Summary/disclaimer: Time for another chapter of Shadows of the Force. Enjoy the 2200-word chapter. I don't own RWBY and Star Wars. Monty Oum, Lucas Films, and Rooster Teeth do.
(ETA-Class Shuttle, en route to Vale embassy, Remnant 10:30 AM)
Lerek saw the flash of light in space before it appeared. A small Consular-Class Cruiser was escorted by a group of BTL-B Y-Wings. The cruiser drifted through the crowds as Lerek's shuttle and its Z-95 Headhunter escorts. He questioned how things were back home… How had the ship gotten here? Was it hijacked? Had any problems aboard arisen.
"Oh, I have a bad feeling about this already," Lerek muttered, watching the republic craft fly through the air.
2 of Lerek's Arquitens class cruisers followed, providing heavy firepower if things went south. Lerek wanted to argue, but the orders came from the upper echelons of the republic.
"Nervous?" Blake asked, snapping the Arkanian out of his trance.
"No, just hoping they don't think we're the bad guys," Lerek responded, looking around at the cruiser. "You want to know something? The republic paints red on our ships to denote them as peaceful or diplomatic… I find it ironic the Trailblazer is like that given it's a warship, though." Lerek said while cupping his chin with his hand.
Blake blinked and looked around at the clone troopers. Lerek had wanted to explain them, but he also didn't want to objectify them as things and not people.
"Boys, you know you can talk, right?" Lerek asked the 8 clones escorting him, Blake, and Drifter. "I've not met your squad before. Anything you want to say?" Lerek said, looking over his shoulder.
One had lightning covering his armor with a very distinct mark near his helmet. Another had scuffs and a thermal detonator stenciled on his armor. Lerek paused to take in their details and turned to Blake.
"Just wondering when I'll get to blast some clankers, sir." One of the clones said as Drifter looked at him. "I'm Volt, by the way, sir. Gundark Squad's slicer." Volt said, nodding at the lightning bolts covering his battered armor.
"Clanker?" Blake questioned as the republic soldiers chuckled.
"Nickname for battle droids, ma'am," Volt said with a smirk under his helmet. "All clones give nicknames. Just like how the general called you 'Nimble Nexu'." He said with a chortle as Blake smirked at Lerek.
"You called her the name of those cat creatures, sir?" Drifter questioned as Lerek hummed.
"She's about as dangerous as one considering said creature almost ATE Master Kenobi, Commander." Lerek pointed out before shaking his head. "And didn't YOU used to call me 'commander computer' back when I was a Padawan?" Lerek said which gained a round of chuckles from the others aboard.
It made Lerek crack a smirk knowing that he wouldn't have to tackle this alone. It was far more comforting knowing he was familiar with his soldiers.
"General? We're landing in a few minutes." Lerek heard from the pilot as he hummed. "Chatters all over the comm sounds like they're already speaking." Lerek heard which made him pause to nod a moment later.
The shuttle approached what seemed like a complex or government building. There was already plenty of police and what he assumed were Vale soldiers lining the place. The shuttle slowly descended, its wings folding in as it landed ahead of the republic cruiser. The hatch slowly slid open, and the ramp extended while Drifter had the clones escort Lerek and Blake down the ramp.
"Ever done something like this before?" Blake questioned and got a shrug.
"Not much of a talker when it comes to big words, Blake," Lerek said, crossing his arms and then looking around. "This still feels wrong. There's so much I don't know and if this did come from the senate? Why didn't they talk to me first? I and the Admiral are BOTH in charge of republic forces." Lerek said while rubbing at his temples.
He didn't know how they had gotten a message through to here. It was going to be something he looked into when he got to the Trailblazer. Lerek wasn't content with simple answers unless they explained far more than these did.
"I wonder who the senate sent here…" Lerek said as he and Blake walked with Drifter and his men.
The Arkanian eyed the craft which had just arrived. He was glad he had minimal involvement in the peace talks, only speaking on the military behalf and filling in his involvement with current events. It helped him to know the bigger work was being handled by someone whose job it was to do much of that talking.
The hatch slowly slid open and blue senate commandos marched down the ramp followed by a squad of Alderaanian soldiers.
"Alderaanian?" Lerek questioned, sharing a look at Blake and Drifter.
"Must be Senator Organa." Drifter stated as the trio walked down the landing pad. "Huh, didn't expect him, sir. You good, general?" Drifter questioned while Lerek nodded.
"Hmm, this could be interesting," Lerek questioned while turning to Blake. "Senator Organa is an old friend of the Jedi…. And he's as good at politics as Drifter is at fighting." Lerek said which got a nod from the Faunus.
The senator slowly emerged, turning his head at the robed Arkanian. He raised an eyebrow at Blake but said nothing as the trio approached him. Blake noticed his clothing barely looked as important as his station implied. She was curious WHO this man was, but she was sure she'd figure it out soon.
"Master Jedi." Bail said before looking at Blake. "You must be his friend and guide I've heard about? Ms.…." Bail started to say while Lerek spoke up.
"Belladonna. Her name is Blake, Senator Organa." Lerek stated as the duo walked towards the castle-like building. "I was not informed the senate would be sending you, senator. How did you get here?" Lerek questioned while Blake hummed.
"Master Yoda was given instructions he told to me." Bail stated and fell into step with Lerek and Blake. "I'm sure we can explain when these pleasantries are over… I should inform you that Master Kenobi was sent as well. He'll be arriving tomorrow after he and his men sweep the planet you were dispatched to." Bail explained while Lerek nodded.
"Master Kenobi? The negotiator?" Lerek questioned, an eyebrow raised in disbelief. "Then the republic must be more serious about this deal than I thought," Lerek said as they passed the group of Vale soldiers.
Blake questioned this. Lerek was not from Remnant, he had come from a war-torn galaxy. This 'Republic' was not something she trusted, not yet… But Lerek was someone who she felt was making an honest attempt to bond.
"I've heard from Master Yoda you are not one to enjoy politics, Master Zun." Bail said to Lerek as he hummed.
"No, that would be my partner, senator. My area of skill is the military aspect of this conflict." Lerek said as he turned to Blake. "I do owe you some answers, Ms. Belladonna. I hope you and I can speak when we're done with this." Lerek stated and lifted a hand slightly.
The doors opened, revealing the council with Ozpin standing among them. The republic ambassadorial group stopped and Lerek allowed Bail to pass by him along with his escorts.
"Humble council of Vale." Bail said with a bow and folded his hands behind him. "I am Senator Bail Prestor Organa of the Galactic Republic. The republic hopes that there can be a peaceful compromise can be reached without bloodshed on either our soldiers or your forces." Bail said before Lerek cracked his fingers.
"This way, senator," Ozpin said, gesturing with his cane as he and the rest of the council slowly walked inside. "How was your flight here, Mr. Organa? I'm quite interested in HOW you've managed to arrive here currently." Ozpin said, eyeing Lerek who hummed and said nothing at this.
The republic representatives passed into a massive room with a long table in the middle. Lerek noted a symbol that showcased a pair of crossed axes. He guessed it was Vale's symbol, he wished to ask it when this is over.
"We shall start with the arrival of these…" One council member started to say while gazing at Lerek. "'Republic forces." The councilmen stated as Lerek hummed.
The group each took a seat, Lerek pausing to pull out 2 seats with the force, pulling out his chair with his own 2 hands. Lerek turned and pulled out a holodisk.
"At about 1000 hours, the cruiser Trailbreaker and its support fleet… Along with a detachment from the 307th appeared here." Lerek said as a hologram of Remnant appeared on it. "I ordered a departure to the planet's atmosphere. Commander Drifter had scouts dispatched to survey the planet before returning for the report." Lerek explained while he cracked his fingers.
"Headmaster Ozpin stated you then visited Beacon Academy and spoke with him… Along with Ms. Belladonna." Another councilor stated while Lerek nodded.
"Indeed, Ms. Belladonna and I have a deal worked out, currently," Lerek responded before turning to Bail. "Since I had agreed to talk about any military details? I turn the discussion over to Mr. Organa currently." Lerek said, rubbing his eyes with exhaustion.
"And what is it the republic intends for Remnant, senator?" One of the councilors questioned, pausing to let the senator pick his words. "The arrival of warships and armed soldiers on Vale soil is something we take very seriously." The senator said before Bail responded.
"To the best of my knowledge? General Zun did not order the fleet's movement to this city." Bail said, tenting his fingers under his face. "And my goal is to establish peaceful relationships with Remnant, starting with Vale. General Zun would NOT launch a republic invasion of Vale, it would be against the republic's authority." Bail stated which gained a look from Lerek.
"If you wish to question the arrival of my ships, councilmen?" Lerek questioned, crossing his arms and pulling his hood back. "Ask Admiral Parmar. I requested all warships under my command to remain in orbit. That is also why I arrived with ONLY a small squad. I am NOT the most subtle general, but I am WELL aware of how much of an international issue the arrival of military troops would be." Lerek stated as he paused to take a breath a moment later.
"You are also fully aware the rest of Vale must convene upon this, yes?" Lerek heard as Bail paused to nod.
"We are aware…" Bail said, pausing while he turned to the Arkanian. "That is why the republic has asked that General Zun stay out of these proceedings currently. We don't wish to deal with any residual fallout, in addition? The general is merely a military officer. His duty was to ensure the destruction of separatist forces if any have reached Remnant." Bail added which got a nod from Lerek.
"And what exactly are these 'Separatists?'" Another councilor questioned as Lerek decided to answer.
"A collection of dissents within our home galaxy," Lerek responded, tenting his fingers under him. "Ones who rather than sort out grievances with the republic senate they were part of? Chose instead to spread destruction, death, and fear across the galaxy with billions of armed droids. I and my forces were currently engaging a division of said droids before being brought to Remnant, councilmen." Lerek said while turning to Blake.
"So now we have an intergalactic war on our soil?" One of the councilmen questioned.
"Not to my knowledge, no," Lerek said as he risked a look at Bail. "But if I can allow it? My forces will return to Remnant's orbit, and I will ONLY keep a small detachment here. My business in Vale does NOT involve conquest, the destruction or capture of all current infrastructure, nor the seizure of any resources… If you think I'm here to rule Vale? Then you're mistaken. Senator, am I needed any further for these negotiations?" Lerek questioned as Bail hummed.
"General Zun is only a single general in the Republic military." Bail said and watched Lerek hum and rub at his eyes. "I request he be allowed to discuss this with Headmaster Ozpin. His deal with him and Ms. Belladonna is independent of these proceedings. Whatever terms you wish to apply also do NOT apply to General Zun who is solely a military officer and not a high-ranking member of the republic government." Bail added as the council slowly stood up.
"Mr. Ozpin? A minute of your time?" The council questioned as the Vale headmaster slowly sat up.
"Feel free to converse, Mr. Zun," Ozpin said before following the others as Bail sat up.
"I'll handle the rest of these proceedings." Bail stated as he hummed and nodded and stepped after them.
This left Lerek and Blake alone in the massive room. Lerek risked a look at dozens of the portraits and symbols.
Author Notes
Phew. Another chapter is done! I want to point out that Blake and Lerek's bond is going to bond slowly and such. The next chapter will be in 2-10 months and will show both Lerek and Blake speaking and going to the library. Until the 900–6500-word chapter. Lighting Wolf out
P.S: Next chapter is 900-2500 words Monday, Pyrrha 900-1500 Friday, Cinder 1200 Monday, Ruby 900-1200 Monday, Elm 1200 Tuesday, Penny 900 Sunday, Raven 1200 Saturday, Winter 1500 Thursday, Neo 1500 Wednesday, Yang 1200 Thursday and such.