the small shrubs against the white sands. They were greeted by Storm Troopers.
"Good morning, Sir. Looks like you made it just in time." screamed one trooper over the thunder and swirling winds.
"Yes, very fortunate." Benvole took off his helmet and rushed toward the entrance to the largest building. He motioned Addick to do the same. Donovan dismounted as the second trooper hopped on to park the bike. The two Jedi ran for cover.
Once inside, they were greeted by Colonel Nitz, a ordinary-looking man matching the Imperial stereotype to a T.
"Good morning Admiral, we have been expecting you." He bowed to Admiral Benvole who nodded in return.
"Good day Colonel, this is Lieutenant Garbo, he has recently been transferred into my care."
The Colonel and Addick shook hands.
"Well, let's not waste any more time." The Colonel turned and walked to far corner of the main room, the Jedi spies followed calmly. Colonel Nitz stood in front of a small statue of Palpatine, he touched the Emperor's hand with his own finger. The statue's eyes shot to life with a strange yellow glow. Nitz then placed his palm on the Emperor's head and with his other hand, tapped it twice on the chest. A few seconds the wall beside them opened up to reveal a short hallway.
"There you are sir." Colonel Nitz pointed toward the passage
"Thank you Colonel."
The duo marched down the short hallway as they watched the door drop behind them. Soon they came to a metal door appearing to be some kind of elevator. Benvole pushed the call button and instantly, the door was sucked to the left, revealing a class shaft with a circular platform. They stepped on.
"Have you ever been here before, Admiral?" asked Addick
"No, but I stole a series of schematic diagrams and security plans. I know this place inside and out. And so you do, for that fact." Benvole flashed a questioning look to his student who responded humbly with a short smile.
They were slowly lowered downward through the shaft. First, only white sand was visible in all directions, but soon the outside of their tube was covered in wires, pipes, and structural bracers. Soon, they stood on the deck of an underground transit system. This 'subway' station was sterile and tragic. The walls were solid steel with a matte finish, illuminated by florescent lights from thin slots in the ceiling. The ground was grey concrete and there was an echo from every footstep that could be heard a thousand feet away. As they exited the elevator, they walked toward a platform where a Storm Trooper was waiting as an attendant.
"Hello, sir." Remarked the trooper in the traditional muffled tone through the facial equipment.
"Hello." The Admiral did not feel the need to chat with the guards. He simply stood there and waited for the next transport car. The trooper pushed a few buttons on a small silver panel and within seconds, and sleek, round, egg-looking car cam shooting though the tube and parked at the platform. The door opened as the duo walked on. Inside was nothing special, a few seats, arranged in rows, a com-link and a weapon charger.
As the transport car began to move forward, Donovan peered out of the front window as the tunnel zoomed by him at great speeds. Benvole sat down calmly. Soon it was completely dark outside the pod. Addick turned to his master.
"I sense great tension in the future."
"Your insight serves you well."
"Sleep well, my Padawan." He said softly, almost to himself. He did not intend the sleeping Donovan to hear it. He ducked out of the room and closed the door quietly. Benvole headed for the other bedroom as he began to unbutton his uniform.
Back on Orepsorp, Lt Commander Spikket remained a prisoner of the Rebel Forces there. He received daily visits from General Addick under the mask of 'interrogations'; Addick felt it necessary to maintain this front until news from Donovan or Admiral Benvole arrived.
"Did he tell you anything?"
"Very little. He is using his newly appointed rank to plan an attack from the inside. We have a small outpost on Kannto, nothing huge, just some ships and a garrison, its not necessary to set up a large outpost on Kannto, there is very little resistance there. Anyway, this outpost, Imperial Depot-9, is just a front, the truth is that we have a secret base beneath the surface."
"Yes, I've heard the rumors, this is where all the research and testing goes on, right?"
"Yes, but would you ever think it could be on Kannto?"
"Well, no."
"It would have done you no good if you knew anyway, that place is the most secure facility in all of the Empire, it would easier to break in and steal the cloaks from the Palpatine's back than getting underground without authorization."
"Does Benvole have authorization?"
"Sort of, he does not have alpha clearance. You see, we are testing a new craft, I honestly don't know anything more than that, Benvole is there to see it safely escorted to the 4th Fleet for testing. I honestly have no idea what his plan is, in truth, I don't think he has one; the entire time I have known him, never once developed a plan ahead of time. 'Trust your instincts' he would always say, and apparently it worked. He was given promotion after promotion for his great decisions in battle."
"The Jedi have reaction abilities we do not. In the older times, they would tell stories about the Jedi, and if you ever saw them in battle, you'd know why."
"I hope your son is learning well. Benvole will need an ally if he is going to pull off anything inside that fortress."
"I hope so too." The General nodded respectfully at Spikket as he rose from his chair. Spikket looked up at him and smiled. "Soon, old friend, but not yet" he turned and exited the prison cell where Spikket was held. Two rebel guards escorted him down the hallways of the sub-level of the Academy building. Lieutenant Orehn approached.
"Were you able to make him speak General?"
"Not for anything useful."
"Did he say why he is here?"
"Claiming to warn me. I think he is just here to observe in case he ever makes it back, he will know our strength although he doesn't know our location."
"You're not planning to release him are you?"
"Of course not. But if one of our spies should be caught, the Empire would be in favor of a trade. Which is why we must keep him secure at all times. Are the cadets ready class?"
"I think so, sir, I saw them walking from the cafeteria."
"Good."
Admiral Benvole knocked abruptly on Donovan's bedroom door. The loud sound cut sharply through his peaceful head and woke him instantly. He hopped to his feet and walked toward the door to open it.
"Get yourself ready. We have a few more things to discuss." Benvole was already dressed in his Uniform. He looked well rested and alert despite the fact that the sun had not yet risen. Donovan squinted to adjust his eyes and try to focus on his master.
"Yea... I'll be right there." He staggered toward the bathroom and washed his face in the sink. He paused for a moment as he looked at himself in the mirror. "Good luck" he whispered to his reflection. He turned off the water and grabbed for a towel.
He entered the main room of the suite just as the sun was rising. From the large window, through which he had been tossed only a few hours earlier, he could see the soft clouds illuminated brilliantly with colours of green and pink. Sunrises in Sioul were nothing like this.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Benvole spoke as Addick turned to face his master.
"Yes...it is." Addick responded in a monotone voice.
"Are you about ready to go?"
"Yea, I guess so."
Benvole turned and walked to the door leading into the hallway. He pushed the button on the panel beside it and it rose up revealing a silent hallway, still asleep. He paused as he looked at his Padawan, still standing in the same spot.
"Are you coming?"
"Sorry." Said Addick shaking his head as if to return from a spell.
"Every journey has a first step, my Padawan." Benvole turned and walked down the hallway, Addick scurried along to follow. As they walked down the hallway, Benvole spoke softly. "Alright, here's the plan. We enter the complex as normal. I will ask about progress, chat with my aides, etc, and you will follow silently. When I instruct you, retreat from my side and proceed to a computer terminal, there you will have to disable security relay."
"Do I need codes or anything?"
"You already have everything you need. While you are doing this, I will find the seven officials and their seven keys."
"How are you going to get the keys away from them? I'm sure they will heavily guarded."
"I'll think of something. I always do. After you are done disabling the security relay systems, you are to head back to the surface and prepare to create a diversion. Wait for my signal, trigger the diversion, and then get back to the hangar as fast as you can. If everything has gone accordingly, I will be there waiting for you."
"What if...." Addick asked nervously but his Master interrupted
"Think positive, my student. Deception is a weapon, do not be afraid to use it. You must always be able to handle the situation if you want to remain alive. We don't have a contingency plan, if something should go wrong, just make sure you can escape, get back to the spaceport and hitch a ride out of here."
Donovan did not like his master's tone. The time for action had come, he could see now Benvole was not the crude and harsh Imperial Dictator he had perceived him to be. He prepared for the days events as if he would not see tomorrow.
"I sense your emotions are conflicting. Do not worry, your skepticism is normal as you have been taught careful planning and strategy all your life, and here I am, telling you in one's days time to forget them all and trust your instincts. You must not let your emotions control your actions. Pay no mind to me, complete your tasks and we will be out of here before they knew what him 'em. Above all, you must focus, and remain focused."
Donovan opened his mouth to speak, but his master quickly turned and presented a finger, instructing silence. The two Jedi, dressed once again as Imperial officers, marched down the hallway to the elevator. Benvole' steps seem to pierce the air; sharp and loud, the sound of his boots hitting the tile floor beneath them sent shiver's down Donovan's spine. Today, his master looked even fiercer than when they had first met. His broad shoulders and smooth black skin seemed to scream with authority, intimidating and dominating.
They exited the spaceport and walked to a parking area.
"Do you have a transport here?"
"A bike."
Benvole extended his arm handing Donovan a set of keys. A few meters up ahead, Donovan opened his eyes widely as he looked up a brand new hover-bike. It was a pretty standard vehicle for the region but it the chrome fixtures and imperial markings caught Donovan's eye in a way he had never felt before. A sidecar was attached for the Admiral.
"Very nice." Remarked Donovan as he mounted it and inserted the keys into the ignition. Admiral Benvole climbed into the sidecar, his tall legs barely fitting. Donovan started it up as the bike rose to its cruising height of just about half a meter off the ground. Donovan adjusted his helmet as he looked at the Admiral doing the same. They shot off with low-pitch whistle leaving behind only a small cloud of dust.
They rode for miles across the white sands of Kannto. The morning sun began to rise over a ridge; casting its brilliant white gleam over the seemingly vast planet landscape. As the glare became blinding, Donovan flipped down dark face shield of his helmet, he glanced at Benvole who had done so moments earlier. It was eerie how much his master looked like a real Imperial Trooper.
"Can I ask you something, Master?"
"Of course."
"What is your full name? You introduced yourself to me only as Admiral Benvole."
"Audius Benvole. I chose the name for myself when I entered OCS all those years ago. I've actually grown quite accustomed to it. Before that I was known as Orie Haiduu."
"Orie Haiduu?"
"The Empire has been hunting the Jedi since they first formed, no thanks to Vader. He has heard that name before, he knows that I vanished, and have not since turned up dead, but he has no idea I am an Admiral in his own Starfleet. Please refer to me as Benvole, especially since we are trying to maintain a level of secrecy."
"Do you know what my name was, before you brought me to my father?"
"I'm sorry, I don't. I didn't know who you were, or even your master, but I could feel you were strong with the Force, and so I had to save you. The rest you know."
Donovan nodded he turned his attention back to the mission and to the small outpost, now appearing on the horizon.
"There it is, straight ahead. Transmit clearance code, middle switch." Benvole could hardly be heard as a swift wind picked up and blew directly into their faces.
"Got it." Addick hit the switch and ducked his head to avoid the wind blowing right into his face.
"Seems like we arrived just in time. Storm picking up." Benvole was nearly shouting as they could see ominous dark clouds swirling overhead.
"I thought Kannto was mostly desert." Addick shouted back to his master
"It is, but when storms form, they are no joking matter. Count on flooding and chaos."
"Great!" said Donovan sarcastically
"Do not be so quick to judge, this could work to our advantage."
Within a few minutes, they had arrived at the front gate of the outpost. A few low buildings made of concrete and a small control tower and power generator were all that broke the flatness and relative tranquility of the small shrubs against the white sands. They were greeted by Storm Troopers.
"Good morning, Sir. Looks like you made it just in time." screamed one trooper over the thunder and swirling winds.
"Yes, very fortunate." Benvole took off his helmet and rushed toward the entrance to the largest building. He motioned Addick to do the same. Donovan dismounted as the second trooper hopped on to park the bike. The two Jedi ran for cover.
Once inside, they were greeted by Colonel Nitz, a ordinary-looking man matching the Imperial stereotype to a T.
"Good morning Admiral, we have been expecting you." He bowed to Admiral Benvole who nodded in return.
"Good day Colonel, this is Lieutenant Garbo, he has recently been transferred into my care."
The Colonel and Addick shook hands.
"Well, let's not waste any more time." The Colonel turned and walked to far corner of the main room, the Jedi spies followed calmly. Colonel Nitz stood in front of a small statue of Palpatine, he touched the Emperor's hand with his own finger. The statue's eyes shot to life with a strange yellow glow. Nitz then placed his palm on the Emperor's head and with his other hand, tapped it twice on the chest. A few seconds the wall beside them opened up to reveal a short hallway.
"There you are sir." Colonel Nitz pointed toward the passage
"Thank you Colonel."
The duo marched down the short hallway as they watched the door drop behind them. Soon they came to a metal door appearing to be some kind of elevator. Benvole pushed the call button and instantly, the door was sucked to the left, revealing a class shaft with a circular platform. They stepped on.
"Have you ever been here before, Admiral?" asked Addick
"No, but I stole a series of schematic diagrams and security plans. I know this place inside and out. And so you do, for that fact." Benvole flashed a questioning look to his student who responded humbly with a short smile.
They were slowly lowered downward through the shaft. First, only white sand was visible in all directions, but soon the outside of their tube was covered in wires, pipes, and structural bracers. Soon, they stood on the deck of an underground transit system. This 'subway' station was sterile and tragic. The walls were solid steel with a matte finish, illuminated by florescent lights from thin slots in the ceiling. The ground was grey concrete and there was an echo from every footstep that could be heard a thousand feet away. As they exited the elevator, they walked toward a platform where a Storm Trooper was waiting as an attendant.
"Hello, sir." Remarked the trooper in the traditional muffled tone through the facial equipment.
"Hello." The Admiral did not feel the need to chat with the guards. He simply stood there and waited for the next transport car. The trooper pushed a few buttons on a small silver panel and within seconds, and sleek, round, egg-looking car cam shooting though the tube and parked at the platform. The door opened as the duo walked on. Inside was nothing special, a few seats, arranged in rows, a com-link and a weapon charger.
As the transport car began to move forward, Donovan peered out of the front window as the tunnel zoomed by him at great speeds. Benvole sat down calmly. Soon it was completely dark outside the pod. Addick turned to his master.
"I sense great tension in the future."
"Your insight serves you well."