Chapter 11:
"General, Captain Rock will be arriving to help you on Mandalore". Says the Admiral.
"But sir, I thought Captain Rock would be helping you with the hunt for Ziro?" I say.
"No, we have enough men for the hunt, General. So, I am giving you Captain Rock, to supervise you on your visit and he WILL report back to me on your progress with Mandalore".
"Of course, sir". I say.
"Captain Rock is making his way down to the surface the now". Says the Admiral.
"Of course, sir, thank you for giving me a babysitter". I say as I bow and turn the hologram off.
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We wait on the docking pad for Rock, I'm standing with Satine and Prime Minister Almec.
"So, General, when will you man get here? I believe he is already late".
"Forgive me, Prime Minister. We do have a war to win, my Captain will be here as soon as he can".
"Forgive me Duchess, but what do the Republic military know of our ways? They could corrupt our children into thinking war is good and they should sign up for it". Alemc says.
"Ah talk of the devil, Rock is here". I say.
"There is nothing to fear, Prime Minister. They are just showing them a new light which has been hidden, and I can assure you that the General and Captain will not corrupt anybody". Satine says as I walk away.
As the Republic ship docks I start to make my way over to the ship, Rock starts to walk out of the ship,
"Sir, it's good to see you".
"You too, Rock. I need you to leave your weapons on the ship. I kind of caused some stuff that now off worlder aren't allowed to carry weapons". I say to him.
"Ah so you are leaving your mark sir?" Rock says laughing as he puts his weapons back on the ship.
"Good hunting Sam!" I say.
"Thank you, sir, we will get that pig, the 503rd will get him". Sam shouts.
Rock and I laugh as we walk over to the Duchess. As we approach the Duchess, we bow.
"Duchess, Prime Minister". Rock says.
"Prime Minister, Duchess. May I present CT-7523, Captain Rock of the 503rd". I say.
Rock bows his head again.
"I am grateful that the senate could spare such fine gentlemen to help instruct our leaders and peacekeepers of tomorrow, please thank the senate for me". Satine says.
"Of course, my lady". I say with a smile.
"Cadets Korkie, Amis, Lagos" Says Alemc.
Three cadets come forward and bow to us.
"General, Captain. These are some of the cadets that you will be teaching" says Alemc.
"Hi, it will be an honour to teach you guys". I say. As Rock nods in agreement.
"That's a fine weapon sir, may I see it". Korkie says.
I look down to see Rock still has one of his blasters on his side.
"My apologises, I thought I had taken my weapons off. Forgive me". Rock says.
"Thank you for respecting our ways, Captain". Satine says.
"No problem. My lady, from what I hear it was the General himself that caused the issue". Rock says laughing.
"Sir, is there anything else you need from the ship? The Admiral is most eager to begin the hunt for Ziro". Sam comes up to me.
"Sam, I just need you to take Rock's weapon. Please, keep me informed of the progress". I say.
"Of course, sir". Sam says as he leaves to go back to Dauntless.
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"Now, corruption is when someone who is in power puts their own personal interests above the people they represent". I say.
"So, it's a result for greed?" Asks Soniee.
"Yep, that's it. It's when a leader sacrifices their moral integrity for more power or money. In fact, entire star systems have collapsed due to their politicians getting caught up in the whole cycle of blackmail and bribes. While their people suffered". I say.
"So, General does that mean all politicians are corrupt?" Asks Lagos.
"Rock?" I say, smiling.
"Well, um, no not everyone. You have the select few who remain loyal. However, temptation will always be there. And you guys as citizens must be aware, so that corruption can't take shape". Rock says. As he walks back to me,
"Boom, beat that".
"But if you don't trust your leaders, isn't that treason". Asks Amis.
"Well, no. It is your duty as a citizen to challenge your leaders. I'll tell you a story. So I come from Scotland, now that has sworn its allegiance to the Separatists, the people that I fight. So I myself challenged my leaders because in the war that Scotland was fighting we found out that some Government officials. Had been taking money. So it is your duty to keep your Government honest and if not they why are they not being honest". I say.
"I think that's us for today". I say.
"You have only been teaching for 20 minutes. It's a 2-hour class." Says a cadet.
"Well, you guys can stay here with Rock and I will go out and see if there is anything exciting". I say.
"But sir-"Rock begins.
"You can ask him anything, he is your main man". I say smiling as I leave the room.
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"So how did your lesson go?" Satine asks me.
I sit down in her apartment, with a cup of coffee.
"Yeah it went amazing. Why wouldn't it?" I ask as I take a sip of my coffee.
"Rock says you were only teaching for 20 minutes and then you left". Satine says with a smile as she eats her dinner.
"It would be the best 20 minutes of their life". I say as I grab a slice of green pepper from her plate.
"No you thought this would be easy and it's not. Just admit it Fraser. You can't teach". Satine says.
"Excuse me! I can teach, right you just sit in-front of people take to them about something and say any questions. There that's how you teach". I say as I stand up.
"No, that's so wrong. You are helping them become a better person. So excuse me but you just don't have what it takes but Korkie told me that Rock was so easy to approach with questions and you should give him credit. I believe the students are learning about corruption which is good". Satine says.
"Rock? Rock?! No that's because I taught him how to teach, Satine. I'm a great teacher, Satine turn on the kettle, please". I say. Satine turns on the kettle.
"See! I just taught you how to turn on the kettle". I say.
"Excuse me, Duchess. Cadet Korkie is here to see you". Says one of Satine's guards.
"Of course, let him in". Satine says.
"I'm just outraged at this". I say as Satine hits my shoulder.
"Auntie, we did some investigating. It turns out that there is no food shortage. We found crates and crates of food in the Government port". Korkie says.
"Hmm. How do you know this?" I ask as I bring my robotic hand up to my face.
"That doesn't matter now". Korkie says.
"No, I beg to differ". Satine says.
"We made a recording of what we know is a Government official and a black marketer". Says Soniee.
"We need your help, auntie. And Captain Rock's he will help us". Korkie says.
"I'll help you", I say, sounding a wee bit too desperate.
"No, it's okay we will just get auntie Satine and Captain Rock to help us". Korkie says again.
"But –"I start.
"Fraser, just leave it. Rock clearly has more experience". Satine says trying not to laugh.
"What?! Rock. No no no. I can do this". I say, starting to sound like a baby having a tantrum.
"Moving on. I agree this is a serious matter. But this evil may be more than you cadets can handle, people can be very deceiving. I nor the General, or Captain Rock would be wanting any of you to be getting into trouble". Satine says as she walks up to the door.
"But auntie you can't just ignore this. This is serious!" Korkie says.
"I won't trust me. Now go along and carry on with your studies. There will be plenty of time to save the world when you are a bit older". Satine says.
"I don't believe this! I mean Rock really. Rock? I mean I have lead battles and they chose Rock". I say.
"Fraser, I like you". Satine says as she walks up and kisses me on the lips.
"You have to, your my wife. You know what, I'm going to make those cadets like me. I'll show you. I've got to go. I love you". I say as I peck Satine on the lips and head out of the door.
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"There, they are so going to love me for this". I say as I finish up my presentation.
I start to head out of the academy and walk through the Palace plaza. I look over to see some guards and some cadets. I head over to see what is the issue. I put on my cap and head over.
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"You Korkie?" Says one of the guards.
"Prime Minister? Is that you?" Korkie asks unsure.
"Secret service. You are all under arrest for corruption, conspiracy and treason". Says the same guard.
"You will come with us". Says the other guard.
"These are the same guards we saw last night". Korkie says to the others.
"We have don't nothing wrong". Korkie shouts.
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"That's Korkie" I think. I quicken my pace.
I hid behind a tree, I see the guards are closing in on the cadets.
"What is going on here?!" I shout.
All of the guards look at me,
"Get him!"
All at once the guards could at me, I manage to dodge an oncoming attack from one of the guards with his baton, I push him away from me. Another guard comes up behind me and jumps on top of me, I swing him around until he crashes into the wall. I grab a baton, and throw it at the guard. I punch him in the face and yank his shield from him and smack it across his face making him unconscious.
"Don't tell you aunt". I say out of breath. I look about to see that the other guards have ran off.
"Hmm, I think that the Prime Minister has set you guys up here". I say turning to the cadets.
"No, that's no possible, he is the leader of our system". Korkie says.
"Wait do you still have the recording?" I ask Soniee.
"Yes, I do". Soniee says as she brings out the holo.
"Information thingy, I need you to identify an ID". I say, as my information thingy brings the ID to show. It's Alemc.
"Right we need to go and warn Satine", I say.
"They know we spoke to her". Korkie says to me.
"How that's not possible. Did you tell Alemc?" I ask.
"Yes". They all say.
I press my com-link, "Rock I need you to meet me at the Duchess's place, something bad has happened".
"Of course, sir"
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We are going down the steps, I see that one of Satine's personal guards are lying on the floor. I go down to check his pulse.
"He's dead". I say.
I quickly go through the door to Satine's.
"Satine?" I shout.
"Sir, the may still be inside". Rock says. I don't listen to him. I check through her whole flat, shouting her name. Nothing.
"They took my auntie. This is all my fault". Korkie says as he sits down with his head in his hands.
"No, Korkie it's not. You have given us a chance to bring down Alemc. I have an idea. But you guys aren't going to like it". I say.
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I walk down through the palace into Alemc's office.
"General Broadfoot, this is an unexpected pleasure! What can I do for you?" Alemc says.
"No, Prime Minister the pleasure is all mine. But it's what I can do for you". I say. I nod to one of the guards. They bring in Korkie, Lagos, Amis and Soniee, as well as Rock.
"I believe that some of my students have been involved with my second in command in a plot against you". I say.
"This is intriguing". Alemc says.
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"Fraser, I trusted you". Rock shouts as he is being thrown into a cell.
"Thank you for bringing in these traitors, General". Says Alemc.
"No not a problem sir. They mentioned that Duchess Satine was their leader and that Rock was married to her". I say turning towards Almec.
"Don't worry General. We have the Duchess. Excuse me. I must prepare a statement to the people about the Duchess and her crimes. Hmm, that brings a new light on the situation, she's married to a soldier. Well that is very funny". Alemc says laughing as he walks off.
"Sergeant, I need to go and interrogate the prisoners if you wouldn't mind letting me through". I say to the guard.
"Of course, sir, follow me".
As the guard escorts me to the cadets' cell, he opens up the cell door and let's me through.
"Right, carful. We are being watched". I say as I give a nod to them to look at the guards.
"Have you found my aunt?" Korkie asks.
"No, not yet but don't worry. I will find your aunt". I say as I give Korkie a reassuring smile.
As the doors open a guard comes in,
"General, the Prime Minister wishes you to accompany him whilst he is delivering his speech to the people about the Duchess".
"Oh right, okay. Well maybe we should bring the Duchess to the Prime Minister as well because it would save you doing a double journey". I say.
"No, my orders are-"
"Ach who can be bothered with orders. You have a brain?" I ask.
The guard nods,
"Well use it. If you do this then you will get a promotion". I say with a smile.
"Of course, sir. Forgive me". The guard says as he takes me to Satine.
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The guards escort me down into a different room, I see Satine standing in a high security cell. I notice that there is a shock gun near Satine's cell. I quicken my pace over to the control panel. I press the buttons to bring down Satine's cell.
"Satine I'm getting you out of here". I say.
"Fraser, it's a trap!"
"Well, well, well. I am impressed for a soldier who only knows killing could be so, so cunning. Sergeant you can stop your play acting now". Alemc says.
"Of course, sir!" The guard says as he stands to attention.
"Now, General you have just shown yourself to be a part of this coup. Set for stun!" Alemc says.
"What? -". I start to say, but before I could finish my sentence my whole body goes into agony. I feel two guards restrain me,
"Alemc, I will kill you!" I say.
"Hmm, see General, I never knew you were a big celebrity in Scotland. Why didn't you tell me?" Alemc says.
"Because all of Scotland wants him dead!" I hear someone shout, I look up to see my father.
"Ah, John what a pleasure to see you again". Alemc says.
"No, no Prime Minister it's all mine. Thank you for bringing my son to me". John says.
"Father?" Satine asks me.
"Yes I am. Well, look at what we have here, my, my, my you are beautiful aren't you. If you are ever looking for a daddy. Then you can always call me". My father says.
"Don't you touch her!" I shout trying to break free.
"Bring in the tratiors". Alemc shouts.
Rock and the cadets come into the room,
"Now that we have an audience, Duchess sign it, just sign the confession". Alemc says.
"Dad, get away from Satine! Don't you dare touch her!" I shout, again trying to break free.
"Ah, I think my son as a wee crush on you. Prime Minister if I may, I would like the Duchess, in my personal chambers waiting for me". Dad says.
"No, no, no!" I shout, the guard punches me in the face.
"Of course, sir. But first I need her to sign the treaty". Alemc says.
"I will never sign that treaty. There is only one traitor to Mandalore, and that's you! You have used your office to gain power and money. Betraying the people's trust. It's shameful!" Satine says with sheer anger.
"My patience is wearing thin, put the shock collar on her!" Alemc says.
Alemc presses the button and the shock collar shocks Satine, a struggle again to get free and help her.
"I would rather die than sign that confession!" Satine says weakly.
"That can be arranged". Alemc says coldly.
"What about the boy? There, him". My father says.
"Oh, John you are bad. Put the shock collar on cadet Korkie". Alemc says.
"No, Alemc they are just children". Satine says.
I nod at Rock, I flip my head back and take out the guard behind me. I manage to get my cuffs off. I dodge an oncoming attack from the guard, I take his baton from him and hit him with it knocking him out.
I look to see that Rock is taking out the guards coming at him, I also notice that the cadets have taken out the guards.
I run to Satine, but my father pushes me into the wall, I crash into the wall. My father, lifts me up and starts punching me all around my body, I manage to scratch his face. I kick him in his stomach, giving us some distance. I run to Satine and grab the shock collar off her, I see Alemc running for the controls. I come in from behind and lift him up and push him onto the ground, I put the shock collar on him,
"Got ya!" I say as I press the button, maximum power.
"Stop fighting!" Alemc says in sheer agony.
I switch the shock collar off. I don't see my dad, I turn around to see a knife being lodged into my shoulder, I yell in pain. I push him away. I grunt as I create some distance, I see that one of the guards has a blaster, I quickly grab it and start shooting at him. Rock restrains me, and takes the gun out of my hand.
"General, not here. You will get him next time". Rock whispers to me.
"Let me go Rock! Let me go!" I say trying to break free. I scream in anger.
"I'll be ready for him, Rock you hear me. Next time I see him I'll be ready to kill him!" I say. I calm down.
"Send for my personal guards". Satine says.
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As Satine's guards, escort away Alemc's traitorous guards. I walk over to Satine, she's holding her stomach.
"Are you okay?" I ask, as I massage her shoulders.
"Fraser, I think something is wrong". Satine says as she turns to me with tears in her eyes.
"Rock, finish up here. I will escort the Duchess home", I say, as I pull Satine to the door.
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"I need a doctor, NOW!" I say as we walk into the hospital.
"I'm sorry sir, you'll just have to wait". A nurse says to me.
"Fraser, I don't feel well". Satine says faintly.
I pull the nurse back to face me, "I need a doctor or somebody who can help my wife! Do you understand?" I say with anger.
"Fras-" Satine says as she faints, I manage to catch her.
"Doctor! We need a doctor!" the nurse says as she runs to find a doctor.
"You're going to be okay Satine, just hang in there". I whisper to her.
"What is the issue?" A female doctor comes running up to me.
"Em, she got an electric shock collar on her at a highest voltage and, and, and she said she felt that something was wrong with…with". I start to say.
"With what? Sir?" The doctor says.
"With em, the baby". I say.
"Nurse get the room ready, now! Sir what is your name?" the doctor says.
"My name? my name it's, it's um Fraser". I stammer.
"Right Fraser we are going to do the best we can to save your wife. Okay? Help us by carrying her into the room". The doctor says.
I carry Satine bridal style to the room, I hear people asking if that's the Duchess as I run pass them. We head into the room, that the nurse has set up. I place Satine on the bed and take a step back. More nurses come in to help the doctor. The doctor looks up at the screen,
"Right we need to wake her up, the baby is coming now". The doctor says.
"What?" I ask confused/ in shock.
"Fraser, since your wife had the electric shock at I assume must have been an extremely high voltage, has caused your wife to go into a premature labour. But don't worry, she's 8 months along, but we just need to make sure the baby comes out fine". The doctor smiles at me.
"What?" I ask again, in a confused and shocked manner.
"Nurse, he is no help here. Take him to the waiting room".
The nurse goes to grab me, but I jerk my arm away from her,
"I'm staying with my wife and child!" I shout at the doctor.
"Fraser, you are no help here! Do you want me to save your wife and child?! Then let my people do their jobs! Nurse?" The doctor shouts at me.
I nod and let the nurse take me out of the room and into the waiting area.
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I hear Satine screaming in pain. I start to walk to the door, but the nurse tells me to sit back down.
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2 hours later:
"Mr Broadfoot, congratulations you have a baby girl". The doctor comes up and tell me.
I jump out of my seat and hug her, I start crying.
"Do you want to see her and your wife?" The doctor asks smiling I nod.
She takes me to the room, I see Satine in a hospital gown with her hair down and sticking to her face because she's been sweating. I look down to see the bundle of joy in her arms, I race round and sit beside Satine on the bed. I cry even more now, I brush Satine's hair out of her face and give her a kiss.
"We didn't think of a name, you know?" I say through tears.
"Amanda" Satine says.
"Amanda? Hmm, I like that". I say.
Amanda starts to cry, Satine starts to coo her and she falls back asleep. The doctor comes into the room,
"Mr Broadfoot, I have a man waiting outside for you. He says it's urgent". The doctor says.
I wipe my eyes and kiss Satine and Amanda again.
"Doc, thank you. Thank you so much". I say as I walk out the room. I turn my head to see
"Tuck?"
"Fraser, the ship is here to take us away. We have been called to assist General Secura on Teth". Tuck says.
"Tuck, I can't leave now. Something's came up". I say as I look at the room where Satine and Amanda are. Tuck pushes by me and heads to the room and opens the door, to see Satine and Amanda.
"I told you! What did I say? Hmm, Fraser! You have really done it this time. What am I supposed to tell the Admiral? What am I suppose to tell him, that you got the Duchess pregnant and now you have a baby girl?" Tuck asks as he steps closer to me.
"Tuck, enough!" I shout. Amanda starts to cry, I rush over to her and try to get her to stop,
"Go, Fraser. I'll look after Amanda, just promise me that you will come back after Teth or whenever you get a break". Satine whispers to me.
I kiss her and nod, I kiss Amanda, and walk out the room with Tuck.
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I'm back on Dauntless, I walk pass Sam.
"I hear that Ziro has been captured. Nice work!" I say smiling.
"Yes, finally caught that slimo! It's good to have you back General!" Sam says.
I smile and nod, I head up to the bridge. I see the Admiral.
"Hey admiral. I'm back!" I say as I run at him and give him a bear hug.
"Get off of me, Broadfoot". Sharpe says unamused.
"We are headed to help General Secura on Teth, she has been over run and we have been called to help her". Sharpe says.
I nod and head to my dorm, I walk pass Tuck,
"I need to talk to you". I say to Tuck.
"And I you".
We head into my chambers,
"Fraser, I need to tell you something. The reason why I shouted at you was because, I didn't want you to be in the same boat as me". Tuck says as he pulls out a photo, of him, a woman and two children.
"Fraser, I've got a wife and two children. Now that I know that you have got a wife and a new born baby. I thought this would be a way to earn your trust. About keeping the secret of you and Satine and now Amanda". Tuck says.
I hug him, "Thank you" I whisper in his ear.
"Attention! Attention, all personnel we are now going into the lightspeed".
"Another day" I say.