Galen Erso poured over the various reports he had before him. The demands of Krennic and the Emperor were obscene. The weapon was a monstrosity, one that should never fall into the hands of anyone.
Galen was positive he knew what the Emperor would do with it once it was constructed. It would be used on the innocent, an attempt to rule through fear.
And that, Galen could not abide.
Sure, the republic had been failing in its last days. But the empire was no better.
And Krennic had changed too. His ambitions made him dangerous.
That was why he had leaked the plans for the Death Star to the rebellion. Hopefully, they would find a way to destroy it before it was finished, before it could be used.
But then, would anyone be willing to outright attack a station such as this. It would take someone with extreme nerve to do it. It was practically a suicide mission.
But Galen didn't give up hope.
Luckily for him Krennic had been 'kind' enough to grant him full access to the systems of the battle station. That included an updated schematic layout, as well as access codes for doors, as well as the station' current location in space.
And through his access, he had compiled all the knowledge together into one small data packet, and like before, sent it off to the rebellion through encrypted channels.
Galen could only hope that this mysterious rebel agent called Fulcrum would receive the information in time.
Then maybe, just maybe they would attack, and he could be free.
"Soon Jyn. I will find you soon."
Her stepped back to admire her and Kallus' handiwork. It had taken some time, as well as several burns and gashes on their hands, but they had done it.
Staring up at the Ghost, Hera marvelled at its newest additions.
On the exterior, a pair of large cannons, extracted from the TIE Defender and integrated into the Ghost's architecture. Hopefully this would provide the Ghost with some increased firepower.
If that wasn't enough, they had also salvaged the experimental laser cannon from Quarrie's prototype B-wing. With that installed upon the Ghost, the freighter could make short work of any large imperial vessels that got in its way.
It wasn't just the exterior that had been changed either. Kallus had extracted and figured out how to install both the Defender's hyperdrive and shield generator, further improving the Ghost as a ship.
For all accounts and measures, it was now leagues ahead of anything the rebellion possessed.
But it would still fall to the might of the entire imperial fleet, which would be a problem if it was guarding the battle station.
At least, it might be a problem. That now entirely depended on whether or not the Defender's IFF tag, which had also been installed onto the Ghost, would still register as friend to the empire. If it did, then they might be able to sneak through.
"So, I think she's ready." Kallus spoke, pride in his work. Hera had to agree with him. It was a thing of beauty.
She only hoped that it would be enough.
"Time to head to Raada then." Hera replied, before beginning to head towards the ramp into the Ghost. Both Miara and her father were already inside, moving some supplies they had acquired for the mission around the ship, per AP5's instruction.
Kallus made to follow, before a voice rang out to them.
"Captain Syndulla? Captain Kallus? Wait for us. We've got something to tell you!"
Both Hera and Kallus turned to see Cassian and his droid, K-2SO, heading their way. Cassian had a serious look on his face, It was obviously important.
"What's wrong Cassian?" Kallus called out when his fellow Fulcrum agent was within earshot.
"We got another message from Galen Erso. Apparently he's on the battle station right now, and he's given us updated schematics for the thing, as well as coordinates."
Hera's eyes widened in surprise. They were so close to launching their mission, and new information was still coming in?
Still, they couldn't stand around and debate it. They had to get moving if they were to get to the rendezvous in time.
Gesturing Cassian to follow, Hera continued to the Ghost.
Minutes later, various members of the rebel alliance witnessed the Ghost begin to ascend and fly away from the rebel base on Yavin Four. Most assumed they were on another supply run, or going on some sort of mission.
Most were unaware of the truth.
From the shadows of the temple that acted as the rebel base, a figure watched, a datapad in his hand. On it, was a signal, one transmitting a location.
That location was currently moving, which made sense.
The tracker was working.
Nodding to themselves, the figure keyed up their comm link, and sent a message to Senator Mothma.
Mothma replied seconds later, ordering the person to the command centre, as well as most of the senior rebel staff on site to discuss what was to be done.
The order had requested that they meet immediately. Apparently there was something of vital importance to discuss, something that was important to the survival of the rebellion.
Commander Jun Sato had a hunch he knew what was about to be discussed, but he couldn't very well turn down the orders.
So he had left what he had been doing prior, and sped to the command centre in the Yavin temple.
Ever since the last major meeting, where Commander Tano had blown a gasket at the assembled leaders, things had been tense, and on a need to know basis.
Sato agreed with Tano's outlook on the matters discussed however, and had purposefully tried to keep the other rebel leaders busy, drawing attention away from what Tano and company might have been doing behind the backs of the rebellion.
Sato only hoped they hadn't been found out.
Walking through the last doorway, Sato entered the command centre, and approached the holographic table in the centre.
Glancing around at the others individuals present, Sato did a quick headcount.
'Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, Leia Organa, Admiral Raddus, General Dodonna.'
It was strange to see the princess of Alderaan once again present in the meeting, and Sato knew that she held no real power. Perhaps Bail just allowed her to come along to watch and learn.
"Ah, Commander Sato, good you're here. We have important matters to discuss."
Another voice sounded behind Sato, one that didn't belong to anyone he had previously spotted at the table.
A new figure emerged, heading round the table to stand at the side of Mon Mothma.
Recognizing the figure, Sato responded.
"General Draven?"
Davits Draven was a no nonsense kind of individual, who often resorted to more underhand and somewhat morally questionable orders to achieve success. He was nowhere near the level of Saw Gerrerra on morality, but he was still a force to be reckoned with.
"General Draven had a vital matter to discuss with us in regards to something I asked him to look into." Mon Mothma spoke, her voice as calm as ever. It was rare for her to shout, even when people shouted at her. Strange… coming from a former Republic Senator.
Draven moved forward, reaching his hand out to the holographic table and pressing a series of buttons. The table flared to life, bringing up a map of the galaxy, showing various important details.
But today, it seemed that they were not looking at something occupied by the imperials, but something else entirely.
Pointing his finger at a single flashing light on the map, one that was moving at high speeds, Draven spoke.
"This is a tracking beacon, one I recently installed on a ship that I believe is up to no good."
Questioning looks were passed round the assembled rebel leaders, each as confused as the other.
"What ship is this? Imperial?" Dodonna questioned.
Draven shook his head, a grim look overtaking his facial features.
"No General, not imperial, but rebel. Specifically, the Ghost."
"What?!" It was Bail Organa that openly questioned the statement, and Sato had to agree. Why had Draven placed a tracking beacon on one of the most reliable ships in the rebellion?
'Have they figured out what Tano is doing?' Sato thought privately.
Rather than continue himself, Draven gestured to Mon Mothma.
"I have suspected for some time now that despite this council's decision, Commander Ahsoka Tano had gone against our wishes and is planning to launch an assault on the imperial battle station. General Draven and I dispatched multiple Bothan Spies to follow members of the Ghost crew, who all seemed to be meeting specific individuals around the galaxy, without orders from rebel command to do so."
Sato sucked in a breath. 'Oh Kriff, they do know!'
Draven then continued. "Furthermore, our spy in Gerrerra's partisans revealed that Tano has been seen talking to Saw, possibly to recruit him, or worse, side with him."
More looks of concern went around the assembled leaders. Ahsoka's outburst had been seen as a major violation of the rebel command structure, hence why she had been put on leave because of it. But if she was no willingly siding with a known terrorist to achieve her plans, that made her a dangerous threat to the rebellion as a whole.
"Why track the Ghost though?" Leia spoke up for the first time, fear in her voice at the thought of the rebel high council blacklisting her 'aunt'.
Draven continued. "It would appear that Commander Tano has encouraged the Ghost team to support her suicidal campaign, despite our orders on the contrary. If we are to discover what Tano is doing, we must track them to the location they intend to meet at before they launch the mission."
Watching everything take place, Sato noticed Leia's face contort in anger. "So you're spying on Captain Syndulla and her team? I thought you trusted them?"
Draven nodded, before tapping another series of buttons on the holographic table. The galaxy map faded away, this time being replaced by an image of Ahsoka Tano, as well as details about her.
"We do Princess, however Commander Tano's history with the Jedi could mean she is capable of brain washing them to help her. They may not be doing this of their own free will."
Mon Mothma seemed to agree, adding to Draven's statement. "Furthermore, she has been known to collaborate with certain aggressive individuals in the past, as well as use morally questionable tactics to achieve her endgame. It is possible she has been an agent of the Sith this entire time."
Sato had to refrain from jumping to Ahsoka's defence. How dare they question her loyalty!
"So, what exactly are you suggesting Senator Mothma?" Bail spoke up now, worry and remorse in his voice.
Mothma looked at Draven, who looked back at her, before nodding in a cryptic manner.
Mon Mothma nodded back in the same way, sending chills down Sato's spine. What were they planning?
Turning back to the table before them, Mothma began to speak.
"After much deliberation, General Draven and I have come to an agreement. Commander Ahsoka Tano's actions are directly in violation of orders from a superior, and we have reason to believe she has been compromised. Admiral Raddus, you and General Draven are to take the Profundity and follow the tracking beacon. Once located, you are to capture the Crew of the Ghost, as well as their associates and return them to Yavin Four."
Raddus, who had been suspiciously quiet during the meeting nodded in understanding. From where he was, Sato could see that the Mon Calamari did not agree with everything, but saw the possible threat that could emerge.
"As you wish Senator." Raddus replied.
But it appeared that Mon Mothma was not finished.
"Furthermore, considering her status as a Fulcrum Agent, Tano had complete access to all rebellion secrets. She is therefore considered a breach on security of the highest level."
Sato gulped. They weren't possibly considering…
"Therefore Admiral Raddus, you are under orders to terminate Commander Ahsoka Tano on sight."
"NO!"
Chaos broke out amongst those that were present. Sato was too horrified by the decision to say anything, as was Bail Organa by the looks of it.
It was Leia that had screamed out in despair at the order.
"Father, you can't let them do that to Aunt Soka. You can't!"
Bail's face was one of helpless despair. The Alderaan Senator seemed to be struggling with himself, as if he both agreed and disagreed with the decision.
Raddus then spoke up, confusion in his voice at the orders.
"Are you certain that is necessary Senator Mothma?"
Draven stepped forward again, speaking in his usual demanding tone.
"Protocol regarding renegade Fulcrum Agents is clear. They possess all the secrets of the rebellion, and cannot be allowed to fall into enemy hands. If Tano is indeed working for the Emperor, as we speculate, then she must be put down. The protocol was written by Tano herself after all."
Raddus seemed to debate for a second, before sighing dejectedly. "As you wish then."
Draven nodded, before turning to the rest of the assembled rebels.
"Anyone else have anything to say?"
No one spoke.
Draven huffed, before speaking again. "Meeting dismissed."
Sato watched as Draven gestured for Raddus to follow, the Mon Cala doing so reluctantly.
On the other side of the table, Leia stormed off, her father calling after her. Sato watched them go, despair in his heart.
Mon Mothma had also departed, leaving the room, no doubt to attend to other matters.
That just left Sato with Dodonna, who hadn't said a word since the orders had been revealed.
The leader of the Massassi group had a horrified and betrayed look on his face. Sato remembered that he had not sided with Ahsoka originally. But now…
Looking up from his position, Dodonna locked eyes with Sato, who stared back.
Both rebel leaders, now put in an impossible situation.
Moving round the table, Sato approached Dodonna.
He was taking a massive risk, one that would almost certainly backfire.
He could only hope that Dodonna had enough common sense to see that this whole plan was beyond stupid.
Closing the distance between them, Sato whispered into Dodonna's ear.
"I'm not going to let them do this General. Will you help me?"
Dodonna seemed to debate for a few seconds, various emotions going through both his eyes and his body language.
Then finally, he nodded, fire and determination in his eyes.
"Then round up what loyal men you have General, and await my signal."
Dodonna nodded again, listening to Sato despite the difference in rank.
Pulling away from Dodonna, Jun Sato moved to leave the command centre. His destination, the landing zone where they were currently testing the new prototype X-wings.
Forming a plan in his head, Sato decided that if he was to pull this off, he would need the support of two people, his nephew and Lieutenant Antilles.
Author's thoughts
Dun dun duuuuunnnnnnnn!
Draven, Mothma! What have you done!
So, a shorter chapter this time around, so sorry for that. But still, I hope you enjoyed this none the less.
As for Mon Mothma. Just to be clear, I do like the character, but I needed her to make some questionable decisions in this chapter. Don't be mad at her though. It's Draven's fault really!
Anyway, next chapter is an enormous one. The longest I have ever done in fact (so far). Thus, you can imagine it will be a while before I finish editing it and uploading it, so sorry in advance. But it will be worth it, trust me.
Also, I know a few of you want to know what Maul saw in the cave. Well I'm pleased to tell you that that will be the subject of the first one shot that I write after this story concludes, so hope you are looking forward to that.
So, next time round the team unites on Raada for the calm before the storm.
As normal, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
SLE's fave guest: Dark Ahsoka is pretty badass (and bloody terrifying too). Maybe I should do a story about that one day. ;)
You still seem to be expecting a bloodbath in this mission. I can't wait for the reactions.
Travis Middleton: I'm glad you liked the chapter, it was one of my favourites.
Ahsoka's vision was supposed to be reminiscant of Luke's in ESB. In a way, Ahsoka is too much like Anakin, and Sidious can exploit that!
jamese765: Maul entering the cave will be fun to explore. I hope you'll like it when I get round to it.
Chiara Polairix Edelstein: I'm glad you enjoy my 'author's thoughts' sections. I enjoy interacting with my readers like this. It is my favourite part of this whole experience.
Mogor: Yoda joining the team is a massive boost for them. Yoda is a one man army himself. As for Mothma, well, I wonder what you think of this chapter. :)
FossilQueen1984: I'm glad you enjoyed the parallel in the previous chapter. It was fun to write.
The Yoda/Ahsoka dynamic is an interesting one that I wish was explored a bit more than it has been. Oh well.
LukeDude: I'm glad the chapter impressed you. It was a challenging one to write as Yoda had to be believable enough to join the team. I figured that I should just use his weird sense of humour and twisting of words as a way to get him involved.
I was aware of the fate of Yoda's lightsaber beforehand, but thanks anyway. Besides, the little green Jedi doesn't need his lightsaber to kick serious arse, even with his advanced age.
Now your questions:
1. I already answered the lightsaber one, so moving on.
2. By this point it is unlikely you will see any more TIE variants. One shots however. Never say never.
3. Considering Krennic is on board the Death Star already, I'd assume his shuttle is there too.
4. I'm saving Qui-Gon for a one shot. What will happen remains a secret. :)
5. Executrix is present at the Death Star, along with many other Star Destroyers.
6. There are prisoners on the Death Star. Galen Erso being one of them.
7. I'd assume Nien Numb is around somewhere, but I've no intention of including him.