The Night Fury soon exited hyperspace and there they found Belsavis.
"We're coming into view of Belsavis," said Astrid.
"Fishlegs's in the clearance code, the last thing we want is to be blown out of the sky," said Hiccup.
Fishlegs then very eagerly began fiddling with buttons and the clearance codes of the Chancellor had given them.
"I sent word to Berk," said Ragnar. "Toothless, is on The Scuttleclaw with Rex, Snotlout and the twins, I've also told him to bring K9-TV along."
"Good, I have a feeling that the Esh-kha don't speak basic," said Hiccup.
"You said that the Republic had built over Rakata ruins," said Astrid.
"Yes, and they're still looking through them," said Hiccup. "The praises a prison, but secretly the doing research on the ruins underneath it. They go on for miles and they still haven't completely mapped the place."
"The ruins were discovered thousands of years ago," said Ragnar.
"And they still haven't mapped the entire place?" Heather blinked.
"Yes," said Hiccup. "So finding the Esh-kha will be easier said than done."
"So it's another hunt," said Astrid.
"Pretty much," said Hiccup.
"Hiccup, we've been given permission to land and Toothless and the others are already there," said Fishlegs.
"Good, let's hope that we've beaten the First Order," said Hiccup as he guided The Night Fury downwards.
They soon landed on the landing pad and were soon greeted by Toothless and the others.
"So were hunting down an alien species that try to wipe us all out?" said Snotlout. "Are you crazy?"
"Relax, I'll start freeing the wanted opposed wiping out of alien races," said Hiccup. "Of course, we still need to find them."
"Master Jedi," said a voice.
They turned and saw a prison guard making her way towards them.
"Yes," said Hiccup.
"I was told to be expecting you," said the guard. "My name is Komi."
"Komi, I'm looking for sleeping army known as the Esh-kha and we believe the First Order is right on our tails," said Hiccup.
"What?" Komi grasped. "But that's impossible… wait, we do give report of unscheduled landing, the one we checked the consulate is nothing more than a glitch."
"That was no glitch," said Ragnar. "That was the First Order messing up with your senses."
"Oh, no," said Komi.
"Komi, this is important I need to find the Esh-kha before the First Order does," said Hiccup.
Komi frowned and rubbed her chin. "Well, we did find a mention computer, it does have information about Belsavis."
"Suppose it's a good enough place to start," said Astrid.
"We better move," said Hiccup.
They soon entered into the catacombs beneath the prison and they were certainly an unusual design. They looked around and saw statues of what the soon to be Rakata, they were smooth skinned amphibian-like humanoids that had tall craniums along with eyes that protruded from each side of their heads on short stalks. Most of them were holding swords and were standing to attention.
They soon came across something that looked like a computer, but it would completely inaudible.
"Sorry, Hiccup," said Ryker's voice. "That terminals already been neutralised."
"Ryker," Rex growled.
"Is that Captain Rex?" said Ryker. "I can't believe that old soldier was still walking, let alone fighting. I can't wait to meet you again my dear captain."
"Neither can I," said Rex.
"You can't win Ryker," said Hiccup.
"I beg to differ," said Ryker. "I know that you're after the Esh-kha. But they won't be following you anywhere. Agent Eret has managed to gain full control of the entire prison is defence systems, every droid, turret and camera is now under our control."
"If you think to scare us, you've got another thing coming," said Ragnar.
"I'm not finished," said Ryker. They then heard a beeping sound. "You are now a category ten escapee. The prison's systems are authorised to kill you on sight."
"That's cheating!" Snotlout yelled. "I like this guy."
"Snotlout, he's a Sith who's tried to kill us more than once," Astrid pointed out.
"And he won't succeed this time," said Heather firmly.
"You won't survive the onslaught for very long," said Ryker.
Then suddenly Ryker's voice was replaced by a completely unknown and alien voice, speaking in an unknown language.
"What was that?" Snotlout asked.
"Master," said K9-TV. "That language appeared to be Rakata."
"Rakata?" Heather stared. "But I thought they were wiped out?"
"We can solve this mystery later, what did he say?" Ragnar asked.
"He said that he is a friend and says that we have to remove the tag all will never survive Belsavis. According to him the terminal is able to remove the tag, but first it must be repaired," said K9-TV.
"Then let's get to work and fast," said Hiccup.
Hiccup, Ragnar and Fishlegs then began working tirelessly to prepare the terminal and as they watched Astrid and the others could hear the alarms getting louder. That's when they notice several droids making their way towards them.
Heather quickly activated her lightsaber as the others reached for their blasters. Heather began deflecting shots from the droids while the others fired their blasters.
"Can't you hurry it up?" Snotlout yelled.
"We're trying to repair an ancient computer, it's not gonna be easy," said Ragnar impatiently.
"Just hold them off," said Hiccup.
"We've got your back, general," said Rex as he blasted a droid with his pistols.
Heather then used the Force to lift some of the droids and sent them flying into the statues of the Rakata. Astrid rolled onto the floor and began firing her rifle of young coming droids, hitting them in the face with perfect precision.
"Don't worry, babe, I've got this," said Snotlout.
Astrid turned and saw Snotlout, being the idiot he is, drew out his virbo-mace and charged at the droids, he did manage to crash one with his mace, but it then exploded and sent him flying across the room.
"My hero," Astrid muttered.
Toothless roared as he kept on firing his crossbow.
"We're working as fast as we can, bud," said Hiccup as he frantically tried to repair the terminal.
"Ruff, Tuff, you know what to do!" Astrid yelled.
"What is she wants to do?" Tuffnut asked his sister.
"I think she wants us to blow them up," said Ruffnut.
"I was hoping she meant that," said Tuffnut as he brushed away a tear in his eye.
The twins then pulled out several thermal detonators and tossed them across the room and they landed right in front of the droids. Before the droids realised what was going on, the detonators exploded and the entire place was littered with droid pieces.
"Don't you think I was a bit much?" Heather asked as she blew away the smoke.
"I was actually hoping for a bigger boom," said Ruffnut.
"Yeah, that was very disappointing," said Tuffnut.
"We've got it," said Fishlegs.
They then heard that strange mysterious voice again and they all turned to K9-TV, who seem to be the only one who could understand him.
"He says that the category ten tag has been removed, and that Ryker and Agent Eret have been locked out of the system," said K9-TV. "He also says the one the right track with finding the Esh-kha, but he says we'll need his help."
"And we're expected to trust him?" Astrid asked.
"I have to agree with the major," said Rex. "We don't even know who were talking to."
The mysterious voice then spoke again.
"He says he will share his knowledge, but knotted identity," said K9-TV.
"Not very comforting," said Ragnar.
They then listened as the mysterious contact began talking and K9-TV began translating.
"He says the Rakata imprisoned the Esh-kha in maximum security, guarded by their strongest defences. The deeper cells were saved from the Esh-kha leaders, including one named 'Hallow Voice'. He also says that Hallow Voice and his followers were the ones that try to work with other species."
"Sounds like we found a promising ally," said Hiccup.
"Yes, but it sounds like he was heavily guarded though," said Ragnar.
Their mysterious contact then spoke again.
"Also it appears that Ryker has released several hostile Esh-kha. He says that safety protocols have locked down the stasis chambers, including that of Hallow Voice," said K9-TV.
"Great, just perfect," Hiccup moaned.
"We should be able to switch the protocols off if we send all clear signals similar to this one," said Fishlegs.
Once again their mysterious contact spoke.
"He says that we need to go to the high security and into the signal at two control stations. Then will be able to free Hallow Voice and his followers," K9-TV translated.
"And what will you be doing in the meantime?" Ragnar asked.
Again there unknown ally spoke and K9-TV translated. "He says he has ever business."
"Very reassuring," said Astrid.
"We've got no choice but to trust him," said Hiccup. "We split up in teams of two and find those control stations. Our lead one, Ragnar will lead the other."
Meanwhile deep within the chambers, Ryker and Agent Eret wondering around trying to locate the Esh-kha.
"I can see why Hiccup is recruiting these Esh-kha," said Ryker. "They are fierce warriors and if they weren't so hellbent on wiping out every single species I'd suggest that we indoctrinated them into the First Order."
"I still can't access the systems," said Eret. "It's if someone is overriding my controls."
"Could it be that nerd of theirs?" Ryker asked.
"I'm not sure, my Lord," said Eret. "I however still have a map of the entire tunnel is and it should lead us to this Hallow Voice. Without him, Hiccup will have no chance of convincing the Esh-kha to join them Resistance."
"Then we had better hurry," said Ryker. "Knowing Hiccup's he's probably figuring out a way of activating the stasis cells."
Hiccup had successfully managed to activate his control station, unfortunately they had to cut their way through several prisoners, turrets, security droids and hostile Esh-kha to do it.
"These Esh-kha are sure skilled warriors," said Astrid looking down the corpse of an Esh-kha.
The Esh-kha were a grey-skinned humanoid species with equine features, including muzzles and digitigrade legs. They also had small black eyes.
Toothless roared in agreement.
"True," said Rex. "But we sure this Hallow Voice will be able to convince these hostile Esh-kha?"
"A truly inspiring leader can convince even the most bloodthirsty of warriors to fight alongside them," said Hiccup.
Rex chuckled. "I suppose you'd know."
"What do you mean?" Astrid asked.
"The general has always had a tendency of finding allies in the most unusual places," said Rex with a small smile. "Even managed to convince a group of pacifists to help us defend their home when the Separatists were test firing a new weapon of theirs on the colony."
"It took a lot of convincing," said Hiccup crossing his arms.
"We should meet up with General Ragnar, Sir," said Rex.
"Agreed," said Hiccup.
It was easy to track Ragnar and the others down or they had to do with all the dead bodies of hostile Esh-kha and ruin security droids. They soon found Ragnar and his group just activating the signal from their control station.
"Well that's all the control stations," said Ragnar when he noticed Hiccup approaching them.
"That means that Hallow Voice's chamber should be unlocked," said Hiccup. "We need access across the prison to find his chambers."
"I get a hunch that will have to do with several Esh-kha along the way," said Astrid.
"Then we better start now," said Hiccup.
They ran down the chambers and sure enough they found several Esh-kha blocking their path. The moment they saw them the Esh-kha pulled out their rifles and began shooting at them.
Hiccup, Ragnar and Heather began deflecting the shot with their lightsabers while the others by their blasters at the Esh-kha. One Esh-kha charged straight towards them raising his rifle pie which had a blade attached to it.
However, he appeared to have underestimated the cutting ability of a lightsaber and Hiccup sliced right through the rightful with the lightsaber in his left hand and then plunged the blade his right hand into his chest.
Heather charged towards the Esh-kha, deflecting their shots with her lightsaber and then kicked one across the face. She spun slashing two Esh-kha with a duel-bladed lightsaber and Astrid fired a shot at another, who tried to take from behind.
Once all the Esh-kha had fallen they soon discover their mysterious contact, who happened to be a red skinned Rakata, but judging by his wrinkles it appeared that he was quite old.
"A Rakata?" Heather gasped.
The Rakata said something in his native language and K9-TV translated. "He says his name is Lhunu and he can understand your surprise why you're so hesitant."
"Don't worry, the only thing that matters are your actions your species," said Hiccup.
"Speak for yourself," Snotlout muttered and was rewarded by a sharp elbow from Astrid. "Ow! What?"
"I for that all the Rakata died off thousands of years ago?" Ragnar frowned.
Lhunu spoke again land K9-TV translated. "He says that some of his people went into hiding in order to undo all the damage they had done. He says the imprisonment of the Esh-kha shames his entire race. He says that he understands the necessity of locking them up, but also says that Hallow Voice and his followers did not deserve such punishment."
"Then we'd be willing to help you to correct this mistake," said Hiccup.
Lhunu nodded with understand and began to speak once more, but his voice sounded grave. "Master Ragnar, he says that Ryker has manipulated the Esh-kha with lives and thanks to them he knows the location of Hallow Voice. He also says that he's been sending men to kill his followers."
"Then we'll split up," said Hiccup. "Ragnar, you Heather, Snotlout, Fishlegs and the twins focus on rescuing Hallow Voice's followers the rest of us will rescue Hallow Voice himself."
"Right, we'll meet you there once we rescued enough of his people, but if you don't mind I think that we should keep K9-TV with us," said Ragnar. "The followers are going to need much more convincing than Hallow Voice himself."
"Okay, but be careful," said Hiccup.
Ragnar and his team found the stasis chambers holding the Esh-kha.
"Okay, let's get these guys out of here," said Ragnar.
They quickly ran up to the consoles and began to switch off the stasis cells and one by one the Esh-kha woke up. They then exited the stasis cells and looked upon them curiously, it was quite possible that they had not seen humans before.
One of the Esh-kha clearly recognised Ragnar was the leader and approached him. He then began to speak in an unknown language, a language he couldn't understand, but judging how they were reaching for their rifles Ragnar had a good guess what he had just said.
"My name is Ragnar Keatson and I'm a Jedi Knight," said Ragnar. "We mean you no harm."
Just then they heard alarms sounding and heard Lhunu's voice.
"Master, Lhunu says that Agent Eret has managed to hack into the system and is beginning to purge the Esh-kha," said K9-TV.
Clearly the Esh-kha understood Lhunu, though that was not surprising since they came from the same period of time. He then began to speak to his men.
"Sir, Sharpest Eye, the Esh-kha that talk to you, believes that Lhunu is lying," said K9-TV.
Ragnar quickly turned to Sharpest Eye. "It's no lie," he said. "There is someone trying to kill your people and Hallow Voice as well. It's your duty to prevent such a catastrophe."
Sharpest Eye look to him and began to speak in his native tongue and K9-TV looked at Ragnar and spoke, slightly relieved, "He believes you and says that he will follow you."
"Then let's get out of here!" Ragnar yelled.
They quickly ran for their lives and managed to get out just in time for the door the stasis chamber sealed itself and then they heard alarms sounding.
Sharpest Eye looked to Ragnar and everyone looked to K9-TV. "He says that he is grateful that you save the life of him and his men and wondered what path."
"It's gonna take some time to explain," said Ragnar.
He then began to explain to Sharpest Eye about the reason they came, the Republic, the First Order and how that he is part of the group that stand against them. Sharpest Eye looked at him with great interest as he took in his words.
Once he finished Sharpest Eye spoke. "He says that he does not fully understand what you are saying, but he recognises that you walk a righteous path. He will also find against those who are trying to put an end to Hallow Voice."
"Good, because we need all the help we can get," said Ragnar. "My fellow Jedi is at the moment trying to rescue Hallow Voice, but we need to try and rescue the rest of your people."
Sharpest Eye nodded. "He is grateful and he agrees."
"We might get the army we need yet," said Heather.
"You can't say that these guys are better than me," said Snotlout puffing out his chest.
Sharpest Eye clearly heard him, because the next thing Snotlout realised Sharpest I punched him across the face and kicked him right in between the legs. Snotlout automatically clutched himself with watering his eyes.
"Ow!" said Tuffnut looking at Snotlout excruciatingly. "That have to hurt."
"It did," Snotlout wheezed.
"Then next time I wouldn't insult someone when they can hear you," said Heather crossing her arms.
"Let's just try and rescue the other Esh-kha," said Ragnar. "I hope Hiccup and the others are having as much luck as we are."
Hiccup and his team were rushing towards the chamber where Hallow Voice's stasis was located. They could only hope that they could reach it before Ryker and Eret, but unfortunately that was not the case.
When they turn round the corner they found Ryker, Eret and several Stormtroopers waiting in wait. It was clear that Ryker knew they would split up in order to rescue the Esh-kha.
"Ah, Hiccup, Viggo was right you haven't changed much," said Ryker.
"Astrid was right, you still look like a psychopath," said Hiccup smirking slightly.
Astrid actually giggled at that comment much to Ryker's annoyance. He then turned his eyes upon Rex and his eyes narrowed.
"Captain Rex, it's been a long time," said Ryker.
"I knew I should kill you when I had the chance," said Rex as he pulled out his pistols.
"I did tell you that you should have," said Ryker. "I still have not forgotten the humiliation you put me through."
"You did it to yourself," said Rex not lowering his pistols. "You send good men to die with no remorse. You then had a slaughter one another, because you knew that sooner or later I would Rebel against you."
"I did hope that you would've been killed," Ryker admitted. "I also knew that ACR Trooper would eventually convince you that following my orders would guarantee your death, which is why I ordered his execution."
"Shame you didn't count on us clones loyalty," said Rex narrowing his eyes.
"Yes," said Ryker bitterly. "I clearly had underestimated you and underestimated the importance that Hiccup used on you."
"I simply treated them like any other being, something would you forgot when you sold yourself to the Sith," said Hiccup.
"I just prefer being on the winning side," said Ryker. "Drago convinced me that the Jedi would lose the Clone Wars and he was right." He then smirked at Rex. "Tell me Captain, how loyal you to your general? The other clone show their loyalty by shooting them down like dogs."
"Sir," said Eret. "Shouldn't we be more focused around and eliminating the Esh-kha?"
Ryker growled at him, but grudgingly knew that he was right. "Agent, takes on the men with you into the stasis chamber and eliminate this Hallow Voice, before his voice is heard."
"Of course, my Lord," said Eret.
"No!" Hiccup yelled and activated his lightsabers.
Hiccup charged at Eret and hope to kill the agent, but Ryker activated his own lightsaber and blocked the attempt. Hiccup watched as Eret took several troopers into the chamber and then the doors closed behind him.
He knew that he gave Eret enough time he would be able to kill Hallow Voice. He probably would be able to break through the doors, but with Ryker trying to kill him that was not going to be an easy task.
Hiccup quickly jumped back and pointed his lightsaber at Ryker, but next thing they realise several shot past Hiccup and headed straight towards Ryker. This almost caused Ryker to be off-guard, but he deflected the shot with his blade.
Hiccup turned and saw that Rex was the one who fired the shots and then saw Astrid activating her virbo-axe and slammed it down towards Ryker, who blocked it with his lightsaber. The two of them looked at each other's eyes and glared at one another, both of them showing that neither would back down.
"Hiccup, I've got this!" Astrid yelled. "Break down the door!"
Hiccup did like the idea of Astrid fighting Ryker on her own, but he knew that she was right. If he didn't hurry up there was a good chance that Eret would kill Hallow Voice and their chances of creating an army would cease.
As he made his way to the door, Rex and Toothless dealt with the Stormtroopers. Toothless fired his crossbow at one and a trooper, stupidly, try to tackle him, but ended up being lifted up into the air and tossed across the room like a ragdoll.
Rex shot to Stormtroopers with his pistols, one in the head and another in the chest. A Stormtrooper then charged at him, but he easily dodged the troopers attack and kicked him in the chest before elbowing him in the face.
Hiccup had finally reached the doors, he could try and use his lightsabers to cut through the door, but that would take too long. He concentrated and then slammed a powerful Force pushing to the door and it shifted slightly.
He used the Force again and this time the door actually bent. He kept on performing the same process and eventually the door blew open and when the smoke cleared they saw Agent Eret with a couple of Stormtroopers just standing there staring at him.
The Stormtroopers at once by their blasters, but Hiccup deflected their shots with his lightsabers and the shots landed on their chests.
"That's impossible," said Eret. "Not even a Jedi could—well, it doesn't matter. I'm afraid your little too late I've already damaged the control terminal."
Hiccup saw that he was right as he could see the control terminal of fizzing and sparking. "I might still be able to save Hallow Voice."
"True," said Eret. "But can you fight me and rescue the Esh-kha at the same time?"
Eret aimed his rifle at Hiccup, pointing his lightsabers at him. For a few seconds the two of them looked at one another in silence.
"You don't have to do this," said Hiccup.
"I have to, it's by the will of the First Order," said Eret.
"So what you're saying is you don't have the will to choose?" Hiccup asked.
"I don't need to for no what can stand against the First Order," said Eret. "It's fool hardy to try."
"And yet the Resistance to be doing a good job," Hiccup noted.
"Only because of you and the other Jedi," Eret reminded. "They wouldn't be doing half as well with it weren't for the two of you."
"You and I both know that you won't survive our little encounter," said Hiccup. "All I wish is to save Hallow Voice I have no quarrel with you."
"I your enemy," Eret reminded. "You do have a quarrel with me."
"Not today, my mission is to save Hallow Voice and mercy can be an important weapon as well," said Hiccup.
"You're not honestly suggesting that you can convince me to join your side?" Eret stared. "You're crazier than I thought."
"Maybe I am, inking is any hope for you," said Hiccup.
Eret looked at him straight in the eyes and then he left leaving Hiccup alone with Hallow Voice. He then quickly made his way over to Hallow Voice's stasis cell, there was no way he could deactivate it with the controls busted. Instead he plunged his lightsabers into the stasis cell itself and deactivated.
Hallow Voice then fell to the ground, not moving a muscle. Hiccup could still sense that he was alive, but he was slipping.
"Where has Ragnar when you need him," said Hiccup.
"He would be right here," said a voice.
Hiccup turned and saw Ragnar running towards him with the others and several Esh-kha. Ragnar even bother answering questions and knelt beside Hallow Voice and closes eyes. A bright aura covered him and seconds later it covered Hallow Voice.
Hiccup looked to Astrid. "What happened to Ryker?"
"He got away, Eret created a smokescreen in the two of them escaped leaving their soldiers behind," said Astrid.
They then turned their gaze back onto Ragnar and found Hallow Voice moving and seconds later Lhunu appear.
Lhunu spoke. "Lhunu says that he streamed data into Hallow Voice's chamber, to inform him of our actions," said K9-TV. "He also says that he has found hundreds of other stasis cells with other Esh-kha within them and says that we can only ensure that Hallow Voice's followers ever leave Belsavis."
"Hallow Voice and his followers make up the numbers we need," said Astrid furiously.
"Besides your people were the ones that enslaved and destroyed other species, rather than coexistence," said Hiccup. "And the consequences are surrounding us as we speak."
Lhunu spoke again looking slightly annoyed. "He says that you are very foolish, but compassionate. He said that he will transmit the location of the other Esh-kha cells and show them your forgiveness," said K9-TV.
Heather then stepped forwards. "A reconciliation between you and Hallow Voice could send a powerful message."
Lhunu nodded in agreement. They watched as Hallow Voice approached him and the two of them bowed at one another respectively.
Afterwards, Hiccup and Ragnar began to explain to Hallow Voice of their intent and he looked at them wondrously when they began to explain about the Republic.
"He says that the Republic sounds like a great chorus and he wishes to be a part of it," said K9-TV. "He also dislikes the First Order and what they stand for."
"I think we can convince Chancellor Organa into giving you a seat in the Republic," said Hiccup.
"Provided that you help us fight the First Order," said Astrid.
Hallow Voice spoke. "He agrees!" K9-TV.
Astrid then looked at Hiccup in amazement. "I can't believe it, you raise an entire army single-handed."
"I had a lot of help," said Hiccup gesturing to her and the others.
"True, but I don't think Snotlout and the twins helped much," said Astrid crossing her arms.
The two of them laughed and Hiccup felt a slight flutter in his heart. He had never felt like this before, but he knew what it meant and he wasn't quite sure whether he should follow his feelings or not.
