-Chapter 10: Search and Destroy-
Location: Alderaan
"Life is a battlefield, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose."
Wraith and Scipio stood before the holographic form of Count Dooku, receiving a debrief for Wraith's next assignment. Between them stood the holographic image of the world of Alderaan. The newly promoted 'elite commando' was about to embark on his first mission to a Republic stronghold. This would be his first true foray deep into enemy territory and Count Dooku had some very specific perimeters for this mission.
"Alderaan is one of the more curious worlds. They have adopted a zero hostilities policy and are open to welcoming refugees from the various worlds engulfed by the Clone Wars. Senator Bail Organa, husband of the monarch Queen Breha Organa, is a staunch ally of Senator Amidala and is a very prominent Republic senator." Dooku explained.
"Sounds like a real Republic cesspool." Wraith growled.
"Indeed. Some would go so far as to say Alderaan is a model Republic world."
"Let me guess, you want me to liven things up with some Separatist fireworks." Wraith theorized.
"Not quite." Dooku replied. The image of the planet quickly shifted to the image of a young, well dressed, woman. "We've recieved word that Senator Padme Amidala of Naboo is planning on delivering some supplies to help out the numerous refugees flocking to the planet. Last we heard, Alderaan's refugee camps are full to overflowing." Scipio turned to Wraith, curious to his creation's thoughts.
"See where this is going, my boy?"
"There's a few different ways it could go." Wraith mused, crossing his arms. "But how about you tell me what you want me to do." He told Count Dooku.
"It's simple, really," the count began, "no doubt Senator Amidala will say a few words of hope and encouragement to try and cheer up the refugees. Your objectives are twofold: destroy the supplies and wound the senator." Wraith cocked his head in slight confusion.
"Wound? Not kill?" He inquired.
"I know you are capable of delivering a message with dead bodies. But this time, wounding a prestigious senator will more than likely instill the fear of the Separatists in the Republic." Dooku stated, making his suggestion quite clear.
"Consider it done." Wraith rumbled in reply. "I know a few ways to make blood fly without killing someone. They say the very sight of it is enough for some to faint."
"Exactly the point we are trying to prove. But torching the supplies will be the primary objective." Dooku stated.
"If I may, my lord," Scipio interjected, "with two rather clamorous events taking place simultaneously, it may prove a little difficult for Wraith to be in two places at once."
"You doubt me?" Wraith wondered, casting a sideways glance at the Pau'un.
"Far from it, my boy. But no even you can be in two places at once."
"I'm glad you think so, Doctor," Dooku chimed in, "and for this reason we have arranged for someone to accompany you, Wraith. A partner if you will." This news was certainly a surprise to Wraith. He'd worked for people... but never with them.
"Better be someone good. I don't want to play 'sitter' with them." Wraith growled.
"They are indeed." Dooku replied as the image before him changed into a tall pale woman, clad in an orange jumpsuit and sporting a mostly bald head, save for one large ponytail in the back. "Aurra Sing. Bounty hunter. But in this case, she shall be your teammate." Dooku stated. "You have several days before Senator Amidala arrives. Doctor, I hope you don't mind a houseguest for a few days." The count asked of Scipio.
"Arrangements can be made. I presume you plan on sending Aurra here?" The doctor asked.
"It would seem prudent that you both plan out your schemes together." Dooku replied, speaking to Wraith. "I shall keep you two updated as to Senator Amidala's plans as the day draws near. I trust you're competent in planning such a maneuver?"
"Just give me the schematics of the location. I'll do the rest." The super soldier replied. Dooku nodded before ending his communication.
"A bounty hunter." Scipio mused, stroking his chin. "I'll be honest, I never expected a 'team-up' mission. But that name... she sounds familiar."
"There was an assault on the Senate offices, spearheaded by a cadre of bounty hunters. She was supporting the operation by sniping senate guards from afar." Wraith recited, leaning back against the holotable and crossing his arms.
"That's right!" Scipio affirmed, snapping his fingers in remembrance. "They freed Ziro the Hutt."
"Right. And if I'm not mistaken, she's also responsible for a previous attempt on Amidala's life. But it was foiled by Skywalker's apprentice: Ahsoka Tano." That name. Wraith couldn't help but wonder if he'd see that young Togruta again. Out of all the Jedi he wanted a crack at, the duo of Skywalker and Tano were at the top of his list.
"Wasn't there something else? Something about an attempt on Mace Windu's life?" Scipio wondered.
"Believe so. Foiled by the incompetence of a rather unusual young Clone. Called himself 'Boba Fett'." Wraith affirmed. "Never send a kid to do an adult's job."
"I see. Glad you're memorizing those reports I gave you." Scipio commended him. "Well, it most certainly seems like Aurra's record is worthwhile."
"Let's see how much of a team player she is." Wraith grimly mused. "Or this might be her last contract."
True to Count Dooku's word, Aurra Sing arrived the next day. The tall, chalk-white shaded, near-human bounty hunter possessed an elegant grace amidst her deadly track record.
And her armament certainly defined her deadliness.
Twin blaster pistols were holstered along her waist, a slugthrower rifle was slung over her shoulder, twin thermal detonators adorning her belt... not to mention the odd-looking communication antenna jutting out of her head. Scipio was prompt in greeting her on the landing pad and escorting her to the central room where Wraith was reviewing the schematics for the location Senator Amidala was supposed to meet the refugees.
"So, this is where the magic happens." Aurra mused. "Quaint."
"It provides what we need, when we need it." Scipio replied. "Feel free to store your gear wherever you wish. Wraith is over at the holotable." He directed her.
"So I see." Aurra dropped her weapons next to Scipio's master console and made her way over to the Separatist commando. Her partner. "So, you're the guy the Republic is buzzing about." She mused in greeting. "They say you're a cold-blooded killer, some kind of savage beast."
"The Republic would use such terms." Wraith rumbled. "I prefer 'efficient'." He stated, turning around to face his new partner. Having been hunched over the table, Aurra didn't quite realize how tall Wraith actually was. Wraith, however, knew all Aurra's physical stats. She was only five-foot seven, while he was six feet tall.
"I guess that's one way of looking at it." She replied, cocking her hip. "You and I have some things in common."
"If relentless pursuit of completing the objective is one of them, then I suppose you're right." Wraith didn't believe he had much in common with this bounty hunter, apart from her own cold-blooded nature. Aurra glanced behind him to look at the holotable.
"Is that the layout?" She asked. Wraith turned and invited her to the table.
"Correct. Count Dooku sent the plans this morning." Wraith enlarged the plans for the depot on Alderaan where the supplies would be delivered. "Seems like Senator Amidala is going to keep the crates in a secure location before she distributes them to the refugees. I'm assuming she's going to proffer up some hopeful words about the war ending, the Republic winning and similar nonsense. We can strike during her speech, that way we'll have everyone focused on her while we go and sabotage things." He explained.
"Dooku said something about a two-fold objective." Aurra added, understanding the sabotage portion of the mission but not knowing the other.
"That's why you're here." Wraith nodded. "You're responsible for sabotaging the supplies. I'm responsible for spreading chaos and fear by attempting to assassinate the senator."
"Gotcha." Aurra nodded in understanding. "That means you'll be needing a rifle. Care to borrow mine?"
"Doctor Scipio has already acquired one for me to use." Their conversation was cut short when a beep echoed from the table, indicating there was a communication awaiting. Wraith quickly powered down the schematics and opened the broadcast. Count Dooku's holographic form appeared shortly after.
"Wraith, Aurra," the old man greeted them, "I trust you've been hard at work?"
"Blood-n-guts here was just filling me in on the objectives." Aurra explained. Under his helmet, Wraith raised an eyebrow. Blood-n-guts?
"Good. I have more information for you regarding your upcoming assignment." Dooku replied.
"We're listening."
"As it turns out, Senator Amidala won't be the only one making this trek. The other senator from Naboo, Jar Jar Binks, will be accompanying her. Likely as part of a show of unity."
"That Gungan buffoon?" Aurra rolled her eyes. "Pfft, no problem."
"He may be a fool, but his foolishness has been an aid more than once." Wraith countered. "Orders?"
"If the need arises, eliminate him." Dooku stated. "We can't allow anyone to reveal this plot until after it's happened. Not even him." Wraith nodded in understanding. Between him and Aurra, taking down Senator Binks would be a relatively easy undertaking. "The second piece of news I have is that Senator Amidala will be travelling with a trio of Jedi bodyguards." Aurra stiffened a little.
"Well, this plan just got harder." She mused.
"I'm not concerned. I've killed Jedi before and I'll gladly do it again." Wraith rumbled. "And I bet I know which ones are going with her."
"If your guess includes the trio that is Skywalker, his apprentice and Master Kenobi, then you would be right." Dooku affirmed. "With the presence of Jedi this mission just became one of complete stealth. No one can see either of you. If you are discovered, then you will have three Jedi hounding you and they will most likely disrupt the mission." He warned the duo.
"Understood. Anyone who sees us will be killed on the spot. The Republic will have to wade through bodies to find us." Wraith reassured the count.
"I will hold you to that, Wraith." Dooku replied before cutting his communication and leaving the two alone with their thoughts.
"I know they say you're pretty deadly, hon, but any Jedi can be a problem." Aurra told Wraith. "I tried to kill Amidala before and the little one managed to stop me. They're no joke."
"And yet they are." Wraith casually replied. "The Jedi may be tough, but I was engineered to be tougher. I can handle them... and I need you to as well." With that, Wraith and Aurra set about planning the best options for their assault and their escape. Since silence and stealth were now a top priority, they needed to kill anyone who saw them. But a body trail might set off alarms long before they were ready. And even though they knew they needed to strike during Senator Amidala's speech, they didn't know how long she was speak for.
Time was of the essence. Silence was of the essence.
Aurra couldn't wait for this job to be over. But Wraith was planning everything in advance. Even if Aurra's plans failed, he had every backup sorted out in his mind. This mission would succeed.
Even if it meant revealing himself to the Jedi.
Aurra and Wraith spent several hours prepping for their mission, Wraith developing tactics and generally doing most of the work while Aurra listened carefully and asked pertinent questions. They determined the best course of action would have Wraith 'attempt' to kill the senator first. Having located a suitable building several hundred feet away, Wraith would need to perfect his aim in order to score a wounding blow and not a critical one. The ensuing panic would give Aurra enough cover to sabotage the supplies stored several feet over in a small compound.
Of course, if this didn't work, the back-up plan would be in the exact opposite order: Aurra would detonate a series of explosives to destroy the supplies and, using the shock of the moment, Wraith would fire on the senator. That was the easy part, getting out of there would be a little harder.
With Wraith's overall secrecy at the forefront of this mission, the two planned to have Aurra take any flak while Wraith prepped their getaway in the form of his shuttle. Hopefully, it would be an easy extraction with no hiccups.
But Wraith prided himself on being prepared for any eventuality.
After several hours of plans and preparations, the two parted ways to go and pursue individual pursuits. Aurra went for a walk around the base to refresh her mind and to try and memorize the plan. Wraith, having memorized everything, disappeared into the shooting range to work on his long-distance aim.
Scipio was also waiting for him.
Wriath found his doctor standing over one of the workbenches, putting the finishing touches on what appeared to be a rifle.
"Finished your plans?" The Pau'un asked.
"For now. Plan A and B are prepared, I'm still ironing out Plan C and D." Wraith rumbled in reply.
"Yes, excellent work keeping several steps ahead. Good thing you still have a few days to finish planning." Scipio applauded his efforts. "Even though you can't count on everything to go according to plan, it's always a good idea to be ready."
"Always." Wraith nodded before peering over at Scipio's work. "What's this?"
"Your next big upgrade." Scipio proudly presented the rifle on his workbench. "This is a modified slugthrower rifle, customized by yours truly." Wraith reached over and picked up the large weapon. It vaguely resembled his carbine, save for the extended barrel, larger body and additional scope.
"What'd you change?" Wraith wondered as he sized up the thick metal plate sticking out of the right side.
"I've modified the firing chamber so you can switch between blaster and slug rounds." Scipio explained. "All you have to do is unlock the central compartment and rotate the whole assembly down. That way the ammo clip is lined up and can be locked into place." He instructed. Wraith quickly tried out the system and switched from blaster energy to slugs. "Well? First impressions?" Scipio inquired.
"Solid weight, not too heavy or too light. Chamber switch is fluid and relatively quiet. Now I just gotta test it out." Wraith responded, nodding.
"The range is all yours. Any idea how far away Senator Amidala might be?"
"My initial calculations put her at approximately one-hundred yards." Wraith replied, arming his weapon. Scipio nodded and proceeded to adjust the distance setting on the holographic target display.
"Although our facility isn't quite one-hundred yards, I'll set you up as close as possible." The doctor informed him as Wraith took his place in front of the range. Kneeling before the tiny target before him, Wraith cradled the rifle in his hands and pressed the butt into his shoulder, taking aim through the scope. Even zoomed in, the target was quite tiny, barely able to be seen in detail. It resembled the shape of a person, so Wraith quickly adjusted his aim from the head down to the shoulder. He supposed it didn't matter which one he shot, all that mattered was that he still shot the senator.
He inhaled deeply, then held his breath. With steady hands, he took aim and aligned his crosshairs with the left shoulder. Slowly releasing his breath, Wraith simultaneously squeezed the trigger.
Seconds later, a scorch mark decorated his target. "Not bad. Perfect accuracy, as always." Scipio applauded him. "I'll let you keep training. Let me know if you feel like any modifications should be made to the rifle." Scipio began to walk away, Wraith remaining in the same position, not even stirring. But such was his nature. "Oh, that reminds me," the doctor suddenly turned around, "I'm putting the finishing touches on some new tools for you to use. They should be ready soon enough." He stated, hoping to gain Wraith's attention. But the soldier did not move from his position as he trained his sights on the target before him. Nor did he speak. Scipio shrugged, knowing his soldier had other things on his mind, and prepared to leave.
"Can I get a hint?" Wraith suddenly asked before a second gunshot resounded and a scorch mark adorned the right shoulder of his target. Scipio smirked.
"I don't want to give too much away," he replied, "let's just say it will be... shocking." Smirking at his own riddle, Scipio turned about and exited the range.
Wraith could only guess his next piece of equipment would involve electricity.
While the idea of shocking his opponents to death or being able to deliver a painful jolt appealed to him, he had to focus on the here and now. Pushing the thoughts of electricity from his mind, Wraith returned to staring through his scope at the target before him...
The days leading up to Wraith and Aurra's mission were full of preparations. Aurra ensured she had enough explosives packed, courtesy of Doctor Scipio, to completely destroy the supplies while ensuring she was equipped for the task of eliminating any unnecessary attention. Wraith had acquired a series of patrol routes, stolen by an informant on Alderaan, and Aurra set about memorizing the paths the Alderaan royal guards would be patrolling. This way, she knew exactly what to avoid and, should she run into trouble, knew exactly where to expect it.
Wraith's preparation was much different.
He worked out in the base's gym, pressing weights and performing curls to keep his body in top physical condition, honing his agility until he could scale a wall within moments and hold himself between two rafters for upwards of ten minutes. And when he wasn't perfecting his aim or working his body, he was studying. Everything from architecture to bullet variables passed through his hands as he committed to memory the most minuscule of details that may play a role in his upcoming performance. From a distance, Aurra watched with fascination. She had only heard rumors and stories about The Wraith, but to seem him practice and train was something else entirely.
But for Wraith, this was just another day.
This was how he always prepped for a mission.
When the time came, the duo was as ready as they could be. Aurra had studied and memorized, Wraith had trained and practiced, both were prepared to perform to the best of their abilities.
Success or failure depended on their actions...
Aurra was trapped, chased down a dead-end hallway that wasn't on the map. Anakin, Obi-Wan and Ahsoka had her cornered... there was truly no way out.
"You'll pay for what you've done Aurra!" Anakin declared, leveling his blue lightsaber at the bounty hunter.
"If you can catch me, hon. You know I'm not easy to corner." She replied with a smirk.
"Enough of this. Now tell us, how did you manage to shoot the senator and plant the explosives?" Obi-Wan asked.
"You presume I acted alone." Aurra replied mysteriously. While the Jedi stood puzzled by her statement, a figure dropped down behind them... handguns drawn. The Jedi turned to face their attacker.
"And who might you be?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Ever heard of 'The Wraith'?" The Separatist replied as he snapped up his weapons...
"Wraith?" Aurra's true voice stirred Wraith from his musings. "You awake?" She asked the Separatist soldier. Wraith slowly turned to face her, his emotionless face demoting no obvious surprise.
"I was just thinking... about Plan C." He responded, turning back to look out the window at the tunnel of hyperspace they were passing through.
"You want to run through it again?" Aurra asked, sitting back in her seat. Wraith shrugged, assuming he might as well run through things again... for her sake.
"Plan A is us getting away with little to no interference. Plan B involves me assisting you from a distance. Plan C, if we need it, has me fully reveal myself to make certain of our escape." Aurra looked at him oddly.
"Why does each of those plans involve you helping me out of a jam?" She asked, quizzing him.
"It's preparation for an eventuality," he stated, "you're closer to our enemies than I am, meaning the probability of you being trapped or cornered is higher."
"I've gotten myself out of a few jams before, Wraith. I think I can handle myself." Aurra countered.
"We'll see." Wraith leaned back and crossed his arms. "We're coming up on Alderaan. You know the drop zone?"
"A few miles away from the refugee compound. We'll use the airspeeder to drive there and split up just out of sight. Once we're done, we'll do our best to make it back to the shuttle without making a scene or getting noticed." She recited, deciding to go through the whole plan once more.
"And if we are?" Wraith asked, curious to her next answer.
"One of us will help the other... according to one of your three plans, depending on the situation." She replied. "Is this how you usually perform? With such methodical preciseness?"
"All the time. In a day and age where time is not on anyone's side, efficiency is the key to any and every victory." He responded. "But enough of that. Make sure your gear is ready, we'll be dropping out of hyperspace shortly."
Meanwhile, on Alderaan...
Bail Organa stood next to the Republic transport as crates of supplies were off-loaded by his own royal guards. He waited alongside Padme Amidala, overseeing the arrival of desperately needed supplies for the refugees from all over who had taken shelter on Alderaan.
"Your gifts are most appreciated, Senator. I know those who have fled here will welcome them graciously." He thanked her.
"The Chancellor wished to extend a hand of fellowship to these refugees, let them know they haven't been forgotten. I suppose it's more of a joint effort, mostly done through Naboo." Padme replied, stating the facts.
"Regardless of intent or location, I'm sure the receivers will be more than happy." Bail smiled, imagining the happy reactions on the faces of those displaced by the Clone Wars. Meanwhile, the trio of Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka Tano, investigated the area around the refugee compound. Charged with ensuring everything went peacefully, Anakin was rather focused on securing the grounds where Senator Amidala would be addressing the refugees. Unbeknownst to everyone else, he was in fact married to Padme. And Anakin was ready and willing to go above and beyond to do whatever was necessary to ensure the safety of his wife.
"Senator Organa says he has a twenty-four-hour guard posted around the compound. The guards will be available for use of any kind." He told his comrades.
"Anakin, I highly doubt these refugees are going to pose a problem. If anything, they'll be overly grateful for our aid."
"With all due respect, Master, you never know who's hiding in a ragtag crowd like them. The Senator and I did so once, remember? When she was being threatened by assassins?"
"I do. It plunged us into this whole mess and pretty much became the catalyst for the onset of the Clone Wars." Obi-Wan replied, reminiscing the whole affair with little fondness.
"Don't think I've heard the whole story Master." Ahsoka piped up.
"Not much to tell Snips. Though if we ever have time I'll fill you in." Anakin responded, feeling a little too preoccupied for a story. "Right now, we need to make sure security is in prime condition. You never know what might happen."
The small, unmarked shuttle landed on Alderaan unnoticed, several miles away from the refugee compound. Aurra was the first to disembark while Wraith triggered the speeder release. The same airspeeder he had used to infiltrate the Republic base on Geonosis was soon released from the magnetic clamps holding it in place and gently hovered a few feet above the ground. Wraith fondly remembered the time he torched the Geonosis base.
Good times.
"Looks like a one-seater. You plan on sharing?" Aurra asked, concerned by the small appearance of the obviously one-man speeder.
"More like loan," Wraith stated, "you're driving. I've got enough stamina to sprint the whole way." He told her, standing up and ensuring his sniper rifle was strapped firmly across his back.
"You sure?" Aurra asked, not quite grasping the full extent of his abilities.
"No time to argue." He countered. "Time is of the essence. I suggest we get moving." Without another word, he broke into a run, sprinting across the plains towards the compound in the distance. His powerful legs and long strides carried him across the great distance, the miles passing by as he sprinted ahead. His enhanced stamina powered him forward, never slowing, never tiring. Aurra raced by moments later, riding the air speeder. Obviously, he lacked the speed that a machine could boast, but compared to others, he could do what they required a vehicle to accomplish. His hellbent nature, devoting himself entirely to the complete accomplishment of his goal, always saw him through the end of every mission.
And when Wraith set his eyes on the prize, nothing could stop him.
Padme and Bail, now joined by Jar Jar Binks and flanked by a company of royal guards, made their way towards the compound's interior, where the refugees had gathered and the Jedi were waiting. Although Padme was expecting a calm and orderly affair, but was greatful for the combined security. In all her days of being a more adventurous senator, she knew that anything could happen at a moments notice.
Especially during a war.
"Are you nervous, Padme?" Bail asked her as they neared the end of the corridor.
"Hardly. This isn't my first speaking engagement in front of a crowd." Padme replied with a smile. But then her tone grew serious. "I just can't help but wonder if all this security is an omen... that something dark is about to happen."
"Such thoughts plague the minds of all senators." Bail nodded in understanding. "Fear not Padme, we all have your back."
"Yousa be not worryin' Padme!" Jar Jar chimed in, being his usual boisterous self. "Yousa do fine, everythin' be okiehay! Meesa say nothin' goin' wrong!" Padme couldn't help but smile and chuckle at the Gungan's positive outlook.
"I certainly hope so, Jar Jar."
Mere moments before this conversation, Wraith arrived at the exterior of the compound. He had to wonder what Alderaanian royalty was thinking with high walls and guard towers. Obviously, they wanted to maintain a level of security, but to Wraith, the compound struck him more like a prison.
Good thing he was trained to handle such security measures.
The first thing he needed to do was set up. One of these guard towers would work just fine, it would provide him with a clear line of sight to keep tabs on his Republic enemies.
The second thing he needed to do was quit worrying about sabotaging the supplies. Aurra was capable... but Wraith felt better when he did everything himself.
Unfortunately, Scipio was right; he couldn't be in two places at once.
There was a small door at the base of the tower nearest to him, no doubt the entrance. Wraith would start here and work his way up, believing he'd have to fight through a multitude of guards.
And upon prying open the door, he was right.
A lone guard stood with his back to the entry, quickly disposed of as Wraith plunged his wrist blade through the back of his helmeted head. But the thud of a dead body hitting the ground gained the attention of a trio of guards, each armed with electro-pikes. Wraith would have to work quickly before the raised the alarm and revealed his presence. Launching a trio of throwing knives into his hand, Wraith whipped his arm around, projectiles spearing his opponents in their throats. Charging up a flight of stairs as his opponent's fell dead, Wraith drew his knives and quickly slit the throats of two more guards on his way up. Upon arriving at the tower's primary platform, Wraith pulled the standing guard down to the stairwell base and promptly stabbed both knives through the guard's chest, ensuring his silence. After quickly scouting out the top of the tower, Wraith soon realized he needed to stick to the shadows in order to avoid detection. Sitting in the back-left corner of the deck, Wraith drew his sniper rifle and quickly sized up the last minute podium which had been constructed for Senator Amidala. His view of the area was perfect, he couldn't have asked for a better angle to shoot his opponent. He now took an opportunity to survey his surroundings, noting the locations of several Alderaan guards and the trio of Jedi guarding the front of the podium. The bearded Obi-Wan Kenobi and the black-clad Anakin Skywalker were easy to identify.
But Ahsoka Tano had changed since he last saw her... all that time ago on Felucia...
She was now wearing a full-body top that ended in the middle of her thighs, made to look like a skirt with the belt and sash she wore. He was curious as to the origin of the design, as a diamond shaped window displayed part of her chest. It was also backless. She now wore dark grey leggings with a series of diamond holes running down the sides of her legs and also sported brown bands around her bisceps. Her montrals appeared larger and longer, denoting an older and more mature appearance, compared to the last time he saw her. Also, not one but two lightsaber hilts were clipped to her belt, signifying her advanced proficiency in combat.
"Hm. Interesting." He quietly mused to himself, sizing up the young Togruta through his scope. Unfortunately, he didn't have time to gawk. "Aurra, report." He ordered through his radio.
"I've made it inside the storage base, working my way towards the supplies."
"Have you encountered much resistance?"
"Just a few guards, easily disposed of." The bounty hunter reported.
"I'm in position, awaiting the senator. Keep me appraised of your progress. Wraith out."
Senator Amidala ascended the podium after a few words with Anakin and made her way centerstage, flanked by Bail and Jar Jar. She stood before the throng of refugees, comprised of a multitude of varied species, all of them waiting her words of greeting. It was time for her speech... and she had every intent to make it brief. Short, sweet and to the point. These people didn't need long-winded rhetoric, they needed reassurance.
"I bid you all greetings, though I wish it was under more pleasant circumstances." She began. "I am here on behalf of Chancellor Palpatine, who is busy leading the Republic's war efforts against the tyranny of the Separatists. I know you all would rather hear from him than me, but he is doing his best to coordinate our forces and push the Separatists and their battle droids out of your homeworlds..."
Wraith paid little attention to Amidala's speech as he aligned his crosshairs with her left shoulder. Her speech contained what he had expected, meaningless propaganda about the evils of the Separatists and the doubtful Republic victory that would end the war.
He was looking forward to shutting her up.
Amidala kept talking and time ticked on. For five minutes Wraith awaited Aurra's signal, keeping a steady hand on his rifle at all times.
At last, he heard the words he had been waiting for.
"Wraith, I'm in position. Sabotage is almost complete."
"Understood." He replied, tightening his grip on the rifle and targeting Senator Amidala, "Let's cause some mayhem."
"...I know these times may seem dark, like the Separatists are steadily on the rise and there is no way to defeat them. You of all people know this better than us, forced away from your homes by their war machines. But as long as we hold together and believe in the ideals the Republic was founded upon, we will emerge triumphant." The crowd applauded as Senator Amidala finished speaking. Suddenly a shot rang out and Padme fell to the floor, blood spraying from her left shoulder. Screaming and shouting erupted as the crowd was thrown into a panic. Anakin was by her side in seconds as her body fell into Bail's arms.
Wraith was pleased with the outcome.
The sudden panic of the refugees combined with the sight of the downed Amidala was a clear indicator everything was off to a good start. The Jedi were distracted and there was no one to-
Wait a minute.
Wraith's gaze moved to the Gungan senator, who was staring wide-eyed and open-mouthed... right at him.
Dooku warned Binks might be a problem, despite his innate foolishness. And Wraith decided Binks was definitely a problem. Pressing his rifle into his shoulder, he took aim through his scope...
"Ani! Meesa be seein the shootah!" Jar Jar cried. "Hesa be right up-" The Gungan was cut off as a second gunshot echoed throughout the area.
Only this time, the slug went right through Jar Jar's head.
"Jar Jar!" Anakin cried in dismay as the dead Gungan hit the ground, an obvious bullet hole in the centre of his head. Quickly standing, Anakin looked around for any sign of the shooter. If Binks could've been shot so easily, they must be somewhere close. He followed Jar Jar's gaze and looked up into one of the nearby guard towers.
And there, amidst the shadows, he saw the smoking barrel of a sniper rifle.
"Anakin! This was no blaster, it was a slugthrower!" Obi-Wan shouted, gaining his attention. "The shell was laced with a neurotoxin, she needs medical attention!" Anakin swiftly turned back to his injured wife. This day had gone to hell in a handbasket all too fast...
"Aurra, now!" Wraith commanded into his comms, knowing this was the moment of confusion she needed. He waited, looking for a sign it was time to leave.
A rather thunderous explosion echoed from the far side of the compound, throwing the refugees into an even greater panic. Wraith assumed that was his que and barreled down the stairwell. "Just how many explosives did you use?!" He radioed, concerned about the explosion's radius.
"Don't look at me! It was your doctor who gave them to me!" Aurra retorted as Wraith sprinted back into the open plains. Of course Scipio would go a little overboard.
He'd talk with him about that later.
"Make your way back to the shuttle as soon as possible. The Jedi will be on the prowl in no time." He ordered.
"Already moving."
Anakin barely had time to register Jar Jar's death and the neurotoxin coursing through his wife when an explosion rocked the group. Bail turned to see a column of smoke billowing from the depot he and Padme had just been visiting.
"The supplies!" He gasped. Obi-Wan quickly put the pieces together.
"This was a diversion. They didn't want to kill Padme, they wanted to wound her and keep us from realizing the supplies were under attack."
"So this wasn't an assassination... but sabotage!" Ahsoka mused.
"Master Jedi, please, find the saboteur, they may still be close by." Bail asked the trio. "I will see to it Senator Amidala receives medical attention." With one last uneasy glance at his injured wife, Anakin stood and led his friend and student around the the exterior of the compound. There they soon stumbled across the open tower entry and the mass of dead bodies inside.
"Dear me!" Obi-Wan exclaimed, seeing the blood splattered corpses lying around. "It's just like Mandalore!"
"And Geonosis. And Muunilinst. And Honoghr." Anakin grimly added
"You don't think...?" Obi-Wan trailed off, hesitant to finish his thought. Anakin looked to his friend with an expression of wariness.
"I'd rather this rumor remain a rumor." He replied before turning to a trio of royal guards. "Any indicators who did this?"
"No idea sir, but it's likely they're the one who tried to kill the senator." One of them replied. Suddenly, the mechanical whine of a passing speeder drew the Jedi's attention back outside. The trio emerged to see a small speeder racing away from the compound and although they couldn't see the face of the rider, one look at the semi-bald head and jutting antennae were enough evidence for them to deduce the identity.
"Master," Ahsoka pointed to the fleeing rider, "that's-!"
"Aurra Sing!" Anakin finished her statement. "Let's move!" Summoning the Force to increase their speed, the Jedi took off at a sprint. They bounded across the open plains in hot pursuit of Aurra's speeder... not knowing her true destination or that she was not alone.
The near-human bounty hunter looked over her shoulder to make sure her getaway had been a smooth one, only to find she was being followed by the three Jedi. Thinking fast, she proceeded to contact her ally.
"I'm being tailed!"
"Think you can make a jump?" Wraith replied. "The mag-clamps will grab the speeder, I'll keep them occupied." Aurra quickly caught on to his plan and drew one of her sidearms. Turning around in her seat she squeezed off two shots, hoping to slow her pursuers. The Jedi were still some distance away, but it wouldn't take long for them to close the gap.
Wraith had managed to return to the shuttle and was already prepping the engines for takeoff. But Aurra's distress call forced him to rethink his strategy as he began to consider his three plans for escape. Now that Aurra had been discovered, leaving wouldn't be so easy. He quickly mapped out a way to maintain his secrecy, but relied on Aurra's natural agility.
Hopefully she was up for the task.
Triggering the magnetic field on the underside of the shuttle, Wraith grabbed his rifle and ejected the clip of slugs, only to replace it with a clip full of normal slugs...
Holstering her blaster, Aurra looked ahead to see the shuttle coming into view. It was already hovering a few feet off the ground, meaning Wraith was aboard and more than ready to leave.
The Jedi also noticed this.
"That's her escape plan!" Obi-Wan called to his allies.
"Come on, we can't let her get away!" Anakin increased his use of the Force, racing ahead as he broke into the fastest sprint possible, eager to catch the one he thought responsible for shooting his wife. Ahsoka and Obi-Wan were right behind him, moving as fast as they could.
Wraith could see the chase would be a close one. He and Aurra only had one shot at making a clean getaway... and it was all up to her now. Pressing the butt of his rifle into his shoulder, Wraith took aim through his scope at the sprinting Anakin.
Remembering Wraith's plan, Aurra quickly floored the speeder's engine and switched from a seated position to a crouched one. The shuttle was coming up quick and if Wraith's plan was going to work, she had to time this just right. "Aurra!" Anakin cried as he saw her trying to escape, reaching for his lightsaber.
"Sorry hon, better luck next time!" She called over her shoulder with a teasing smirk, knowing the Jedi weren't close enough to catch her. Shutting down the engine, letting speeder coast towards the shuttle, Aurra launched off her ride high into the air. Reaching out with her abnormally long fingers, Aurra managed to grab the floor of the shuttle as the speeder slid underneath and was drawn into the magnetic grasp of the holder below. The bounty hunter pulled herself inside and crawled to her feet, only to realize Wraith was pointing his sniper rifle at her.
"Aurra, duck!" He ordered as he squeezed the trigger. The bounty hunter did so and the slug flew over her head, barely missing her by a matter of inches. Flying at incredible speed, the slug found its target seconds later when it pierced Anakin's knee, downing the Jedi with a cry of pain. Wraith quickly swivelled his aim and fired upon the paused Obi-Wan. The slug whistled through the air and pierced clean through the elder Jedi's shoulder, blood spraying from the wound as Kenobi stumbled backwards.
"That was close!" Aurra cried as she picked herself up.
"Too close. Let's go." Wraith agreed as he dropped his rifle and ran to the pilot controls, triggering the door before flooring the engines to top speed.
Back on the ground, Ahsoka watched as the shuttle took off, stuck wondering who Aurra's partner was. Knowing the attempt to apprehend her had been a failure, Ahsoka turned around to check on her masters, disappointed by the outcome.
Wraith and Aurra managed to escape Alderaan airspace undetected and quickly rocketed into hyperspace as soon as they were clear of the planet. With Wraith's base of operations programmed into the nav-computer, the two could only lean back and sigh in relief.
"Thanks for the save. Probably would've been caught by the Jedi if it weren't for you." She thanked him.
"Just doing what needed to be done." He calmly replied. Despite his unfazed demeanor, Wraith was inwardly thankful Aurra was up to par with his standards of planning. Had it not been for her agility, he may very well have been forced to leave her behind.
"Sure, whatever you say." Aurra crossed her arms, believing that despite his cold exterior, Wraith willingly cared about his teammate. The soldier stood up.
"I'm going to contact Scipio." He informed her, moving towards the ship's onboard communication systems. "He'll have transport arranged for your departure." Without another word from Aurra, Wraith powered up the system and called up his doctor. Moments later, the Pau'un's voice was patched through the system.
"Ah, Wraith! How does the mission fair?" He cheerily asked.
"Objectives completed. The Senator has been downed and the supplies destroyed. Minor interference from the Jedi, but my identity remains unknown."
"Good! Very good work, my boy." Scipio applauded his efforts. "I trust Ms. Sing performed just as admirably?"
"She did. Although... your explosives caused her some trouble." Wraith explained, casting a glance at the bounty hunter.
"Oh... I take it I added too much nitroglycerin?" Scipio asked.
"Way too much." Wraith affirmed. "This was a hit and run mission, not a sabotage one."
"In a way, it was a sabotage mission... but I see your point." Scipio agreed. "I'll fix things up for next time."
"Good. Contact Count Dooku, Aurra is going to need a ride out." Wraith added before powering down the communication. He returned to his seat next to Aurra and leaned back, content with watching hyperspace pass by before him. Silence ensued between the two teammates as they recovered from their escapade. Aurra knew she was being paid well for accepting this job, but she certainly hoped the payout was worth all this frantic hit-and-run nonsense. She preferred to be out in the open, as it made for easier movement and freedom to function. But Wraith was meant to be a secret project, one meant to terrorize the Republic. She had to play by his rules.
And despite the tight perimeters, he was an alright teammate.
Minutes later, the shuttle exited hyperspace and touched down on the landing pad outside Wraith's base. A second craft was waiting nearby, obviously meant for Aurra. Wraith exited the shuttle first and began making his way towards the base, planning on letting Aurra go about her business and not keeping her a second longer.
"Hey, Wraith," she called to him from the exit. Pausing in place, Wraith looked back over his shoulder at the bounty hunter, leaning against the doorframe. "It was good working with you." She told him. "And I kinda hope we get to do so again some time." Aurra wasn't expecting him to reply, or to even care. But he had to be one of her better partners in recent years and wanted him to know that. She expected him to simply nod and continue, but he surprised her by simply saying,
"Likewise, Aurra."
Back on Alderaan...
Anakin Skywalker sat with a series of bandages wrapped around his knee. The slug had passed clean through him and although it still hurt like crazy, there was no severe damage. After passing a few toxicity tests, Alderaan doctors had simply patched him up. Anakin was left thinking about the situation at hand.
What had seemed so simple and perfect earlier that day had managed to sour in under a half-hour. The supplies were gone, Padme had been shot, Jar Jar had been shot, both he and Obi-Wan had been shot...
His thoughts were interrupted as Bail approached him.
"Feeling any better Master Jedi?" He asked, eyeing his bandaged knee.
"I'll be fine, Bail. A little time and some Force Healing will get me walking soon enough." He reassured the Senator. "How's Padme?" He asked, hiding his deep concern for his wife.
"We're currently administering an anti-toxin. It appears to be working, the poison is being broken down and removed from her system." Bail explained. Anakin breathed a sigh of relief, pleased by the positive results.
"And Binks?" He asked. Bail shook his head sadly.
"Dead before he hit the floor." He gravely reported. "The shooter obviously knew what he was doing."
"You can say that again." Anakin nodded. "He didn't try to kill Obi-Wan or myself, he just wanted to slow us down."
"He? So it wasn't just Aurra Sing?" Bail asked, intrigued by Anakin's words.
"Someone shot us from that shuttle, and it sure wasn't Aurra." Skywalker explained.
"Most curious. I'm going to consult with the guards who first discovered the carnage in the southwest tower. Perhaps there are some clues to this mysterious gunman's identity." Bail added as he turned and walked off. Just then, Ahsoka and Obi-Wan walked over to Skywalker, Kenobi sporting a sling around his right arm.
"How's the leg, Master?" Ahsoka asked.
"Nothing I can't handle Snips." Anakin smirked. "But I'll admit, I wish the situation was better."
"You and I both, Anakin." Obi-Wan couldn't help but agree. "This day has taken a turn for the worse and we're bearing the brunt of it."
"Yeah. Everything just happened so fast and so quickly. Unfortunately, I don't believe we could've been prepared for it." Anakin added.
"This was well planned, maybe even more than what Aurra is capable of." Obi-Wan noted. If his hand weren't in a sling, he would've started stroking his beard in thought.
"Well, we know Aurra had a partner, just a matter of who..." Anakin replied, remembering how they had been shot while the bounty hunter was climbing aboard the shuttle.
"Did either of you get a good look at the shooter? I know I didn't." Obi-Wan asked.
"Not really. Just shadows." Ahsoka shook her head.
"Yeah, me neither." Obi-Wan sighed in disappointment. No visuals meant the investigation would go nowhere.
"Well, at any rate, I'm off to inform the Chancellor and the Council about these recent developments." The elder Jedi walked off
"I wonder if this is one of those signs... the sign of a wraith." Anakin absentmindedly mused. Ahsoka was intrigued by his comments.
"What do you mean Master?" Anakin realized he had not shared with her the reports concerning this supposed Separatist ally. Well, better late than never...
"There've been rumors, ever since the war started, about a soldier who travels from battle to battle, killing whole armies, doing his best to undermine the Republic. They say he's like a one-man army, cold and merciless, with more kills than anyone in recent history. Some say he's a mutant. Others say he's some kind of Sith or an unknown alien species. But most people don't believe he exists, simply because no one's ever seen him. But those who do believe in his existence call him a 'vengeful spirit'. A wraith." Anakin explained. "There have been at least five worlds he's apparently visited... we already told you about Mandalore." Ahsoka grew quiet, digesting what she had heard. Something about the situation didn't sit right with her, an eerie darkness of some sort that just disturbed her.
"What do you believe Master?" She asked, hoping for his input. Anakin shrugged, not having a straight answer for his apprentice.
"I don't know what to believe, Snips. All I can say is those massacres, those killings, even this attempted assassination... someone, or something, was behind them. I just don't know what."
Author's Note: To all you Jar Jar haters out there (myself included)... you're welcome.
