The First Contact War
Chapter 8 Keepers of Peace
2622 March 1st Earth Standard Calendar, Captain Matt Sim, Kamino clone training facility
Captain Matt Sim watched the five clone cadets make their way up the course. He watched as they worked together to take out the b1 training droids at assault the enemy fortification. Two of them covered the other three who took out the droids on the battlements and clambered up to the top of the structure and pull the flag out of its holder, ending the simulation. He smiled with pride at his latest squads success. After a month of the clones and OAG forces mingling, it occurred to the higher ups just how poorly treated the clones were by the general public and their Kaminosian creators. President Richards has called up the chancellor about these concerns and offered the support of the army to help train the clones in a less discriminatory environment. The Chancellor was surprised but none the less agreed and a week later he and the other hundred trainers arrived. The ended up working with the Mandalorian trainers who met them with differing opinions as the clones did. They had slowly built up a level of respect but progress was progress.
"Your trainees seem to be doing well" A familiar Mandalorian voice from behind him rang. The Mandalorian in question, Mando Te Mav but in English was translated to Mandalor The Freedom.
"Well I try"
"Yes but the would still be no match for the Death Watch"
"The Death Watch?"
"You wouldn't have heard of them but they are a group of Mandalorian terrorists who wish for us to go back to our old ways and bring back the days of the great Mandalorian Empire"
"Interesting, tell me more about this 'Death Watch'"
2622 March 7th Earth Standard Calendar, President Keith Richards, on board the Earth Senate Station orbiting Earth.
"Enter"
"Mr. President" A man in a black suit said "Agent Grant of Office of Naval Intelligence, I have found something that might interest you" He said whilst shaking the Presidents hand. Agent Grant placed a dossier on the desk. Picking up the dossier, Keith saw it was on a type of metal he had never seen before.
"It was brought to our attention by one of our Army trainers on Kamino who works with a Mandalorian by the name of, Mando Te Mav, in our language. Beskar Iron Ore, a uniquely resistant iron that develops a wide range of properties and colours, in the hands of skilled metalsmiths. Depending on the alloy, it can take any form from plate, laminate, and wire to foam, mesh, micronized particles, and even a transparent film. But the Mandalorians heavily guard their Beskar-working skills and refuse to sell the formula for any price; attempts to duplicate the armour by others has been a complete failure. This ore is only found on Mandalor and its moon and only the Mandalorians know how to use it. Despite its toughness it is incredibly light compared to other metals"
"Why are you telling me this?"
"We believe it could be mass produced using our metal synthesizers to artificially make it and using the knowledge of the mandalorians we could equip it to ships, armour and anything that needs metal. We would have a nearly indestructible everything. Not even lightsabers can cut it"
"And how would you propose we get this knowledge, the mando's guard this information as you said?"
"If you look down at the bottom, you'll see"
"The 'Death Watch'?"
"A terrorist organization trying to overthrow the current peaceful government run by Duchess Satine. If we could convince her to let us deal with them on Mandalor's moon Concordia for the knowledge of how to use Beskar iron and trade for it with no other expense, then we could use it. But it would take a terrorist attack on the level of something like the 9/11 attacks to do so"
"And what's the likely hood of something like that?"
"At the moment, there has been an increase in attacks but not soon at the current rate"
"Then we'll have to wait and see then"
22BBY Mandalor
Wow, The Government Parliament so big! Meredith thought. She looked up at the tall glass covered building.
"Ok everybody let's get in our assigned groups and head to the Parliament" Professor Andrews then preceded to call the list out. "As I call your name I'll tell you who you are with. Group one. Meredith, Brooke, Jake, Logan, Josh, Luca, and Danielle. Ya'll are with me!"
Damn why do I have to be in a group with Danielle! Meredith sulked to the State Building. As the group approached the building, Meredith cheered up a little bit. I'm actually looking forward to this, she thought. When they walked in, Meredith looked around in awe. This is amazing. All of a sudden a crunching sound was heard. The group looked at each other. Coach Andrews said, "Come on, let's get in the elevator"
As they got into the elevator they saw the other groups taking the stairs. She noticed a rather large freighter heading towards the Parliament. She thought it would turn away but she noticed that it was getting closer and accelerating in speed.
"Professor, that ship looks like it's going to hit the building"
"Don't be silly Meredith, the Death Watch would never do something like that" By now the ship was only a couple hundred meters away and everyone in the elevator began to become very worried.
"Brace yourselves!" yelled the Professor as the ship ploughed into the building only just above the elevator killing everyone in its way. It also cut the gravity lift, that controlled the elevator. With the gravity lift gone the elevator began to hurl towards the ground faster and faster. All Meredith could do was scream like the others before they impacted the ground.
6 hours later at Duchess Satine's residence
"Breaking news, a massive large scale attack-"
"On Mandalor's most important sites, buildings and facilities-"
"No one has claimed reponsability-"
"But Death watch is suspected to be involved-"
"Over twelve thousand dead-"
" A million injured-"
"Bad implications for an economy on a knifes edge-"
"Citizens calling for immediate action"
Satine surrounded by her closest advisors, was flicking through all the different news channels all covered with the same story. It was one of the worst terrorist attacks in history and her people demanded revenge. Something her police force couldn't do as Mandalor no longer had an army. She let out a heavy sigh, how could she deal with Death Watch while remaining neutral in the Galactic Civil War. A beeping noise from her desk's holo-projecter snapped her from her train of thought. Pressing a button, the Earth Senator Ryuko Mori appeared.
"Greeting Duchess Satine"
"Greetings miss Mori, may I ask why you are calling me?"
"As you might have heard from our little introductory speech when we first entered the senate, you know we have a history with terrorist groups ourselves. I have been asked by the Orion Arm Government to offer you Aid in terms of money and resources to help you rebuild as well as rescue teams and construction workers to help."
"That is most appreciated and I accept"
"Also the Orion Arm Government would like to offer military support to end the Death Watch"
"I cannot except as Mandalor is a neutral party in the Galactic civil war and you are not. Also I expect that you want something in return for your assistance"
"You are not wrong, we would ask for fair trade agreements as well as access to your Beskar Iron Ore, the last one being kept secret of course"
"I cannot allow you to have access to the Beskar iron or allow a military presence on this planet"
"If I may disagree. You have lost thousands to the Death Watch while the rest call out for justice that you are unable to do as you lack a professional military force. Even you acknowledge that the Separatists are the bad guys so to speak and Beskar armour would help our troops end this Galactic War quicker and the trade would help your economy"
"I will have to discuss this with my advisers who will probably approve everything bar the Beskar armour, I'll call you back when we are done"
"Of course, remember, the quicker you act the more lives will be saved" Ryuko said before disappearing. Satine turned to her advisers.
"So any thoughts"
The Prime Minister spoke first, "Despite what our stance is we have no choice by to accept their military assistance. The Death Watch needs to be stopped. The Aid goes without question. But what they ask in terms of access to our Beskar Armour is out of the question, it cannot go to foreigners" This received many nods from the other Ministers.
"If I may interject" Her minister of finance said "Our economy is in shambles due to the war and terrorist attacks, we could charge a high price for the Beskar iron and how to use it. Also we need to stop isolating ourselves from the rest of the galaxy in the way we have. We refer to anyone from outside our space as a foreigner with negative conations which encourages people to see ourselves above outsiders. Beside, police intelligence suggest that the Death Watch has a backing from count Dooku to overthrow us and to have Mandalor join the Separatist cause, in effect this is a proxy war" Satine reflected on her Minister's words.
"I need to address the people on our response"
Ten minutes later, Government announcement studio
"People of Mandalor. Today we have witnessed the worst terrorist attack in our history at the hands of the Death Watch. Thousands are dead and many more injured. Friends, Family and loved ones from children to elderly have been taken from us before it was their time and we mourn their parting. The Orion Arm Government has offered to send billions in Aid, money and resources and men and women to help us rebuild. They have also offered military assistance to fight the Death Watch as we have no standing army. I your Duchess and as a fellow Mandalorian solemnly Vow with the assistance of the OAG to eradicate the Death Watch once and for all"
2622 March 12th Earth Standard Calendar, John Sage onboard the frigate Ultramarine en route to Mandalor.
John flexed his new robotic left arm. His old one had been blown off by a rocket while he was on sniper support in the Battle of Christophsis. The Ultramarine was one of the old and remarkably reliable old United Nations Space Command frigate. The class had survived over four centuries due to how cheap and effective they were. They were equipped with plasma cannons and point defense lasers and missile pods, they also had the single Mass Accelerator Cannon that bypassed ships shielding due to them being designed to stop energized shots not giant metal slugs. The military had stopped using them but Private Military Corporations still used them, but due to the scale of the Galactic Civil war they had been brought back into service to increase the size of the navy and free up Star Destroyers.
"attention all crew, dropping out of hyperspace in two minutes, marines please suit up and head to the hanger bay"
John, all-ready in his exoskeleton headed to the hanger where he spotted his squad prepping next to a Warbird.
"All right Marines, front and center!" yelled the lieutenant jumping up onto some crates, so to stand above the others. John and the other marines scrambling into formation.
"We are here to help the people here, not to kill them! Our job is to work with local forces in identifying and taking out death watch forces on Mandalor and its moon Concordia. Our job is to protect the reconstruction project and to help patrol the streets. Remember when these people wake up they do not expect to be killed. Our first job is to secure an area for our transport ships to land so they can off load their cargo. Let's move out marines!" John and the other marines quickly entered the Warbird VTOLs as the Ultramarine exited hyperspace. The VTOLs quickly took off and headed for Mandalor. John could see the numerous escort frigates on the outside protecting the supply ships carrying the Aid to the people of Mandalor. The surface of Mandalor which they were landing on was flat and baron, white desert sand meaning they could easily land their ships there but they would be open to attack so they would fortify an area and turn it into an FOB where they could operate planeside on to police and distribute the Aid. As they approached the area where the FOB was to be, John could see the cube like structure that was Mandalors capital city.
"Touching down in sixty" John pulled the bolt back on his AC160 rifle that activated the plasma pack that powered the shots and switched the safety off as did the other marines around him. With a thud the dropship hit the ground.
"GO! GO! GO!" Yelled the pilot as the rear and side doors opened as the marines rushed out to secure a perimeter. John ran about fifteen meters away from the Warbird before going prone and aiming his rifle, looking for potential threats.
"Sir no hostiles spotted!
"Good call command and tell them to begin the landings. Dig in marines!"
March 13th Earth Standard Calendar, General Michael Craig, Mandalor, Keldabe, speaking to Duchess Satine
"Duchess, thank you for agreeing to meeting me on such short notice"
"Your welcome. Now how goes your construction project?"
"The FOB will be completed in a week and will be able to protect the supply ships that are already unloading as we speak, the first wave of aid should be out by this afternoon. Senator Ryuko is currently working on a trade agreement that is mutually beneficial. We have teams all-ready clearing rubble and administering medicine to those that need it. We have a number of field hospitals set up around the planet to help ease the burden on undamaged hospitals"
"Thank you, this means a lot"
"Just doing my job. Now then, have you located any Death Watch cells on mandalor in your cities as we've scanned the planet's surface and there is no sign of them. On Concordia, it's a different matter. We have located at least three major bases of operation and multiple supply depo's. It won't be easy deposing of them as they are well defended and have separatist tanks and anti-air guns at their main bases"
"It's just as we feared. The death Watch is in league with the Separatists"
"I'm afraid I need to ask about the Beskar Iron Ore. What was your decision on that?"
"We simply cannot deny you but we will charge a reasonably high price for it and the knowledge of how to use it. We will also limit how much you get and will strictly monitor it to ensure it is not taken advantage of. We have never let non-Mandalorians have access to this knowledge before, do not misuse this opportunity"
"Do not worry, we won't, the President said he would give his word if you accepted"
March 15th Earth Standard Calendar, John Sage, Mandalor, patrolling downtown Keldabe.
John walked down the street along with four other marines from his squad, the OAG forces had only been there for two days, but signs were showing they were winning the battle for hearts and minds. The new trade agreement between the OAG and Mandalor would bring about new economic opportunities for the people of Mandalor and the reconstruction projects of hospitals, housing and schools was widely praised. There was some skepticism over the military presence but many were content with the fact that the OAG was combating Death Watch. As John and his patrol rounded a corner, they failed to see a Beskar armoured death Watch member raise his two blaster pistols. The first instant when they knew they were under attack was when the lead marine by the name of Hendricks was shot in the neck, killing the man instantly.
"Shit! Ambush!" John yelled going to cover as two other marines pulled Hendricks body out of the street. John and another marine open fire where an armoured man was standing. The blue plasma only slightly damaging the armour. By now the civilians were running away screaming while one of the marines called for QRF. The terrorist then used his jet pack to land next to the marine to Johns left before unleashing his wrist mounted flame thrower upon the doomed marine. The marine's agenizing screams of pain from being burnt alive echoed throughout the street. The marine fell over onto the floor in pain, rolling around. John unable to see a marine suffer in such a way aimed at his comrade. Closed his eyes. And fired. The marine's screams stopped as the plasma stuck him in the chest, melting through to the heart killing him instantly. While that happened the mando had thrown a thermal detonator at the two other marines which had killed one and injured the other. John realizing their weapons wouldn't damage the mando's armour threw his weapon to the side and in a rage charged the Death Watch member. Pulling the standard issue combat knife from its sheath on his shoulder with his right hand, swung at the neck of the mando. The mando blocked before trying to punch John in the face. John mindful of the wrist mounted flame thrower dogged and stabbed the device, neutralizing it. The mando kicked him in the gut, knocking the wind out of him. He gasped trying to inhale air. The mando went to pick up his blaster, but John got back up and tackled the mando to the ground. Rolling on top. John repeatedly stabbed the mando over and over and over in the neck. Blood sprayed everywhere each time the knife came out of the jugular. But John just kept going.
"John!" a voice called. He continued.
"John!" The voice called again.
"JOHN!" the voice said, this time putting a hand on his shoulder. John stopped. Looked down and saw what he had done. He stood up in a dazed state and backed up against the wall before sliding down till he was siting and staring emptily at his blood soaked hands, trembling.
"John, it'll be okay. It's over now" The only other remaining marine said.
30 minutes later at debriefing with General Craig
"So what happened?" asked the General.
"We were on patrol in downtown when we were ambushed by a Death Watch member. He killed Hendricks with a shot to the head. He set Parker on fire and Sage shot Parker to ease his passing. I and Mathews had a grenade thrown at us, Mathews didn't make it. Sage killed the Mando with multiple stab wounds to the neck"
"Thank you, both of you. The death of your squad is unfortunate and Sage, you did the right thing with Parker. I want you to go to the medical wing and have yourself checked for any PTSD, you went through a lot, that no one should go through. Dismissed"
"Yes Sir!" they both yelled leaving. Craig sighed, walking over to his intelligence officer.
"Do we know where they are operating from, they have to have a safe house here somewhere?"
"We've pinpointed the location to somewhere in the capital, but were not sure quite where though. I believe we are close though, ONI prides itself with having the best information network"
22BBY Mandalor, Keldabe industrial district, Death Watch safe house/ operations command, Damien Vizlsa of clan Vizlsa.
Damn these OAG guys, making life difficult Damien thought as he walked down the corridor to the command hub of the building where operations were panned. The OAG had arrived and messed up their plane to take over, they had it all planned out down to the last detail. They even had the support of the Separatists, but these… meddlers had changed all that.
"Vizlsa" the senior Death Watch member said as he entered. He simply bowed his head in return.
"Now we are all here, we need to discuss how we are going to deal with the OAG. It is clear that we cannot beat them in a straight up fight and do not have the numbers to survive a guerilla war, so we need solutions"
"We need to find a way to turn public opinion against them. A source has told me that there is a secret deal of some kind, don't have many details but it must be something important. If we find out what it is we can use it against them"
"I agre-" BOOM! The whole building shook and sounds of gunfire could be heard.
"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!"
"I DON'T KNOW"
"GUARDS! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON OUT THERE! REPORT!"
"It's the OAG sir they're AGHHH"
"We need to go now! Delete all data we have we're leaving!" The Mando's would have done this if it weren't for the fact that at that moment, flashbangs had decided to go off in the room, stunning most of the mando's including Vizlsa as they weren't wearing their helmets. OAG marines and Mandalorian police stormed into the room and quickly subdued those who weren't stunned and arrested those who were.
Now, Corporal Fin Hughes
Looking around the room seeing the dead or captured Death Watch he lowered his AC160.
"Corporal your up, crack this data net" Ordered his CO. Walking up to the console he plugged his data pad in and began hacking into the computer. After a couple of minutes, he cracked the code and then realized what he had found.
"Sargent, you might want to see this"
"What is Corporal?" his Sargent asked looking at the data pad.
"A list of people and locations part of Death Watch on Mandalor, looks like we found the main compound"
"Good work, send this back to command, looks like it's going to be a busy day"
"Sir we have something really good, and its not information" Called a marine.
"Oh, and what's that?"
"How about the head of Death Watch, Pre Vizlsa's nephew" The marine said pointing to one of the captured terrorists.
"You OAG scum, we will defeat you and burn your worlds, kill your citizens and erase you from history!" He said while spitting on the ground.
"Don't worry, we've got a nice cosy cell with your name on it just waiting for you. And your going to tell us everything we want to know, and if you do, you'll only have a fifty year sentence. All right boys bag anything and everything that can be used for intelligence, Maps, locations, weapons, the works!"
Thanks to Mandalor the Freedom for coming up with this idea, it was great to explore and to write. Check out his stories, they're really good to read.