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Atop the spire of the Jedi Temple was the Council Chamber, a circular room dominated by a semi-circle of chairs set against the curved window which showed a panoramic view of the Coruscant skyline, lines of airspeeders, transports and shuttles travelling the cross-crossing skylanes. Standing in front of the window was Master Yoda, a diminutive green humanoid with large ears, dressed in a simple tunic and trousers, his lightsaber attached to his belt.

'Master Yoda?'

Turning away from the window, Master Yoda saw Master Windu, a tall, dark-skinned human with a shaved head entering the Council Chamber.

'The Senate has returned a vote of no-confidence in Chancellor Valorum. Senator Palpatine will likely be sworn in within the hour...'

'Troubling, this is...' Master Yoda said, turning back to the window. 'Vigilant, we must be...'

############

Hunter opened his eyes as he felt the faint jolt that signalled their reversion to real-space. Dark-haired with a red bandana, the left side of his face was marked with black face paint and, like the other three seated around him, he was dressed in dark grey Katarn armour with red flashes. Next to him sat Crosshair, thin faced with grey hair, a stylised targeting reticle tattooed over his left eye and on the visor of his helmet, while opposite him were Wrecker and Echo. Broad-shouldered and clean-shaven, Wrecker's left eye was milky-white, while Echo bore a cybernetic neural augment around the back of his skull and a prosthetic right arm, the result of injuries sustained on Lola Sayu. Despite their different appearances, they were all clone soldiers created on Kamino as part of the Grand Army of the Republic. However, unlike their 'regular' brothers, they had each developed unique mutations or enhancements that the Kaminoans had deemed useful. Crosshair, with his visual acuity and intense focus, was a superb sniper and marksman. Wrecker's dense musculature made him stronger than any trooper, while Echo's cybernetic enhancements enabled him to interface directly with computer systems. As for himself, Hunter had enhanced senses that let him detect electromagnetic frequencies, especially those generated by droids. Releasing his restraint harness, Echo made his way forward to the Marauder's cockpit, dropping into the co-pilot seat next to Tech. Slightly less muscular than the 'regs', he had brown hair and strong cheekbones and wore yellow-tinted goggles. Highly intelligent, there seemed to be no limits to Tech's talents, especially when it came to anything technical.

'We're approaching Kamino,' Tech said and Hunter activated the comm.

'Republic Transport Omicron-99 on approach to Tipoca City. ETA five minutes. Requesting landing clearance...'

'Acknowledged, Omicron-99. Clearance granted for Landing Platform 3A...'

############

Commander Cody stood waiting on the landing platform, helmet tucked under one arm, his armour bearing the distinctive yellow flashes of his rank. As he watched, the Havoc Marauder came into view, her wings swinging up as she settled into land. With a hiss, the ramp lowered and Clone Force 99 descended, removing their helmets as they approached.

'Welcome back, sergeant,' Cody said, acknowledging Hunter's salute. 'Good job on Saleucami...'

'All in a day's work, sir...' Hunter said, as the squad filed past him and he moved to follow them.

'Hold on,' Cody said. 'I need to brief you on something. Chancellor Valorum has been deposed with a vote of no-confidence and Chancellor Palpatine has been sworn in as his successor. He'll be addressing the Republic at 1300. Hit the 'freshers and report to the Parade Ground at 1255 in full armour. Dismissed...'

############

'You know what I miss when we're on missions?' Wrecker asked as he sat down at the Mess table, placing two fully laden trays in front of him. 'Real food...'

'Don't we know it,' Hunter muttered, throwing him a bread roll. 'Tech, what do you know about this new Chancellor...?'

'You've had 20 minutes,' Echo added. 'You must be onto whether he has any speeding tickets by now...'

'Actually, there's not much to tell. He is...was Senator from Naboo with a reputation for taking a...firm line on stability and internal security. He was also one of the driving forces behind the creation of the GAR...'

'Thanks, Tech,' Hunter said, looking up as he spotted two 'regs' approaching, one of them turning to nudge the other in the ribs.

'Hey, Aitch, it's the mad batch...'

'You got something to say?' Wrecker demanded and the clone turned towards him.

'Not to defects,' he said and Wrecker stood up, slamming his fists onto the table.

'Say that again. I dare ya...'

'Stand down,' Hunter barked, turning to the 'regs'. 'I suggest you boys keep moving. Understood...?'

'Come on, Sixer,' Aitch said. 'We've got better things to do...'

Hunter watched them walk away, taking their seats at the table the other end of the Mess Hall.

'Kriffing 'regs',' Crosshair muttered as Hunter sat down.

'Forget 'em, boys. And eat up. 55 minutes until we need to report to the Parade Ground...'

############

At 1259, the Bad Batch stood at attention on the Parade Ground between two companies of the 501st, five grey figures amidst a sea of white armour. Above them, the holoprojector flickered to life, resolving into an image of Chancellor Palpatine, his thinning grey hair and somber purple and black robes giving him the air of an elder statesman.

'Citizens and fellow members of the Republic,' he said, 'it is with a heavy heart that I accept the Office of Supreme Chancellor in these unsettled times. The continued unrest in the Mid and Outer Rims has grown too widespread for the Jedi and the Judicial Department to effectively deal with. The recent piracy and attacks on Republic shipping, the increase in smuggling and the growth of the black market, the blockade of Malastare and the uprisings on Shu-Turon are only the latest indications of the growing threats to the Republic. To protect the stability and security that we have built over the last 25,000 years, the Grand Army will be redeployed through the Mid and Outer Rims to restore order. These measures, while taken reluctantly, are necessary to ensure the prosperity of the Republic. A strong and growing military will strengthen the rule of law and ensure that our most cherished beliefs will be safeguarded. These will be trying times, but I am confident that the Republic will emerge stronger. A new era of hope and prosperity begins today...'

############

Returning to their barracks, Hunter, Echo and Tech sat down at the table in the centre of the room, while Wrecker slumped down onto a stack of crates, picking up his Lulu doll. Crosshair lay down on his bunk, staring at the ceiling, like he usually did when he was thinking. Tech was already busying himself with the remote sensor drone that he was modifying while Echo grabbed a protein bar from an open mess tin, Hunter pulling out his knife and running his finger along the blade.

'So, what are we now?' Wrecker asked. 'Security guards or cops or what...?'

'The blockade of Malastare effectively crippled trade across the Dustig Sector and the Uprising on Shu-Torun almost cost the Republic it's principal supply of certain rare ores and key minerals...'

'We understand the significance,' Echo said. 'But, Wrecker's right, it doesn't seem like real soldiering...'

'Good soldier follow orders,' Crosshair said, without looking round from his bunk.

'Our enemies are changing, but we've still got a job to do,' Hunter said, just as his comlink crackled.

'Sergeant Hunter, report to the Tactical Operations Centre...'

############

'Reporting as ordered, sir,' Hunter said, stopping at attention in front of Commander Cody.

'We've received a request for assistance from Republic Intelligence,' Cody said, handing him a datapad. 'One of their Agents on Jalarren has requested military support...'

'What was his mission, sir?'

'He was investigating a mercenary band that has been raiding shipping in the Senex Sector. All the intelligence data, plus details of the rendezvous are on the datapad...'

'We'll be ready to leave within the hour, sir...'

############

'Listen up,' Hunter said, as he returned to the barracks. 'We've got a mission to assist a Republic Intelligence agent on Jalarren. Tech, Wrecker, prepare the Marauder. Echo, Crosshair, we'll restock gear and ordinance. Ramp's up in an hour...'

'That's the last of the supplies loaded,' Wrecker called, depositing the last crate on the deck and securing it with the safety netting. 'I'm going to get something to eat. You coming...?' He asked, glancing over at Tech, who was hunched over the cockpit console.

'In a few minutes. I just want to finish calibrating the navigational sensors...'

'Suit yourself...'

############

Crosshair finished wiping the barrel of his long blaster, slotting it back into place and sighting up as Hunter and Echo emerged from the armoury, each carrying an ammo crate, placing them on the table. Echo opened his crate, pulling out a DC-16 pistol, before sliding the crate over to Crosshair, who selected a cartridge, weighing it up in his hand and clipping it to his belt.

'Republic Intelligence always turns to the GAR when things get tough...' He muttered.

'Are you complaining?' Echo asked. 'I thought good soldiers followed orders...'

'They do. It doesn't mean they have to like it...'

############

'Brought you some food,' Wrecker said, placing a tray with two ration tins on the console next to Tech.

'Thank you,' Tech said, reaching out without looking round to grab a protein bar as Hunter, Echo and Crosshair boarded the Marauder.

'We ready to go, Tech...?'

'Just a few more minor adjustments to make...'

'Alright. Stow your gear and strap in...'

############

'Hyperspace entry complete,' Tech said, sitting back from the console and turning to Hunter. 'Arrival at Jalarren is approximately 2 hours...'

'Alright,' Hunter said, pulling out a holoprojector as Echo, Crosshair and Wrecker squeezed into the cockpit. Placing the holoprojector on the console, Hunter activated it to display an image of a human male in the dark grey uniform of Republic Intelligence, his light brown hair so short that Hunter doubted it was an millimetre longer than regulation length.

'This is Agent Kallus, Republic Intelligence. He's tracking a mercenary group that's been raiding shipping in the Senex Sector.'

He pressed another button on the holoprojector and the image changed to show a Bothan male with greying fur. Underneath him were four smaller images of a Twi'lek, a Devaronian and two humans.

'This is Huk Mur'arho,' he said, indicating the Bothan. 'He's wanted in three sectors for theft and smuggling. He was a small-time courier for the Hutts before he stole his shipment and went on the run. Presumably, he sold the shipment and used the money to recruit his current crew...'

'If he stole from the Hutts, then he's either pretty bold or very stupid...' Echo said and Hunter grunted.

'If he was stupid, he wouldn't have survived this long,' he said, indicating the Devaronian. 'This is Nuko Chok, a gun-for-hire. He's mostly kept a low profile, taking occasional jobs for the Hunter's guild. Next is Ecre J'Sani, a Twi'lek engineer from Ryloth with a short fuse. He's wanted for murder after he killed a Rodian in a bar brawl. Lastly, we have Evaramo Luconn and Casamy Sidfre. He's a slicer from the Core with a record of petty misdemeanours and she's a medic from the Outer Rim with ties to the Black Market.'

'What about Kallus?' Crosshair asked and Hunter shut down the holoprojector, folding his arms.

'His file is restricted...'

'When has that every stopped us?' Tech asked and Hunter gave him a thin-lipped grin.

'He's been a field operative for two years, recently gathering intelligence on the uprisings on Onderon and Lasan. He's also got a reputation for being a hard-liner. Anyway, that's it. Your briefing files are in your data pads. I want everyone familiar with the primary targets...'

############

'Reversion to real space complete,' Tech said. 'I've scrambled our transponder with a civilian registration...'

'This is Jalarren ATC to civilian transport IST-777452. Identify yourself and state your intentions...'

'Jalarren ATC, this is IST-777452,' Echo said. 'We're en-route from Kalgo to Port Evokk. Request landing clearance to refuel and resupply...'

'Acknowledged, IST- 777452. Clearance granted for Docking Bay 49.'

'Everyone strap in,' Tech said. 'The atmosphere looks a little turbulent...'

'I hate this part,' Wrecker said, gripping his restraining harness so tightly that his knuckles went white.

'Tech's never made a bad landing, yet...' Hunter began.

'I know,' Wrecker moaned. 'Just shut up, will you...?'

A faint shudder ran through the air frame and Wrecker squeezed his eyes shut.

'We've entered the atmosphere,' Tech reported. 'Landing in approximately...

'Shut up. Just shut up. Just tell me when we've landed...' Wrecker wailed as there was a faint jolt that they felt through their boots.

'We've landed,' Tech said, shutting down the engines and Wrecker released his death grip on his harness.

'Oh. Okay. I wasn't scared...'

'Right,' Hunter said, patting him on the shoulder plate. 'Crosshair, you and I will rendezvous with Kallus. Echo, monitor our comms in case we run into trouble. Wrecker, gear up in case we need extraction. Tech, see if you can access the local surveillance network...'

############

As he stepped down the Marauder's docking ramp, Hunter was greeted by the sharp tang of fuel vapour that made his nose itch. Both he and Crosshair wore loose ponchos that covered their armour, their helmets clipped to their backpacks in easy reach.

'Come on,' Hunter said. 'The rendezvous' in a Cantina near the western side of the spaceport...'

'Fine,' Crosshair said. 'Let's get this over with...'

Leaving the spaceport, they soon found themselves in the middle of a busy marketplace where the vendors were competing for their wares at the top of their voices and the air was filled with a tapestry of smells that ranged from appetisingly sweet or tantalisingly spicy to downright unpleasant.

'Why couldn't he just meet us at the ship?' Crosshair muttered as they passed a stall where the vendor was cooking something that Hunter tried to avoid looking at too closely. Whatever it was, it had too many legs for his comfort.

'He's a spook,' he replied, sidestepping as a Gran and a Mon Calamari lugged a grease-stained, carbon-scored crate onto a crude metal cart. 'Caution is second nature to these guys...'

'Paranoia is another word for it,' Crosshair retorted, just as a matronly-looked human shoved a basket of pale yellow and orange fruit under his nose.

'Fresh meilooruns. Two druggats each...'

'No, thank you, ma'am,' Hunter said, quickly, getting between her and Crosshair.

'Civillians,' Crosshair muttered as Hunter ushered him away.

############

Checking his blaster pistol, Hunter lead the way down the steps into the dimly lit interior of the Cantina. Through the gloom, he could just make out figures hunched over their drinks, talking in low voices or slumped on the bar, the Gran bartender pausing in wiping a glass to glare at them.

'Come on,' Hunter said, gesturing towards an empty booth at the back of the Cantina.

'Hey,' the bartender growled. 'I've got a business to run here. You want to stay, you buy a drink...'

'We're not thirsty,' Hunter said, pulling out two credit chips as he approached the bar. 'But, this is for your trouble...'

'I don't need no charity,' the Gran said, picking up a bottle and pouring two glasses of green liquor. 'Enjoy...'

'Thanks,' Hunter growled, grabbing the two glasses and joining Crosshair at the table. Sniffing it cautiously, he took a sip, grimacing as the harsh liquor hit the back of his throat.

'Here,' he said, pushing the other glass towards Crosshair. 'Drink up...'

'I'm not drinking that...'

'This is a Cantina. And we need to avoid attracting attention. Now, drink up. That's an order...'

'Fine,' Crosshair said, raising the glass to his lips. He was about to drink when he froze, his eyes flicking sideways. Hunter nodded slowly, reaching for his knife as a cloaked figure took the seat between them.

'You took your time,' he said, pushing back his hood.

'Agent Kallus,' Hunter said, softly, releasing the grip on his knife.

'Sorry to interrupt your drinks, but there's been a development. I'll brief you back at your ship...'

############

'Fall in' Hunter barked, as he and Kallus climbed the ramp into the Marauder. 'And listen up. We don't have a lot of time...'

'What's gone wrong?' Tech asked and Kallus glared at him.

'I've been monitoring the mercenary's communications. They've just received a new contract, which means they'll be leaving the planet in a few hours. We need to apprehend them before they can...'

'Is there a plan?' Echo asked. 'Or are we making this up as we go...?'

'Can it,' Hunter snapped. 'Echo, Tech, you'll take over the control tower and lock down the spaceport, preventing their ship from leaving. Crosshair, you'll provide sniper support and reconnaissance while me, Wrecker and Agent Kallus will deal with the mercenaries. And no lethal force unless absolutely necessary. Get your gear, we move out in ten minutes...'

############

Through the scope of his longblaster, Crosshair focused on the docking bay where the mercenary's battered, blocky transport was sitting with the ramp down.

Let's see...Mur'aho...Chok...J'Sani...Luconn...Sidfre...

'Hunter, all targets accounted for...'

'Acknowledged. Stand by. Tech, Echo, what's your status...?'

############

'We're outside the ATC tower,' Tech reported. 'Echo is overriding the door controls...'

'Stand by,' Echo hissed, Tech drawing his blaster pistols as the door ground open, revealing the Gran operator lounging in the chair next to his console.

'Hey, who're...' he began, before Tech's stun blast caught him in the chest, pitching him back over the console.

'Cha'hukt!'

Hearing the guttural shout, Echo turned to see a Weequay running towards them with a knife in one hand. Echo dodged backwards, the blade skating off his armour as he grabbed the Weequay's arm, taking him down with a shoulder throw. Before he could recover, he got him into a sleeper hold. The Weequay struggled for a few seconds, before going limp, Echo easing him to the ground, checking for a pulse.

'He's alive,' he said. 'I'll restrain these two, while you shut down the spaceport...'

'Acknowledged,' Tech said. 'Hunter, we're in and the tower is secure...'

############

'Republic Security,' Kallus said, stepping into the spaceport with his blaster drawn, flanked by Hunter and Wrecker. Luconn and Sidfre paused in the middle of carrying a cargo crate up the ramp, while Mur'aho, Chok and J'Sani froze where they stood. 'Get down on your knees with your hands behind your heads...'
'Take cover,' Hunter yelled, tackling Kallus as Chok drew his blaster, snapping off a shot that would have killed him had he not borne him to the ground. Raising his own blaster, Hunter snapped off a shot that struck Chok in shoulder, spinning him round while Kallus stunned Mur'aho. With a roar, Wrecker charged out of cover, blaster bolts sparking off his armour as he stunned Luconn and Sidfre.

'Freeze,' Kallus yelled, snapping off another shot as J' Sani ducked behind their ship, the bolt striking the hull above the ramp.

'Crosshair,' Hunter said. 'We've got a runner. Bring him down...'

############

With a theatrical sigh, Crosshair sighted up on J'Sani and pulled the trigger, watching dispassionately as the stun bolt struck him between his lekku, sending him stumbling into the wall where he lay still.

'Hunter,' he said, pressing his finger to the side of his helmet. 'Target down...'

############

Hunter and Kallus stood side by side, watching as Wrecker, Echo and Crosshair escorted the mercenaries up the ramp and into Kallus' ship.

'Republic dogs,' Chok snarled, craning his neck to look at them. 'You don't care about what happens to people outside the Core...'

'Keep moving,' Echo said, shoving him through the hatch into the cargo hold.

'Thank you for your help, sergeant,' Kallus said, turning to Hunter, who nodded.

'Just doing our jobs, sir...'

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed it. Any reviews, comments or constructive criticisms are very welcome.