Upping the Stakes
xxx
Moving on
xxx
One can almost time their watches by the reactions of the populace whenever a massive group belonging to the Empire comes to land. No matter the planet, the scenarios are exactly the same. The Empire announces their arrival. The post receiving the announcement alerts their team, and that teams sends out a mass warning to anyone and everyone who doesn't want to be around when the Empire docks. the people scramble, and those who are to bring their hands on deck were sweating laser bolts having sprinted from across the yards from break or wherever to serve their masters. Then the Empire lands, Stormtroopers exit and the dockworker begin running their tests and cleaning like their lives very well depend on it.
Supply Master Lyst Strutted from his cruiser, hands folded behind his stiff back to project his superiority to this bottom of the barrel workers. the rest of his squadron landed on the docking platform, their demands for fast treatment of their weapons and vehicles echoed across the yard. Lyst cast his scathing leer over these squirming worms, savoring their submissive postures. It has its perks being a superior officer with some sort of pull. After all, he is the Supply Master. His totalitarian grip dictates who eats and gets medicine, and who dies like rabid animals.
"Alright, let's get the supplies off loaded and then load up what we came for!" He ordered. He signed order forms and transfer orders with the Dockmaster, then shoved him out of his face. "We're on a tight schedule!"
"YES SIR!" His men barked and went to keep to that tight schedule.
A group of Lyst's men parted like the seas when The Inquisitor came hobbling in. How long he was lurking around was more unnerving than those bruises he was sporting. The tales around the Empire is that no one is able to touch him. A Master amongst Masters that now lie six feet and dead. A dozen of troopers have gone at him. He killed them with barely a twitch. Yet here he is...taking on gawks of disbelief at his new scars. Lyst was so busy taking detailed logs of the inventory that he never noticed the Inquisitor. Even when his right hand man started to back away. He just wondered where the Hell he was going.
"Supply Master, you have arrived." The Inquisitor startled him.
"Inquisitor?" He didn't mean to gasp as he did...or stare. But damn did this man look like Hell. "What are you doing here?" And it was very tempting to ask him why he looked like Hell spit him out. But judging by how very little patience he has, he'll keep his skin.
"I just stopped by to pay a visit to someone. It was eventful." To say the very least. With all those bruises, it'd be appropriate for him to be a little more disgruntled. Instead of just irked. Instead he was working on a smile.
Lyst bobbed his head with a smile. He knows all about that visit. "How did Senator Mon Mothma take a visit from you?" The Inquisitor choice not to answer. Instead he just licked his teeth, a habit of his to show he might have convinced her spine to turn to a noodle. "I don't blame her. You make me cringe as well."
"Anyway, I have more pressing matters to deal with that require my attention elsewhere." He maturely dismissed Lyst's taunt, but still gave a roll of his eyes. There's word that his favorite Rebels are having a rather difficult time lying low on Lothal. Places to run to and hide in are becoming scarce these days. Could force them to perform an operation of desperation. And the Inquisitor wants a front row seat when that happens. He sent a location to Lyst's data pad from his wrist com. "The Senator is being transported to this hospital. She is to be guarded at all costs." Guarded as in he expects his favorite mechanic to mount a rescue, visit her, and or pretend to be finishing the job. "You are free to handle her as you see fit should she become troublesome."
Lyst already likes where this is going. He's been...itching to put a bolt between someone's eyes. "Is there something I should know?" He purred.
"The Senator could be an insurgent for the rebels." He stated just quiet enough for the two of them to hear. Lyst's brow arched. He didn't see that coming. "The girl with the redacted file was once an employee of her cousin's. And she is here as we speak."
The mechanic. Oh this couldn't be anymore perfect for Lyst. A chance to not only put a bolt between Mon Mothma's eyes, but that bitch that stabbed him as well. Lyst cleared his throat realizing he was about to lose himself in vengeful laughter. "Kendril Mothma, yes. I heard how he passed." The somber reminiscing coaxed him to calm himself. He had to tip his hat. "He was a good man. Always provided the best of service."
"A fan?" The Inquisitor piped up intrigued.
"Respect where it is due." Lyst is not incapable of giving that. "There were rumors he adopted a child long ago. Perhaps our Mechanic is the same child."
"Impressive, Supply Master." He came to a grand conclusion on his own. Kendril adopting a child isn't too widely known. Perhaps there is a grand connection they can exploit. "I know I leave this in capable hands." The Inquisitor went for his ship, pleased to see his ship was ready to take him back to Lothal.
"I'll not to disappoint." Lyst sardonically swore. He shook his head. He doesn't need to be told to do his work. He brought up the hospital on his datapad, transferred it to the com units of his most elite group of Troopers. Their orders were to go and protect the Senator with their lives, and the keep a lookout for anyone undesirable. In the meantime, he'll gather up what he came for and take his leave. With Rebels present on this planet - be they separated or not - this will not bode well if he chooses to linger too long. Never does.
xxx
"So did you hear?" A Stormtrooper gossiped with his buddy, patrolling a not at all busy street. "Senator Mon Mothma was attacked a couple of hours ago. By a Rebel."
"So that was true!" He gasped, living in skepticism till now. "I heard she was being investigated as an agent of the rebels!" He and his buddy must have drawn the short straw if they have time to talk rumors. Falsehoods and half truths formed. "Guess it was just paranoid thinking." Both were so preoccupied with the baseless talk that they neglected to notice the figure skulking in the shadows above. "She's been taken to Chanti's Memorial Hospital."
The figure took note. Their eyes alight with triumph. They know that hospital well. Many know of it due to its red carpet treatment of those part of the 2% who can donate to its high class lifestyle. All the comforts of Nirvana and more for those who can afford it. Cures to ailments deemed hopeless and certain t bring death are provided. Limbs lost 20 years ago are easily replaced. Genetic disorders are granted tiny machines to help compensate. The paralyzed can walk again. Much, much more. It is wished, partly due to a long history of pessimism, that this place was too good to be true. The lithe figure knew better. it was not made up. For they have witnessed with their very own eyes what this hospital is capable of. And Senator Mon Mothma is there. The figure quickly punched in the hospital to a data pad they stole, getting a sense of how far away that extravagant hospital is. It came right within range of one of the stops they have to make before rushing to the Senator's bedside.
"The upper highs have a right to be paranoid." The other assured his friend. He moved in close, lowering his voice to a whisper. "I heard Senator Trayvis was really working for us, but pretended to be with the Rebels."
"Shut up, no way!" He wrenched his friend to a stop by the shoulder.
"And get this!" He erected a finger. A dramatic pause got his pal to move in closer. The shadows stopped moving, bright blue eyes piercing the dark. "One of the Rebels working for that Jedi killed his nephew!"
"Oh man! No wonder people are on edge right now!" He was losing his balance. He had to stop to process all of this. He put a hand to his head, panting deliriously. "It was said he defected because the actions of the Empire cost him his family!"
"That was just a cover story! He went under to find the ones who killed his family."
"Well it worked." He laughed aloud, he and his friend moseying along. he trailed behind to watch is back. "He found them, and now Hell is going to be paid." The shadows glared hatefully. They slipped down to street level, stalking closer with a blade parallel to their wrist. "He's out for cold revenge." A hand reached from the dead silence, and his partner never heard his final breath be slashed.
"Can only imagine what sort of coward kills a child." He stated scathingly.
"Because you bastards possess more valor."
"WHO'S THERE?!" The Stormtrooper whirled around, blaster screeching as it charged for fire. His heart plummeted into his stomach finding his friend in a spanning pool of his leaking blood, helmet halfway off to reveal his petrified open jaws. "Six?!" A barrel pressed to the side of his helmet. Before a bead cold sweat had a chance to form, a bolt went through his head and he fell.
A grim, glaring Katerina watched disinterested as the life drained from their corpses. The blood of the previous trooper still warm and dripping from the sickle knife she purchased just moment before finding these men. Previous troopers who didn't have the information she wanted met the same fate. The Empire was going to be up in a little tizzy, fearful there is a serial trooper killer on the loose. Good. She's...relishing in the fear. But she'll have to put that behind her for now. She has the information she's been looking for. She robbed one of the troopers' helmet for their communicator. Took their wrist computer too. It had detailed listings of trooper positions, routes and schedules...prisoner info, and more. She synced it with her datapad, then tossed the pad away, smashing it to bits.
Katerina fiddled with the com, clipping a smaller piece to her ear. She dialed in the garage, praying that someone was home. Someone had to be home, they're her only hope.
xxx
Grim put a had VETO stamp on a complaint filed by a customer, then practically threw it right back at him, his wife, and their three kids with a gruff galre. "Declined! WITH prejudice!" And with it went their shot for an easy pay out.
"ARE YOU SERIOUS?!" They screamed. Their small children whimpered as if given a command. "My husband was nearly killed because of those shawdy improvements you and your riffraff made on his speeder!"
Their Neimoidian Lawyer motioned for them to relax. That he would handle this. Grim was not only not intimidated by this wrinkly skinned wretch, he was in no mood for sleazy, silver tongue talk of how this is going to be made into his fault. "The fact remains, Mr. Grimlauk, that this facility has had a number of incidents. Your workmanship just isn't what it used to be-"
"Just in September there was a gastric canister that split and spilt plasma onto the oil duct due to the canister being a modification not meant for his cruiser." Grim stopped that worm there and decided to layout what he was going to try play on his guilt with. "That duct was inserted, by me, five years ago! The man I sold it to was given the original of one of these…" He took out a pad with of three dozen signatures and copies of binding contracts, going to the one in question. "Got his fingerprint, his signature, and even a verbal confirmation that he understand that he needs to come back for regular maintenance every five months to make the proper adjustments so it would last 15 years with minimal problems." Grim shrugged his hands, "Never saw him once until it broke and he tried to sue me. And before you accuse me of cooking the books, what's that seal right there mean?" It wasn't a real question. It was the sigil of the Automotive Branch of Chandrila. A type of government agency for the vehicle industry. The Lawyer cringed. Cooking the books would not be smart. "I have dozens more who try the same crap as your clients here. This man was warned not to ride his speeder, and to come back three weeks after our work for the part it needed to augment it to its mod. He didn't listen."
"You never said anything like-"
Grim found this stupid man's report, signed and printed, and played the audio, "I, Bertram Bicks, hereby understand and acknowledge the dangers of driving an incomplete, modified speeder, and shall return for the final part. In the meantime, my speeder will not be ridden-" And Grim cut it from there, pursing his lips in a dare for any of them to try their luck. Not even the lawyer could weasel his way through this one.
"We are officially done here." Grim declared. He put the pad away. "Mr. Bicks, I will be filing a formal complaint against you and the slandar you have posted about me and my company. Not to mention the list of assaults."
"You son of a-" The man tried to lung across the desk. Grim stood and punched him so hard in the nose he heard it crack. He fell on top of his inbred kids, his wife screaming about assault and that Grim should be arrested. The lawyer could only be in horror because an assault just happened, but the cameras in the office show who the aggressor is.
"You all have a nice day. My Employees will throw you out now." Grim whistled tow Trandoshan enforcers in, and that trash family and their lawyer were dragged out. There was a lot of commotion and hollering, but eventually they were dragged out. Grim rubbed his throbbing head, really wishing these snakes would drown somewhere. Is getting a job really that hard for people? His com ringing really didn't help his mood. He smashed a fist to the button, "I swear if this is another two-bit hustler wanting easy money-"
"Just because I fix engines, doesn't make me a hustler!"
Grim shot up from his seat, a huge smile on his face. "Katty?! Am I glad to hear from you!"
"I really do wish I was calling to talk about old times, but I really need your help!" Grim's brow furrowed perturbed. Her voice was trembling. She isn't one to scare easily. There's trouble brewing. "There's been an accident! I need you to get to Chanti's Memorial hospital!"
He knit his brow curiously. "Katty?! Are you on Chandrila?!"
"Talk later!" She screamed his eardrums off. That was a hard pressed yes. "You need to get to Chanti's Memorial and find Mon! She's in danger!" She implored him, losing control of herself.
"Katty! Slow down! What's happening?!" Grim urged her with a soothing tone, fanning his hand so those flames of hers wouldn't burn him. All this talk of Mon - who he knows full well is Mon Mothma, an accident, and now a hospital is involved.
Katerina hyperventilated, coaxing herself to calm down enough to put cohesive sentences together. "I screwed up, Grim! I got Mon dragged into my mess! The Empire thinks she's a traitor! Might even know at this point!" The blame she's forcing down her throat was apparent. Just like she blames herself for uprooting him, Dominique, and Davey. While he understands, and partially agrees, he knows that one way or another the Empire would give them grief. So he tries not to hold it against her. He hopes Mon Mothma is of the same character. "Mon was taken to Chanti's for treatment! Please! Get to her! The Empire might try to kill her!"
Grim knit his brow furiously. Mon Mothma found out to be a traitor. He thought the day would never come. "On it." He said without hesitation. She's done more for them than anyone's parents. He'll move mountains for her. For Kendril. "What are you going to be doing?"
"Clearing her and you of any wrongdoing." She ended her call as ominous as humanly possible, leaving Grim with more questions than answers.
"Katty, what crazy plan do you have now?" Suddenly...a...question...a question he didn't realize was there...bubbled to the forefront of his mind. Is it safe to stay in contact with her anymore? Katerina's caused problems in the past. Problems that have cost them dearly.
xxx
Katerina made a mad dash to the speeder she stashed in a nearby alley. She has a lot of ground to cover...and too many stops in between. "Suddenly, leaving my staff behind seems like a stupid plan!" It was a nice gesture, though. "Thank goodness for backups. I just hope they're right where Ken left them." She headed for her first stop, thanking someone above that it was at least on the right path to the hospital, if not a little sideways.
xxx
A young Korun woman knocked on the door, coming in with her dreadlocks clipped with pistons and nuts for her works. "Was that Katty?" She asked. She motioned with her hands that she was passing by, caught her voice before the call ended. "How is she?"
"She's...I don't know how she is." He had to admit perturbed. He interlaced his fingers, breathing disheartened. The Korun approached concerned, scared the news was terrible. "Senator Mon Mothma is in danger." Grim was reluctant to say.
"Oh no! So it's true!" She gasped.
Grim arched his brow. "What's true?" He braced himself.
She gaped in awe. "You haven't heard." She remarked astonished, hands to her heart. She lowered her voice. Grim leaned in, lending her an ear. "Senator Mon Mothma was shot earlier this morning." And suddenly a dark curtain was rising to a whole new production Grim wasn't aware was in progress. What the hell has he stepped into?
xxx
One of the good tricks to come from being on the run at a young age is learning how and where to stash the essentials. Spare clothes, toothbrush, soap, weapons to take care of the unwanted that come poking their noses where they don't belong. Caches are an outlaws best friend, areas with little to no foot traffic are their saviors. Katerina and Kendril, when they cooled their heels from their law evasion, setup these caches around what they considered to be critical spots across Chandrila. Having 14 job locations under one flag doesn't seem so fruitless now...as she thought back when Kendril made plans for stations three and four. Did she ever mention that a handful can pick up and move? Just another one of Kendril's crazy ideas, hosted by her and Grim, made possible by some of the best engineers that owed him a favor or two.
Back to the topic at hand. Kendril's favorite site, second to the original, was site 7. It truly was his lucky number until it wasn't anymore. Site 7 is where most of the militaristic upgrades take place. Better suited due to the fact site seven is literally an open air field used before the Clone Wars. Miles upon miles of space where even a battlecruiser can land. It's happened. Tools shacks, medical bays, and home shacks were set up by the dozen every quarter or less of a mile between the strips. Speeders and two man vehicles are the best mode of travel. Everyone has a radio that is monitored by the communications towers. Every word is kept in a file that telegraphs into some version of shorthand, and all warnings about Imperials coming to either collect or drop off have the workers always on guard.
Katerina pulled in at the main building at landing strip 7, barely giving a hi or how are you doing before rushing inside and heading upstairs to Kendril's old office. She told the boss of this location that she's there to make a withdrawal. He nodded and excused himself for a lunch break. Katerina truly is saddened that she has to remotely draw folks like this into her mess by staying even a minute. Kendril hired and vetted every single one of these people, and trusted them to vet and hire with the same if not better standard than his own. The men and women Kendril took on...there isn't a galaxy in the universe that can compare to the honor and integrity possessed by these individuals. Precisely why she needs to make this quick.
Nothing too fancy or complicated - inside one of the cabinets, behind a fake panel, were two sheathed knives just collecting dust. "Man, can't believe these are still here." She took them out, carefully pulled them from their sheathes. She whistled in mourning of these very brittle blades. The blood stained to them never cleaned, therefore rusting them through and through. She pushed a button on their sides. Pleasantly enough the plasma lining coated to the razor edge. That was bright and brimming as ever. The staff may have become Katerina's sigil by trade due to her constant use of it, but they pale in the shadow of the legend that they created for Kendril. It was long before her time, but she heard all the stories. The knives are a bit older than she remembers, but she can make do.
"A crazy man in your time, Ken. Very crazy indeed." The blades aren't slavagable, but the plasma coil and conductor are. Her pistols are long overdue for an upgrade. She paged on of the workers, "Hey, Artie, do you still have your infuser?"
xxx
It's nights like this on Lothal the Dominique is glad she can close up shop early. Fake escorts by that fake rebel of a senator, Vizago, and just before close up these guys thought they'd bully her into a free discount. Too bad for them her wrenches are quicker than any blaster. Lothal has really become a Hell of its own since...well…
"Katty, what the Hell are you doing, girl?" Is it wrong that a piece of her blames Katerina and her Rebel friends for this mess? All of this running she has to do because she works for her? How many times was she uprooted from her business, or bothered by Aresko and Grint? How many times has she been asked about the whereabouts of her friend Anastasia Stark, and threatened with imprisonment for obstructing Imperial Justice? How much longer is Katerina going to keep playing Rebels vs Imperials before she realizes...there's no changing what has been for so long? Dominique couldn't close up the shop fast enough. After a night like tonight, she's in desperate need of a drink. This is too much pressure on one person's shoulders to bear while sober. She isn't in tomorrow, so none of this matters.
"Hello, Dominique."
She whipped around, her heart given a start by the eerie murmur of her name. Her eyes widened, and her skin lost its shade catching sight of none other than Senator Gall Trayvis approaching her in the night. "Senator Trayvis." She tried not to shiver. She instinctively scoured for guards, a sniper, or some form of sentry waiting to take her out. She didn't see anyone like that, but still kept near the building. At least her back would be covered. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Trayvis approached cautiously, stopping a good ten feet away and keeping his hands where she could see them. "I have news on a friend of yours. Katerina is her name, right?" Her blood was running cold and hot. Her neck clenched. She should have seen this coming, yet it was making her soul leave her body. Her expression assured Trayvis he had her attention. He took another step closer. "She was involved in an accident not long after she saved me from the vile clutches of the Empire." He dramatically clutched his hands at his chest. Dominique's blood boiled, her hand reaching behind her back. "She is in a critical state. I have transportation ready to take us-" She pulled out a pistol, charging it and aiming it right for his head. "Ms. Dominique?!" Trayvis threw his hands up, wisely moving back. He already knew this was going sour.
"You must really think mechanics are stupid, Trayvis!" She snarled venomously. The hatred oozing from her tone was potent enough to melt the chassis off a cruiser's hood. "You don't think I know you're a sellout? That you betrayed the same rebels who are fighting hard to save us from people like you?! And those you work for?!" Funny words coming from someone who not two seconds ago said Rebels are becoming unhealthy.
Trayvis didn't put forth any effort to maintain his facade. That mask dropped instantly, revealing the grief ridden madman wanting to tear the whole universe apart to cease the pain in his chest. "The Empire is safety! Security and peace throughout the universe!"
"They're the epitome of bullied kids without any real power finally growing a pair and oppressing everyone that looks at them wrong!" That dagger drove itself deep into Trayvis's chest. Often the insults that hurt the most are the ones that are true. The Empire is a gathering of bullies. But they are bullies with a cause in his eyes. "If it weren't for those clones turning on the Jedi, none of this would be possible! YOU wouldn't even be here!"
Trayvis narrowed his brow. He should have known she'd be one of the few who know the truth of the Jedi's extinction. Just makes him wonder if she knows the secret of her friend. It made him smile, this whole situation. "Oh, I assure you, I would be here. And I will be here for many years to come." A twitch of his fingers was actually a signal. A sniper crept to a ridge. "You, however-"
Dominique was shot by a stun ring in the back. "AAAHHHH…" The ring came with a few hundred volts of electricity. She dropped to the cold ground, currents spasming her muscles.
Guards moved in, slapping cuffs on her. Their blasters were trained on her in case she had funny ideas of running. Ha. Trayvis strutted in, chuckling very proudly to himself. "You, my dear, will only be here until I bag me a mechanic." And he will mount her on his wall, still alive, and display her bloodied and beaten body for all to see.
As Dominique was carried off, Vizago watched with delight and irk from the shadows. He should have known this would come to pass. Now his biggest cash cow and security blanket is being taken to some far off prison to be killed. If he was a better man he would rescue her. Luck really wasn't on her side. So to compensate, he can at least learn where she's being taken. Might earn him a few credits in the long run.
xxx
Chanti's is named as a hospital. But Hospital implies a structure of multiple floors teeming with medical professionals of a variety of calibers just trolling the halls, shuttling the sick and injured. It's supposed to reek of medication, bodies, bad food, and that generic smell hospitals exude. Chanti's was anything BUT the stereotype of that ilk. It was, how can one put it, six floors worth of a villa that has doctors permanently on house calls. The hospital consumed an incredible amount of acreage of property in order to provide its cream of the crop guests with the comforts of all the luxuries they would have at their homes. There were separate buildings with more private lodgings for those who will have an extended stay. There was even a morgue that provided funeral services on site, or cremations. Employee lodgings were also provided. All that was missing was a conveyor belt with self driving chairs the people can use to glide lazily around the gardens. Nope. Didn't have one of those. The wealth of a garden that surrounds it is there to serve as more than just an eye pleaser. Within those trimmed and kept bushes, trees, and flower is the most state of the art, and lethal, of security provided by...anonymous investors. Unless an emergency is on its way, or someone is an employee, all others are obligated to check in with the guards at the entrance and state who they are there to visit. They are then imprinted with a removable stamp that acts as a GPS...as well as a restraining device. Voltage sent straight into the muscles to make anyone with bad manners flop to their faces. Which has made things all the more difficult for Grim.
Grim isn't a foolish man. He knows that if he's going to be amongst high rollers, or the richly sick, he's going to look the part. Being the newly promoted Owner of Mothma's Garage, he sometimes has to impress people wanting to donate a generous amount of credits in order to support them. Getting exhaust fumes off of one's skin isn't easy, but its doable. Especially when he packs scented strips inside of his fancy robes. But no amount of fancy robes and scents are going to get him past the Stormtrooper guards when he states he's there to visit a Senator. If what Katerina said is true, there is by no means anyone is getting inside to see her. Anyone attempting to see her might get arrested or shot on site. Their reasons will be their own. Welp, he's going to have to bite the laser bolt and try to finagal his way inside. Precisely why he has a credibility prop.
"Halt, state your business!" A trooper commanded. He and his partner weren't shy with their blasters, having them raised across their abdomen and fingers near the trigger.
"Good evening, Gentlemen, I am an associate of Senator Mon Mothma's." Grim introduced with a bow, minding how one of the troopers went behind him. As he stood straight, he opened a medium sized briefcase filled with data pads, and multiple com units with earpieces. "I come here to deliver vital and sensitive documents she must comb through and submit by week's end." The helmets couldn't obscure how shocked they were by all this work. And how sorry they felt that someone in a hospital can't even escape.
"Sorry, Sir, but Senator Mon Mothma hasn't been admitted here." Grim fought the furrow in his brow at the blatant lie. The click of the trooper's blaster behind him did not escape his ears. "You'll have to move along."
"That's odd…" Grim pressed with obvious suspicions, closing the case. "I was told by her office that I would find her here."
"Well they told you wrong!" The trooper behind him made the mistake of touching his shoulder. The moment Grim felt him tense he swatted the hand and took a step back. "HEY!" They raised their guns.
Grim exhaled heatedly through his nostrils, playing at being in no mood for this idiocy. Hopefully it hide how scared he was. "Look, Gentlemen, I was told these were vital and secret! But seeing as you're so set on being rude, how about I throw you a bone?" He could throw them a whole steak and they'd still threaten to shoot him. Grim braved a couple of steps closer, ignoring that they were aiming for his head. He lowered his voice to a whisper, "Senator Mon Mothma has in here a document stating, with multiple accounts, that the budget for Stormtroopers is gradually being cut. A 10% cut to your weapons and supplies has just been made this past month!"
"Impossible!" The one dismissed. "We've just been given the latest in weapons last week!"
"You mean the ISB was given the latest weapons last week." Grim stressed. "The 10% cut you suffered went to them!"
"I KNEW IT!" The other screamed. He slapped his friend's shoulder. "I saw that dipshit, Caller, sporting a glossed mesh in his armor that is said to deflect hardset lasers!"
"Yeah...I saw that…" The other began to realize. "Even Supply Master Lyst's boys got that new system that lets them find profitable areas to sell our wares." Grim spread his hands and nodded. It was just like he told them. "What the Hell did we get?!"
"A whole lot of nothing with two hours taken off our vacation time!"
"Precisely!" Grim blurted animatedly. "Mon Mothma knows it is our Troopers that are the true patriots! You deserve to be treated as such!" He soaked his pitch with the sweetest honey, drawing these foolish flies in more and more. "She has several signatures of influential people who agree that the troops need better equipment, but she needs to iron out the sketchy details." He leaned in closer, getting them to do the same. "And the longer this takes, the easier it becomes for those above you to get their sweets long before you ever will."
And there was no way in Hell they were ever going to let that happen so easily. "Let him pass. And...no stamp." The troops decided. "A little peace offering for your grand work for us little people."
"Agreed." The other said. "Senator Mon Mothma was taken out of surgery. She's resting in room 105 in the Northwest section."
"Appreciated." Grim bowed. The security system was lowered just enough for him to take a leisurely stroll through. As Grim was getting further in, the guards were already putting a halt to their next visitor. He snickered giddily at how mind numbingly simple that was. There truly is no loyalty amongst Imperials except to their individual selves. And here he was not too long ago thinking Katerina was unhealthy.
Speaking of unhealthy, Grim's ear happened to catch the strange sounds a gurgled chokes behind him. He turned out of curiosity...the guards were slumped to their posts? That was strange. For them to be so suspicious of every rat that scurried by, then to just slump down and sleep. No wonder Kanan and his Rebels cause problems for the Empire. The Troops make it easy. When he turned around to head inside the Villa Hospital, he missed the pool of blood coming from their necks and out of their armor. By the time Grim was walking through the door, enough hospital personnel darted past him just in time for a quick shadow duck into one of the on call rooms.
xxx
Generally speaking, when someone is in a hospital for recovery - their body still in shock over the trauma it suffered from both injury and surgery - a relaxing atmosphere is of the utmost crucial. Sunlight and fresh air flooding a room? Check. A pleasant view, or pleasing to the eye in a broader sense? There was a flowing stream lined by stones, and flowers galore, leading into a pond of exotci fish, and a gentle breeze to make the taller plants dance. That's a huge check.
For Mon Mothma, adding to her list of relaxation is having work in her hands to distract her from being trapped in a room all day. What was killing her vibe, however, were the armed guards outside her door. Their clad in grey armor, and those pompous caps draped to their left shoulders. Four heavily armed men guarding one woman for her safety does very little to ease her nerves. Harassing any and every nurse that comes to check on her, practically bullying the doctors when they come for follow ups, ruining her food when it comes in, and always huffing random questions at her to distract her or rile her. Worse is whenever she gets a chance to close her eyes and they just cause a random bit of noise. She wasn't deaf to their mockful snickers or their disgusting taunts. They're trying to keep her at her wits end, deprive her of her sanity and wits so they can cause her to slip up.
Being trapped in a beautiful room doesn't defend Mon Mothma from the rumors being whispered amongst these bruisers, and the hospital staff. The Senator accused of being a conspirator with the Rebels...shot by a crazed Rebel. Is she a traitor? Is she a patriot? Word of Trayvis has spread far and wide, prompting a good handful to wonder if Mon Mothma was in a similar situation to his. What was hurting her case was it had gotten out that a member of the Imperial Senate has redacted the file of the Rebel of Interest. And with these latest rumors, Mon Mothma is under constant fire that was starting to graze her skin. Pretty soon, she felt, she will be at the firing squad, and pinned to the tallest tower as the Empire's Grand Example of their lack of tolerance for traitors. Being trapped in this hospital bed just gives them easier access.
"Didn't catch that. What?" Mon glanced to the corner of her eye, fingers still dancing to the datapad as one of the troops outside her door asked for a repeat. One of the downsides to having coms inside the helemts, they prevent eavesdroppers fro listening in. The helmets period prevented anyone from reading their expressions. But from what Mon Mothma could gather from their body language, and how they were scouring the hallway, there was trouble. The uncertainty of their next move was evident when one of them kept glancing back and forth to Mon Mothma. "Alright. We're on it." He was trying to keep his voice down. Not enough though. "Alright, you two come with me. There's trouble at the entrance. You stay here and guard her."
"Yes, Sir!" And just like that, Mon Mothma was freed from three of her four oppressive protectors. "Great. Babysitting duty." He mumbled heatedly. Mon Mothma rolled her eyes. She isn't looking forward to having him watch her either. "OW! HEY!" The trooper shouted after a large clunk of something hit him. Mon Mothma was was startled by the sack that landed outside of her door. Sounded like it was packed with anything someone could find. The children running by and spitting at the Trooper answered who that was. Another one of the children threw a second sack, causing a bit commotion and panic with the hospital staff. "GET BACK HERE, YOU LITTLE BASTARDS!" The Trooper abandoned his post, chasing down the kids, while Mon Mothma had a small laugh to herself. Not even children will tolerate their abuse.
Three knocks came at the side of her door. "Senator Mon Mothma…?"
She was given a start, almost leapt out of bed at the Nautalon at her door. "Who...wait…" Before an irrational panic could set in, Mon Mothma studied the young man closely. She recognized him almost in an instant. He was younger when she last saw him. "You're Grim. Kendril's friend, aren't you?" She brightened. "The skilled crafter with scrap metals."
Grim was honored she remember him. "Yes. A pleasure." He bowed. He entered her room with a grave aura, closing the door and the curtains. "I wish I was here to wish you well, but we have to get you out of here!" He implored her.
"Get...me...out?" She doesn't recall asking for a rescue. Now that it is brought up, she doesn't believe she was expecting a rescue. Mon Mothma's guard was raised. She consciously mapped out the exits available to her, and how far she would be able to get on her wounded leg. Where did this young man come from? "You're...here to rescue me?"
"Yes, Ma'am. Your life is in danger." Grim excused himself when he removed her blankets. A tightness clenched at his insides seeing the bandages on her thigh. The painkillers being injected into her were no joke. Grim moaned disheartened. "Please tell me Katty didn't do this?" There was a gleam in Mon Mothma's eyes at the name. A familiar fluttering from long ago tickled her spine, glossing her eyes with better times. Grim took it as confirmation of his worst fear. "I'd ask why, but she's always been unconventional." Unconventional but not crazy. Not these past few years lately. "C'mon. I'm getting you out of here." He prepared a hover chair, handed her the bag of her clothes and escorted her into the chair.
"She sent you for me?" Mon Mothma inquired in shock.
"She's the one who told me you were in danger." Grim placed a blanket to her legs, earning a thankful nod. To more than just him.
This is a very risky venture for the both of them. Katerina's in a tighter spot than when she was running with Kendril. If she was willing to shoot Mon Mothma in order to make an attempt to save her life...how much further is she willing to go in this venture? "Thank you…"
"Don't thank me yet." He has to get her out of there first. Taking her out of the room he already had heads snapping in his direction. Spotlights would cower. "Just taking her Ladyship for some fresh air. Is that alright?"
"Oh, by all means, Sir. I recommend the bridge path just down the corridor there." A nurse was happy to oblige. Incidentally, that was in the direction where the discharge desk was.
"Thank you." Grim bowed his head, and gave her a wink. She giggled with a rosy blush. He rushed Mon Mothma down the hallway, knitting his brow. The adrenaline was pumping worse in his veins than when he had to rescue Dave. "Are you able to be discharged?"
"The Doctors say they want me to stay an extra day or two." That was a long winded no.
"Well then you can stay an extra day or two at your place." Anywhere is safer than where those meant to watch you are constantly distracted. Or there are armed guards just waiting for the order to put you out of your misery. "I'm amazed you're trusting me."
"Katty was a favored nickname Ken gave to her for her attitude." She still has that very catty attitude. "It was only said to her in private amongst those closest to him and her." Her mouth has gotten smarter too. That wound she carries...larger. "Katerina adored you. She still does." She retorted with a flutter of her eyes, giggling suggestively.
Grim chuckled honored she thinks so highly of their relationship. "I hate to break it to you, Senator, but our Dear Katty has had her heart taken by another. And she's captured his." He wasn't sad to admit it either. He may have had a crush on her a few years back, but it transformed itself into professional admiration.
"That's good." It really does take some stress off of her shoulder. "That's really good." Everyone deserves to find happiness in these troubling times. Love, ha, love is the rarest of them all.
Grim drove Mon Mothma passed the recommended scenic route, keeping it nice and casual. Mon Mothma offered nice nods to the people that passed by, Grim pretended to be filling her in on plans for after she's discharged. That everyone was wishing her the best. It was smooth sailing for a good while. Not a single head turning in suspicion of Grim or Mon Mothma. Just a dutiful assistant helping his Lady where he can. Someone even offered Mon Mothma some tea and wishes for better health.
A couple of troopers crossed the hallway adjacent to them, prompting Grim to cut to a sudden halt and dart down an alternate route. It took them away from their exit, but they'd be able to loop around again when they know the coast is clear. They just need to keep behaving as if there is nothing wrong. Hard to do, for Mon Mothma, when that target on her back was impressing more harshly.
"She shot me to save me…" Mon Mothma whimpered.
"What?" Grim missed.
"Hold it! Where are you going?" Grim and Mon Mothma broke into cold sweats, stopping dead in their tracks. The game was up. Grim turned himself and her, greeted by the four troops that were guarding her room. One of them had paint all over his armor. Grim sumrised those kids he paid off gave him a final gift before giving him the slip. "Answer me, now! Where are you going with the Senator?!"
"Just taking the Senator on a stroll through the hospital." He tightened his grip on the chair. There wasn't anywhere for him to run where their blasters won't take him out first. "She wanted some fresh air."
"I'm afraid we can't let you do that." The Lead Trooper stepped forward, making no attempts to obscure that finger of his wrapping to the trigger. "She's coming with us."
"No, no. It's quite alright." Mon Mothma's raised hand didn't cause him pause for a second. "I am feeling a bit stuffed in here. Fresh air would be nice." She offered a small smile and an awkward laugh.
"Senator, we must insist that you return to your room." He shoved a hand to her chair, bumping Grim off and away. "And you'll be coming with us for questioning." The other three raised their guns.
"Now, wait-" Grim attempted to fight off. Three quick shots shrieked throughout the hospital, and three of the four troopers dropped dead with holes through their heads. Screams of terror raged as the hospital staff scrambled and ran. The lone trooper ignored Grim and Mon Mothma, whirling around with his blaster ready. Grim moved himself between Mon Mothma and the danger. As the panicked crowd thinned and dispersed, Grim and Mon felt a dark shadow drape to them, and the one remaining Trooper stiffened on edge. A sinisterly grinning Katerina had arrived, a shawl of a hood on her head that allowed her to move without anyone making out her face. "Katty…" Grim fears this isn't going to end well.
"So this is where you've been hiding!" Katerina exclaimed crazily, likcing her lips like the ravenous animal she was. The gleam in her eyes was that of a predator reaching the precipice of her long hunt. This wasn't...their Katty. "I should have known. This is a popular place for Chandrila's rich and elite." SHe strutted closer, pretending to not notice the trooper aiming for her black heart. "I have to say they got you here pretty quickly." She could have counted on one hand how long it took them to get her in, through surgery, and in bed. "Did your leg wound come with a cure for that piece of your soul you sold?" Mon and Grim were driven into a whirlpool of confusion, fear...and anger. Their blood… is boiling. They...they don't know...what's whirling in their heads right now. Their chests are tearing.
"Identify your-"
Faster than her expression could sour, Katerina angled her pistol and shot the interfering trooper right in the head. His corpse flew past Grim and Mon Mothma, boht crying out in terror. "There's my ID!" She snarled hatefully. Grim was able to keep himself between the Senator and lunatic Katerina, edging her back in hopes of escaping. Katerina locking onto them caused him to pause. "You and I have a mess of unfinished business to attend to, Senator. And I won't be interrupted by the boys in white twice." Just then her expression softened, her eyes scanning for an audience. Grim became astonished when she signaled with two fingers and point in their direction. Take two steps back, is what it meant. "Either you give me what's due, or I send you to join that fool you called a Cousin!" She bit hard on her tongue for Mon Mothma, cursing herself for having to go that far. She appreciated it, catching on to what was happening, even if it didn't win her approval. Grim got to Mon Mothma's bars, spinning her around behind him and taking those steps back. Katerina flashed him a half smile. "Step away from the Senator, Nautolan! Before you get hurt!"
"Not a chance!" Grim barked. Katerina shot her eyes hard to his left several times. Grim saw the fire alarm. A new model that will rain down a fire retardent. He caught her drift. "This woman has done nothing to you!" He turned his leading foot toward it, signing off that he was ready.
Katerina was glad it was in motion, because a crowd was drawing in, and the alarm was sounded for security. "She does something to me every single day she breathes for the Empire!" She took off her hood, showing everyone that cared who it was that was threatening this fine advocate of Imperial Justice. And letting the cameras get a good, heavy dose of reality that Mon Mothma is no more a rebel than Katerina is a diplomate. Let's see the Inquisitor explain this away. "I don't want to go through you... " Katerina put on her sickest smile. "Oh what the Hell. I'll go through you! It's preferable with the bad mood I'm in!" Grim launched and grasped the fire alarm. He wrenched it down hard. Those bleeting bells were louder than they anticipated. Katerina flinched, covering her ears. The foamy fire retardant splashed down, coating everything and everyone head to toe. Katerina shook off some of the foam, glaring ahead to find Grim had taken Mothma and booked it as fast as he could. It had her smiling. She took off in the opposite direction. This can't move too fast, and it can't look too staged. Otherwise this whole mess will have been for nothing.
xxx
"SHE'S INSANE!" Grim hollered, practically skating on the doused floor. He had to run on the walls to ensure he didn't crash when racing to get Mon Mothma to safety. "AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, SHE'S STILL INSANE!" He apologized for nearly bowling over the security officers on his escape with her. Mothma made a point to state a crazy woman was after them, putting them on guard.
"Has there ever been a day she wasn't insane?!" Mon Mothma had to laugh.
"Not that I can remember." He laughed with her. This had to have been one of her crazier days though. It was working. The rumors about the crazed Rebel after Mon Mothma were rallying troopers to their location, confirming that she was a victim of the rebels and not a supporter. Grim prays this pays off. Mon Mothma is a significant part of their lives. He's hate to lose her because of this mess. He can't decide if Katerina was brave or stupid for throwing herself in the line of fire like this.
Grim returned to his original plan for the front exit, but was taking the scenic route at the backdoor. Most of the security was forming at the front and working its way back. Clearing every floor, questioning everyone who didn't look like a patient, a nurse, or was just out of place. There was a good number of people, none of them Katerina. Thankfully. In spite of her noble intentions, Grim and Mon feared, with her current state of mind, that she might do the unconscionable. If she hasn't already. From the state she's in...its hard to describe what mental state she's in.
The hospital staff were being escorted to the back, declaring it the safest escape from the crazy woman with the guns. Security was herding everyone there, swinging their arms fiercely for everyone to hurry up. Shuttles were waiting to take them away from here. Grim rode the flow, hoping none of the troopers he saw will stop him and Mon Mothma this time.
"GET DOWN!" A guard standing to an adjacent hallway cried! The guard was too slow on the draw. A laserbolt pierced his shoulder. Grim stopped and threw himself to Mon Mothma, terror frozen to their faces. They trembled when a second shot went through his leg. Nothing fatal.
When Katerina rounded the corner, however, death itself had come their way again. The hospital staff made a run for it while Grim and Mon Mothma were trapped. Two more security guards foolishly attempted to tackle her from behind. Katerina easily ducked down and jabbed her elbows in their groin. Grim felt that impact and was doubling over himself. Katerina stood as they fell and bashed her guns in the back of their heads. "Pitiful…" She muttered, hitting them and the guard she shot earlier with stun rings. "I'll kill every single one of you dumb enough to get in my way!" She warned, a crazed glimmer in her eye. Be careful...not too far...she pleaded to her senses. She feels the hysteria creeping up on her again.
"How far you've fallen, Katerina!" Mon Mothma fumed, unwilling to discern whether or not she's in her right mind or not. This...this goes against everything she stands for in order to clear someone's name. "Kendril twists in his grave."
"That would hurt if I could feel anything at the moment!" Katerina charged with one gun lunging like a blade. Grim shed himself of his coat, swinging and tangling it to her firearm. He wrenched it down, causing a shot to fire into the floor. Katerina, dismayed by the fast reaction, wasn't able to dodge the boot Grim put to her face. It sent her back, but wasn't enough to knock her down. She spat out blood, wiping her thumb to a tiny splotch. She was shocked he still packed that sort of punch. But for looks, she glared at him with deep burning contempt. "Still didn't hurt." She rumbled with a growl. She cracked her jaw, putting her guns in their holsters.
Grim rolled up his sleeves, taking his best stance. Security guards appeared, surprised by the duel about to take place. "I haven't begun yet!" He skipped in fast, throwing two swift punches. Katerina blocked them both and returned his boot with an elbow into the nose. The crunch heard flipped stomachs, but killed Katerina internally. Grim placed his hand to a wall, accidentally opening a door to a stairway. It doesn't help him right now. Mon Mothma can't walk on her own, and that chair wasn't fitting through that door. "Since when do you pull your punches?"
"Since I preferred not ruining pretty faces!" Grim drove another punch at her. He was too slow. She pulled him in, wrapping an arm to his neck and squeezed. "If you're looking to impress me, Green Skin, you've succeeded in pissing me off!" She kneed in the backs of his knees, driving him to the floor. Neither of the guards risked a shot for fear of hitting the Senator or Grim. Precisely what Katerina counted on. She moved her lips to his ear. "I'm gonna lean forward and you flip me off! This needs to look good! I need you to put effort into it!"
"Katty-" She strangled his protest.
"You little shits always getting in my way!" She frothed at the mouth. Grim has a choice to make. She's leaning in. "Protecting the cash cows that support you and the lies you live!" She tightened her grip. "NO MORE!" He was running out of time, and her breathless whispers in his ear, begging him to hurry and act were steadily growing more desperate.
Grim, after being dragged to one knee, picked the fool's choice. Bracing his one planted foot and lifting his his knee slightly from the floor, "I couldn't agree more," He used her weight to catapult her over him, throwing her through the opened door. He and Mon Mothma physically cringed at the sound of her falling down a flight of stairs. They became increasingly worried when they heard her pained groan go quiet so suddenly. "Why are you just standing there?! GET HER TO SAFETY!" Grim snapped at the gawking guards. Not that he could blame them. He isn't unfamiliar with the majext art of self defense, but launching someone down a flight of stairs was pretty amazing. Still, that doesn't mean they should assume the Senator is safe after seeing their coworkers get hurt. "I'LL HANDLE THIS! Just get her somewhere safe!" Grim didn't linger long enough for them to protest. He was already inside the stairwell, closing and locking the door behind him.
Automatically Grim rushed to the railing to see Katerina splayed at the bottom of the stairs in a bruised mess. He was stricken with pure terror finding nothing at the bottom of the stairs...but small blood stains. He searched frantically, whimpering as he leaned so far over the railing to see further down the stairwell. Nothing. Where...where did she go?! A sickening horror had Grim wanting to vomit. He was pale grey peering further into the void of spiraling flights. The crashes he heard...she couldn't have...did he…?
Three taps came to his head. "You're not looking high enough." Grim threw his head up and those tear filled eyes just glowed with elation. Katerina was on the next flight above him, legs tangled in the bars so she can laugh at him upside down. the gash to her head wasn't thanking her for it. It was still leaking. "Not a bad shot, Grim. Kendril taught you well."
Grim had so many questions as to whether or not she was well enough to be hanging like that. But he quickly realized it wasn't her physical capabilities that needed the most questioning. "What's going on with you, Katty? Why are you doing this?!"
She was glad he jumped into it. Time is crucial here. "You wouldn't have believed me if I hadn't done this." She flipped out and over to him, keeping a good distance. He was a bit on edge, expecting her to punch him. "The Empire thinks Mon is with the rebellion! The Inquisitor came to her home and put a green light on her!" Grim, at first, knit his brow thinking that was far fetched. Then he gaped in dismay recalling the troopers that were not only guarding her, but also about to arrest him, and take her away. "It's all purely conjecture on the Empire's Part, but ultimately they know that she's the one who's been protecting me!"
"How could they possibly do that?!" Grim shouted with salvia spraying like venom. "What would prompt them to remotely suspect one of their own!" In a professional capacity.
"Because months ago when we broke into their Cadet Academy, Ezra and I became people of interest." That is too long a story and she prays he won't blow it out of context. Out of context...HA! It's just as it is. Her and her rebels friends stepped on their toes, now they're stepping back. "Kallus remembered I worked at the garage, and my alias, Anastasia, raised the red flags." Grim knew what she meant. He and she both have redacted files, actually, thanks to Ken and Mon. And anytime someone looks them up it sends out an alert. But since they've kept their noses clean, some more than others, there's been no reason to investigate them. "They used my connection to Kendril to draw a line to her."
"Gods…That's why you shot her." He ran a hand down his face, pinching his nose. That's what Mon Mothma meant. If she was a rebel sympathizer, it would raise many questions of doubt to why a rebel would shoot her. And with Trayvis and his betrayal to the rebels being made public, Mon Mothma has reasonable doubt protecting her."
"You, Dom, and others could be in danger too." She added with a desperate edge in her tone, begging him to come to full grips that her methods - though extreme - are necessary. Grim...made it abundantly clear...he didn't like this. But he understands.
Katerina smothered him in a tight hug, pouring every ounce of regret she has into him. Grim couldn't do anything except return the hug. He wished there was more he could do. That he could make it so she wouldn't have to go to these sort of extremes to clear the names of those she loves. But, at this moment, that was her only option.
"I promise to explain further at another time." She swore, breaking off the hug. "But right now…" She took out her pistol and fired right alongside his face, leaving a graze to his cheek. His soul left his body, and he lost his footing for a moment. Katerina kept him steady, then continued to fire rampantly in different directions. Grim was doubting her mental state. "I need to make this look really good!" She slipped a holoprojector in his pocket. Within it were instructions she hopes he'll be able to follow. She did hit him pretty hard. For now she moved on, heading back for Mon Mothma. One last strike before she takes her leave. What she plans to do after that…? Good thing she knows all the best hideouts across the universe. "I'm gonna hit Mon one last time, then take my leave. You'll know where to find me."
Grim didn't stop her as she raced to a lower flight, entering into another corridor. He stood there in deep contemplation, brow furrowing not anger but sorrow. To have to go to such lengths in order to divert attention onto herself...truly, she never should have gone with the rebels. In the meantime, he needs to reach Mon Mothma fast.
xxx
The security guards wanted to escort Mon Mothma out of the hospital. Take her to where the cruisers waited to evacuate the staff and patients. It was evident that this location would become anyone's tomb should they cross that rabid girl. Two Stormtroopers arrived to thwart that escape. It was grinding the gears of the guards why the troopers kept insisting on keeping the Senator where it clearly wasn't safe. Forget the rumors and forget their orders! If they truly care about the people they are sworn to protect, then they will cease their incessant interference and let them get her to safety. They raised their blasters to bat one of them across the face.
"That is enough!" Mon Mothma damned the pai in her leg, and cared not for the rush of lightheadedness that demanded she sit back down. She rose tall in her gown, the most disgusted of rage wrinkling her fair features, and balled her fingers into tight fists. So tight that they turned white. "I have had enough of this insolence!" When she stomped, the troopers and guards would swear thunder rolled behind her. "My life and the lives of all in this hospital are in danger, and yet you insist on keeping me and those who aide me within this building to meet our maker prematurely!" Her eyes glassed with such hatred she resembled a infuriated god. "I care not what you've heard of me, or what your orders are! You will escort me and the rest of the people out of here, then we will discuss your distasteful treatment of me!"
The troopers shared glances, seriously pondering just what the Hell happened. This woman, this accused traitor, was ordering them around? Apparently her wound in her leg has robbed her of her senses. Their menacing chuckles assured the guards and her that they planned to remind her of where the true power lies.
"So here's where you've run off to!" Mon's soul left her body as she spun, finding a bloodied Katerina standing across from her. Fear for Grim had her visibly trembling. She didn't!
"HALT!" The troopers raised their guns. The Guards raised theirs as well. "Surrender, Rebel!"
"Fine. You got me." Katerina slowly raised her hands with a flippant smirk. Mon Mothma turned to run from her. "NOT!" She smashed her fist to an emergency lockdown switch. More alarms blared and the sirens flickered. Mon Mothma, the guards, and troopers scrambled, heads darting in every direction to find who activated the alarm. Before any of them could begin to move out, a door closed right as Mon Mothma's toes. The woosh of air sent chills over her skin, the mer inch that her nose would have been snapped off had her adrenaline raging! She was frightened off her feet and onto her butt, the troopers screaming the other end for someone to open the door. All the while they were bashing on the blast resistant doors to pry them open. "Now that you and I are alone, we have some unfinished business to take care of." This was it. She had nowhere to run. She moved to the corner, not wanting anyone to see the mess she was about to become on the floor. Why would you have Grim save me if you're just going to kill me?! "I had hoped to resolve this amicably. But it seems I have no choice but to go to extremes." Katerina approached her, closing off her means of escape, and leaving the troopers' line of sight. From there...she let the tears she's been containing this who venture began to fall. Mon Mothma gaped in dismay. "I am so sorry this has happened to you! Going with the rebels...was a mistake!" She sobbed.
Mon Mothma felt a warmth just melt her heart, flooding her stomach with a wave of guilt. A strong realization kneaded into her shoulders, making her feel like a fool. Katerina hasn't lost her mind. She's succumbed to desperation! She's doing all of this...to save her life. Her sending Grim, killing the soldiers but only stunning the guards, her half hearted assaults...its all been a ploy. Oh what a doubt filled fool she's become.
"I'm so sorry…" Katerina whispered one more time. She drew the hammer back on her pistol.
Loud rumblings came from the ventilation above. Katerina flinched when the grate crashed down. Grim dropped down, and without even hesitating or thinking he charged Katerina, ramming her hard into the wall. She dropped her pistols, and genuine fright flashed to her face when Grim had her wrists locked to her chest. The wind was robbed from her lungs briefly, her vision clouded for the shortest of seconds. It is then she smirked knowing Grim was going to take her seriously. About time.
""I'm not letting you touch her!" He snarled venomously.
"I don't recall needing your permission!" Katerina pushed off the wall, edging him back a good ways.
Grim bashed his forehead to her nose, but it did not deter her. Katerina pushed then stepped to the side, using Grim's full strength to trip him face first into the wall. Grim planted his palms and bucked Katerina's knee, getting her to drop down. He whirled around and batted the back of his fist to her face, knocking her to the floor. The troops, as they wrestled to force the door open, watched in utter shock as this civilian fought the rebel to protect Mon Mothma. Who they couldn't see. Grim and Katerina dealt a series of punches and kicks, shoving and wrestling one another in a heated match. They both one another's punches, engaging in a grudge match that had the souls of their boots sliding. Katerina could see the Troopers trying their hardest to get in...all the while being distracted by the death match taking place. She could hear them calling for backup, claiming that Senator Mon Mothma was in grave danger and needed to be escorted to a safehouse.
Katerina smirked triumphantly. "Alright. I think we're done here. Time for me to exit." She whispered.
Grim glanced sideways to the window. "Ready for another toss?"
"Not really, but it's all we've got." She hooked a foot to the back of his knee. He kindled slightly, allowing Katerina to punch him twice and kick him away. She whirled around to Mon Mothma, aiming her pistol. "I'm sorry," She mouthed.
"As am I…" Mon Mothma mouthed back. Katerina fired once and the shot grazed her cheek. Her scream encouraged the troopers to begin blasting their way in.
"Better move fast!" Grim warned her, charging her. Katerina bent all the way back with Grim tried to punch her. Her palms touched ground and she fluttered her legs up, narrowly missing his chin. She sprang back a couple of times, scooping up her pistols. Grim shocked her by scooping her up by the legs, tossing her so she would be lying down as he lifted her over his head. Katerina suddenly felt really scared at what was coming next. "Happy trails…" He took one step forward, and with all his weight he through her like a javelin.
The crash of glass was easily heard a good ways in every direction. Katerina fell to bushes, rolling onto the soft grass after taking a few stickers with her. She hissed at the new cuts she got for all her efforts. "Someone remind me why this woman is worth all this trouble." She groaned.
"THERE SHE IS! HALT!" Not even a frickin second to breathe and already that backup was on her tail. Or at least a piece of it. Cruisers and speeder could be seen approaching from the distance.
Katerina collected herself. "GAH-HAA!" She clutched at her shoulder. The joint popped out of place. And her head was killing her. "Ugh…" Her vision...it doubled...and blurred. Her lungs...everything was on fire. SO numb and yet crying out in pain! The laser bolt wounds in her shoulder and thigh were screaming in agony. All of this pain...it was coming back...and her body was...going still. Everything felt light.
It wasn't until laser bolts started shrieking by her that Katerina came back to her senses. She shook off her body's weakness, taking in a massive second wind, and she ran.
"YOU BETTER RUN YOU COWARD!" Grim raored after her, shaking a vengeful fist. "IF YOU EVER COME BACK…" He panted, frothing at the mouth as she shouted at the top of his lungs, "I'LL KILL YOU…!"
The decree echoed in Katerina's ears, sending pleasant chills down her spine. "Ooh…I almost believe you…" Maybe, one day, if she ever causes him too many problems, he will hold to his threat.
Naturally, running for the entrance was a foolish plan. Troopers were already waiting to ambush her. She pulled a sudden turn, climbing the walls and jumping for her freedom. The bait was set. The Empire knows who it is that is a real threat to them, and they will need to catch her to make her stop. The radar had shifted, leaving Mon, Grim, and hopefully others out of harm's way. From here on in, the Empire will no longer be able to doubt Mon's allegiances, and anyone associated with Katerina should be left alone. For the time being, anyway. Katerina will make use of this time...and she will disappear...forever.
To be continued
Not the best ending, but it will do. And I'm sorry for being gone. I had a death in the family. We're preparing for the memorial.