Stratagem

by Temujin the Obliterator

ONI operative Major Colton Martel and his team of spies, assassins, and commandos have been fighting a covert war against the CIS when they stumble upon a conspiracy. The biggest one of the century. They become locked in a dangerous game of intrigue, espionage, and war. As the galaxy titters on the brink of chaos. A Halo/Star Wars AU that also brings together canon and legends.

3. A day in the life of Colton Martel

The Spartan team I called Tier one had its named changed to Detachment X-ray.

Light shined down from Coruscant's star. The beams rained through the window onto Colton's face. His eyes opened as he clutched the bed wanting more sleep, and yet knowing that was a luxury he couldn't have. So the man rose from and stared at the clock on a dresser next to his bed. It read 0500. About two hours till he had to be present at the consulate for work. The man rose out of his bed and stretched. He quickly brushed,floced, and shaved. Then swiftly moved on to his closet.

The door swished open revealing dark forest green army jackets hanging from the rack. And moron berets sitting above them on a shelf. They were ranger berets. He'd been given one after passing the rigorous selection and training course. And he wore both the beret and the tab proudly. Under the tab which sat on his shoulder was the patch of his on paper rank, Major. On paper he wasn't ONI agent Colton Martel. He was Major Colton Martel UNSC army attaché to the consulate general of Galactic city. It was a cover in reality he was incharge of an intelligence outfit that had been organizing and carrying out para military and intelligence gathering activities across the Central space. The phrase Terrans used to describe the core words,inner rim, midrim, colonies, expansion region, and outer rim. He was told the wider galaxy viewed them as inhabitants of wild space. And he had to admit given their history it was a fitting name.

He looked in the mirror making sure his uniform was in good order. Appearances were everything. He then smiled satisfied with his appearance and left the bathroom. He stopped by the book shelf in his room. He kept numerous books next to his bed at night. He moved past it reaching for the gun vault next to it. Quickly pressing in the code revealing a sharp looking silver magnum. He placed the weapon in a holster wrapped around his waist. Safety flipped on. It was unlikely he would get in to a shoot out today. But one could never be too certain in his line of work. Maybe he walked out and CIS assassins stepped out to greet him with blaster pistols. Maybe palpatine already knew what ONI was plotting. Or maybe some thugs thought they could rob him. Regardless he always kept himself armed when on the job. And out in central space he was always on the job.

Colton then left for his apartment's kitchen just outside his room. It was a rather small place. Just two rooms, with the second room doubling as both living room and kitchen. It was condensed but manageable for his income. And he preferred the simplicity of a small apartment.

He strolled over to the coffee machine as he flipped on the news quickly placing in a pod. He swept over to the fridge seizing a breakfast burrito wrapped in tin foil. Colton spent his Sundays making them and storing them in the fridge. It made life much more efficient that way. He threw the burrito in the microwave as the news played in the back around.

"The battle of Venzeiia has entered its twentieth day," The news reporter began. Blaster fire and adacing hoover tanks filled the hollow screen, "CIS forces have found themselves embroiled in a quagmire as Venzeiian defense forces have made themselves into an active guerrilla force. And have managed to retain control over villages, outskirts, towns, and rural territories boxing the CIS into urban centers. Fighting as turned into a series of close quarters engagements. Involving mass street fighting as civilians have been caught in the cross fire." The news showed the image of an old tired looking man sitting upon a pile of rubble that had presumably been his house, "Only twenty days of fighting and already one hundred thousand dead with no end in sight. Yet one front of many in the ongoing clone wars. However Rham Kota and his miltia have been able to score numerous victories across the whole Venzaiian sector and have setfoot on Venzaia itself shatter the CIS planetary blockade. The General believes he can end the CIS occupation of the world for good." An image of Rham Kota seared. The jedi warrior with his valiant blue eyes, silver dura steel chest plate, and brave green light saber leading troops into battle apeared on the screen. One of Colton's contacts ONI had been financing the militia since the begining of the year. The Chancellor felt Kota should not receive republic support if he refuses to use the troops, clones, offer to him. So the UNSC figured it would flip the bill. And the man had proved to be an absolutely brilliant commander. Modern day Julius Caesar of sorts, "Yet will victory in the Venzaiian sector bring the conflict as a whole any closer to an end. One can only hope, but analysts believe that's highly unlikely. This has been war correspondent A'zia Moj Coruscanti news on the clone wars."

The report ended. Colton nodded as he flipped off the holo screen and approached the door.It seemed General Kota was busy. He really needed the man here if they were going to successfully overthrow the Chancellor. Non clone forces were the only ones that could be relied upon to do so with out having to make major moves to remove chips in mass that would strike Palpatine as suspicious. Yet also knowing Colton who'd earned the nickname space Caesar, the campaign wouldn't drag on much longer. He imagined the man would have the planet liberated soon and then raise new forces from the liberated Venzaiians to recover from any losses taken. So the Major with his coffee and breakfast burrito in hand left his apartment to head off to the consulate.

He arrived outside the Consulate thirty minutes before he was on time. He drove up in a plane black civilian speeder. The consulate was a pretty drab brick building surrounded by an electrified fence. He stopped at the gate where a guard box stood. Outside of stood a marine in full gear packing a MA5C assault rifle that hung from his shoulder by a strap. He let the barrel go as he approached Colton's vehicle. The agent lowered the window.

"Mourning Rich," He said as he held out his ID, "How's life?"

Private first class Richard Mecknzie saluted after he checked Colton's ID. Then brought it done, a formality despite the fact the Major was always rather casual in their interactions.

"If I'm being honest sir I'm bored," Rich replied, "Ya know the recruiter didn't exactly say. We're going to send out to some plush world so you can scan IDs all day and patrol a building in which nothing ever happens."

"Well Rich, why'd you join a marine security team. Could've gone into a normal infantry outfit."

"Because they said things like, counter terrorism, rapid response force, law enforcement, rigours selection, prove your worth."

"Well, pretty sure you can putin a request to be transferred back to a combat unit. How much longer do you have on your contract any ways?"

"Bout a year. But honestly nothing remotely interesting happens unless you get into the ODSTs these days. We're in 'peace time' most likely I would end up just doing some variation of this back in terran space for less pay. They pay us marine security guards more because we're ELITE."

In truth they were marine security guards were chosen for the situational awareness and highly trained in close quarters combat. If some one tried to storm the consulate they'd be met with several well placed bullets to the head before they even licked off a single shot. However Rich's boredom was understandable.

"Well maybe you'll be a hell jumper I here selections coming up. I could write you one hell of recommendation."

"And what are you going to say. Private Richard Mackenzie is extraordinarily skilled at watching paint dry. I'm sure they'll love to spend the money to send me out to reach in order to try out." He was quite sarcastic, "However I'm not saying don't do that." It was unsaid but the private most likely had suspicions about what it was Colton actually did. And an ONI agent suggesting a candidate for ODST try outs carried alot of weight. Could Rich actually pass selection? Well Colton actually did review the man's records. He was top of his class at boot camp. And described by his drill sergeants as being so stubborn he could outwill a brute. So his odds were good.

He passed the gate parked and then made his way into the consulate. He waved to secretary, Meg who sat over the desk staring at a computer screen. "Mouring Meg." He said getting her attention. "Major." She simply said and returned back to the holo screen, "Saloman's waiting at your office he said he arranged everything and Director Grey left a message. Agent Marcell's been assigned as operational overseer and you're to pick him up from the space port at 1PM sharp."

Marcell, damn. He thought to himself. On the outside Colton kept smiling. Yet on the inside he was infuriated. Marcell was by no means a bad agent from the records that were available. He was very good at tracking down and killing people, counter intelligence, and espionage. Not necessarily the man who overthrew governments. But most of the information on Marcell was classified. Yet the cold calculating and relentless personia of the agent shined though every report. Colton had been under the impression this would be his operation to run. He didn't like the idea of having to answer to a man who did things very differently.

Meg was actually ONI. She handled all calls,records, and messages that went in and out of the consulate. They couldn't just put some random desk pusher there. Hey needed some one with security clearance seeking advancement in the agency so they could be trusted not to leak classified information.

"Anything else Meg?" Colton asked, putting aside his own concerns.

"General Kota also called in."

"What did everyone's favorite general say?" And Colton was genuine about that. Rham Kota was indeed the UNSC's favorite Jedi General.

"He found what you told him very fascinating and wants a personal meeting when he finishes his campaign. And wants to know what you're doing Wensday."

"Wensday?" Colton asked, baffled, "That's tomorrow are you sure he didn't confuse terran days?"

"Well I asked. And he says he means tomorrow."

Colton almost laughed the man's confidence that he was going to win so easily he'd be on Coruscant tomorrow. He had serious doubts the man would be here any sooner then three weeks. But he'd humor Kota. "Send him back he's got twenty four hours to win the battle and be back here to meet me. And I'm willing to wager five hundred credits and five beers he doesn't."

"He'll raise it."

"O I'm counting on it."

Meg got to typing apparently sending the message immediately. Colton began to walk down the hall way to his office, "MAJOR he say's twenty hours one thousand credits and ten beers."

Colton turned around and laughed, "He's on." He was surprised how fast the man got back to him. The news sure was going to be interesting tomorrow. He began to wonder what Kota was plotting that would result in a victory within twenty hours.

A man in a black business suit stood at the end of the hallway. He looked over with his pair of brown eyes on his round bald head.

"Consulate General," He said, "How's your morning?"

"Just fine Major," Consulate General Oswald Burgundy replied, "I had a concern that perhaps you could assist with."

The Consulate General was actually a Consulate General and performed his duties as such. Oswald Burgundy was a former air force general turned merchant once the human covenant war ended. And asked personally by the President to be the Consulate General to coruscant. It was a critical world in terms of economics.

"Really," Colton replied, "And what exactly would that be?"

"The situation on Mandalore's grown worse."

"Terrorists who want to recreate an entity that was essentially Imperial Japan but inspce took control how could it have grown worth?" Colton asked quite sarcastically. He'd kept up with Mandalorian news to know the basics of the situation. Pre Vizsla had risen to power apparently by the will of the people itself. The man was a terrorist an ultrantionalistic terrorist at that. Reminded the Major of numeous extremists in his own peoples history.

"We think the death watch killed the duchess," Oswald replied flatly as he folded his arms, "Which means any diplomatic solution to the crisis is gone."

"And why exactly do we care?" Colton asked, cocking an eyebrow. He could think of over a billion reasons for the UNSC to remove Vizsla. But why was Oswald Burgundy interested? The man was concerned with business and general affairs on Coruscant with the U.E.G.

"Because our economy relies on microchip export. Those chips require metals that are scarce in Terran space. Yet, they're abundant out here. Especially on the mines of mandalore. We don't have to burden our people with mining activities and doing it carefully when we can outsource it for cheaper. Mandalore is one of our biggest trading partners in that department. But since the Death watch rose to power trades ceased now we could look elsewhere."

"Take a step back, your job is affairs between the U.E.G and the planet of Coruscant. Why isn't the Ambassador to Mandalore telling me this or at least the Consulate General on Concord Dawn?"

"I'm getting ahead of it because business affairs between Coruscant and Earth are affected. We have to charge more for microchips because a critical trade partner is out of the loop. It's pissing Coruscanti businesses off so they're relating by jacking up their prices." Oswald said bitterly. The man seemed angered at the reaction of Coruscanti business men. Or possibly growing impatient for the U.E.G officials assigned to Mandalore to do anything. Now it made sense why he was talking with the Consulate's O.N.I guy. Despite the fact that technically O.N.I had zero presence on Coruscant.

"Ok, so get to the part where you ask me to do something."

"Regime change Major. I'm not dumb I know what you get up to and the real reason this "consulate" exists. Can't you use your assets to remove Death watch from power so we can have normal trade relations again?" He asked as if it would be a simple manner.

Colton froze and dropped his smile. It wouldn't be a 'simple' matter. It would be very complex. He actually had a file on Mandalore and it was suspected there was more going on then just some militants seizing power after saving the planet from a crime wave. But Death watch had the people on their side currently it would be very tricky. And that would have to be done during their current operation directed against Palpatine.

"It's a bit more complicated than that, Ozzy. And we're about to begin a rather big project I'm not at liberty to disclose the details of. I'll pass it onto someone else if it's that big of a problem."

"When communication devices start skyrocketing in price you'll wish you'd done something faster." Oswald said firmly. He was clearly agitated by Colton's response which was essentially, no I've got more important things, "You guys in intelligence, always up to these overly complicated machiavellian schemes that usually aren't even necessary. But I hand you real clear bad guys who are causing untold suffering to good people including our own and you're too damn busy in your schemes. And then you wonder why no one likes you."

"Hey, something will be done. It just won't be me who does any of it." Colton said as he approached his office door. He cracked a charming enough smile, "And I can't give you a definitive answer on when it'll happen."

The doors shut albeit for only a passing moment as Salomon caught the end of the door. He entered and saluted, Colton gave him a nod and the ex cop went at ease, hands folded behind his back. He waited a second to ensure they were in fact alone and no one lingered outside the door.

"Sir, I would like to accompany you to speak with the Jedi and mandalorian."

"Why's that?"

"They're critical for my investigation. The Jedi have archives that prove useful and Kal Skirata was on Kamino when they were building the clone wars. He might know something."

"Sal, I wasn't going to say no. You literally could have said cause fuck you that's why and I still would've brought you a long."

"I prefer Salomon sir," He said, "As I have said many times."

Colton looked at him, "Right," He said, "It's a habit, I like calling friends something by short hand."

"Friends?" Salomon asked, raising an eyebrow.

"What else do you call the guy whose helped you overthrow fifteen anti UNSC government regimes?"

"Coworker," Salomon replied. The two men looked at each other, "I'm pulling your leg Colton." he said more relaxed as he sat down, "But from one friend to another. Why did you tell Burgundy no? We could do something to solve the Mandalorian issue. It would even serve as good practice for what we intend to do. And Death Watch is a more clear threat."

"Really how so?" Colton asked curious how the ex police officer was looking at things. He placed his coffee and burrito down on his desk.

"Pre Vizsla wishes to return Mandalore to warrior rule. His intentions create a situation in which they will have to invade and plunder other planets. We conduct trade all over the outer rim it is almost inevitable we will be drawn into war against an unchecked ultrantionalistc militarstic polity."

"Wow, that last bit came off too academic, even for me," Colton replied with a bit of a laugh, "And I see your point. But I suppose I don't see how that takes precedent over a dictatorship rising over the biggest government in the galaxy."

"Because it is only theoretical," Salomon said, "We believe based on what we are seeing that's what will happen. And we have made the decision that it is better to prevent the possibility then wager if its more than just a theory. In Mandalore's case, it is not theoretical, it is happening before our very eyes."

Colton nodded as he took a sip of coffee. Am I being overly paranoid about this chip thing? He questioned himself. Maybe it would have been smarter to slow down and really examine what he knew to be true. Yet he couldn't shake the feeling that he didn't have time for that.

"You agree with Burgundy?" Colton asked.

"The reason I am concerned is different from his," Salomon replied and his voice showed resentment towards the implication him and the business man were one and the same, "I fear a rogue warrior state and he's concerned with how much money will be in his bank account personally. He may say he's concerned about trade between Coruscant and Earth. Yet he didn't mention how he personally owns stock in mining corporations that once operated on Mandalore until Death watch took over."

Colton nodded he knew that about Burgundy he was after all a merchant. He imagined the man used his political connections to assist numerous private business interests. But he also saw Burgundy as a man who actually did care about the galaxy. After all, if the galaxy was in bad shape so were his earnings. Salomon had a tendency to see things as black and white. Hence why he would view a visible Dictatorship as more threatening than a hypothetical one emerging from a few thousand year old Republic.

"Look, I'll send an actual memorandum to Director Grey. Guy loves paramilitary operations. He'll get a kick out of it if nothing else. And it's not like he's deployed every single asset to this one little project. Now go prepare a speeder we've got a meeting with the Jedi master Windu. I scheduled it before I left work yesterday."

Colton rode in the passenger side of the speeder, having Saloman drive towards the Jedi temple. As long as the man had lived in the wider galaxy he never got used to riding in a speeder. Spent so long in cars and warthogs the second the damn thing lifted off the ground he was immediately uncomfortable. As such he always looked straight forward when riding in one and never down. He looked in the mirror making sure every part of his uniform was straight including his army Ranger beret. He'd had it since his first combat tour out in the outer colonies ten years ago. He was a second lieutenant fresh from a college ROTC program. He remembered during his time during the occupation of Levosia only thinking about getting home again, switching to a civilian job using the army to pay for a masters. Now as he looked in the mirror he knew he wasn't getting out or going back home to Delaware for a long time. And this was his career and he was good at it.

The speeder stopped at the jedi temple. Colton formed a smile under his bright blue eyes and extended his hand to shake as he watched Jedi Master Mace Windu approach him. He returned the shake and made eye contact yet the man didn't really smile. Kept a hard straight stoic expression.

"General," He said pleasantly, "How are you on this fine day?"

"As good as one can be when a war's waging across the stars Major," Windu replied very sternly.

Depressing . Colton maintained his smile even though the man seemed to insist on carrying the whole galaxy's burdens all day long. Why a man would choose to do that, beyond him. They'd met several times before, usually to exchange intelligence. But the first time had actually been on Ryloth. ONI dropped him in to set and support an anti CIS paramilitary outfit. He'd chosen a Twi'lek Revolutionary regarded as a terrorist by the legitmate Twi'lek head of state. Windu was leading Republic troops trying to liberate the world. They worked together and Colton had managed to make his guy the official legitimate leader when all was said and done. So Windu was well aware Colton was ONI and an active participant in the conflict. Also he was certainly not entirely trusting. Despite the fact Syndulla was the better leader, because O.N.I made political moves to make him the legitimate leader against the Jedi's own wishes to have him cooperate with Senator Taa slightly strained relationships.

"Now," Windu said, "Let us discuss what intelligence you've brought to me today."

"It's more than intelligence, it's also a proposal for another joint operation between our two organizations."

"What is it this time Major? Will it be like Ryloth?" Windu said the agitation at that operation still fresh in his mind. Whether that meant Windu didn't like either Colton or O.N.I was hard to tell. If that were true then Colton respected him. Since that meant he regularly put aside his personal reservations for the greater good.Most people really couldn't do that and were just all talk about it.

"Let me explain, it's a bit complicated." Colton began and kept a smile.

Windu nodded and then they moved into the temple's council chambers. It was empty, with just the Major, Agent Dao, and Jedi Master Windu. all the other master's scattered across the galaxy fighting battles. From there Colton quickly outlined the situations and how the chancellor in fact lied to him about the true purpose of the chips. Then about how one clone was in fact assassinated to cover it up and how another clone was almost assassinated and currently hidden at the UNSC consulate.

"You believe Palpatine intends to use order 66 when the war ends," Windu replied, "In order to remain in power for life."

"Why else try so hard to keep all this covered up? And as I just proved and presented the chips only have order 66 wired in. 65 The very order that's supposed to keep a check on his power isn't there."

Windu went silent and thought, "I understand and even share your concern. Yet I'm not convinced of your second point that both sides are being controlled by the chancellor. You've presented no concrete evidence, just suspicion, valid suspicion , yet non the less suspicion. I won't take action on suspicion alone."

"Yes I understand and I haven't asked for action yet. We want answers. And my associate here he's skilled at investigation. We figured you might have other pieces of the puzzle."

"Alright," Windu said, "What'd you want to know?"

"I'm investigating the clone army, the chancellor, and the CIS. I understand that the clone army was originally ordered by a Jedi in secret."

"Syfo Dias."

"Yes, what happened to him?"

"He's dead."

"How?"

"It's unsolved," Windu admitted, "He disappeared after being sent on a diplomatic mission by Chancellor Valorum."

Salomon nodded and recorded something down in his datapad. The man was a cop in the western African protectorate. Spent years of his life uncovering criminal networks and even corruption schemes in his own department. Had a knack for spotting discrepancies.

"Why did Dias build the clone army in secret."

"Master Dias originally proposed the army after having a vision of a galactic war. We felt his concerns were unfounded and so rejected them. He was a very stubborn type who was not easy to work with."

"Which leads me to a question I usually ask," Salomon admitted, "Would anyone want to kill him? And I mean for reasons that have nothing to do with the clone army. Is there any reason at all you can think of that some one would stand to gain from his murder?"

Windu thought for a moment. He stroked his chin. He began to shake his head before he answered. "No, not to my knowledge."

"So the man who ordered the clone army died mysteriously. Then these chips that serve as a kill switch for the Jedi are inserted?" Salomon asked curiously.

"I see where you're going with this. The Jedi order has looked into it. It's a dead end. We haven't found his body." Windu said, "However if you're implying Syfo Dias was murdered by the chancellor. I must ask how, I can't see Palpatine overpowering him in a fight."

"There are many ways to commit murder that don't involve a fight," Salomon said bitterly having seen many a crime scenes and the varying methods, "But they are individuals in the galaxy who could have fought him. Count Dooku for example. I understand he was a former Jedi who has since become a Sith. Were he and Dias Jedi at the same time?"

"Yes, but they never had any contact to my knowledge."

"How much can you tell me about Dooku as a jedi."

"He was a good one. Until he became disillusioned with the Republic. He left the order and became Sith before starting the CIS."

"He took control over his home world and gathered untold resources of those wealth being especially noted." Salomon said summarizing what he'd found out on his own, "I also wonder who paid the kaminoans for the clone army if Dias was killed before completion, and if the republic had no hand in any of it."

Windu went silent, he seemed to consider that fundamental question. In this case Salomon was exploring the possibility it was Dooku playing both sides. Colton felt he should interrupt as that contradicted what he wanted the Jedi to eventually do. But he knew better than to intervene until Salomon had finished.

"That would mean Dooku could simply trigger order 66. If he paid for the clone army, why are we still fighting this war? What could he possibly be waiting for?" Windu said his voice was hostile in denial that the very clones that served under them were paid for by the leader of the enemy faction.

"Then who else would pay?" Salomon asked, "Is there anything Master Jedi, you can possibly tell me about the Kaminoans, Dooku, Syfo Dias, or even the Chancellor that could answer who paid for the clones, why the Chancellor made an attempt to cover up the true and only function of the inhibitor chips, and what really happened to Syfo Dias."

Windu paused as he thought to himself. He stroked his chin as he thought.

"Years ago during the Naboo incident. When the Trade Federation blockaded Naboo. There was another Sith, Darth Maul. General Kenobi dealt with him and after that was done we theorized there must have been a second Sith."

"Really," Salomon said, raising an eyebrow, "What drew you to this conclusion."

"They always work in twos. One apprentice and one master. One to crave the power and one who holds it. It's how they're ideology has worked since Revan. Even when there were thousands of Sith they still worked in twos as a base unit." Windu informed both men.

In truth Colton possessed little working knowledge of the sith. He had arrogantly concluded they were the same thing with different beliefs. He always found it too philosophical to keep his interest. Even if the philosophy mattered.

"Dooku couldn't have been the master?" Salomon asked.

"Dooku," Windu began, "Was a Jedi at the time."

That told Salomon all he needed to know. There was a second Sith in the Galaxy more powerful than Count Dooku. He nodded.

"And Palpatine's rise to power happened due to the Naboo crisis," Salomon said, partly engaging in deduction out loud, "In theory this Sith is more powerful then Dooku. Wealthy and influential. Is it possible from the shadows he has moved Palpatine into power, killed Syfo Dias, paid for the clone army, and shifted Palpatine into power?"

"You don't sound so certain," Windu replied, "How he gathered the resources and funds."

"It's a hypothesis," Salomon admitted, "How long has the Sith order existed."

"We had thought they'd been wiped out over a thousand years ago."

"And suppose in theory again. Two managed to survive and have kept the order alive in the shadows for one thousand years."

"If that's true, your hypothesis might have substance to it. But we need more knowledge before we can do anything about it."

"Yes I would agree. I will continue my investigations."Salomon said and his eyes lit up. The man was enthused by a good old mystery.

"And we will be involved as well. A joint investigation. I'm sure you gave your ways of collecting information."

"Then why don't we form a team," Colton came back into the conversations, "Track down leads, divy work, put our brains together."

"Allow me to task our more scholarly Jedi with the task. If you're investigator wishes to stay I may even be able to introduce them."

"It would be my pleasure." Salomon Dao said, extending his hand to shake, "If Darth Maul weren't dead-"

"Maul's alive," Windu said with confidence, "General Kenobi faced him on Mandalore recently. Kenobi informed us he's pulling strings from the Shadows,he even had Pre Vizsla killed and replaced with Olmec even more recently."

"Now that's interesting," Colton said with a slick smile. It made sense why Mandalore would have a sporadic crime problem that death watch would conveniently arrive just in time to counter. If Maul a sith lord had arranged it, "So why not capture him?"

"Mandalore, is neutral," Mace Windu replied with a frown, "Any action taken with out provocation is action taken on a neutral planet with out provocation. We would need people from the planet to ask for our intervention first."

Colton nodded understanding political sensitivities and why they had to be respected. To many in the UNSC and even ONI they would roll their eyes. Deem it political nonsense he'd heard many people say the politicians need to get out of the damn way so we can do our bloody jobs. He regarded such opinion as brutish non sense. Colton believed the political mattered more than the intelligence or the military. It was foolish to not find a solution that would satisfy one's own leaders so long as those leaders weren't corrupt. For they reflected the true will of one's people and an army with out a people was just a bunch of mangy marauders.

"I see," Colton replied. "But suppose we did it covertly in a way in which you could deny any involvement."

Windu didn't change his facial expression. He probably had ideas of what Colton meant when he said that once again thinking back to Ryloth where magically Cham Syndulla's rebels stormed the capital and declared a new government. And then magically the U.E.G sent a message acknowledging that government's legitimacy and the Republic was quick to follow up rather than have a situation where republic troops were stationed on a world that was non aligned. Windu worked with Colton who told him he was simply training the guerrillas. But the Jedi master was much too smart to not have suspected more hadn't occurred. And with UNSC personnel now helping to Construct a full blow Twi Lek security force Windu most certainly knew Colton had done way more than advertised. However the fact was there was little way to prove it was anything more then training anti CIS partisans now that it was over.

"What exactly would plausible deniability imply." Windu said as he crossed his arms.

"Nothing any more controversial than what you have the special operations brigade do. In fact I would have zero issue if you put Director Zey incharge of the operation." Colton said acknowledging surrendering operational control would be necessary to build an effective working relationship, "I believe there's holes in death watches grip and groups of Mandalorians who don't share their vision. I don't believe at this precise moment they're the majority. Yet once they figure out death watch lied that'll change.We simply organize the partisans into one cohesive group and send them to Mandalore in order to destabilize the regime, and yeah there's a lot that happens in that part, but once that's done it'll be easy to move a strike force of jedi in to apprehend Darth maul and bring him in alive for questioning."

Windu stroked his chin and nodded, "He would have answers I'm sure would prove valuable. But what happens after Maul is deposed? The well being of the mandalorian people is of concern."

"We hold democratic elections," Colton said a bit too casually, "Most likely they won't be too keen on electing say a death watch fanatic after they find out they were lied to. I'm sure they'll probably need assistance in keeping the place secure during elections. And I'm sure you'd be willing to offer a temporal helping hand."

"And neither one of us will do anything to affect their decision nor give any partisan group more support over others." Windu said adamantly and it was clear he hadn't forgotten about Ryloth. Every action had consequences and it seemed that Colton had lost a degree of trust in the first regime change he'd enacted in Central space territory. Of course the issue was he wasn't sure if he could guarantee that naturally if he were wrong and it seemed they really would elect the militants that started this whole thing in the first place, how could he just sit still? But he needed Windu's trust.

"I will consult you before doing anything," Colton replied and was being completely honest.

Windu looked at him, "I'll accept that answer. And for future reference Major, Jedi can sense when people lie to them."

He didn't say it but he was referring to the moment after the mission on Ryloth came to an end. When he asked directly Did you have anything at all to do with Cham Syndulla's coup. And the truth was he told Syndulla that if the republic refused to acknowledge his government as legitimate the U.E.G would. And that was all the revolutionary required. However Colton told Windu I had absolutely nothing to do with Syndulla overthrowing Taa. And now Colton understood his greatest mistake: it hadn't actually been overthrowing a government. No, it had been lying to Windu's face about it. That realization hit him like a bullet to the face. That one little mistake may have just been the thing to cause this whole scheme to fail.

"Now there's the matter of master Dias, Kamino, and Dooku," MAce Windu said, "THese are clues to the puzzle I am sure we need to solve."

"I am a former police officer I can handle the murder investigation." Salomon said immediately before Colton could even process what had been said. Both enthused about it and sensing his partner was winded by Windu's comment directed specifically at him.

"I want a Jedi with you. They're senses will help detect things that may not be apparent to non force sensitives," Windu replied, "In fact I have the Jedi in mind already."

"I would have it no other way." Salomon replied and briefly stared at Colton. As if to say Get it together we're still on the job.

"And as for Kamino?" Windu asked, "Seeing as how everything leads back to them."

"If we could get something tangible like a record of payments it could reveal just what we need to put everything together." Said Colton getting a grip on himself, "When in doubt follow the money."

"If the Kaminoans are involved in a conspiracy they'll be suspicious. A considering what you have told me. They are, we will need to be discreet."

"If we get someone to hack their computers." Colton began, "We just need to slip the operative in."

"I can arrange that, Master Shaak Ti is assigned to the planet to oversee training. Your hacker can be sent under the disguise as an army officer about to be assigned to my personal legion. And that leaves Dooku and by extension his council who we have been hunting through out the war. Figures like Nute gunray they'll have invaluable intelligence."

"We combine resources to work harder to track them down and capture them. A little taskforceto track them down." Colton said realizing the seperatist council was an asset to track down in any case and point.

"And Director Zey will oversee its actions," Windu said as a matter of fact instead of as an option. As in if we're going to work together that will happen.

"If Mr Dao stays behind we can introduce him with the Jedi I have in mind to assist with the murder investigation."

"He will." Salomon Dao replied.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Colton replied and extended his hand outwards to shake, "To uncovering the galaxy's secrets."

Windu said nothing as he firmly shook the man's hand. Colton however made careful not to never under any circumstances lie directly to a jedi. He hardly understood their powers, his few encounters had suggested it was physical. Having incredible reflexes and strengths. But it seemed they were also mental, maybe it had something to do with their nervous system. He wasn't sure but the less and less he seemed to know about the force seemed to frighten him.

"I've another appointment to make concerning this issue. So I'll leave Dao here and get back to me once you've formed the strike team to capture Maul. I look forward to our continued cooperation." Colton said concluding the meeting.

Salomon nodded as Colton walked out of the council chambers. The man would unearth something that would hopefully be of great use. He was very detailed and very honest. Salomon Dao appeared on ONI's radar when he uncovered a corruption scheme within his own police department. One that stretched into the deep pockets of politicians all across Earth, involved numerous criminal syndicates stretching all the way to Tatooine. And actually involved UNSC personnel as well. It was an elaborate scheme in which Terrans were being sold in outerim slave markets. And it had been occurring for eight years unabated. Until Salomon noticed a small discrepancy on his police station's finances of one dollars that in reality had disappeared to pay off a hitman to remove another officer who asked too many questions. That said he was also careful not tipping off his station chief to what he was doing. And slowly but surely as follows, the whole scheme was unraveled and ended up reported to the ministry of justice. So Colton had complete faith in the man's ability to operate independently and knew when the next met the man would have something.

Colton drove himself to his next meeting. Careful not to look down and doing his absolute best to not think about the fact he was in a floating vehicle. His miserable little flight came to an end as he pulled in front of a bar on level 1313. He'd since ditched his military uniform. That kind of thing could get him killed down here. Instead he wore a dark black jacket, sunglasses, a bullet belt wrapped around his chest, black gloves, and boots. He also brandished a magnum in a holster that hung in the jacket beneath his right arm. If anyone asked, he was a Terran bounty hunter. Only his contact knew his real identity.

He entered the bar and removed the sunglasses as he spotted a seat in the corner. As he sat down a waitress swept by. A green Twi'lek that went by Ula.

"Just the usual Ula," He said as he eased back.

She nodded and left to put in the order. About one minute later the door swished open. A man clad from head to toe in sand gold beskar mandalorian armor. His face hidden behind that characteristic and yet expressionless T shaped visor mandalorian helmet had. He gazed over at Colton, as Ula brought over his beer.

"Kal, how've you been?" Colton asked motioning for him to sit.

The mandalorian mercenary said nothing as he took a seat. He waved Ula off when she came back. He was here strictly for business. Usually he was a bit more social.

"Where's Mereel?" He said immediately.

"Alive at the consulate," Replied Colton, "You can go see him."

"Wouldn't that be problematic for you? Then people would know you have a mole in Republic Special forces."

Colton shrugged, seemingly not caring if that happened. Maybe he should have but in truth he had many moles.

"Speaking of which, where's my credits?"

"Credits? you haven't brought me anything."

"I brought you Mereel and I know whatever he found out was valuable to you."

"Right," Colton responded and took out his own wallet, "You take cash or credit?"

"Do you mean to tell me you didn't plan to pay for anything today?"

Usually Colton showed up with a suitcase full of credits provided by ONI. However today he figured Kal wouldn't have sought payment having rescued one of his adopted sons.

"And you better write a damn check none of your Terran credit cards are accepted outside of Terran space," Kal replied, "Now why are we talking today. Or more specifically what's you want."

"Ya know you're the most aggressive contact I ever had. Most of them seem to like getting paid to rat on people they don't like. Whereas I almost get the feeling you somehow despise me."

"Yeah well I'm built different," Kal replied, "Now what'd you want?"

"Right was Mereel able to reveal to you exactly what's going on."

"Yeah the wars bantha but I already knew that."

"So you knew this was all just a ploy for the Chancellor to seize absolute power."

"And I don't care. Nor do I care even if he kills all the Jedi."

"But you do care about the clones," Colton said, "Now my people know a thing or two about autocratic dick heads because well our histories are riddled with them. The clones will serve their purpose and the absolute second he no longer needs them he'll kill 'em."

"He'll always need soldiers."

"Yes but not clones. Clones are expensive to create. Clones are expensive to maintain. Clones age faster. Clones give people like the Kaminoans influence. But volunteers and conscripts you can get for a dime a dozen. You can mold into good soldiers and you can use them to fulfill the same purpose for a fraction of the cost. And through indoctrination endure they're loyal to you."

"Then why build them in the first place?"

"Because he needed something he could use to kill the Jedi and fight the war. The Republic before the clone wars was pro Jedi and lacked a centralized military. And even now the Jedi aren't hated enough that he could order a complete purge of them, with certainty that every planetary PDFs will do it. The clones on the other hand with the inhibitor chips guarantees it. The clones were his standing army when one didn't exist. They were very useful and will cease to be useful once Palpatine finishes his plot."

"And why wouldn't he get them a retirement, surely you don't want disgruntled soldiers."

"Because that costs money and resources. No, instead he'll chuck 'em at a bunch of war fronts bound to form the absolute second he refuses to step down after the clone wars ends. And then he'll work the clones to death and replace them with conscripts and volunteers."

"You don't know that for sure."

"You really think someone who engineered a galactic war that's killed billions has a heart for anyone other than himself? You really want to trust a man like that with the lives of the clones."

Kal went silent as he thought about it. He clearly didn't want to admit it but he had to know Colton was right. He was too smart to seriously believe Palpatine wouldn't dump the clones the absolute second they were no longer useful to him and became more burdensome. In general it always baffled Colton the Republic didn't have a non clone military before. It may have been the Terran in him. But it seemed the Republic was asking for trouble by refusing to even maintain a small professional fighting force. How could they even chase pirates with out at least a single cruiser. Then he realized there was a serious pirate problem in the Galaxy for a reason. Maybe they'd learn.

"And what exactly are you trying to get me to do?"

"It's simple, ONI wants to build a military junta for which it can effectively use to destroy the CIS and defend Terran interests…….."

"Why didn't you start with that," Kal said, "You know how much joy it would bring me personally to put the entire core under the strong firm hand of a military dictator!"

"Wow wow wow don't say it too loud now. And it would only be temporary, only lasting until there aren't any security threats to my people. We really wouldn't have much interest in maintaining the junta once the CIS is defunct, at which point they'd take a hint and step down for their own safety. And I need more intel before asking people to join the junta. Can you tell me more about who ordered it and how Jango was actually chosen."

"Jango was secretive about it. But I highly doubt it was the Kaminoans that hired him. They wouldn't know where to look for a skilled soldier. It had to be someone else who's got the mindset of a killer," Skirata admitted, "Find his kid, Boba he might know more."

"Well damn," Said Colton, "I was hoping you'd have something more concrete. I'm not going to lie. Do you at least know where I can find Boba."

"I'll have my boys look into it. And he's a bounty hunter so yeah I'll find him. Anything else."

"Yeah you got influence over the clone commandos. I need you to convince them that the juntas a good idea. And start talking into Zey's ear before I meet him."

"Zey, he hates me."

"Fine talk into General Murkan's ear and then have her talk into Zey's ear."

"There you go, and by the way remember my request in regard to her."

"Yeah yeah yeah, I got her and her clone lover a real nice place up in the Italian Alps."

"Italian Alps? You talk as if I've been to your home world?"

"Well the Italian Alps are a real beautiful place. You probably wouldn't like it but…"

"It's a good safe place for a kid. Well that's all I need to know."

Colton nodded Kal Skirata cared for his men better than Colton's own father had ever even cared for him. Made him admire and respect the man a great deal. It was tough living in the galaxy believing no one cared about you. That said he had trained some of the most effective special forces and intelligence operatives in the Galaxy. And they were loyal to him. Kal may have been a mercenary not technically affiliated with the Republic but he still wielded a little power. Hell the guy lobbied republic politicians. Far from a king maker or a whip but he was certainly a man who could get things done.

"Kal, your boys the Nulls,they locate the Seperatist council. If they did and we could capture them might just give me the intel I need."

"They're working on it,"Kal replied, "However, how's ONI not found them? I thought you guys had eyes everywhere."

"Kal," Colton said, "You're a part of those eyes. And besides until recently this little thing was a sideshow to them. They were far more concerned tracking down and eliminating covenant splinters. So the amount of resources at my fingertips is going to increase, substantially."

"So you can pay me more and pay all my boys for their services," Kal responded, "Good to hear." Saying he wasn't going to negotiate and if they were going to keep working together. The man truly was a mercenary.

"Should've seen that one coming,"Colton admitted, "But if I had to guess they're going to send more specialists. I mean my new overseer, specialized in tracking down and killing high value targets among other things."

"If that's the case I suppose we could work together. The seps seem to be good at keeping the location of their little shadow council hidden. But I'll have you know Mereel's easily one of my best men. If you keep him in the consulate you're depriving us of an asset. He's a clone just have him ditch the armor, he's already removed the damn chip, and make sure his hair cut is military standard and no one's going to recognize him."

Colton went silent. He pondered the thought, keeping an effective agent off the field wasn't ideal. And he knew that it was likely Palpatine would look for him. After all, Colton wouldn't let his guys up until the located and eliminated a possible leak. Which could lead Palpaine to the consulate so maybe it was better to send Mereel off world to gather intelligence.

"Think he can find Gunray, the guy behind the Naboo crisis?" Colton asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Consider him already found," Skirata replied as he leaned back and relaxed in his seat.

Colton nodded, "Alright I gotta go pick up my new overseer from the airport."

"What? They don't trust you anymore?" Skirata asked.

"ONI doesn't trust anyone including ONI."

Skirata chuckled. Then they shook hands and went their separate ways.

Colton waited at the spaceport with his arms folded. It was busy that day. Lovers reuniting, children screaming, and one Rodian was terribly late for his flight and raged as he watched the cruiser live with out him. He saw Marcell at one pm sharp.

The ONI hit man appeared in a bright Hawaiian shirt. Flowers scattered about over tan shorts. He smiled as he approached. A flat cap casted a shadow over his bright green eyes and smile. Marcel was tall and broader than most stood about 6 feet. A whole foot taller than Colton. He was built tough like and looked like he could kill a man by flicking him. He may have looked like just some easy go lucky tourist out here on vacation. But Agent Marcell was a skilled and refined killer. His files were usually kept in black ink. No one knew where ONI recruited him from, the details of his training, or even his last name. But some of his exploits were known agency-wide. He'd killed countless high value targets though to be impossible to find or noted for their own individual lethality. Marcell had also been nicknamed 'the mechanic' for managing to fix other people's screw ups. He was quick,sharp, cold, and calculating. The tourist that appeared in the space port was a facade covering up the killer inside.

Next to him walked an olive toned woman with dark black hair she let sink down. She wore sunglasses and lacked any expression on her face whatsoever. She was about the same height. Yet her muscles were certainly bigger and broader. Spartans. Colton thought to himself. Was Marcell a Spartan 2 or 3? That would explain why no record of his origin existed. ONi to this day refused to give any details on the identities on the men and women who beat the covenant. It made people ask questions. Colton focused in back on the woman next to Marcell. Her expressionless face, she wore a tailored jacket, colored dark blue. Even had a tie. Looked very much like a body guard. But Marcell seriously doubted she was merely a bodyguard. He always theorized Agent Marcell had a partner. For instance he'd read about an instance the man was assigned to kill a rogue Spartan two. The amount of bullets and stab wounds in the man's corpse suggested it couldn't have been one person. Of course how Marcell did it was kept under lock and key. ONI seemingly just wanted the rest of the Agency to know he'd done it. As if to suggest if you try and do something we don't like, Marcell will come knocking. Yet, killing a Spartan wasn't simple, sending at least two genetically enhanced agents to handle it seemed smarter then risking a one on one fight. So it was safe to assume whoever the woman was, she was just as if not more deadly than Agent Marcell.

Marcell approached, still smiling. "You're Colton?" He asked as he extended his hand to shake and smiled. His voice was pleasant and welcoming even.

"I'm Colton." The Major replied with his own smile and nod as he shook the man's hand. He was sure his hand must have felt like puddy in the Spartan's own hand.

"Show me and my bodyguard here too our car. We've come a very long way to do business and we'd like to rest first."

Colton nodded his cover and seemed to be a merchant here to make deals. "Right this way." That would make it easy for him to justify why he was talking with anyone. He was making business deals. A player in the game of intergalactic trade.

As soon as they were in the speeder he saw Marcell's true face. The man's eyes narrowed and his smile disappeared for a straight serious look. For a moment Colton wasn't sure if the man was going to kill him. Maybe he'd fucked up some how and ONI was going to cover it up and turn over all of his asses to Marcell.

"Major Martel you've got a good record," He began his voice cold, "Served in the Rangers and helped pacify the insurrectionists on Ishtar some nasty fighting I heard." He smiled a bit at last part. He looked over briefly implying he wanted a comment from Colton on what happened there.

"Yeah it was," Colton said, not exactly thrilled about being brought back up, "They used to joke 'want to kill someone' get the army to send to Ishtar where even the supply guys average a kill a day."

"Don't have to join the army for that," Marcell said with a chuckle, "Regardless you were Delta Six after that. They called you the COIN God. Said you'd set your foot on the planet, the insurgents disappeared."

"People exaggerate," He brushed it off, "ONI could have gotten it done with out me." And he was being honest. His time on Delta Six while interesting he spent most of it subordinate to someone else. Sure he had operational freedom but he simply made other people's plans and Agendas work. He didn't come up with any of it.

"Yet you're noted for a lack of collateral damage. Usually civs get killed in these things. Yet you keep the violence limited." Marcell said continuing his analysis of the Major's career.

"I still got dirty," Colton snapped, "You know what you have to do to catch insurgents."

"Major I, your overseer just gave you a compliment. Don't sound so offended," He said and laughed a little, "I admired your precision and the attention to detail you used on insurgents. The fact you also didn't just use violence. You really managed to convince people the UNSC were the good guys and the insurgents were bandits, and no matter how much I read about it I'm still trying to figure out how. Once you even managed to do this on a Sangheili colony. How the fuck did you manage that?"

"There a point to this?" Colton asked, wanting to move on. He didn't like lingering on the past longer then absolutely necessary. He also didn't like receiving more credit then he felt himself due. There was a Spartan two on the Sangheili op who'd fought next to them during the battle of Earth after the schism. That man had played a larger role than Colton in fostering relationships productive for hunting insurgents. He deserved more credit, however his identity was kept under wraps.

"Your latest work. ONI has you running paramilitary operations against the CIS and expanding our sphere of influence. You build, fund, organize, train, and lead SOFs raised from all sorts of funny little planets enveloped in the clone wars. You made yourself a little irregular Generalissimo. And ONI sees this whole 25 regime changes as your crowning achievement all the while coordinating irregular operations across the Galaxy," Marcell said quite dryly even rolling his eyes, "They speak so highly of how you put the Syndulla's incharge of Ryloth and scored us an ally. They speak of how you caused a revolution on Rodia and scored us a base. They talk endlessly about Jabiim and Onderon. And on and on and on." He really rolled his eyes and sounded bored.

"You don't sound too impressed."

"That's cause I'm not. Your Delta Six career was nothing short of incredible. Such focus, precision, detail, creativity and even passion. God you were an artist."

"And what am I know."

"A fucking bureaucrat, don't anything yourself really. You got an ODST doing all the tactical stuff. You got an ex cop doing all the actual intelligence gathering ops. So caught up in the big picture you can't appreciate the little acts anymore. You make deals, sign papers, assign tasks, and yes admittedly you still do strategy but that's all you really do anymore. And your plans, they come in one shade now. You've done the same thing twenty five times."

"Is that going to be a problem?" Colton said briefly, staring at Marcell and raising an eyebrow before turning his eyes back towards the speeder way.

"You get results and that's all ONI cares about. And I don't know anything about fucking regime changes. I just shoot people and call it good. So I'm going to be hands off unless I feel things are going to crumble and quick decisive and probably violent action needs to be taken. Of course I want to access everything you've set up. Contacts, plans, and I'll sit in when you're doing things. Just so I can keep ONI well informed on what's going on and what I think. Also they want me to write a memorandum about anything you need."

"Sounds reasonable enough." Colton admitted.

"Good then you can start by walking me through your plan to overthrow Chancellor Palpatine."

Colton went silent as he hadn't exactly formed a completely step by step process. He did however already have a strategy and a proven method. Inspite of the fact that Marcell found the twenty past regime changes as "boring" there was a proven process that could be adapted to a larger scale.

"We'll first I have to drum up support," Colton began, "The Jedi never really trusted the Chancellor. They also wield a good degree of military power and authority. Specific there's this one I know named Rham Kota who I'd say actually resents the chancellor. Then I need to prove to the people Palpatine's ascent to power is less than legitimate. Which I have my best man gathering evidence on. Once that information leaks the anti Palpatine factions already in existence will get louder. In fact I plan to meet with senators I know of to get that ball rolling. From there I can get him in a situation where he's asked to step down. Once that happens he'll refuse and then a coup can take place. The Jedi will then assume emergency "temporal" authority. Which we can use to track down and eliminate all of Palpatine's followers. Once that's completed we can easily move pro UNSC politicians into power."

"And the CIS. If he's coordinating the war from two sides then the CIS also has to be dealt with. From the looks of it they hold a massive industrial advantage over the Republic. And they have been holding back and I suspect that proves Palpatine is manipulating both sides. But you kill him and Dooku might make the CIS his main play. Then we're in trouble because we know Dooku sees the UNSC as a threat. We've been engaging in proxy actions with CIS intelligence I just came back from killing one of their generals. And Dooku isn't dumb enough to not figure out we orchestrated a coup. He'll turn his military wait against us the second he's blitzkrieged the Republic from space. And our jobs to ensure no war happens. Basically there's no point in your coup if we just get directly and militarily involved in a general war anyways. So Major how are you going to deal with the CIS?"

He froze, Colton actually hadn't thought about it. He assumed they could just use the GAR as a proxy to wage war against the UNSC. But the problem became the Republic couldn't win a conventional conflict against the CIS.

"Well the Republic has to be stronger. Which we can do, we can build up a stronger military force."

"But that'll take time Major. Dooku isn't going to remain idle while we turn planetary militia onto fully professionalized, well trained, and well equipped forces."

"I've got paramilitaries on operations across the outer rim. Get them deeper into CIS territory to start some guerrilla conflicts. After all the CIS's own civilian population will retaliate when they find out Dooku's a farce."

"But the real power in the CIS is the mega corporations. They'll pacify the guerrillas with ease with out significant support."

"We don't need the guerrillas to win just to buy us time."

"And will they buy us enough?"

"What if we insert Delta Six teams,ODSTs and even loop in Spartan fire teams to act as force multipliers and keep the CIS occupied."

"ONI already decided to attach detachment X Ray to our little group, it's a little company of Spartans specializing in surgical strikes. They're leader, a Spartan two, selected them from humans he led during the battle of Earth, they'll prove useful. I can request more support and you'll get it so that might just be feasible. But one last thing?"

"That would be?"

"It's really the matter of the coup. Have you really considered what overthrowing a Galaxy scale government entails. We aren't dealing with a single government but a governing body over thousands of smaller governments each with their own interests, customs, and even ideologies. Planets could resist for no shortage of reasons.What are you going to do to prevent splinter factions from cropping up?"

"Well it's as I said it's absolutely key Palpatine comes off as the big threat before the coup. As long as we can sell the idea the Jedi are defending the Democratic process against someone whose eroding the Galactic republic, it will remain intact. The worlds who remained in the Galactic republic value stability, law, order, and adherence to the galactic constitution. If we can get them to view our moves aligned with those things the odds of serious splinters goes down. But nothings with out risks. I acknowledge the worst case scenarios are the CIS wins, we fail to remove Palpatine, and or the Galactic Republic fragments rejecting the legitimacy of the Jedi coup and we get a bunch of rogue states that could do well anything."

Marcell didn't say anything and for a moment Colton was seriously worried he might reject the plan. The man instead nodded while still looking forward.

"There's no such thing as a perfect plan. There's also little chance of a plan involving more then two steps going perfectly in fact the more steps you've got the greater the risk for turmoil exists and you'll need to adjust." He began, "My issue is your plan sounds very complicated. With many moving parts some of which you haven't even really thought about," Marcell continued, "But I can't think of a simple and concise way to get this done. But Major take my advice and heed it, do not assume you'll win or your plan will work until it's done. Because I really believe odds are we're going to find ourselves in a shit storm at most a quarter of the way through."

Colton said nothing kept staring forward as he drove. So far he wasn't sure what to think about Marcell. The man acknowledged he knew nothing about irregular warfare, regime changes, or insurgencies. And yet had a lot to say in regards to how Colton planned to get it done. What could he possibly know? Colton had been responsible for twenty five successful regime changes out here. Their were worlds in each rim that left the CIS and formed military alliances with the UNSC cause of him. Their were numerous anti CIS para militaries embedded deep behind enemy lines acting as saboteurs, guerrillas, assassins, and spies because of Colton Martel. He was damn good at his job and knew what he was doing. That said Marcell hadn't shot the plan down even if he had his doubts. And it seemed he would file a request. Though he wished Marcell would be more like the bodyguard, quite.

They arrived at the consulate entering the building. Marines posted on security duty saluted as they entered. Marcell looked around the building.

"Your friend, she ever talk?" Colton asked as they approached his office. He eyed the woman who hadn't said a single word.

"When she wants to," Marcell replied.

She looked at Colton for a biref moment seemingly about to say something. Then staired forward again deciding against it. Marcell shrugged as he simply opened his office doors. As the door swished by he flinched seeing a full plated Spartan Two warrior. He had a bold and brave looking Mark V helmet over his head. A fierce aggressive soldier varian tcombat harness covering his chest. He through a knife up in the air watchined spin before snatching it out of the air by the handle as he was seemingly waiting. Two other Spartans flanked him both in airborne armor complete with helmets.

"Ah, Major, was wondering when you'd get in. The COnsulate General said you'd be back soon before she left. Didn't think soon meant several hours," The Spartan spoke as he stood up.

The door swished shut behind Colton. The Spartan walked over and extended his big armored hand out to shake. It was an absolutely intimidating sight.

"Look I don't mean to look meanicning. However they had us make an emergency stop before getting here and didn't have time to change." He said, "Names Roman 161. Captain of Detachment X Ray. We were told you might require Spartan assistance in this little scheme you're cooncoting."

Colton wanted to ask how they got into the Consulate. The security plan Emira made for it was near impecable. But they were Spratans. Nothing could stop them. It was then it dawned on him he was in a room of Spartans. All of them could kill him with a simple flick of a finger. He was the weakest individual in the room. ONI never recommended him for any form of genetic engineering. And he'd never asked didn't think it necessary for his work. But now he felt almost insecure.

"You were here," Began Marcell, "If anything goes wrong to act as a QRF. That's what the official report from ONI read. However me and the Major had a chat. He might have more use for you."

"I hope so," Roman 161 said.

Colton nodded, "Right, I'm arranging some activities that require how should we say, kinetic force, you'll probably find that worth your while."

"Will we ever," Roman replied, "Just tell us what to shoot and we'll shoot it."

"Good to know. Your men they're fours don't they need-"

"We brought our own support staff. But housing is something we'll have to arrange. After all i don't really think we're going to be able stay cramped up in the Consulate."

Colton nodded, "I'll make arrangements."

Roman nodded, "Good, call me when you need me. I just wanted to introduce myself and my team. If you excuse me I'm going to check on the rest of my men. Make sure they're behaving themselves. Told them they could go to a local bar on ONI's tab."

Colton almost laughed as the detachment Xray operators walked out of the room. He'd read a little about their exploits. They did sabotage, counter terrorism, and direct action in politically sensitive environments. Not all of their exploits were kept under wraps like Marcell's. In fact most of their counter terror operations were declassified months after happening. No one took issue with dead terrorists. That said the existence of the detachment was denied. Usually the declassified document would only said Spartans neutralized the target. From that however Colton knew they could be exceedingly useful. Especially in tracking down and apprehending targets suspected of having vital information.

Non the less he went over to his desk pressed in a code and a compartment slid open. He reached in and took out a dossier he had compiled with all the vital information on the operation. He held out to Marcell having originally prepared it for Octavian Grey. But now that Marcell would be handling interactions between the two it was for him. Marcell nodded his head as he took the dossier.

"Do you need me to get you an office space or something?" Colton asked, realizing he had no idea where the man was staying.

"I'll handle that part myself. Call me before meeting your next contact, so I can meet them as well."

"Will do," Colton said and nodded his head.

With that Marcell and his 'bodyguard' walked out of the room. Colton was left alone as the door shut and he sank into his office chair. He folded his hands as he thought about the operation. And all of a sudden something crept into his mind an eerie feeling about the whole thing, doubt.

In general this chapter was a pain to write. And in general I knew what it needed to, set up all the major story arcs, but I kept rewriting it and progressively hating the drafts. It was holding back progress on the rest of the fic so I settled on this version. That said any and all feed back on it is always appreciated.