Phantasy Star Horizon
ESKK: Now it's time for a new chapter so let's begin.
(Start Council of Six Meeting Halpha)
"This cannot be allowed to continue!" Morgan yelled as she slammed her fist to the table as the Council was once more gathered.
"Clearly a criminal element exploited a hole in our defenses to acquire our own for slavery." Noto said as he was knew this was a mistake on his part as head of security for ARKs.
"Then we need to mount a rescue op to get those people out of there." Yaga said via a hologram as he was still on Coruscant with Klara.
"Without a plan of action we may end up just adding to their stock." Xect defended as he kept up with what he was currently doing. "Our first course of action would be to plug up that hole in our security and send small ops teams to locate the missing people." Xect said as then Klara spoke up.
"And what wait until it's too late?!" Klara yelled but Xect was on the logical standpoint of this.
"Klara it can't be helped, if we attack them with full force we may just end up making more enemies then intended, even more so since the Hutts are letting the Republic use their space to transport their ships, troops, and supplies in the war." Xect said as he knew ARKs were allies to the Republic. "I just need a little time to gather information and device a plan to rescue the abducted victims." Xect said as he then closed his data screen. "And you should take comfort since I know where to get the data." Xect said as Yaga was confused on this.
"You do?" Yaga asked as he heard this while looking over to Xect.
"Yes from Yuvel and his teams report on the hostage situation on Coruscant I have reason to believe the Hutts hired Bane to bust out Ziro because he has something the Hutts want. And with Ziro the Hutt in Republic Custody all I need do is to make him talk." Xect said as he looked to the Council of Six.
"Even torturing the slug?" Klara asked with some concern over this plan.
"If the need should arrive yes." Xect said not even denying he would do such a thing to get their stolen citizens back from the Hutts. "But even if I doubt it will come to that, Ziro might be easier to convince if his stay in prison as more to his liking." Xect said showing there were many ways to skin a snake or as the case would have it milk a slug for its content. "And considering I will be on Coruscant for this I can ask Anakin to consult with Noto on increasing our defenses to prevent any further abductions for slavery." Xect added and thus the group seem to actually consider his plan.
"Rescuing those who were abducted and preventing any future breaches like this must take priority." Arthur said as he looked to his fellow members of the gathered Council of Six. "I trust you Xect and while I do pray you won't resort to torture we must rescue the hostages, all in favor of Xect's plan?" Arthur asked and thus himself Noto, and Klara all raised their hands for this plan. "And all against?" He asked and in response Morgan and Yaga raised their hands. "Then majority rules Xect carry out your plan and get Ziro the Hutt to talk, Klara and Yaga will set up contact so we may retrieve the abducted victims." Arthur said as he was focused on saving the people who were stolen from Halpha by the Hutts. But until they have enough they needed to focus on gathering information on them. Once they have sufficient information they can begin working on a rescue operation and with it as needed charges for abduction and trafficking of sentient beings. Still this was troubling and if one factors other Slave Trading networks Xect will need to be careful in the battle that were coming.
Noto will no doubt focus on beefing up security to prevent any further slavers from entering or leaving ARKs space. Morgan will no doubt be redoing some of her previous work to help with those defenses. And both Yaga and Klara will no doubt be looking up leads on Coruscant if there are any to be found there. This would leave Arthur to focus on leading ARKs while having its citizens be on guard. He can't let them know about the slavers yet less it causes a panic since many who had remained with the fleet were families in their previous lives.
It was thanks to this that they managed to have grades K-12 when it comes to schooling in the works. After all not everyone were ARKs Operatives and with this in mind he had to be careful from here on out for ARKs. Arthur did not think slavery would affect them and this information would undoubtedly cost them. Arthur made a mistake and now he was focus on rectifying it as reuniting families in order to do so. But this was troubling for all of them and with this in mind he also had the request for Republic Aid on standby should the situation escalate for the aid. But until then all they can do is wait and see on what their investigation and recon will turn up.
But no doubt Noto was taking this the worse out of the group. After all the Dueman was head of Security and due to this was responsible for the safety of ARKs and its people. So to have failed them like this was truly a blow to the Council of Six member. Arthur would have also felt it if their roles had been in reverse. Still he knew Noto will rise beyond this and in turn continued to serve as Security Head as for ARKs. After all mistakes are simply lesson that one can learn and grow from.
(Scene Break Republic Forces Felucia)
The battle was well underway as a combination of Republic and ARKs forces were under heavy fire. Many had already fallen while many more were left injured with Medics from both ARKs and Republic getting overwhelmed with all the injured.
It was a dire situation for the both ARKs and the Republic as one of the key planets, Felucia. Anakin Skywalker, Obi-wan Kenobi, and Ahsoka Tano have been reported to being trapped with their remaining troops, fighting a large garrison of Droids and Falspawn. The Insect based ones by the looks of it suggesting that they were necks deep in Apprentice the Vernal darker turf. Both Jedi and ARK's Operatives were taken heavy losses in their means to hold out until help arrived.
(Space Battle)
But unaware to the Jedi and ARK's Operative on the planet help was on the way. A squad of Fighters and AIS under the command of Jedi Master Plo Koon alongside ARK's ace AIS pilot Leda and Leda's second in command Kobby were on the way. This group currently led the assault to break the Separatist defensive line that kept them from reclaiming their allies on the ground bellow.
"Warthog Kobby protect the gunships! Leda and I will deal with the Fighters!" Plo Koon ordered, as he get his star fighter ready for combat.
Leda was a Newman of the Bouncer Class as she had proven her metal as an ace many times over. It was even proven further while she served under Plo Koon to the point she had equal standing with Commander Wolfe.
"You heard the general, Kobby, keep those klankers off our asses so we can get out guys out of the planet!" Leda added in as her AIS that had the Silver Wing insignia painted on its shoulder flew close to Plo Koon's Starfighter while it shot and fired upon the Droid Fighters.
Just then Leda's AIS began firing off rockets at the incoming foes busting a hole in their defenses before switching to her sword and slicing through another Droid. This in turn allowed them a path through as Leda noted some of the Vulture Droids had signs of Falspawn corruption on them which meant F-Factors were involved. One of the newest protocols for the Republic was to undergo a detox of F-Factors so to avoid anyone going mad from having a high count of F-Factor.
The Clones did it without question but some would argue it was unneeded since no one has shown a case of it affecting them. Still better to be safe and sorry as many would say to such a thing. Thankfully thought the AIS and fighters managed to bust a hole through the blockade and made it through the Separatists.
(Back on the planet Surface)
On the planet's surface, Obi-wan and Anakin's remaining troops kept up the good fight. Currently they were firing at the droids while keeping themselves from being hit too much by use of the AT-AT's legs as shields from enemy fire.
"Let's rescue Felucia you said it will be fun you said!" Reggie snarled as he hid behind cover before firing his rifle at the Droids and falspawn coming their way.
"Hey Reggie do me a favor and stop bitching!" Zurna yelled as she fired off her Photon Arrows from her bow before heading back into cover.
Reggie of course did as told and just then Yuvel jumped down and fired his gunblade upon the oncoming enemy forces. Clearly Yuvel was doing what he could to help hold the line till there rescue party arrived to get them out of this. Prior to this they had to undergo some major tests if they wished to utilize the Savant Classes and right now Yuvel was showing off what he learned.
While deflecting the fire away from himself and his troops, Obi-wan felt a disturbance in the Force and looked to see a flaming Vulture droid falling towards them. He then grabbed Anakin's arm, crying out his warning, "Look out!"
The two made it out of the way in time as the Vulture droid crashed into the AT-AT walker that was behind their squad, causing the tank to explode. Yuvel saw this as did Laura who then ran over to check on the Jedi and any injured.
"Are you all ok?" Laura asked as she looked to the Generals and Troopers from her helmet.
"I'm fine don't worry." Anakin responded as he looked to Laura before directing his attention to Obi-Wan. "But THAT was close." Anakin added as he saw what had just nearly happened.
"If those fighters got through then that means our gunships can't be far behind." Obi-wan deduced while joining his former apprentice in their continuation of deflecting laser fire back at the droid army. "Prepare ARKs and Troops to evacuate." Obi-Wan ordered as he saw the Falspawn and Droids moving in closer on their current position.
Just then the Republic gunships came and opened their hauls to allow troops to enter for evacuation from the battlefield. Following them up were ARKs Gate Ships as they had the teleportation Tube ready for evacuation.
Following them up were the AIS units who landed and began firing upon the enemy forces. "Keep the enemy back until the ships have everyone on board!" Leda ordered as the AIS provided cover for the fleeing troops from this current battle.
"Yes Ma'am!" The ARKs Operatives in the AIS responded as they aided with the escape.
In turn clone troopers began to retreat into the gunships, well those who survived the onslaught from the beginning of the battle. Come on, Grunts! We are leaving!" Rex ordered as he did so via shouting out over the laser fire.
"You heard him let's go, you bloody wankers!" Lon called out as he fired his twin guns at another Falspawn that got to close. After Lon finished shooting Zion jumped slashing it with his glaive instantly killing the dark monster.
While reflecting the Droid laser fire away from the retreating clone troopers and ARKs Operatives Anakin noticed someone was missing. "Ahsoka should've been back from her jungle patrol by now."
"I'll try to contact her again." Obi-wan said Anakin before activating his commlink, "Ahsoka, where are you?"
When he got no reply from Ahsoka which in turn had Obi-wan opting to try contacting the wayward Padawan one more time. "Ahsoka what is your location?" Obi-Wan asked again as they weren't going to leave her behind to be slaughtered.
"About… six clicks east, master." Ahsoka responded as she sounded like she was having as much of a struggle as the Jedi were. "We've engaged the enemy and we've got them on the run." Ahsoka reported clearly unaware of the current situation.
Obi-wan knew what this meant as he spoke loudly into his comlink. "They're here to extract us. We're leaving!" Obi-Wan ordered and in turn the response he got was not one he was expecting.
"What?!" Ahsoka asked, sounded shocked by this otherwise wise course of action, "What… We can't retreat now, master. I've broken through."
"Move it people we don't have all day here!" Reggie called out as he guided the troopers and ARKs Operatives on to their evacuation ships.
Meanwhile as he boarded a gunship Obi-wan began to become very frustrated by this act of defiance that his former apprentice's Padawan was displaying even when she reported, "The droids are retreating."
"We're outnumbered. You must evacuate. That is an order!" Obi-wan almost shouted, trying to get the Padawan from getting herself and her men killed.
Her reply however, did not make the older Jedi feel any better. "Master Skywalker taught me to never let up when the tinnies are on the run." Ahsoka argued as she was clearly using Anakin's teaching.
"They are running back here to regroup with the main force!" Obi-wan said, aggressively as they boarded the gunship. Once the ship took off Anakin turned to hear Obi-wan reprimand his apprentice even more. "You are putting your troops' lives in danger, young one. You will get on the gunship when we arrive." Obi-Wan said as just then Anakin walked up to his former Jedi Master.
"Where's Ahsoka?" Anakin asked, trying to keep his emotions under control.
"Following your teaching." Obi-Wan said as he looked over to his former Padawan Learner, Anakin.
"Is she winning?" Anakin asked adding a bit of levity to the current dire situation.
"For now." Obi-wan answered, he the Jedi Master was clearly not in a mood for any jokes in this situation.
(Later over at Ahsoka's position)
As many ARKs Operatives were currently in the Gate Ship flying on to pick up the rest of their missing Operatives Yuvel looked out the window to see the battle going on. He knew that the injured were being treated by the medics onboard as well as the Forces and Techers among the gathered Operatives. Yuvel was worried for Ahsoka and for good reason one might add. She was his comrade and even friend and it couldn't help but worry for others. Some commented he and Anakin shared that compassion for others and their desire to protect those they hold dear to them.
But while the trip was slow they eventually made it to where Ahsoka was located. As they flew slowly around the area of combat Yuvel saw that Ahsoka wasn't slowing down her flurry of her Lightsaber. "Dude she is not stopping is she?" Reggie asked as he saw what was going on.
"No she is not." Yuvel said and thus he ran over to the Portal Pool.
Seeing this Reggie's Optics widened in shock to this. "Wait dude what are you doing?!" Reggie asked in shock to what his leader was doing.
"Helping." Yuvel said as he then jumped into the pool and thus teleported through it.
(Meanwhile in the battle field)
Yuvel arrived at the area as he looked to the ARK's Operatives and Troopers in the area. "ARKs load up we are leaving!" Yuvel called out and thus the unnamed ARKs Operatives got the memo and loaded up into through the Teletube to get out.
As this happened Laura came out next as she and Reggie helped cover the escaping ARKs Operatives. As this went on Yuvel ran over to Ahsoka's spot and tried to get her to see reason.
Ahsoka was of course shocked when she saw this and in turn say Yuvel approach her. "Yuvel what are you doing!?" Ahsoka asked and thus Yuvel fired at the Droids to give Ahsoka and the Troops with her some cover.
"Cover fire so you can evacuate!" Yuvel called out as he fired on the Droids and Falspawn that were approaching.
Of course Ahsoka was going to ignore it until she saw the Gunships landing in front of her remaining patrol party. She even saw that her troops were heading towards the gunships, abandoning their tanks.
"What are you doing?" Ahsoka asked, shocked by this.
"That's our signal move it!" Yuvel called out as he took command of the situation here.
Anakin came out as he saw this and knew Yuvel had the right idea. "He's right Ahsoka get in the ship now!" Anakin ordered as he was not going to have this right now when they needed to cut their losses and bolt on out of here.
"Can't you see they're retreating?" Ahsoka asked, trying to get her master to see what she was seeing, however.
"They're about to overrun you, Ahsoka! You just can't see it." Anakin shot back as he could tell Yuvel saw the truth as well. "Now, follow orders and get in the ship!" Anakin ordered, harshly as he hoped it got through to his young Padawan.
Ahsoka glared away from her master as she didn't like this plan. But none the less she jumped down from the Juggernaut tank and hurried to the gunship. Once this was done Yuvel headed back to the ARKs Portal Ship and thus they all loaded up for their escape.
Over the blaster fire the surviving soldiers and Operatives all saw battalions of Droids and Falspawn moving in on their equipment that was left behind. The Droids fired upon it while the Falspawn crawled around it tearing it apart while the larger ones fired lasers on their Juggernaut Tank.
Coming forth from the back of one of the larger Falspawn Insectoids Apprentice came through. As she saw the entire event play out Apprentice chuckled a bit enjoying the chaos around her. As the Republic troops and ARKs Operatives flew away from the battle field Apprentice halted her troops from firing on them. "No let them go just focus on their tanks take those out and it will break their spirits." Apprentice taunted as she gave the order to her troops.
In turn they opened fire on the equipment with increased fever as Apprentice enjoyed this destruction as it occurred. Apprentice then looked on over to the Gunship where she knew Ahsoka was located. Apprentice never gave up on trying to make Ahsoka her next host. In her time she had controlled humans, Newmans, Duemans, and even CAST but never has she gotten a Togruta as her host. So as she knew Ahsoka was leaving and watching Apprentice kissed her right index and middle fingers and blew a sensual kiss to where she knew Ahsoka was.
(In the Gunship with Ahsoka)
Inside the gunship, Ahsoka saw how the Separatist forces surrounded her patrol's tanks before their explosion. But just before the ship's shielding closed on them Ahsoka saw Apprentice looking straight at her. It didn't take her long to figure out that the Dark Falz was still invested in making Ahsoka into her next host body.
(Meanwhile in the Gateway Ship)
Yuvel saw the tanks exploded as ARK's and the Republic took a major loss here. "Well this sucks." Reggie said as he saw it happen and thus Chiyo sighed a bit to the CAST.
"Reggie learn some tact please." Chiyo scolded when this had happened.
"Well the bloke isn't wrong now is he?" Lon quipped as he got everyone's attention on him for that one.
"Still this was a key world for the Republic is will take some time for the Republic to recover." Houki said as the young Bouncer was concerned over this situation.
"Oui but fear not recovery is possible mon cheri's." Dominique said as the over dramatic Summoner spread his arms despite looking a little disheveled here.
"Here's hoping then." Lana said as she looked out the window with concern over what they would be facing next.
"First we need to get back to Coruscant and then we can figure out our next plan of attack here." Kaz said from a corner as he leaned on the wall with his arms crossed.
Just then Laura noticed Yuvel had grown oddly quiet and thus began to approach it in private. "You ok Yuvel?" Laura asked as she looked over to her human friend.
"I'm honestly not sure." Yuvel confessed as he looked over to Laura with his helmet off. "I guess I'm just worried about Ahsoka is all." Yuvel admitted as he then looked back out the window as they flew off to Plo Koon's ship to escape.
"You have a crush Yuvel?" Laura teased Yuvel with a smirk that adorned her face.
"What!? No!" Yuvel defended as he was no doubt caught off guard by that one. But Laura suspected he might judging by the blush that currently adorned his facial features.
"Hey nothing to be ashamed of just like your maid fetish." Laura teased while she smirked at Yuvel bit all the while she pushed up her glasses causing the light to reflect off of them.
"I swear one of these days you're going to be on the receiving end of that." Yuvel pouted as he went back to isolating himself with his thoughts so to clear his mind a bit. Still he couldn't help but wonder why the Jedi seemed to intent to stamp out all this stuff about attachments. For Yuvel it was almost cult like in some way and it honestly frightened Yuvel. Still many religions the galaxy over have their reasons and he tried his best to let them be unless there are morally wrong practices involved with those many existing religions.
(Scene Break Coruscant Jedi Temple)
It was currently night time as the Jedi Council had convened to discuss recent developments with the loss of Felucia. "Padawan Ahsoka, do you feel Master Kenobi's description of the incident of your actions is accurate?" Mace Windu asked, after hearing how the battle at Felucia went from the forces that made it back from that death trap.
"Yes, my Masters." Ahsoka said, ashamed of herself and her reckless actions on Felucia. Many ARKs Operatives have suffered varying injuries and even a few deaths which for ARKs and their ability to combat the Dark Falz Collective was a major problem for all those involved.
Yoda noticed more as clearly Ahsoka had more to add to this tale. Thus Yoda opted to investigate by asking a simple question to the Chosen One's Padawan. "More to add, do you?" Yoda asked as he looked over to Ahsoka wandering what more she had to add.
Seeing her chance Ahsoka began to explain herself over why she had screwed up on Felucia. "I know I was wrong I just got so caught up in my own success I didn't look at the battle as a whole, I wasn't being disobedient I just forgot…" Ahsoka explained and in turn Anakin knew it was time to step in and help.
"Masters this incident is my responsibility" Anakin stated, addressing the council and getting their attention on him. "Because of Ahsoka's advanced abilities I forgot how young she is. I gave her more freedom than I should have." Anakin admitted as he knew that to be true.
"That may be but it doesn't excuse what happened on Felucia." Mace Windu said, he then looked at the padawan knowing they had to strategize to take back Felucia from the Separatist and Dark Falz Collective. "I think she needs some time away from the battlefield." Mace said as he looked over to Ahsoka.
"On archive security reflect on your actions, you can Padawan." Yoda said as he silently agreed with Mace form of punishment here.
"Guard duty?!" Ahsoka asked, incredulous over being stuck on Guard Duty while there were still battles to be fought in the front lines. But she then remembered where she was and in turn regained herself a bit. "For how long?" Ahsoka asked as she looked over to the Masters.
"Longer now." Mace said with his eyes narrowed upon Ahsoka for that little outburst there. Ashamed of herself even more, Ahsoka lowered her head, then both master and padawan were allowed to leave them. But she had one more question to ask which she opted to voice to the Council. "The ARK's Operatives with us how bad was it?" Ahsoka asked as she had concern for the allies she made.
"Suffered casualties they did not as many as feared but still man it was." Yoda answered as he knew Ahsoka was concerned for the allies they had made with ARKs. This of course made Ahsoka feel more as it was her fault for not knowing her new friends were still with them. What she did not tell the council before was that she was also adamant about winning, to be sure the sacrifice of the ARKs Operatives with her would not have been in vain. However, knowing that they managed to get out safely was good enough to help ease the guilt the Jedi Padawan felt right now.
(Scene Break the Next Morning Jedi Temple)
Anakin and Ahsoka were seen entering the Temple Archives as the Jedi padawan clearly did not want to be here. But then young Togruta knew she got of light in comparison to others who did similar things in the field. "I'm sorry. I let you down." Ahsoka said as she walked with Anakin to the Temple Archives.
"I know I was a Padawan not that long ago." Anakin said, with an understanding tone. The duo soon passed by two ARK Operatives standing guard who upon seeing them proceeded to salute the Jedi. Many of the Jedi who remained at the temple to teach or who had returned from their year's long assignment where shocked and a little uncomfortable for having the Autobot soldiers standing guard at the temple.
However, with some ARK's not fit for or preferring to not be in the battlefield as much as the clone troopers, they stayed with the other non-combatants within the army. Arthur however insisted that while its true majority of their forces will be fighting with the Jedi, the fact that the Dark Falz Collective, with or without Separatist assistance, would try something to either place of leadership within the republic. Such as the Senate building or Jedi temple and came to an agreement with both the grandmaster and Chancellor.
On the flip side of things ARK's had also agreed to accept guard details on Halpha and where most of ARK's leadership resided. The duo approached one of the more elderly female human Jedi. "Madame Jocasta Nu." Anakin spoke as he addressed the head archivist who then turned to Skywalker. "This is Ahsoka Tano, she is to be your newest security officer." Anakin introduced Ahsoka to the Head Archivist as he hoped Ahsoka would have something to keep herself entertained while here.
"Hello, Madame." Ahsoka greeted, politely as she bowed to the elderly Jedi before her.
"So good to meet you." Jocasta Nu stated, smiling at the young Padawan as she figured why she was here. After all Ahsoka is hardly the only Jedi Padawan to get sent here to reflect on her past actions on the front.
(Meanwhile with Xect Republic Prison)
Xect was currently sitting in what might as well be an interrogation room as he awaited his target to appear. Now his reason for coming here well according to the reports made by the ARK's Operatives on the scene Cad Bane and his crew were attempting to bust out Ziro the Hutt. The same Hutt who was arrested prior when it was revealed he had helped with the kidnapping of Jabba the Hutt's son, Rotta. Now from what Xect understood this was odd since the demands included a pardon chip. Further reports had suggested that Ziro did not have access to anything in order to hire Bounty Hunters to help him break out of Prison.
Even then the Hutts had no doubt froze Ziro's assets once his crime had become known to those fat slugs.
This could only mean one thing for Xect and that was Ziro had incriminating information on the Hutts illegal activities. It was the only reason why the Hutts would even go out of their way to save one of their own who acted against their interests. So long as Ziro had that information meant that the longer he is in Republic Custody the likely chances are he'll give them the information. This information could very well lead to the fall of the Hutt Cartel and all of their illegal activities. And considering they more or less rule the criminal underworld of the Galaxy, it would make sense they did not want Ziro to reveal the information less it ruins them.
It was for this reason why Xect was here today and that was to get Ziro to talk. No Xect had a wide assortment of methods to get people to reveal secrets. Blackmail, bribery, and even the occasional use of torture but this time Xect had a straight forward idea. After all Prison is not a nice place especially if you're a Hutt and what Hutt would reject the comforts from when they were on the outside of these walls. Eventually the door slid open and Clone Guards escorted Ziro into the room so he and Xect could have words.
"Ziro the Hutt." Xect began as Ziro was brought in to stand before the Newman.
"Who are you?" Ziro asked seeing as this Newman asked for him by name alone. Any Hutt worth their name knew to be suspicious seeing as the Criminal underworld is a dog eat dog place.
"Xect Seat of 3 on the ARKs Council of Six." Xect introduced as he gave Ziro a deep look prodding the Slug which worried Ziro.
"Well then it's a pleasure to meet you." Ziro said as he tried to butter up a supposed big shot. After all even in prison ARK's has been making a run through on the rumor mill so to have one of its leaders here meant Ziro was someone of note to this particular ARK's member. "So what brings you here?" Ziro asked as he looked to Xect wanting some answers. Of course Xect was quiet for a bit as it began to worry Ziro a bit. "Is… there something you wanted from me?" Ziro asked but Xect remained quiet with his hands interlocked in front of his mouth.
Ziro was creeped out a bit as Xect was hardly saying much of anything right now. That was until Xect put something on the table and pushed it towards Ziro. "Drink." Xect offered and thus Ziro took the object and screwed the lid off. When he did and got a good whiff of what was inside he was wide eyed as this was a drink worth a lot to this particular Hutt.
"Oh my favorite don't mind if I do." Ziro said as he began to take a swing of this beverage.
"Being in prison cut off from your luxuries must be difficult for one of your… mass." Xect said as he looked to Ziro who drank the beverage Xect brought him.
"Oh I admit the time spent in here, the horror the indignities." Ziro said but Xect felt it was deserved but that was beside, the point.
"Yes well considering your sentence was lengthened due to that stunt you did with the Bounty on Senator Padme Amidala's life… you're not looking for an early release anytime soon." Xect said and thus got down to the point. "Fortunately you have something I need and I can get you things you could use." Xect said as he then pushed a contract Ziro's way.
"What's this?" Ziro asked as he picked up the holo-pad.
"A contract you will provide information that ARK's needs on the Hutt's and in exchange you will be provided small luxuries while you serve your time, and if the information is good enough maybe even a reduced sentence." Xect said as he look to Ziro who was shocked but skeptical at the same time.
"And how do you have that sort of power, or better yet how can you be sure I won't trick you?" Ziro asked and thus Xect planned for such a thing.
"Because Ziro, that drink may be the last one you get until you serve your time." Xect said beginning with the drink. "More so I know the other Hutts hired Bane and his crew to break you out of prison." Xect said as he glared at Ziro who was surprised by this. "For a time I wondered what was it that you had that would make the Hutts seek to free you even after you had threatened Jabba's son." Xect said as he thought it over and in turn had come to the only logical conclusion to it all. "It wasn't hard to figure out, you have dirt on the Hutt's that they don't want getting out." Xect said as he glared at Ziro who was surprised Xect figured it out. "It's the sort of information that would topple the Hutt Cartel if it were to get out." Xect said and thus glared at Ziro.
"And why would I tell you where I keep that data?" Ziro asked but Xect glared at him.
"You won't that's the point." Xect said as he glared at Ziro. "The Hutt's stole something from ARK's and we want it back and you want to get out of here or at the least have access to your old luxuries so let's help each other out." Xect said as he then gestured to the contract he had placed in front of Ziro. "You provide us information of use to us, and after we confirm it's legit and use it we will in turn depending on how good the information is will be able to grant you a luxury of your choice." Xect said as he looked to Ziro expecting an answer from the Hutt before him.
"Decline the offer and well… since we know you had enough access to a Bounty Hunter the Troopers will no doubt suspect you also have access to the other Hutts to contact." Xect said making it clear this was Ziro's best option for himself here. "So the cell we took you from before well lets replace it with a 23 hour maximum security cell." Xect said as he looked to Ziro who was shocked there.
"You can't do that!" Ziro almost yelled as Xect glared at the fat slug here.
"You'll find that I can and I very much will." Xect said as he made it clear that he currently held all the cards here. "So what will it be, help us to help yourself, or call my bluff and suffer for it?" Xect said as he had one hell of a Poker Face here.
Ziro saw he could not avoid this deal because either he loses it all or he gets it all back. Plus it was a good deal because the fact he can get his old luxuries back was too good an offer for him to pass up on. "Ok… you win." Ziro said as he vowed to make Xect suffer if this was a trick here. Thus once Ziro signed the contract Xect smirked to Ziro.
"Well then let's get to work, I need particular information on the Hutt's Spice operations dealers, delivery, that sort of thing." Xect said as he went to start small. After all if they kept making life hard for the Hutts it will force them to push back their planned auction of the kidnapped ARK's citizens.
"Here is the list of demands you can make if the information you provide is useful to us." Xect said passing the list over to Ziro who began to read through the information in question. "Now then anything you can tell me of the Hutt's Spice operations?" Xect asked and thus when Ziro saw the list getting him to talk became a lot easier here.
(Back at the Jedi Archives)
Back at the Jedi Archives Ahsoka was left in the hands of the head Archivist who was giving the Togruta Jedi Padawan the grand tour. Ahsoka was so entranced by what was being told to her that she almost missed the pride in Jocasta Nu's when she spoke about the archives.
"Even after the Third Galactic War ended which led to a century of peace, There is more knowledge here than anywhere else in the galaxy." Jocasta Nu said as she spoke with a great deal of pride for the Jedi Archives. "Well at least until before ARK's that is." She finished her talk on the history of the Jedi Archives as she had lost some of her pride no doubt after learning ARK's own archives which not only held the History of ARK's itself but their fleets entire exploration through all of Wild Space.
Just then a thought popped into Ahsoka's head as she then looked to the Jedi in charge of the Archives. "Master Kenobi says there are even texts here that are forbidden to be read." Ahsoka said as she was actually curios about that little tidbit.
"The archives hold a great many secrets it is true." Jocasta Nu said as she then proceeded to lead the padawan to a door that seemed well protected, with two ARK's Ops CAST guards on either side of the doors. "Beyond this door lies the holocron vault." Jocasta Nu said as she got to the biggest part of the Archive Tour. "The holocrons contain the most closely guarded secrets of the Jedi Order." She explained knowing full well if anything were to happen to those Holocrons the Jedi Order would no doubt suffer for it.
The Archivist then saw a familiar Jedi Master approaching the Holocron vault and opted to greet him. "Good morning, Master Fisto." She greeted as the Jedi Master of the Jedi Council took note of her.
"Good morning, Madam Jocasta Nu." He greeted as he grinned to her before using the force to open the door and entered the Holocron Vault.
Ahsoka saw this and knew she'd be lying if she said she was not a bit curious as to what was inside the Vault itself. "Can we go inside?" Ahsoka asked as she looked back to the head Archivist.
"I'm afraid not, my dear I haven't been inside myself for years. Not even ARK's Ops are allowed to enter, despite their altruistic intentions." Jocasta Nu answered, before explaining her reason on this particular rule here. "Only members of the Jedi Council are allowed access. Guarding the holocrons is one of the most important duties a Jedi can be given, Ahsoka." She explained to which Ahsoka fully understood the implications here. "Do you think you're up to the task?" Jocasta Nu asked as she walked with Ahsoka hoping she can handle it.
"Definitely." Ahsoka answered, confidently as from what she heard not much ever happens in the Jedi Archives after all.
(Scene Break Dark Falz Luther)
In one of the lower sectors of Coruscant Luther was sitting inside what was his current hide out reading a leather bound book. Truth was this place used to be Cad Bane's Apartment until Luther moved into the place while Bane was currently in prison. Now some would wonder why this Dark Falz was all the way out here anyway. With ARK's on the offensive against the Dark Falz collective many would suspect the Dark Falz would try and lay low. But Luther was smart and had a backup plan in play in the event his current body no longer served in his best interested.
Just then the holo-communicator next to the apartment's terminal beeped as he turned a hologram of the Sith who orchestrated everything, Darth Sidious, appeared. "Excuse the interruption, Luther as I was saying previously I have need of the services of one with your particular abilities." Sidious said as he looked to Dark Falz [Luther] the Fallen.
"Well it was why I had to come all the way to shining Coruscant." Luther said as he closed his book with a snap and turned his attention over to the hidden Sith Lord.
"I need a Jedi holocron." Sidious stated, while the shadows of his cloak hide his identity from any prying eyes in the area.
"To get a holocron I'd have to break into the Jedi Temple." Luther began as he began to think it over. "Even with my abilities the task will be difficult." Luther said before he began to grin. "I will need some specialty equipment, tools, and possible allies." Luther said as he knew it was a lot but it was also strange for Sidious to call him all the way from Separatist Space at his hidden cloning Lab to the Republic Capital Coruscant. "I will need a rogue-class Starfighter with elite weapons cloaking device the works." Luther said as he smirked a bit.
Sidious for his part had expected some sort of need on his part to make Luther agree. Now normally he would not let a good chance go but something had been happening on his part. For some time he had been losing what may be key members to the rise of his Empire. At first it was those he could easily get replaced but whoever was doing it had been carefully moving up the tree. He suspected the Dark Falz Collective responsible for it since they were the ones who had their portal based transportations.
So far Luther had proven to be a valued ally since his cloning operation had brought results in cloning force users for the Sith Lord. Still Sidious could not help but suspect ulterior motive on Luther's end of this alliance. "Worry not I will provide what you need as well as also provide you with the means to get inside the temple." Sidious said showing he planned ahead for things.
"So long as they can get the door open… I can handle the rest." Luther said as his time based abilities will no doubt be invaluable in this particular task. After all once the door was open he literally had all the time in the world to find what he needed to find.
(Meanwhile back at the Temple War Room)
In the Jedi War Room Xect was there with the rest of the Council of Six bar Yaga and Klara there via holograms. Arthur had been providing what aid he could for ARK's but it was clear losing Felucia had caused them a major setback. Xect was mainly here to speak with Anakin about a certain subject that would no doubt be a sore spot. But Xect knew Anakin was the only person he could speak to about the security breach ARK's had suffered from.
"The setback at Felucia has affected our efforts in the whole sector it'll take weeks, days at the least, before we can-" Obi-Wan began but was then cut off when Yoda groaned while grabbing his head.
This got everyone's attention on the small old green Jedi Master as no doubt they were all concerned for him. "Master Yoda, what is it?" Skywalker asked, while Aayla knelt concerned to the aged master both Jedi's concern for the Grandmaster of the Jedi.
"A disturbance in the Force Intruders there will be in this temple." Yoda told them which of course surprised them.
Upon hearing this Xect, Arthur, Morgan, and Noto all began to spring into action. "We'll need to put the Temple on lockdown." Xect said as he looked around. "Clearly these intruders have a target in mind investigating it will be key." Xect said as he was clearly thinking this through a logical mindset.
"While I do appreciate the aid Xect." Obi-Wan began but was cut off by Xect.
"With all due respect General Kenobi while Noto is head of Security for ARK's and Halpha when it comes to enemy intelligence and counter intelligence that is my jurisdiction." Xect said as he now had a holo screen pulled up with a detailed list of targets within the Temple ranging from most important to least. "We'll need to bump up security in these area's but try to keep it quiet if our intruder gets in I have questions for him." Xect said as he showed the list that had the top few targets highlighted for increased security. Needless to say the Jedi were not going to argue with the pragmatic Newman here.
(Meanwhile back over with Luther)
"That should do it, I'm sure your master will most enjoy having you upgraded like this." Luther said as the Dark Falz closed the hatch on the technical service Droid. Todo 360 had come into Luther's care when Bane was incarcerated and Luther had taken Bane's apartment as his hideout. Which reminded Luther as he then snapped his fingers which lead to about a good 10 or so minutes before Bane appeared held by two Falspawn while in a prison suit.
"Welcome back to the outside world Cad Bane." Luther said as he greeted the infamous Bounty Hunter before him.
"Who are you?" Bane asked glaring at the Dark Falz.
"Dark Falz [Luther] the Fallen." Luther began with his self-introduction before moving on to business. "And I freed you from prison to help me with a particular job I'm doing." Luther said making it clear he needed Bane for this.
"And what makes you think I'll do it?" Bane asked as he glared at Luther.
"Simple, I broke you out got the equipment ready, and I'm paying you triple your normal rates." Luther said as he was smirking at Bane.
"Triple my rates?" Bane asked as he knew it had to be big if Luther was paying that much credits.
"Why of course we are breaking into the Jedi Library to steal a Holocron." Luther said as he then gestured to the corpse near them. "That was a Jedi by the name of Ord Enisence and I took the liberty of calling a changing friend of yours." Luther said as he then got to another major bit. "Once we have the Holocron we will be going after this being." Luther said gesturing to the image of a Rodian on the terminal he was working from. ""Bolla Ropal a Jedi serving out in the Mid-Rim." Luther spoke as Bane saw where the plan was forming from.
"I see and you need me in case things go wrong somehow?" Bane said and thus Luther scoffed to this.
"Hardly an event to happen but I calculated such things." Luther said as he knew until he reached his goal of Omniscience he could not risk playing with dice so casually unless he knew for a fact he would win.
"This Luther has been wonderful Bane, he even fixed some memory crashes I've been having." Todo said as he looked to Bane speaking words of praise on Luther the Fallen.
"Besides this may provide you a chance to finally get some revenge against the ARK's Operatives who put you in prison." Luther added and in turn the Bounty Hunter was sold. Just then the buzzer at the door announced someone was there and in turn Luther waved it off leaving it for Bane to handle.
"Get the door." Bane ordered as he went to look over Luther's plan of busting into the Jedi temple's vault.
"I am a Techno-service droid, not a butler droid." Todo spoke with a tone of indigenous.
"Can it, Todo. You are what I say you are." Bane said and thus with a scoff Todo went to the door to answer it while the buzzing got more impatient on those inside.
When Todo got to the door he opened it revealing a helmeted being, bounty hunter by the looks of their attire, with thin like limbs and a rifle over their shoulders. "Who are you?" The helmeted bounty hunter asked, though by the tone of the voice, it was female.
"I am Todo 360, techno-service droid." The small droid introduced himself as he looked to the new arrival with curiosity. "Who are you?" He responded to the new arrival as he was a tad bit curious.
"None of your business." The bounty hunter said as she entered the apartment and putting her rifle to the side. She then took notice to Dark Falz [Luther] the Fallen, leaning on the wall nearby. "What about you?" She asked and thus Luther smirked to her.
"Luther the guy who called you to help us." Luther responded with a small bow of respect to the bounty hunter standing before him.
"Everyone is in a good mood today." Todo commented after looking around despite what he said was not the case. Raising her helmet up, the new bounty hunter revealed herself to be a Clawdite, a natural changeling in the galaxy, as she approached Bane's terminal as it showed an image of a Rodian in Jedi robes. "Who's that?" The new arrival asked as she inspected the image.
Bane looked over to Luther who was reading a leather bound book again and knew the Dark Falz was not going to repeat himself on the plan here. "Bolla Ropal, Jedi, out in the Mid Rim." Bane answered as he did his work.
"We going after him?" The Clawdite asked as she looked over their potential target here.
"Soon. Right now, we're stealing a holocron." Bane told her as he turned off the image of his terminal's screen.
"Impossible the only place you can get a holocron is-"
"I know!" Bane responded as he knew his partner for this job was skeptical about it. "Inside the main vault of the Jedi Temple." Bane answered, while getting a hologram of the entire Jedi temple. "Fortunately, our client here has set us up with some help. For one, the map of the temple you're looking at right now." He said as he smirked over to Luther who smirked back to the Bounty Hunter. "For another, a security chip that I've placed in my droid." He added which Todo knew he was being spoke of by the group.
"I have been given all the technical data regarding security systems in the Jedi Temple." Todo confirmed for them which was good news for the group, here. Though at the moment with this daunting task it may currently be useless.
"Both the vent shafts and the vault itself are equipped with all kinds of traps and security measures." Bane said but it was then that Luther closed his book and spoke up.
"Todo can take the traps out and cause a distraction, but it's not enough." Luther said as he walked over to the nearby corpse while getting the changelings attention. "But we still have need of aid from someone from inside the Jedi library to distract them systematically. And that's where your talents as a changeling will come in handy, my dear." Luther said as he looked to Cato who saw where this was going for her.
"He looks like a Jedi." Cato said as she saw the corpse in question.
"He was." Luther began as he admired the newly dead Jedi. "But now he will be put to excellent use in my newest side project." Luther said as he smiled to the dead Jedi here. After all with all the Jedi dying in the war it left Luther with a great deal of lab rats in his cloning projects with so many fresh genetic material available.
"Who was he?" She asked looking back at Bane.
"From what Luther told me, his name was Ord Enisence." Bane answered, pressing buttons on his terminal to show a diagram of the temple on the screen.
"You can walk into the archive and monitor us without a problem." Luther said as he finished explaining the plan. "Once we get the door opened it simply a matter of grabbing it for me." Luther said as he was most curious as to what this Holocron Sidious wanted contained. Cato then approached the Jedi's corpse. When she got close enough, she placed her two dominate fingers on the dead Jedi's hand and began to change into him, her suit activating a hologram that took on the deceased Jedi's attire.
The Clawdite chuckled as she looked upon her new form. "Now that I am a Jedi." She began with her normal voice. "I can do that." She said now using the voice of the Jedi whom she was impersonating.
"Good. You're gonna need these." Bane said pulling out what looked like ear buds. "Provided by our benefactor they're ear comlinks so we can communicate." Bane said as Luther listened to what they were saying.
"Hmm. The vault is in the library, which backs onto the communications center and all are connected to the central security center." Cato remarked as she looked over the holographic diagram of the Jedi Temple. "There'll be swarms of Jedi and more ARK's Operatives nearby." Cat said knowing this task will be difficult for them.
"Don't worry we'll be using that to our advantage." Luther said with a sinister smirk.
As she looked over the diagram again, the Cato posing as the deceased Jedi was unsure about something. "Even, if you do get into the vault, how will you crack the safe?" She asked while looking to Luther and Bane.
"All Bane has to do is open it, by the time it's fully opened." Luther began only to suddenly vanished and in turn appear behind Cato. "We'll already have it." Luther said from behind Cato surprising her as he grinned to the group showing that the Dark Falz had a few tricks up his sleeve. "Now then I will meet you at the site." Luther said before vanishing through a portal surprising the Bounty Hunters.
"Hard to believe he's supposed to be one of them Newman's." Cato said as she knew that ARK's had Four Major Races among them. Those four races were the Humans, the Newmans, the Deumans, and the CAST. The last one of course was still hard to swallow that they are in fact sentient beings and not just regular droids. "You hardly even seem surprised by this." Cato asked as she looked over to her partner.
"You get use to unexpected things when you get to be my age." Bane told his recruit in this crime before going back to the schematics. Not really caring about the 'natural order' that most have seem to think when ARK's and the Dark Falz Collective came into their galaxy. If they're able to do the job, it doesn't matter to the Duros what species they are, even if their organic or mechanical.
"Now then, First things first." As he went over the plan that involved the three presently, and had to do this quickly and clearly before they headed out to meet with Luther. Luther was making his move and it was clear to those aware that whatever it was… would NOT be in the best interest of ARK's, the Jedi, or the Republic. But the question remains for a being who seeks Omniscience what is his goal. Only time will reveal it and by the looks of it time will bring to light the truth of things. But until then ARK's will fight as will the Jedi to free the galaxy of the threat of the Dark Falz Collective and their creator.
(TBC)
ESKK: Yeah here we are I had to split the chapter in 2 because we were about to hit the 17000 word count. I keep my chapters below a certain count and if they go beyond then it's time to cut the chapter in two. Now then sorry for the delay of this chapter and please be sure to review it before heading out. Now then I said my peace so until next time ja-ne.