Chapter 5
Kira had never been more relieved for a social event to end. Jake had gotten practically nothing on the Empire, Bashier almost gave away the plan to Vader, by trying to do the scan during dinner, and then there was Nog's little outburst at the beginning of dinner. Kira just hoped that they had
bought Odo enough time to get the info out of the computers. As they followed Captain Piett into the shuttle bay, all that Kira wanted to do was to lie down in the back of the runabout, and sleep.
As they approached the ship, Piett turned to look at the group. "Well Coronal, I hope that you and your crew had a pleasant evening."
Kira just looked at Piett, and forced a smile. "Yes Captain, we did." Kira said as she began for the ship, then turned back to face Piett. "Oh, I almost forgot, how soon can your people help to get our ship operational again?"
"Coronal," Piett started, "my people will be able to start helping whenever you are ready to start."
Kira shot a look at O'Brien. O'Brien saw this, and told Piett, "We can start work in a few hours, just as soon as Ensign Nog and I have gotten a little sleep."
"Very well then, good night." Piett said, as he turned around, and made for the door.
******
Inside of the cramped living area of the runabout, Kira took a seat at the table, and leaned over placing her head in her hands. Jake took up a seat across from her, and the rest of the crew remained standing around the table. Kira finally looked up, "So, what did we find out?"
Bashier was the first to speak. "Well, I did confirm that we have passed into another dimension. The quantum signature of Vader is not a match for our own." Bashier paused for a moment, then continued. "I also know that he has incredible mental powers, because just after he took the tricorder
from me, I felt an almost uncontrollable urge to tell him everything about us."
Worf look confused, "How do you know that it was him?"
Bashier went on to explain. "Well, when I scanned him, I found traces of some sort of neural chemical, that the tricorder could only explain as some form of neural stimulant."
Jake looked at him. "Is it natural?"
"I can't say for sure Jake, But I am not ruling out the possibility."
There was a brief silence, then Kira broke it. "Thank you Doctor. Anyone else?"
Worf spoke up, "Their weapon systems are not as advanced as ours is, but I would still not recommend that we battle them. Even if the ship was completely operational, we would still take a lot of damage trying to fight them."
Before Kira could say anything, O'Brien spoke up, "At least we can outrun them." O'Brian could see the look of confusion on Kira's face and explained, "From what I could tell of their engines, they have not been able to make it much past warp one. But at least they do have what we need to fix the weapons, and the warp drive." O'Brien paused for a moment.
But before O'Brien could finish his sentence, Nog burst in, "If all goes well, we should have everything up and running by 1800 hours tomorrow."
Kira absorbed all of the information that she had just been given, then turned to Jake. "Jake, did you find out anything?"
"Not a thing Coronal. Or at least nothing that we didn't already know about them."
Kira took a moment to think. "Well then, we are just going to have to hope that Odo found out something in his outing. In the meantime," Kira said as she turned to O'Brien, "Chief until Odo comes back, I need for you to go over our logs, and find out just how we entered this universe." O'Brien nodded, and went into the front of the ship, with Nog in tow. The cabin then fell silent, and Kira silently asked the Profits, to guide Odo to what he needed to find.
******
Captain Piett, was on his way to his quarters to turn in for the evening, when he had gotten the call to report to Lord Vader's quarters. As he stepped through the door, he saw that Ozzel, Needa, and Veers were already in the room, standing around Lord Vader's recuperation chamber. Lord Vader was sitting in the center of the chamber, as he always did. Piett then took up a place beside Veers, and waited for Lord Vader to speak. Vader then stood up, and began to circle his chamber. "So, what did you think of our guests?" Vader asked in an almost to calm manner.
None of them wanted to be the first to speak, but one of them had to. Just as Piett was about to open his mouth, Needa began, "My Lord, they are apparently an advanced culture. But their form of government, leaves something to be desired."
Now that the ice was broken, the others began in. "The little one was boasting about their fleet, and if we were to ever run into them, I think that we would be in trouble." Veers added.
"They could defiantly be a threat, even with that little ship of theirs, if they had just cause to go against us."
Vader considered all of this, and then turned to Piett. "Well Captain Piett, what have you to say about this, since you spent the most time with them."
"My Lord," Piett started, "They are defiantly an advanced group, their ship proves that. But the impression that I got from them, is that they are more into keeping the peace, than fighting." Piett paused for a moment, and then spoke again, "If we were to use this to our advantage, we might be able to end the rebellion once and for all."
"And just how do we do that?" Veers asked.
"That Dr. Bashier told me while I was showing them the ship, that the Federation's main cause is the exploration of space, and keeping it at peace. Now, what if we used their desire to make peace, to call a meeting with the leaders of the rebellion, and then take them all prisoner, thus ending the rebellion once and for all."
"And what would keep them from trying to undo what they have helped to do?" Needa asked.
"Simple," Piett started, "the doctor also told me about a set of rules that they must follow called the Prime Directive, which keeps them from interfering in the natural evaluation of a race, or group."
Vader considered what he had heard, and looked at the group that was around his chamber. "I must consult with the emperor, before we do anything. In the mean time, be sure to remind the matenance workers, that they are to give their full support to the repair of their ship, and to any other needs that they may have." And with that, the chamber closed, and the group was left alone.
Chapter 6
On the escape pod, Odo continued to watch the robot as he looked out of the small viewport. Even though he didn't know how long it had been since they had left the Star Destroyer, he did know that he had to soon revert back to his gelatinous state to regenerate.
"Well it is about time." The robot said. Curious, Odo moved over to the window, and looked out, and saw what appeared to be a flying junk pile. But as he continued to look, he saw that it was in fact a ship. It was large, with a sort of miss shaped like the saucer section of the Intrepid Class ships, only at the tip, it went into a small gap, and off to he side, was what appeared to be some sort of observation port. And on top, was a dish of some sort. Odo also noticed that the ship had some guns mounted on it, as it settled over top of the pod.
As if being grabbed by a giant hand, the pod lurched, and began to move upwards, and as he watched, it entered the ship, and the light dimmed out. There was then a loud clang, and then silence. The robot began to get up, as footsteps began to sound outside. The footsteps ended just outside of the pod, and the door began to open.
Outside of the pod hatch, stood a man that looked like he was a little ruff around the edges. He wore a white shirt, with what appeared to be a leather pullover jacket, and also appeared to be wearing leather slacks, with what looked like a large mean looking gun strapped to his right leg. "Well, it is about time you two got here, we are late as it is." The man said, as the robot left the pod. Odo then followed, and as he left it, he saw standing behind the man, a large creature, covered completely in fir, and had a sash over its shoulder that reminded him of Worf.
The man then turned to the creature, "Chewy, contact the base and tell him that we have the Driods, and that we are headed for the rodeviou point." Chewy responded in what sounded like a yelp of pain, and left the bay. The Driod, walked up to the man, and tapped him on the shoulder. The man looked back at the Driod, "Yes 3PO?"
"Captain Solo," 3PO Began, "might I ask, when we will be arriving with the rest of the rebellion?"
Solo just looked at 3PO, "Be my guest.", and left the bay. 3PO just shook his head, and followed him out. Odo then took this as his chance, and returned to his humanoid state. He then walked over to the nearest computer console, and looked it over.
While looking it over, Odo did not notice that 3PO was walking back into the room. "Some humans are just so impossible, to" and he stopped in mid phrase, as Odo looked at him. 3PO just looked at him, and then yelled, "Captain Solo, come in here quick". And as Solo rushed into the room, but stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Odo. Solo quickly drew his gun, and pointed it at Odo, who in turn, quick as lightning, through his arms out, and smacked the gun out of Solo's hand.
At the same time Chewy walked into the room, and rushed Odo, knocking him over. Odo quickly reverted back to his gelatinous state, and got out from under Chewy, reforming into humanoid form on top of him. Unfortunately, Odo had not seen Solo run over and grab his gun, and before he knew what had happened, had the chamber rammed up against his head. Odo decided that it would be best to get up, and did so.
"Now, who the hell are you?" Solo asked.
Odo considered his answers, and decided that the truth was the best course of action. "My name is Odo, I am the Security chief for the space station Deep Space Nine."
3PO then walked up just behind Captain Solo. "Captain Solo" 3PO started in almost a whisper, "I have no knowledge of a station called Deep Space Nine."
"That's because it does not exist in this dimension" Odo blurted out before Solo could talk. Odo then continue, "I come to this universe in a small ship, with several others, who are on the Star Destroyer, manning our damaged ship." Odo then went on to tell about who he was, and why they were there. He also explained why he had assumed the form of the Driod R2-D2, and how he had come to this ship. Solo's expression was unchanged, and unreadable, as for Chewy, Odo could not tell if he had gotten through to him or not, and of course, 3PO's Driod face made it impossible to tell.
Solo just sat there for a moment when Odo had finished his story, and considered it. He finally got up, and walked over to Odo, and he stood up. "Look," Solo began, "I have no proof to anything that you have told me, except for the fact, that 3PO did hear about a strange ship while he was on the Star Destroyer. So, I am going to take you to Ord Mantel, where I am supposed to meet up with my friends." Solo turned to Chewy, "Chewy keep an eye on him." Chewy grunted, and Solo left, with 3PO in tow.
******
On the small bridge of the ship, Solo had taken a seat in the pilot's chair, while 3PO had taken the one behind him. After a moment of silence, 3PO finally spoke up, "Captain Solo, I had no idea that I had found that shape shifter, instead of R2."
"Don't worry about it Golden Rod, there was no way for you to know that that creature was not R2. Besides, what I would really like to know, is what happened to the real R2, he had some valuable info about the Empire, that the Rebellion could use." 3PO just nodded, and fell silent. He had been through a lot with R2, and secretly hoped that he and his friend would go through a lot more together. And watched as the Millennium Falcon entered Hyperspace.
Chapter 7
The door closed behind Ozzel as he entered his quarters. He immediately stripped out of his uniform, and went into the bathroom to take a shower. While in there, Ozzel did not hear a door on the opposite side of his quarters open, and a small Astromech driod rolled into the room. After stepping out of the shower, and putting on an off duty uniform, Ozzel entered the room, and saw the driod just sitting there. Ozzel looked at the small driod for a moment, "What are you still doing here, you and your counterpart where supposed to be gone over two hours ago."
R2 only beeped something, and leaned over. A beam of light emerged from his head, and a holographic image appeared in front of Ozzel. Immediately, he recognized the image as Luke Skywalker, the young man that had shot the torpedoes that had destroyed the massive Death Star, and was now the leader of the indestructible Rogue Squadron. R2 continued to play the message. "Admiral Ozzel," Skywalker began, "if you are seeing this message, then something has gone wrong with the mission that I have sent this driod on." That much was certain, Ozzel thought, as the recording continued, "So now, it is up to you, to see that this driod can get to the Alliance in one piece." Skywalker paused for a moment and then continued. "As you well know, with both Kasan Moor, and Crix Madine on our side now, we have more of a chance then ever to fight the Empire, and win. This R2 unit contains in it, a complete record of all the military operations in the sector that
Rogue Squadron is currently working in. And it is up to you to make sure that this info gets to us. We are counting on you Admiral, and May the Force be with you."
The image of Skywalker disappeared, and Ozzel took a seat in the nearest chair. He sat back, and thought about how all of this started. He remembered that it was just before the first Death Star went operational, and he was in command of the Star Destroyer Devastator. They had just chased down a Corelian Corvette, and were now over the planet Tatooine, when they had finally caught up with it, and captured it. Lord Vader had gone aboard, and had captured Princess Leia Organa, the daughter of his good friend Senator Bail Organa. Ozzel could not understand why Leia or her father had joined the rebellion, so the first chance that he had, he visited her in her detention cell, and talked to her. Ozzel remembered the look of hate in her eyes, as she asked him, "Why do you continue to serve this corrupted government?" he could not give her an answer then, and he could still not give her a good one. Shortly after that, the Death Star became operational, and had destroyed the planet Alderaan. Ozzel could not understand why that had to have happened. Then only a few days later, he had heard that the Death Star was destroyed by the Rebellion. It was at that moment, that he decided to help the rebellion from the inside. Before he had defected, Crix Madine had begged Ozzel to join him, but he had refused, saying that he could be of more help here getting information, and planning bad missions than fighting on the outside, planning raids, and hit and run missions. Madine understood, and wished him good luck, before he headed for Corellia to meet up with the Alliance. He then remembered how he had helped Kasan Moor to join the rebellion, by sending in the 128th Interceptor Squadron to Gerrard V, against the Rogues, where she surrendered to Madine.
His thoughts were interrupted, when he felt something hit his leg, and looked down to see R2 right in front of him. "Well my little friend," Ozzel said out loud, "what have I gotten myself into?"
******
She looked over to the sensor operator for what felt like the twentieth time in the last hour. The officer just looked back at her, and nodded 'no'. 'They were an hour late getting back', thought Princess Leia Organa, as she turned back to the viewport that overlooked Ord Mantel. Ord Mantel was a mining establishment that had secretly supplied the rebellion with supplies. The planet now served as the temporary base of operations for the Rebellion, until they could find a more permanent replacement for the Yavin IV base, which they had lost after the battle with the Death Star.
She heard a pinging noise coming from the sensor control board, and walked as gracefully, but also as fast as she could. As she walked up, Leia saw that there were nine blips on the screen. She looked at the office, and he confirmed what she had already suspected, "It's Rogue Squadron Princess".
Leia breathed a sigh of relief. "Is Wedge with them?" Leia asked, betraying just a hint of anticipation at the news. Wedge Antilles, one of Rogue Squads best pilots, had been captured while the squad was doing a bombing of the Empirial base on Kile II. He was taken to the mining prison of Kessel, where the rest of Rogue Squadron went to in order to free him.
The Comm officer spoke up, "Lt. Antilles is in his X-Wing, and General Madine reports that they have at least 80 other freed rebel pilots and solders in the two shuttles." With that the command room lit up with the cheers of all the people in it.
With a clear scene of relief in her voice, Leia gave the command, "Then open the door, and let our boys dock". She walked to the viewport that looked into the hanger, and watched as the doors opened, and through them came seven X-Wings, and two transport shuttles. After all the craft was in, the doors closed, and Leia headed down to the hanger, to welcome back the Rogue's personally.
******
In the Hanger, it was a giant party. All of the Rogues were helping the former Kessel prisoners out of the Shuttles. The doors to the hanger opened up, and into it rush the Medtechs and Medical Driods, followed by Princess Leia and then General Rieekan, the overall commander of the Rebel
Forces military branch. Leia rushed over to Wedge, and embarrassed him in a huge hug.
"Well, if I knew that this was going to be the reaction I would get by being captured, I would have done it a long time ago." Wedge said jokingly, as the let go of each other. Leia just looked at him, and smiled. Another Rogue pilot then joined them. He stood about 5'4, with light blond hair, and had a device hanging from his belt. "Luke, I have to admit it now, you are the best."
Leia had to laugh. Ever since the Death Star, Wedge and Luke had had sort of a competition over who was the best pilot in the squadron. Which was understandable, since they were only two of three survivors of that battle. "Good Wedge," Luke said "now put it in holo, that you said that, and we will make it official" They all had a laugh over that. Luke then got a serious look on his face, as he turned his attention to Leia. "Any word from Han?"
Leia looked at him, and Shook her head "No, and they are several hours over dew."
Luke could see the hurt in her eyes. Ever since he had help to save her on the Death Star, he had felt some sort of connection to Leia, and he knew that she felt it to. But Luke was not sure if it was just the force, or something else. "I am sure, that they will be here soon." A grin then formed over Luke's face "You know how Han likes to make an entrance."
******
The Ax Pick was one of the more popular taverns on Ord Mantel, and now was no exception to that. The bar had never been busier than right now. That is until the door opened, and everyone saw who had just waked into it. As it walked, there was a metallic clank and the sound of parts moving. The crowd parted, as the figure walked up to the bar. The bar tender began to shake uncontrollably, as it stopped in front of him. "Mmmay Iiii hhelp yyyou sssir?"
The Driod that stood in front of him, in a metallic voice, just said, "I AM BOUNTY HUNTER UNIT IG-88, I AM LOOKING FOR HAN SOLO. I HAVE HEARD THAT HE IS IN THIS SECTOR, TELL ME WHERE HE IS NOW.
"Iiiii dddon't kkknow wwwwhere hhe is, Iii haven't seen him in a while." The bar tender stammered out.
From behind, someone spoke up, "He is on this planet."
IG-88, spun his head around to look back, and a figure came out of the crowd. The rest of IG-88's body spun around, and it walked up to the man. The man raised a blaster, and pointed it at the driod. "But Solo is mine"
IG-88 Just looked at the bounty hunter, "AH YOU ARE MIN CORENS. YOU ARE OUTMATCHED BY ME. SURRENDER NOW, AND LOOK FOR ANOTHER BOUNTY."
Min just looked at the driod, "Make me you walking tin can." and pulled the trigger on his blaster. A bolt came out of the blaster, right at IG-88. But the driod moved out of the way, and brought its own guns up to bear, and fired three shots. The first shot hit the blaster in Min's hand knocking the blaster out of it. The second hit him in the stomach, and the third, right between the eyes. And Min Corens dropped to the floor dead.
IG-88 replaced the blaster in its holster, and proceeded to leave the Ax Pick, stepping over the fallen dead bounty hunters body as he exited.
******
On the Bridge of the Millennium Falcon, Han Solo sat in his pilots seat, with Chewbacca beside him, 3PO right behind him, and the strange alien shape-shifter Odo sitting right behind Chewy. "Ok Chewy, lets get ready to leave hyperspace." The Wookie just grunted, and reached over for a small
lever next to his co-pilots station.
As Chewy pulled the lever, Odo could hear the engines powering down, and watched as the view outside the ship turned back into real space again. Right over top of a planet. The ship then angled down, and entered the atmosphere.
After clearing the atmosphere, the ship approached a group of mountains. Han tapped a few buttons, and then spoke, "This is the Millennium Falcon, to Rebel base. Request permission to land"
A few moments later, and a response came over the speakers. "Millennium Falcon, this is Rebel base, you are clear to land. We are opening the doors right now."
"Achnoleged, Falcon out." Han then turned to Chewy. "Ok Chewy, lets take her in."
The Wookie grunted, and Odo thought that he could actually make scene of some of it this time. He figured that his Universal Translator was beginning to understand what the creature was saying. Just then they entered into a hanger, and the ship set down, and powered down.
******
Leia and Luke waited for the Falcon to finish its landing cycle, and then entered the hanger. As they approached the Falcon, the entrance ramp began to lower, and Han Solo started to walk down it. He was followed by Chewy, and then by 3PO. Luke expected to see R2 follow them out, but instead a strange looking alien walked down the ramp. Out of instinct, Luke reach for his blaster, but could only find his fathers old Light Saber. As he pulled it up, Han came over and laid a hand on Luke's arm. "Don't worry kid, I think that he is on our side."
Luke just looked at his friend, "You think?" And then watched as the alien walked towards them. Han took his hand away from Luke's wrist. The alien stopped just in front of them, and Luke kept his light saber ready just in case.
"Greetings," the alien said, extending a hand, "I am Constable Odo, Chief security officer of the federation space station, Deep Space Nine."
Leia just looked at him, as if studying him, and then finally spoke, "I am Princess Leia Organa," she the indicated Luke, who was clipping his light saber back on his belt, "and this is Luke Skywalker, the commander of Rogue Squadron."
Luke then turned to Han. "Where is R2 Han?" Luke asked. It was obvious that he was more than curios about the location of his flight partner, and friend.
Han just looked at Luke for a moment, and finally spoke "I wish that I knew kid." Han then went into detail about how they had picked up 3PO, and R2, only to find a few minutes later that they had Odo instead of R2. Han finished his story, "And since we first found him, he has not caused any
problems."
Odo just looked at Han, and muttered, "And why would I?". He then looked back at Leia and Luke. "I may be a security officer, but that does not mean that I fight, when I don't have to."
Leia looked at Han, then Luke, and then back at Odo. "You say that you are from a space station Odo, but I have never heard of one called Deep Space Nine before."
"It is a long story" Odo muttered, "But I will have to wait."
Luke was the first to ask, "Why?"
Odo looked at the pilot. "Because Commander Skywalker, I have to return to my original state every 16 hours to regenerate." Odo looked around, and then continued, "My people live in a gelatinous state. And it is because of that that we can change our shapes at will. That is how I ended
up here."
Chewy roared out a reply that sounded something like "So we Gathered"
"Is there a place that I can revert?" Odo Asked, ignoring the Wookie's remark.
Leia gestured to 3PO. "3PO will show you to a room in the base."
"It would be my pleasure to do so Princess." 3PO answered, and lead Odo to the doors, continuing his pointless jabbering.
When they closed, Leia turned to the others. "So, what do you think about our guest?"
Luke was the first to respond, "I think that he is telling the truth. In fact I can feel it."
"Through the force?" Leia asked.
Luke looked at her, and just nodded. "Before he died, Ben Kanobi did tell me to trust my feelings. And they say that he is trust worthy."
"What about R2?" Han asked, "He was supposed to get valuable info about this Moth Seerdon, So that Rogue Squadron could more effectively plan a strike against him."
Luke looked at Leia, who it was apparent had thought the same thing, and then back at Han, "Don't worry, I gave R2 instructions as to what to do if he was somehow left behind. So don't worry about him, after all he is very resourceful when the chips are all down." Leia and Han knew this to be
true, and Luke secretly hoped that he knew it to.
Chapter 8
R2-D2, felt different, after he had given Ozzel the message that Luke had programmed into him, he found himself at the hands of some mechanics, that worked with the admiral in his work to help the Alliance. They had painted over R2's blue stripes, making them now a bright yellow, and had also changed his unit ID, to R5-29, and had fitted him with a non-functional restraining node.
R2, now rolling along side of Ozzel, moved towards the alien ship that had docked there the day before. R2 looked around and saw several Imperial techs working with two other people. R2, immediately recognized one as being a human, but was not too sure what race the other person was. As they approached, another person came out of the ship, this one a female. Ozzel walked up to her, with R2 in tow. "Coronal Kira, how are you repairs going?" Ozzel asked as he walked up to the lady.
Kira looked at him, "We estimate that our repairs will be finished in a few hours. We will then try to get back to our home." Kira then looked down at the driod. "And who might you be?"
R2 beeped an acknowledgement, "This is R5-29, one of our spare Astromech Driods." Ozzel indicated the driod, and continued , "Captain Piett mentioned that a few of your people showed an interest in our driod, and I thought that he might be able to give you a little insight into our Empire, as well as act as a guide when you leave this ship."
Kira stared at him, "I am afraid that we can't except this gift Admiral."
"Oh," Ozzel stated quickly, in a lower voice, "but I insist."
Once again Kira stared at the Admiral, and began to understand, that the driod carried more than just information about the Empire. "Very well Admiral, we except your gift." She then hit the badge that she wore. "Kira to Worf."
"Worf here Coronal" Can an immediate reply.
"Can you come out here, and bring Jake and Julian with you?" Kira said.
"On our way Coronal" came the reply, and a few seconds latter, Worf came out of the Runabout, followed by Bashier, and Jake. All three of them, stood in front of Kira and Ozzel.
"Gentlemen," Kira started, "the Admiral here" she indicated Ozzel, "has given us this Driod to help us out while we are here, to act as a guide, and an expert on the Empire. Will you please get it into the Runabout, and find some way to hook it up to our computer."
Ozzel only heard an audible grown from Jake, as the three men took the Driod, and lifted it into the hatchway. As Kira was about to go over to O'Brian and Nog at the warp nacelle, Ozzel placed a hand on her shoulder. Kira turned to face him, "Coronal, is there a chance that we can meet together before you leave us, in private?"
Kira thought for a moment, and figured that it was the best way to find out why Ozzel wanted them to take the driod so badly, not to mentioned that it was a good way to find out if they had captured Odo or not, who was way overdue in his return. "Very well Admiral, I am sure that I can do that before I leave."
Ozzel smiled at the younger lady, "I will look forward to that." And walked away, and remembering something. He turned back to Kira, "Oh yes, Coronal, I almost forgot. Lord Vader would like to talk to you if at all possible."
This time Kira did not turn around, "Very well, tell him that I will try to meet with him before we leave as well." and she started a conversation with O'Brian and Nog before he could stop her again.
******
Inside the Runabout, Worf walked into the living area, followed by the little driod, and took a seat at the table. After he had sat down, Worf picked up his bat'telh , and a little device. The device lit up, and he began to run it slowly along the weapon. Jake followed behind them shortly, and sat across from Worf. He had a pad in hand, and began to work on it. The driod, rolled up to Worf, and began to whistle and beep. The Klingon stopped his work, and gave the driod one of what several had called his famous leave me alone looks, and it immediately turned and moved away.
The driod then moved over to Jake, who was immersed in what was on his pad. It came up and bumped Jake's leg a few times, but only got a slight reaction, when Jake, not even looking away from his pad, waved it away. Just then, Bashier entered the cramped quarters, and laid down on one of
the few beds that the ship had. Quickly, the driod rolled over to him, and began to whistle and beep wildly. Bashier turned over, and looked at the driod. "What do you want?" Bashier asked, with a hint of anger in his voice.
"I wish that I knew," Jake said, looking only a second away from his pad, "He has been acting like this since I go back here." The driod began to beep and whistle even more, then leaned over, and emitted a hologram. All three of them watched the message, and then looked at each other.
Bashier then hit his commbadge, and spoke. "Coronal Kira, could you please come into the runabout. And bring Miles and Nog with you. There is something that I think that you might want to see."
******
Ozzel walked down the corridor, and finally came to his destination, the ships Galley. Once inside, he saw one of the most promising Tie Fighter pilots that he had ever had the privilege of knowing, And not to mention, one of the newest members of his inside rebellion movement, Tycho Celchu. He walked over to Tycho's table. The pilot stood up to salute, but the admiral raised a hand, saying that it was not necessary. Tycho sat back down, and Ozzel took a seat across from him.
Tycho leaned over the table a little, and asked quietly, "Do you think that your plan will work sir? And can we trust these outsiders?" Ozzel looked at him, and realized that Tycho must have heard about what he had done the night before from one of the techs that had rebuilt Skywalker's Astromech driod.
"To be honest Tycho, I don't really know right now, but I have talked to them, and they do seem to be trustworthy. Especially their leader, I got the feeling when I met her that she used to be a member of a rebellion as well." Ozzel said just looking in the eyes of the Tie pilot. Tycho in turn nodded his head, and took a bite from the sandwich that he was eating.
After swallowing the bite, Tycho looked at the Admiral again, and Ozzel knew what he was going to say, just as he knew what she was going to say when Kasan Moor had told him that she thought that she could do more good working with the main Rebellion, than working with the inside movement. But before Tycho could say anything, Ozzel raised a hand, "You don't have to say anything Tycho, I understand, that you must leave our little band, to join the main group." Tycho looked at him, surprise in his eyes, and then smiled.
"When would be the best time for me to leave Admiral?"
"Perhaps sooner than you think. I have left instructions with the driod that I wish to meet secretly with them in private before they leave. If all goes as planned, I can have you join them. The driod has the location of the Alliance base, and with some luck, they will be there in no time." The conversation was interrupted by a voice over the intercom.
"Bridge to Admiral Ozzel."
Tycho reached for the com button, and pushed it. "This is Lt. Celchu. The Admiral is with me."
The Voice came over the speaker again. "Inform the Admiral that Lord Vader wishes to know the status of our guests."
Ozzel spoke up, "Tell Lord Vader, that I will meet with him shortly, after I attend to a few matters. Ozzel out" And he switched the connection off before a response could come. Ozzel then got up. "Now if you will excuse me Lt., I have to attend to my work duties." Tycho nodded, and the admiral left the room.
******
Kira knew that it had to be something important, or else the Doctor would not have insisted that she bring the Chief, and Nog with her. She entered the back of the Runabout, and saw that Jake, Worf, and Bashier all had the same expression on their faces, and they were all looking at the Astromech Driod that Ozzel had given them. Worf was the first to see them enter, and Julian was not far behind. "Coronal," Worf began, "We have a feeling that this driod knows what happened to Odo."
Kira's expression turned to one of hope, as she looked at the driod, who was whistling softly. She then her gaze back to Worf. "How do you know this Commander?"
Julian was the first to speak, "Just watch Coronal, and you will think the same way, after the message it over."
Kira took a seat, as the Astromech driod leaned over, and projected a holographic image, and she immediately recognized the image as Ozzel. The message then began to play: "Greetings Coronal Kira, and crew. Undoubtedly you are all watching this message together. I am sending you this under the deepest hope that you are the people that I know you to be, and will not turn me over to Lord Vader." Ozzel paused for a moment, and then continued, "This may or may not come as a surprise to you, but for some time now, there has been a Rebellion against the Empire. This driod came from the Rebellion. He was left here yesterday, when his counterpart, left with another driod that looked exactly like him. I will wait for you on deck 12, section 13, and will be there one hour after I leave this driod with you. He will guide you to the place that we will meet at. Please, come, and I will explain all to you." The image bowed its head, and then vanished. And another image appeared. It was a map of the ship, and a little red dot that indicated that it was the location that Ozzel would meet them at.
Kira turned to O'Brian, "Chief, can you get me to that location with the transporter?"
O'Brian thought about it for a moment, and finally answered, "Yeah, I believe that I can get you there."
Kira did not waist any time. "Ok, Worf and Julian will accompany me." She looked at O'Brian, "Chief, I need you and Nog to get back to work on the ship. Just in case this meeting is a trap of some kind, I want to be ready." O'Brian nodded, and they all moved back to the small bridge. Kira, Julian, and Worf all grabbed a type 1 Phaser, and tucked them into their belts, as they mounted the transporter pad. She then turned to face the others again. "Jake, keep a lock on us, just in case we need an emergency beam out." Jake nodded, and Kira faced O'Brian, who gave her a nod that meant that he was ready. Kira looked at him squarely, "Energize Chief". And she watched as O'Brian worked the controls, and the world faded out of existence. And the room that they were to meet with Ozzel
faded into existence, with them standing in some sort of cargo bay, right in front of a confused Ozzel.
******
Ozzel had only been in the bay for 5 minutes, when he heard a strange sound, and looked just in time to see three figures appear out of thin air in front of him. He quickly recognized one of them as Coronal Kira, and the other two as Commander Worf, and Doctor Bashier. Ozzel suddenly realized that his mouth was hanging wide open, and closed it. "How did you do that?", was all that he was able to mutter out.
Bashier got a huge smile on his face, "Just one of the technologies that we have, that you don't know about yet."
Kira looked at the doctor, and then at Ozzel. "Yes, but you wished to see us Admiral"
"Yes, I did." Ozzel took a deep breath, "I am sure that you have some questions. Perhaps I can guess, and answer the first one, Why tell you about the Rebellion, and risk getting caught doing it?"
"I have to admit Admiral," Kira began, "That is the first question that I had."
Taking another deep Breath, Ozzel took a seat on a crate, and began to explain. "About 2 years ago, the Empire got wind of a small rebellion that was forming. Naturally, we did not take it to seriously, until they started to raid outposts, and cargo ships carrying supplies for Stormtroopers. we also found out rather quickly, that the rebels had possibly gained the support of the Mon Calimary ship yards. One of our top ship building facilities. Then about 7 months ago, the Rebellion won the first major battle of this war that they declared on the Empire, by stealing the plans for the Empires new battle station, called, the Death Star." An icy chill ran up Kira's back at the name, and she did not
understand why.
Ozzel continued, "We were able to track the transmission, and follow it to a Corelian Corvette, that carried the daughter of a good friend of mine, Princess Leia Organa. We had captured her, only to find out that she did not have the plans, and that she hid them in a R2 unit. The very same unit that you have on your ship at this time." Ozzel continued to tell them about how the Death Star had destroyed the Planet Alderaan, and how a young pilot named Luke Skywalker stopped the massive station practically by himself. He then went into the inner Rebellion that he had started, to help with the battle. When his story was done, he noticed that Kira was looking at him in a whole new way. Not the expression that he had gotten from her since he first talked to her, but one of new found respect. Ozzel then went on. "Right now, Lord Vader is planning to use you to trap the Alliance, and end the Rebellion."
Bashier was the first to speak, "How?"
"I am not sure" Ozzel began, "but what I am sure of, is that it is not wise to mess with him, but I can handle Lord Vader, Right now, I need to ask you for a favor."
"What kind of favor?" Worf asked.
"As I mentioned before, there are others who help me out in my inner Rebellion. One of them, is one of our most skilled pilots, Tycho Celchu. He was a native of Alderaan, and wishes to join the main rebellion group. Can you help him?
Kira Thought it over, and finally answered, "Ok, I think that we can help," she paused for a moment, "Besides, we need to find a member of our crew, and I have a feeling, that he is with your friends in the Rebellion."
"I thought that you had all your crew at dinner last night." Ozzel stated.
"No," Kira began, "there is a 7th member of our crew, he is a shapeshifter, and our chief of security on the Space Station that we come from. We sent him off to try and get some information on your Empire, and he never returned. I believe that that driods counterpart must have thought that Odo was his friend, and took him with him."
Ozzel nodded, "That sounds about right. R2 told me that when he checked the security cameras that they recorded his counterpart getting into the escape pod, with a driod that looked just like him. It very well might have been your friend, and if it was, he is either dead, or at the Rebel base. Either way, R2 will be able to lead you to him."
As Ozzel stood up, Kira tapped her commbadge, "Kira to Aries"
Jake's voice came though it, "Aries here Coronal"
Kira Looked at Ozzel. "Stand by to beam us back Jake." As Jake acknowledged Kira's signal, she turned back to Ozzel, "Admiral, tell Mr. Celchu, that we will be more than willing to take him to the rebel base."
"I will be sure to let him know, and thank you Coronal."
"It's our pleasure Admiral." Kira then tapped her badge again, "Kira to Aries, Energize" And all three of them dematerialized in front on Ozzel. He waited only a moment longer, and then left himself.