Chapter 18: Zel System Skirmishes
The 8th Fleet of the Confederacy of Independent Systems consisted of nine major capital ships, not including its four Hardcell-class interstellar transports and collection of Trade Federation freighters, super freighters, missile frigates, and repair ships.
The 8th Fleet was small compared to many other Separatist fleets. Despite massive numbers, the CIS Navy was constantly getting thrashed in space sorties throughout the galaxy. Massive Separatist warships were continuously lost and replaced, prompting Confederate planets to demand more vessels for their defense fleets. The ship shortage left little for OOM-9 to get his hands on.
OOM-9 was still surprised that the fleet that blockaded Naboo a decade ago was still larger than the group he currently commanded. Though small, the 8th Fleet had proven to be effective in the war so far, accumulating no capital ship casualties whatsoever.
General OOM-9 currently resided on the command bridge of the droid control ship, the Magna Musai. The command battle droid was waiting for a message from Count Dooku.
"What about those new ultra droidekas?" Z23-Y75 engaged OOM-9 in conversation while they waited for Dooku's call. Z23-Y75 had recently gotten a black Trade Federation emblem painted over the yellow command circle on his chest.
"Too expensive. And they're barely being manufactured at all. We might as well just arm all our B1s with ZGD gatling guns," OOM-9 answered.
"General, a transmission from Count Dooku," a pilot droid stated. The call finally came in and was immediately put through.
Count Dooku's grand visage filled the viewscreen. "General OOM-9, there is a specific task that you are uniquely qualified to handle. I need you to convince the Zel system to join the Confederacy. They have not yet taken the proper stance in this war. The Zeltrons have had a history of preventing invasion, but they will have no choice but to accept an offer from you."
"Yes, Count Dooku," OOM-9 nodded.
"You are to depart from Abridon as soon as your troops have been loaded."
"They already have, my lord. We may leave for the Zel system at once."
"Excellent. I have already notified the Zeltrons of your impending arrival." Dooku grinned. Only Count Dooku could pull off a smile that inspired both hope for the future, and malice towards one's enemies. "I know you will not fail me, General." The Head of State terminated the transmission.
"Set coordinates for Zeltros," OOM-9 commanded the crew.
"Dooku's trust in your abilities is continually growing," Z23-Y75 remarked.
The 8th Fleet exited out of hyperspace in front of the planet Zeltros. The planet looked like a pink and yellow marble encircled by two moons. It had a breathable atmosphere and a temperate climate. Zeltros was the homeworld of the Zeltrons and was also a luxury world ruled by a popular monarchy. The planet housed a flood of nightclubs, amusement parks, theatres, and many other pleasure facilities.
Zeltrons were a near-human species whose skin and hair color came in various shades of red. A typical Zeltron was considered attractive by human or humanoid standards. Zeltrons could produce pheromones, which could further enhance their attractiveness to others. They were also capable of projecting their emotions onto others, as well as reading the emotions of others. These biological characteristics had allowed the Zeltrons to prevent invaders from conquering their homeworld throughout history.
"Incoming communication from the planet," a droid crewman said.
"Put it through."
"Count Dooku told us of your arrival, General OOM-9. We would love to accept your diplomatic envoy but I'm afraid we have a serious problem. Patrol ships have picked up illegal Republic activity in the area. Perhaps you could solve this problem for us?" the Zeltron communications officer wasted no time in trying to get the droids to disperse.
"Give me the coordinates and I'll take care of it."
"Coordinates received," a droid said.
OOM-9 wirelessly uploaded the information from the CCC. The Republic apparently had a presence on just about every planet in the Zel system except for Zeltros itself.
"We graciously thank you in advance for dealing with the Republic. Our own military forces are not substantial enough to deal with the threat. Perhaps we can reschedule the diplomatic envoy for another time."
"No, the negations will continue as planned. I will leave a ship here while I eviscerate our enemies."
"As you wish General," the Zeltron communications officer cut the transmission.
"Why didn't the Zeltrons inform Count Dooku of this?" Z23-Y75 asked.
"They're trying to stall us. They know their little tricks are useless against droids. For all we know they might have persuaded the Republic to come to this system to destroy us."
"So you're going to leave only one ship at Zeltros? What if they attack?"
"The Zeltrons will never confront us directly. They know it would seal their fate. They will not attack. The Republic will fail to do their dirty work and they will accept Dooku's generous offer to enter into the Confederacy."
The Republic was milling around the planets Zeldiis and Zellone. OOM-9 divided his fleet to prepare for simultaneous attack on the separate targets.
"General OOM-9, you have an incoming message from Admiral Trench," a droid said.
"Put it through." Trench was a highly successful Separatist admiral, an individual who used his wits to win battles. OOM-9 respected that. There were few organics in the galaxy that actually utilized their brains.
"General OOM-9, I am in need of assistance. I have chased a Republic fleet to the planet Zeloa, but require reinforcements." Admiral Trench was a Harch, a spider-like, bipedal species that had six eyes and six arms.
"I am on my way Admiral," OOM-9 promised, and then ended the transmission.
"What about the Zeltrons? They are expecting you."
"I will personally assist Admiral Trench but we cannot allow the Republic to delay the negotiations. Z23-Y75, you are in charge of Zeltros now."
"Roger roger."
"I know Count Dooku intended for me to handle Zeltros but I have a far more interesting idea. Z23-Y75; Commander Zako, Major Katen, and Captain Sledge are to accompany you to the planet." OOM-9 wanted to see what effect the Zeltrons' special abilities would have on his three human officers.
"General, are you sure that's wise? Those three may pose a great hazard to this particular planet and the upcoming negotiations."
"Bring 3B3-888 and 8EX along to make sure they behave."
"Roger roger," Z23-Y75 didn't think the B1 and B2 would be enough to corral the three humans.
OOM-9 took the Magna Musai and left for Zeloa. EEK-176 and OOM-8 took the Scrapyard, Glaciarium, and the four Techno Union ships to Zeldiis. TH-1066 took the other ships to Zellone. The Commerce Guild destroyer, Khassez, was the only one left at Zeltros.
Crison Rud wrung his hands in anxiety. The Zeltron diplomat had been the unlucky one selected to accept the envoy of CIS droids. Zeltros had always been able to repel invasion, but an army of droids was a different matter. It was likely Rud would take the blame for what would soon occur, a thought that made his gut wrench.
A brown Sheathipede shuttle protected by two brown Vulture droids came touching down on the air pad. The red eyes of the droid starfighters looked angry to Rud as the two Vultures paced around in walking mode. A B1 battle droid and B2 super battle droid exited the shuttle first, followed by a command droid with the Trade Federation emblem painted across his chest. Crison Rud sighed internally, how could he entertain war machines? The pheromones secreted by his species were useless against droids.
Then the diplomat's mood picked up when he saw three humans exit the shuttle after the droids. Rud stared at the humans, dressed in formal wear rather than military uniforms as if they were expecting to party hard. There was a male with a black top hat and black suit, a blond female wearing a blue dress, and a black-haired female wearing a black dress. It was too good to be true. The Separatist fools had brought organics along on their mission. Perhaps the Republic activity in the area had taken up too many battle droids. Crison Rud smiled; he would be able to repel the Confederacy's advances after all.
"Welcome! Welcome, my friends!" Rud beamed with outstretched arms. "I think you will enjoy your visit to Zeltros! And can I assume you're the great OOM-9?"
"Negative. I am Commander Z23-Y75, here to negotiate on OOM-9's behalf. The general has deployed to oversee the eviction of the Republic from the system."
"Of course. We appreciate the gesture to keep our system free of those cloned monsters."
"Our eventual goal is to free the entire galaxy from the Republic's clone armies. Now, if you could take me to your leaders."
"Yes, yes. But wouldn't you like a tour of the area first? Our planet has much to offer and I'm sure your troops must be exhausted from fighting this terrible war."
Z23-Y75 turned to his humans, and was silent for a moment. "Yes, they would enjoy a tour. I will speak with your government myself."
Rud frowned on the inside. He couldn't deter the leader droid, but if he could turn the humans, they would probably send the droids away. After all, didn't the Confederacy's battle droids all take orders from organics? Rud had never heard of the reverse ever being true.
Crison Rud led the group to a black limo speeder. "I apologize. I didn't realize the group would be splitting up. A second speeder will be in shortly to pick you up Commander." Rud, 3B3-888, 8EX, Zako, Katen, and Sledge got in the first speeder.
"A new speeder and host will be with you momentarily," Rud told Z23-Y75. He was glad he could delay the command droid, if just for a few minutes. One might think it foolish to leave the battle droid unattended, but really, what could the droid do on his own?
Crison Rud ordered the limo driver to take them to the nearest beach, he wanted to bend these humans to his will as fast as possible. It was not a long drive, and soon the limo was parked and the occupants dispensed.
"What is wrong with these people? Where's all the pollution? Smog? Industrial waste? Something? The air's so un-perverted its making me nauseous." Melissa Sledge took in a deep breath of air after leaving the limo speeder.
"We really outta start calling you Sludge," Katen suggested.
"Shut up ASH-ley!"
Ashley Katen grinned, pleased with the response she was able to elicit.
"You've been inhaling recycled air on starships for too long," Zako told Sledge.
"And breathing in the pollution and death on the battlefield is any better?"
"Perhaps we can get you all something more comfortable and appropriate for the beach," Rud suggested.
"Yeah, good idea. I'm feeling hot," Katen agreed.
"We have a variety of swimwear available free of charge."
"I'll pass. I hate the water," Zako said.
Katen and Sledge took advantage of the offer.
Admiral Trench stared at the single Lucrehulk droid control ship that exited out of hyperspace. "The 8th Fleet is larger than that. I thought the droid general was going to send more ships." The Harch admiral clicked his mandibles together in frustration.
"The 8th Fleet is engaged with Republic forces all over the system," Trench's tactical droid explained after checking a console readout.
The Magna Musai and Trench's fleet corned the Republic ships above the gas giant Zeloa. Fourteen moons orbited the planet, eight of which were currently visible from their position. The Republic had four Venator star destroyers and four Acclamator assault ships at their disposal. Trench had his flagship, Invincible, four Banking Clan frigates and two Lucrehulk droid control ships.
Onboard the command bridge of one of the Venators was the Jedi Knight Nem Bees. Nem Bees was a male Ortolan. Ortolans were stocky bipeds with long snouts and floppy ears. They ultimately looked like blue elephants. Nem Bees was particularly adept at infiltration. Unfortunately, the superior Navy tactician, Admiral Trench, had cornered his fleet. As a new Lucrehulk droid control ship exited from hyperspace, Bees chose to stay and fight.
The capital ships on from all alignments unleashed their starfighters. Hundreds of V-19 Torrent fighters charged headlong towards thousands of Vulture droid starfighters.
The Republic cruisers broke off, taking on separate targets. A Venator engaged the Invincible in single combat.
"Fire the torpedoes," Trench ordered as the star destroyer came into his ship's range. "Torpedoes away Admiral," the tactical droid responded.
"Deploy the bombers and send them against the smaller cruisers," Trench commanded.
The four Acclamator ships attacked the four Banking Clan frigates and Trench's two droid control ships. The last three Venators headed towards the Magna Musai.
OOM-9 personally led his starfighter hoard from the cockpit of an advanced E-STAP droid starbomber. After the two hordes of starfighters passed each other, everyone broke formation and chased each other around.
OOM-9 barrel rolled out of the way of an oncoming Torrent, made a sharp right turn, and started pursuing the fighter that had nearly collided with him.
This particular clone pilot wanted to stay alive, for after many evasive maneuvers, the clone started flying in a sharp circle attempting to lose his pursuer. Despite his target's annoying flying pattern, OOM-9 kept up, forcing his bomber into a tighter turn and finally shot the craft to pieces.
Another Torrent flew in from the side, and sprinkled the bomber's shields with blaster fire. OOM-9 pulled his E-STAP upwards, though up was relative in space. The Republic fighter didn't pursue, as it was then chased by a Vulture droid fighter.
OOM-9 noticed that the hangers on the Venators were open to permit the coming and going of starfighters. The battle droid general ordered in shuttles to land in one of the targeted Venators. If they could commandeer one ship, they could help turn the tide against the outnumbered Magna Musai.
From one of the Magna Musai's hangers, KJZ-8267 watched the space battle as he waited for SSA-719. The situation looked bleak, as the droid control ship was currently outnumbered three to one. Trench's fleet was still preoccupied with the other Republic cruisers; they weren't getting help anytime soon. Even with the Hyena droid bombers hammering away at them, the Acclamators stubbornly refused to go down.
The security battle droid finally showed up, carrying the KnKr-1 doomseeker cannon. "What did you want this for?"
"I have an idea. Our shuttle is prepped and waiting."
"Roger. Don't tell me your plan or anything."
"You haven't figured it out yet?"
The two battle droids walked up the blue Sheathipede shuttle's ramp.
The two Sheathipede shuttles OOM-9 requested followed him into the Venator's hangar. A squad of droid marines exited from one shuttle while a group of droid commandos departed from the other.
OOM-9 hopped out of his fighter-bomber and landed on a clone. OOM-9 snapped the clone's neck, turned, and shot another clone coming at him.
The droid marines and commandos had no trouble slaughtering the hanger bay workers but proper fighting clone troops soon started spilling onto the scene.
One droid marine fired an E-60R rocket launcher right in the middle of a clone squad, killing eight troopers at once. A BX droid commando shot the remaining survivor in the torso.
More clone troopers continued to pour into the hanger, and were continually brought to a halt. BX droid commandos and marine battle droids were a deadly combination.
The clones started to give up on destroying the shuttles and focused more on preventing the droids from gaining further access to the rest of the cruiser.
When the fight seemed more and more like a standoff, some of the droid marines turned to destroying parked Republic fighters with time bombs and rocket launchers, trying to provoke a response from the clone troopers.
The droids got a response they didn't intend. A blue Ortolan appeared in the hanger. OOM-9 guessed that he must be a Jedi, why else would an Ortolan be here? OOM-9 detached the ZK-II war-axe affixed to his back and activated it.
With blinding speed, OOM-9 rushed in and sliced Bees' lightsaber before the Jedi could even activate it. OOM-9 slashed again to take off the Jedi's head, but this time Bees was barely able to escape the swing.
A clone suicidally tackled OOM-9 to draw attention away from Bees. The blue-skinned Jedi used the opportunity to run.
OOM-9 knocked the clone off him with his axe and finished him off with a shotgun blast from his custom E-5. "Get back here you coward!" OOM-9 went after the Jedi.
Two lucky clone pilots ran for a parked Nu shuttle that the droids hadn't gotten around to destroying yet. None of the droids were able to hit them as they boarded. Bees also got aboard the Nu shuttle.
"Stop that shuttle!" OOM-9 ordered, no longer running after Bees. A droid marine complied by shooting the craft with an E-60R rocket launcher. The hit was good but the shuttle still took off in one piece, albeit smoking.
OOM-9 received a transmission from KJZ-8267, telling him to evacuate from the Venator.
A squadron of fast flying E-STAP bombers closed in on the Venator nearest to the Magna Musai. Following them was KJZ-8267's shuttle.
"Commencing bombing run," the lead bomber's pilot stated.
The twelve bombers orderly saturated the Venator's two command bridges with proton bombs. After the bombers had completed their run, KJZ-8267's shuttle pulled alongside the bridges.
"We've lost shields to the bridge," a crewman said.
"What are they doing?" the Venator's captain asked as she looked through the viewports. The bombers weren't coming back but a blue Neimoidian shuttle was hovering before them.
SSA-719 was standing in the open passenger doorway of the shuttle, doomseeker cannon in hand. The security droid aimed the gigantic gun and blasted huge holes into both of the Venator's bridges. The Venator's bridge staff was sucked into the vacuum of space.
Back in his advanced E-STAP, OOM-9 saw the Venator lose control and spiral down towards Zeloa. OOM-9 was impressed with the creativity and effectiveness of KJZ-8267's and SSA-719's attack.
The E-STAP bomber squadron made a run against the next Venator's command bridge, followed again by SSA-719 using the doomseeker cannon to blow holes into the shield-less towers.
The process was again repeated on the third Venator, though the Republic had finally figured out what the droids were up to, they no longer had enough starfighters to do anything about it. The remaining V-19 Torrent fighters were already doing everything they could against the hordes of Vulture droids.
The Invincible had disposed of its opponent and the Acclamators were finally starting to crack apart. The Republic had lost the battle. Bees' Nu shuttle, which had joined in the starfighter battle since leaving the Venator's hanger bay, had now turned tail by order of Nem Bees. The shuttle got through the starfighter swarm and shot into hyperspace, leaving behind the rest of the Republic ships to their doomed fate.
Admiral Trench looked on as the Vulture droids swarmed what was left of the Torrent fighters. "That was unexpected. General OOM-9 is more resourceful than I thought."
"He is exceptionally successful for an old command battle droid," the tactical droid stated.
"Recall the Hyena bombers, their job is done."
"Yes, Admiral."
The Venators that fell to Zeloa burned up on entry into the atmosphere, but not before several escape pods were ejected.
"Deploy the pod hunters," Trench ordered. "And tell OOM-9 to deploy his as well, there are a lot of escape pods out there."
"Yes, Admiral."
Ashley Katen had chosen a black bikini with blue highlights and Sledge donned a purple one with lime green highlights. Both of the female officers were in excellent shape and looked good in bikinis. Despite their exterior beauty, Crison Rud was quickly learning that they had ugly personalities.
On the beach, 8EX and 3B3-888 were originally the ones turning heads and raising eyebrows. But soon the three humans started to take center stage. The three CIS officers were becoming hyper-violent, but so far were only targeting each other. After a few minutes their targets began to change from each other to innocent bystanders. They were complete bullies, destroying sandcastles, picking fights, and making threats to the ocean.
Zeltron pheromones did not seem to work properly against these humans, and Rud was unable to imprint his own emotions onto them. Instead the human trio was becoming steadily irate and belligerent.
Rud was having to rely on the two battle droids to keep the humans contained, the exact opposite of what he originally thought would happen. Most humans that visited Zeltros could be felled by various alcoholic beverages the planet had the offer, but the three CIS officers were instead consuming vast amounts of sugary snacks which heightened their energy and aggression.
"This is boring, where's the violence?" Ashley Katen sucked on a lollipop.
"I knew we should have went with OOM-9. Now we're stuck here. I hate the beach," Zako complained. "Stupid sand gets everywhere."
"Maybe you wouldn't be having so much trouble if you had changed," Sledge suggested as she bit into a candy bar.
The Scrapyard and Glaciarium exited out of hyperspace in front of Zeldiis. The planet Zeldiis was a barren rock orbited by three moons. Two Republic Dreadnaughts came out to greet the CIS. The Dreadnaughts unleashed gunship fighters and the Glaciarium let loose Vulture droids while the Scrapyard bleached a combination of Scarab starfighters and hunter-seeker droids.
The old Dreadnaughts were seen as a joke and EEK-176 sent the landing craft down to Zeldiis amidst the space battle. The two Dreadnaughts split up and each took its own Lucrehulk opponent.
EEK-176 went down to the planet on a Trade Federation drop ship that was following the C-9979 landing craft.
"Signal the Hardcell transports to begin landing on the planet," OOM-8 issued the order once he was sure that the Dreadnaughts were properly occupied.
A Republic mining station mired the barren planet's landscape.
The landing craft began deploying the vehicles while the Techno Union ships provided infantry. The barren land was overrun with battle droids, baron battle droids, thermal detonator battle droids, grapple battle droids, plasma battle droids, rocket battle droids, super battle droids, droidekas, and dwarf spider droids.
EEK-176 exited the drop ship on a beige GAT. The AATs, GATs, AMLs, and homing spider droids provided by the landing craft were met by clone personal and scout walkers. Not the best of the GAR's vehicles. The spider droids and armored assault tanks did most of the work, almost competing with one another to see who could get the most kills.
The mining facility didn't even have any defensive turrets. The Separatists simply rolled over everything. The only chance the Republic had was a squadron of gunship bombers that deployed from an air pad near the mining facility.
Within a few minutes the gunship bombers proved to be quite useless. They focused more on evaded anti-air missiles from AMLs and baron battle droids than actually bombing the droid army.
In space, the Republic was doing no better. It was no contest; the two Lucrehulk ships had size, shields, and firepower on their side. Had they tried to escape, the Dreadnaughts might have had a chance to escape. But they didn't. They didn't even attack effectively. They broke off and each took their own Lucrehulk ship, instead of combining fire against just one.
The two Dreadnaughts blew up almost simultaneously. There weren't even any escape pods ejected. The remaining gunship fighters turned around and headed back to the planet.
"Tell the fighters to pursue," OOM-8 ordered. "We cannot allow them to harass our ground troops."
EEK-176 and OOM-8 had really overdone it in this battle. Battle droids outnumbered clone troopers three hundred to one. There ultimately just wasn't a need for that many droids troops on the battlefield. Though the info the Zeltrons had provided made it seem like the Republic base was stronger than it actually was.
The droid army surrounded the mining complex. There were three main ramps leading down into a massive entrance. EEK-176 sent down the infantry, leaving the vehicles at the perimeter to prevent anyone from escaping.
The baron battle droid E2BA-89 was on one of the ramps leading down to the mine entrance when a gunship bomber approached. The anti-air droid fired his twin backpack missile launcher, nailing the bomber. It started falling out of the sky, but careened toward the ramp. The ship's wingtip almost hit E2BA-89 as it went by and crashing into the ground.
An army of over two thousand battle droids marched into the mining station. They were disappointed by what they found. Most were miners or Kaminoan worker droids. Almost no clone troopers at all. The Republic obviously wasn't expecting an attack here.
Only one clone squad seemed to put up a real fight. They had set up defensive positions deep in the mines, and had already defeated two squads of B1 battle droids.
"They've sent in the supers!" a clone hollered as a squad of B2s marched into the area.
The clones used mining equipment for cover. They had also instructed the worker droids in the area to keep mining to provide background noise to annoy the droids.
The super battle droids were slow to pick up on the clones' various hidden positions. The droids started to fall to blaster fire and a trio of droidekas came in to remedy the situation.
"They've got rollies!" The clones started chucking thermal detonators at the shielded droids, ignored the possibility that the explosives might collapse the mine.
Two of the destroyer droids bit the dust, leaving one to soak up a lot of blaster fire on its own.
EEK-176 and E2BA-89 came in with a squad of dwarf spider droids to finish the job. E2BA-89 specifically targeted the mining equipment, taking out a few hidden clones and Kaminoan worker droids.
"We've got spiders inbound!" a clone yelled.
EEK-176 used an E-5 shotgun, an effective weapon in the close quarters of a mine. The clones had used up most of their thermal detonators and their DC-15S blasters weren't strong enough to take out the spider droids.
Dwarf spider droids excelled at underground fighting, one of their nicknames was 'burrowing spider droid,' since they were originally used by the Commerce Guild to combat tax-evaders on mining worlds. The spiders' infrared photoreceptors and powerful sensors rooted out the clone's locations. The spider droids were slow, but approached the clones' positions and systematically wiped them out.
Eventually only a clone sergeant was left. EEK-176 destroyed the clone's weapon with a shotgun blast. EEK-176 then rushed up and smashed his shotgun against the clone's head. The command droid grabbed the clone sergeant by the neck and threw him into a mining drill that was still running, creating a big bloody mess.
Rud, the three humans, and two battle droids had wandered away from the beach and into the city. The group meandered into a candy store. Katen and Sledge were still in their bikinis, but that wasn't an unusual site on Zeltros.
"What do honest Hutts, tall Ortolans, and intelligent clone troopers have in common?" Zako asked.
"I don't know. What?" Sledge asked.
"They're all imaginary."
"Ha!"
The humans started scavenging around, looking for various candies.
Zako noticed a circular cake with a hole in the middle. It was covered in chocolate icing. He snatched the foodstuff and ate it.
"This is delicious! Its one of the best things I've ever had! What is it?" Zako demanded of the clerk.
"It's called a donut."
"Dough-nut?" Zako asked.
"I don't taste nuts of any kind," Sledge swiped one and ate it.
"It's just a name."
"A stupid name."
Katen took one and bit into it, cream spilling out over her face. "Ack! What's this stuff?" The white ooze dripped from her chin onto her chest. She tried to wipe it off but only made herself messier. "Arrgh, I'm all sticky." She sucked on the icing stuck to her fingers. "I taste good though."
"Some are cream filled. You've never had donuts before?" the clerk asked.
"No," all three humans answered at once.
"They're a favorite food here on Zeltros," Rud explained.
The humans started taking large quantities of candy and donuts. "Where are we gonna put all this stuff?" Sledge asked.
"Make Karl hold it, he has pockets," Katen answered.
"Are you gonna pay for all this?" the clerk asked.
"Shut your talk tube candy Zeltron," Zako threw a wad credits in the Zeltron's face and the three humans laughed profusely before they started devouring the candy and donuts.
"Hey Rud, get me the recipe for donuts," Zako demanded.
"Yes, of course." Rud finally found a weakness in the three humans, a love of donuts. Though he didn't know how he would exploit this knowledge.
Under the leadership of the tactical droid, TH-1066, the Munificent frigates and Recusant destroyers of the 8th Fleet approached and descended into the upper atmosphere of Zellone. Zellone was a gas giant orbited by seventeen moons.
The Republic had six bronze-colored gas mining platforms in the area, protect by a floating landing pad that housed a squadron of V-19 Torrent fighters. TH-1066 noted that the Republic was exactly where the Zeltrons reported they'd be, a possible sign that they could be peacefully integrated into the Separatist Alliance.
"Use the B2-RP battle droids, capture the platforms if possible," TH-1066 told his fleet.
The CIS capital ships split formation as they approached gas-mining platforms. The three Banking Clan frigates and two Commerce Guild destroyers each took their own platform, while the cluster of super freighters and missile frigates went after the landing pad.
Each ship approached its assigned platform and unleashed scores of B2-RP battle droids, also known as rocket super battle droids. They were basically super battle droids with built-in rocket packs. They had blue-white markings on their torsos, arms, and legs to distinguish them from their more common, land-based cousins.
The platforms themselves weren't much of a threat. Each was equipped with six anti-starfighter cannons, though they were useless against the capital ship's shields and couldn't hit the speedy rocket droids. The only advantage the Republic had was that the capital ships weren't firing on the platforms.
A single CR70 corvette was docked to one of the platforms, but detached to engage the Separatists. TH-1066 sent two super freighters to deal with the minor threat.
The Trade Federation missile frigates failed to destroy the V-19 Torrents while they were parked. The Republic starfighters broke up and scattered all about the battlefield. They were a minor threat, and TH-1066 sent only a single squadron of Vulture droids to deal with them.
"Target platform is secured," a rocket droid transmitted to TH-1066.
"Stand by to receive worker droids," TH-1066 informed the droid. A trio of Sheathipede transport shuttles left the Komusai towards the mining platform.
The Republic was weaker than TH-1066 expected. The tactical droid ordered his Munificent-class star frigate to turn towards the air pad.
One of the V-19 Torrent fighters sped towards the Banking Clan frigate in defense of the air pad. The Republic fighter spat blue blaster bolts at the command bridge. TH-1066 stood right next to a viewport and looked out as the shields absorbed the damage. The V-19 fired all of its concussion missiles, as if trying to kill the tactical droid.
The purple tactical droid was perfectly safe inside the bridge and the Komusai's turrets destroyed the Torrent fighter.
"Fire Prow turbolasers at the air pad," TH-1066 commanded.
"Firing Prow turbolasers."
After a few bursts the air pad erupted in an explosion.
Z23-Y75 stood before Zeltros' monarchy. "It would be in your best interest to join us. I'm sure you're well aware that the Separatist Droid Army cannot be stopped."
"We've heard that one Jedi is worth more than a thousand battle droids."
"Republic propaganda. The Jedi Order is frail and falling apart. They hide behind the clone army like cowards."
"We can deal with both the Jedi and the clone army ourselves. Why do we need you?"
"Because your pheromones won't work against an orbital strike," Z23-Y75 was blunt.
"And why should we believe that the Galactic Republic would commit such a horrendous act?"
"Because they've already committed war crimes against civilian populations that wanted nothing but the right to make their own choices. You will be subjugated no differently than anyone else."
"The Republic would not dare try to conquer this planet."
"Which is why they will destroy it with an orbital bombardment," the command droid made his point.
"We hear that your subordinates have been spending time touring the area." A large viewscreen hummed to life, showing Zako, Katen, and Sledge.
"Flip over that speeder!" Sledge told 8EX.
"Why?"
"Because I said so!"
The super battle droid did as instructed, and overturned a parker landspeeder.
The room was silent. The various Zeltron government officials were baffled by what they saw. Instead of docile partiers, the humans were going on a rampage.
"What is this?"
"Human CIS officers. And we have thousands more just like those three," Z23-Y75 bluffed.
"Ahh, I see…"
"The sooner we finish negotiations, the sooner they can go back to fighting the clone army."
The large viewscreen showing the Separatist humans was switched off. "We understand, perhaps a deal can be worked out." The Zeltrons had no desire to fight an army of battle droids and psychotic humans.
"Excellent. Your willingness to see reason will be rewarded."
Nem Bees' Nu shuttle exited out of hyperspace in front of Zeltros. Nem Bees planned to appeal to the Zeltrons for assistance. The Nu shuttle was able to get past the Khassez to Zeltros, though just barely. The Jedi hadn't expected the CIS to be at Zeltros at all, he wondered what they were up to. It wasn't an invasion; no Separatist commander would invade a planet with only one Recusant-class light destroyer.
The shuttle had taken so much damage it nearly crashed instead of landing. Most unfortunate for Bees, the shuttle had landed within visual range of 3B3-888, 8EX, and their three human officers.
The five Separatists raced back to their speeder limo. 3B3-888 threw out the driver and piloted the vehicle himself, pushing the sleek speeder to its limit. Crison Rud was more than happy to be left behind, though he was supposed to be watching the Separatists, he didn't want to get caught up in a firefight. If he were lucky maybe the Separatists and Republicans would kill each other off. At the very least, the Separatist humans now had an acceptable target to take out their sugar-fueled rage on.
The speeder limo pulled up to the side of the smoking Nu shuttle. Nem Bees and the shuttle's two pilots were already out and about. Bees felt a disturbance in the Force. Like a wave of bloodlust had washed over his body. He felt an incredible combination of anger and insanity, and he did not understand why.
Bees and the clone pilots initially thought nothing of the three humans that exited out of the speeder. The humans started to approach them. One of the pilots moved to address them when 8EX and 3B3-888 exited the black speeder limo.
"Hey!" was all the clone could get out before Sledge grabbed him by the arm and broke it. Sledge then grabbed his neck and snapped it like a twig.
8EX blasted the other clone pilot in the chest.
The Separatists slowly approached Nem Bees, expecting the alien to brandish a lightsaber at any moment. Bees just stood there, and then Force pushed 8EX.
He put so little effort into the attack that it didn't even knock the droid down.
"Aw, you lost your little lightsaber? That's too bad," Zako grinned as he approached the Jedi. Bees turned to run back to the shuttle but Zako barred his way.
With 8EX approaching, Nem Bees chose to run for it. Katen and Sledge ran after him, and Bees was left wondering how he suddenly ended up being pursued by scantily clad human females. Even with the Force to boost his speed, Bees' strides were hindered by the fact that he was short compared to the two humans chasing him.
3B3-888, instead of chasing after the Jedi like the others, got back in the limo speeder and started it up. With the limo speeder, the B1 battle droid was easily able to catch up to the others.
Bees jumped into a moving X-31 landspeeder and used the Force to eject the previous owner softly onto street. Katen and Sledge stopped; they were tired and knew they couldn't catch a speeder on foot.
As 3B3-888 passed them by Katen jumped onto the back of the limo.
Sledge saw a nearby speeder truck that was temporarily parked. She rushed over, opened the door and threw the driver out. "Wha- hey, that's my truck!" the driver hit the pavement.
"Not anymore," Sledge sped off.
Zako went through a nearby parking lot, looking through available speeders. He finally found one he liked, a black Kadzilak. Kadzilaks were classic hover cars produced in the Zalost system. Zako quickly and smartly hotwired the speeder and went to join in the chase.
Left behind, 8EX secured the now-empty Nu attack shuttle.
Katen climbed across the limo's roof as it chased after Bees. "Open the sunroof!" Katen banged on the speeder. 3B3-888 complied and Katen slipped in. "Ack, you could have slowed down a bit!"
"I'm trying to keep up with the Jedi!" 3B3-888 rolled down the driver side window and shot at Bees' speeder with his E-5 blaster rifle.
"No, keep it open," Katen stopped 3B3-888 from closing the sunroof back up.
"Why?"
"Pull alongside him."
"You're an idiot if you jump over there Katen," 3B3-888 warned.
Ashley Katen climbed back on the limo's roof and jumped over to the other speeder anyway.
Both Bees and Katen were unarmed, yet they had no problem pounding on each other. Bees had the disadvantage of having to still drive the speeder as he fought with the human. Katen grabbed onto Nem's snout and yanked it hard. She then tried to poke out his eyes.
Bees finally used the Force and knocked Katen off the speeder. 3B3-888 caught her with the front of the limo before she hit the street. 3B3-888 pulled over and let Katen slide off. As soon as she was on the ground, the droid took off again, determined not to let the Jedi escape. "Hey! Get back here!" Katen yelled. "You can't just leave me!"
Sledge pulled over the speeder truck and let Katen get in the passenger side.
Commander Zako sped up and rear-ended Bees' speeder. The Jedi used the Force against his opponent, forcing the Kadzilak into another speeder on the road.
Bees got a slight lead on the others and took and off-ramp leading to an overpass. 3B3-888 and his limo were the first to go up after him.
Nem Bees parked the speeder on the side of overpass and got out. The black limo came up to the overpass. Bees was standing in the middle of the road, apparently ready to face his doom.
"I'm gonna crush you!" 3B3-888 stepped on the accelerator and sped towards the Jedi.
Bees leapt over the edge of the overpass, landing in a moving speeder in the street below. 3B3-888 missed his target and hit the brakes. Coming up from behind the battle droid, Sledge took the speeder truck and slammed right through the safety wall, falling down to the street below. 3B3-888 turned the limo around and followed through the breach in the wall, followed by Zako who did the same.
The speeder limo stalled when it hit the street below, taking 3B3-888 out of the chase. Sledge and Zako continued on after Bees, who was starting to gain a healthy lead.
Nem used the Force and moved the speeder's original driver into another moving vehicle. While rude to steal someone's vehicle, Bees had little choice, but did not want innocents to get killed in the skirmish if he could avoid it.
Melissa Sledge used the truck's great size to just barrel through the traffic, while Bees and Zako had to maneuver through it.
In the sky, two brown Vulture droids appeared, the ones that had escorted Z23-Y75's shuttle down to the planet. 3B3-888 had called them in to help get Nem Bees. They spelled doom for Bees as they fast approached.
The droid fighters were getting in optimum range and Zako had nearly caught up with Bees' speeder.
Nem Bees suddenly spun his speeder around and started going back where he came, straight into oncoming traffic. Zako and Sledge likewise turned their speeders around and mindlessly chased the suicidal Jedi.
3B3-888 had gotten the limo started again and came charging up to the others.
Zako was right on Bees' tail. 3B3-888 was barreling right at the Jedi.
Bees had one chance.
Right before he collided with the limo, he used the Force to briefly pick up his speeder.
3B3-888 and Karl Zako crashed right into each other. 3B3-888 went through the limo's windshield, and landed right into the passenger seat of Zako's Kadzilak. Karl was held in place by his safety belt. He backed up from the crash and followed Sledge's truck after Bees.
The two Vulture droids were right on Bees now, coating the street with blaster fire. Nem knew he couldn't outrun starfighters in a landspeeder. The blue Jedi jumped up and landed right on top of one of the low-flying Vulture droids.
Both Vulture droids landed in the street in walking mode. The other tried to shoot off Bees, but couldn't get a clear hit. It warbled around in frustration but Bees held on and refused to give the droid a good shot.
Sledge hit the brakes on the speeder truck as she approached the Vultures. She was not so bloodthirsty as to ram into her own teammates. Zako also pulled up and also stopped.
3B3-888 got out of the classic hover car. "I'll get him," he aimed his E-5 blaster rifle. Bees hopped off the droid just as 3B3-888 fired.
With every last drop of his might, Bees used the Force and jumped, landing on top of a speeder truck on the other road. The two Vulture droids went back into flying mode and went after him. A large divider prevented the humans from following in their vehicles. The droid starfighters blasted the speeder truck, but couldn't find the Jedi after the explosion. No one could. But they didn't find a body either. It was too much to ask for the Jedi to have been incinerated in the explosion. The Separatists believed that the Jedi had gotten away.
The scattered components of the 8th Fleet returned back to their original target, Zeltros. OOM-9 was pleased to learn that the negotiations were completed and his troops would soon be able to leave the system once control of the mines was transferred over to the Zeltrons. Then the CIS could go about establishing a permanent droid embassy on Zeltros. But it was not all good news.
"You lost the Jedi?" OOM-9 berated his three human officers.
"Its not our fault, how were we supposed to know a Jedi would come here," Sledge said. "Its not like we had an army with us."
"Yeah, look at us," Katen added. "If we knew we'd be going into battle we wouldn't be wearing these scraps of cloth."
"Didn't he originally get away from you?" Zako asked.
"Yes, but that's not the point." OOM-9 shook his head. "How do these Jedi keep slipping through our fingers?"
"Not all hope is lost General," Z23-Y75 said. "The monarchy has agreed to a temporary planetary lockdown to trap the Jedi here. We just have to find him."
"How hard could it be to find an Ortolan on Zeltros?" Sledge asked.