Author's note: This chapter we tie up loose ends, and bring into the light some new ones… Read and review. Jade's likes and dislikes naturally reflect my own, that is why I put us in this situation. Lets try to get to 5 reviews. I will not upload the next chapter until they are posted. Tell me how you feel about the work and offer any advice you think is appropriate. Enjoy.
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Chapter 2 - Eyes on Us
G0-T0 hovered in the air, bobbled slightly. His Shields quivering, giving him a menacing reddish hue. I think G0-T0's biggest failing is that he always overestimates himself, biting more than he could chew, figuratively of course. I stopped two meters from his position, silver blade at hand.
"Silly Jedi, you are out matched. I suggest you accept your fate, before the situation became... explosive." G0-T0 said in a somewhat life-like tone.
I laughed at his statement. "Not goin' to happen 'Fat One'. Don't you know me by now?"
"Irrelevant, you are all to be terminated, momentarily."
"Are we now?" I questioned sarcastically.
G0-T0 seemed to sigh. "It is regrettable that I must loose this unit. But in light of your defiance, loosing one unit in exchange for your termination is an acceptable trade."
G0-T0's eye started flashing. I think, doing exactly what I want him to do. You know, for an extremely intelligent machine, he is really predictable. "Self Preservation Protocols overridden. Activating Proton Core. Self Destruct Sequence initiated."
"Statement: Self Preservation Protocols overridden? Oh the perversion!" HK added angrily. Seems like the fact that G0-T0 would destroy himself, bothered HK more than the fact that G0-T0 was about to kill us all.
"We have to move!" Mical added quickly.
Most of the crew shifted nervously in there positions. Mandalore gripped his blaster tightly.
"Pointless!" Atton replied. "That core will take out half of Telos with it!"
"Self-Destruction in 3 seconds, 2, 1."
Everybody pointlessly braced themselves. Some ducked and covered their faces, nervously awaiting their end; but nothing came.
An eerie five seconds past as everyone, including G0-T0, tried to make sense of what just happened. 'Am I dead' was a common question on everyone's mind. As many more questions raced through their heads, their trail of thought was abruptly interrupted by Bao-Dur standing to my left. He was the only one other than myself who didn't duck or cover.
"You sure have a flare for the dramatic, General!" He said as he smiled.
"Nothing's wrong with a little drama." I said with a straight face.
During this time, G0-T0 must have been melting with confusion. The past few moments, and the lack of a... bang, had his Logic Circuits in an uproar. I'm sure he put himself through countless self-diagnostics. My proof? It's the fact that he didn't say anything for about 30 seconds after that anti-climactic turn of events; and for a machine, that is a really long time of calculations. I looked around as the crew regained their composure, and in some cases, got back to their feet.
"Im...possible, how..." G0-T0 said confused.
"Care To explain Bao-Dur?" I said cutting G0-T0 off.
Bao-Dur said to G0-T0 with a smile. "Ever since you came on board, and soon after threatened the General with that Core of yours, I've been working on a way to disable that option; as per her request."
"I really don't like it when someone points a charged blaster to the back of my head." I said sarcastically.
"So during our last Upgrade Session Ghotto, I completely severed any control you had over your core. It still provided you power, but was no longer under your 'Command and Control' functions." Bao-Dur explained.
"Impossible and highly unlikely, my Security Systems would have detected such interference. Skilled as you are, you do not have the necessary expertise to undertake such a task." G0-T0 dismissed.
"Oh yeah? Then why didn't you go BOOM Ghotto?" Mira cut-in, somewhat offended by the insult to Bao-Dur's skill. But G0-T0 said nothing, calculating answers, reasons and possibilities to that question. There were none.
"You underestimate me Ghotto," Bao-Dur taunted."That's your weakness, your too over confidant. I became familiar with your make-up and construction after a few rounds of...'Upgrades'. Soon after, I devised a method of by-passing your Personal Security Subroutines. That was the hard part, applying it however, was child's play."
Atton laughed at the situation. About how nervous he was during the countdown, and about how foolish G0-T0 looked. I don't know if G0-T0 could feel embarrassment or not, but if he could, he would be dying from it right about now. Whether it was from his massive miscalculation, or from the fact that Bao-Dur just referred to working on his complex, and state-of-the-art systems as 'Child's Play', G0-T0 had enough. In his mind, it was time for us to die. But how? He no longer had control over his Proton Core, but then it came to him. After weeks of observing us, G0-T0 came to the thinking that my regard for my crew and their safety was a fatal weakness. I do not share his opinion. G0-T0 brought his personally equipped heavy blaster to bear and took aim at Bao-Dur. In the flash of a second, Mandalore unholstered his blaster and together with HK-47 opened fire, thus showering G0-T0 with a barrage of blue and red energy bolts. G0- T0's Red Shields quivered at the impacts which drained it fast; but his shields didn't fail; he took aim again and fired.
I saw the bolt coming, and I knew that Bao-Dur was caught off guard. Luckily, my blade was at the ready in my left hand. I raised my arm and hit the bolt away, hitting the ceiling. After a small shower of sparks and debris witch made me close my eyes, G0-T0 changed his aim and had me in his sight. He fired twice, then a third time. I brought my blade to my right hand and deflected the first and second, but the third grazed my arm, burning a part of my right shoulder and arm plating away. The hit yanked my arm backwards witch made me drop my blade. Instinctively as I got hit, and before I went to one knee, I raised my left hand and sent him flying towards the wall near the entrance to the cockpit. As I clutched my right arm just over the wound, I saw a quick flash in my peripheral vision. I looked up only to see G0-T0, were he was floating a second ago, fall in two perfectly cut pieces to the ground; pops and sparks showering the area around him. No way was that my doing. After the sparks quickly settled, I saw Atton with his blades ignited, standing in the final stance of a perfectly executed strike. The look on his face... The anger in his eyes... It was, intense.
* * * **
The door to the docking bay opened. Lieutenant Dol Grenn walked in. The Lieutenant was a man of small stature, but he commanded the respect and admiration of his men and women. I've had many encounters with Grenn on my previous visits to Telos, and not all of them went well. I was even in jail, and then house arrest. But the Lieutenant is a good man never the less; he is just by the book, no matter what the situation is. Behind him, in walked a squad of eight, two per row; an escort squad. The last two were carrying a role of red carpet, and struggling with it a little. The escort squad walked the hanger's length to the Ebon Hawk and stopped.
"Alright, unroll it at the ramp."
"Yes Lieutenant." The two carpet holders yelled in unison as they moved to work. Then one of them spoke up after they dropped the role. "E...xcuse, Lieutenant?"
"What is it son?"
"This ship, the Ebon Hawk was it? Who's inside? Must be real important if the Grand Councillor himself is coming to meet him. Have we ever heard of him?" The young soldier asked nervously.
"I would be really surprised if you haven't. You heard of the Jedi that came out of nowhere, and lead our defences to a serious win against the Sith?" Grenn explained asked.
"Yes Sir, I heard he was 235 SGH units tall, 300 pounds, fights like a Grav-Tank and mean as hell!" The kid said, picturing the brute in his mind.
"Actually, closer to 170 SGHs, and 115 pounds at max." Grenn ruined the kid's imaginary mental portrait as he widened his eyes surprised.
"You know him lieutenant?" Said another.
"That's right boys, and 'she' is inside that ship." Grenn added. All the soldiers paused for a few seconds, trying to imagine the scary woman that is tough enough to beat the Sith.
"Back to work!" Yelled Grenn. The Carpet holders rushed to work.
"A couple of steps up from the first visit, that's for sure." The Lieutenant whispered to himself.
* * * **
Atton's face, showed such emotion. He was the kind of person that could laugh and cry at the same time, and you could never tell what he was feeling or thinking just by a look. This wasn't like him. I channelled the force through my left palm, and put it over my wound. I concentrated and it was healed in seconds. The attack was insignificant; the only thing that was hurt was my pride. I was sloppy back there; I shouldn't have let it happen. No matter, what's done is done. I stood up and saw Atton retract his yellow blades. He looked at me, first with relieve, but then with sadness. I didn't like to see him sad, I smiled at him, hoping to see him smile. He just looked down, and then walked away to the cockpit. He felt it, the loss of control. This kind of anger, righteous and justified, it can enslave you if you didn't control it. I'll have a talk with him later in private; we'll take care of that, together.
I looked at T3-M4. I was sure that droid had recorded everything that happened; it does that sometimes, a mind of its own. "T3, would you clean up please." I said calmly.
He beeped and whistled complaining. "I am not a Custodian Droid!"
"I know. I'll owe you one." he slowly rolled to the wreckage.
Mandalore holstered his blaster and crossed his arms. "Again, good riddance." He said as he watched T3 trying to move G0-T0, then he looked at me. "You know, next time, just point your blaster behind you and pull the trigger. You'll probably hit an assassin or a Sith Lord or somethin'."
I laughed at the thought. "Oh yeah?"
"I'm just sayin'. It seems that it's common for one of your soldiers to end up being the bad guy."
"Are you hinting at something?" I nodded my head in his direction and smiled.
"I am NOT, one of your soldiers." He said firmly but calmly.
I laughed and said, "Well, I never said you were. I don't regard any of my people as just soldiers." Mira noticed movement on the View-Screen on the wall beside her, and moved closer to check it out.
"And what do you regard them as?" Mandalore continued.
With a broad smile I said, "Companions. Friends. Family!" Bao-Dur nodded approvingly.
* * * **
"Ready Lieutenant." The TSF soldier said.
"Okay, clear the ramp, I'll make the call." Grenn said, and the kid hustled to do as he was told.
* * * **
Mira saw the Lieutenant and his men on the view screen. "Guys, TSF grunts outside, and rolling out the welcome mat. Literally!"
I walked towards Mira and looked over her shoulder, smiled as I saw what she meant by welcome mat. A voice cracked on the COM. "Ready when you are Master Jedi. This COM channel is Prog.12 Private TSF Carrier Wave 3."
"Master Jedi?" I repeated to Mira.
Bao-Dur said with that ever smooth voice of his, "Jedi Master Jade Low, has a good ring to it General!"
"Indeed, suits you well. With the three remaining Masters of the council dead, you are only one of two of the Jedi left in the galaxy above the rank of Knight who's training is complete." Visas chimed in.
"A Master is someone who has nothing more to learn from others; and only the force becomes his teacher." I quoted Kavar; my old Master, remembering my last conversation with him one week befor I left for the war.
"And you 'are' a teacher of five force users; if that is not a Master, I don't know what is!" Added Mical.
"Well, that's going to take some getting used to." I then switch my COM to the same channel we were contacted on. "Thank you, we're on our way."
"Better not keep them waiting." Mical said. "You know the soldier type."
"Yeah. Alright, make ready to leave the ship. We're staying a day or two." I said as I turned and walked to the loading ramp.
I pushed the button on the ramp controls; with a hiss, it slowly opened. I looked down the ramp as it landed on the edge of the red carpet. I saw Grenn, with eight bright eyed new recruits. The TSF lost many good people in the last conflict. Seems like they are trying to re-inflate there numbers with these newly enlisted kids, most of them looked like they just turned eighteen. I walked down the ramp, with Mira to my left and Mandalore to my right. Visas and HK stayed at the top of the ramp. I looked at Grenn and smiled slightly.
"Welcome back to Telos, Master Jedi." Grenn said as I was half way down the ramp.
"Thank you Lieutenant. But why so many boots, and what's with all the red? Are we interrupting something?"
"No Ma'am, just someone wants to meet you." The door to the hanger opened, and Grenn continued as he looked behind him. "Ahh, he's just in time."
In walked a man in his late forties, with receding hair, dawning silk formal robs. From a first glance he looked so week, but he walked with such authority. Reminded me of a Republic Senator, never much cared for their kind. Behind him marched in two Spec-Force TSF Officers, they on the other hand were a completely different story. Tall, fit, broad shoulders, big arms and armed to the teeth. I watched as the man and his guards closed the gap between us.
"Who're the Gorillas?" Mandalore asked scrutinizing.
"TSF Special Forces, tough as nails. Not many of them left I'm afraid." The lieutenant explained.
The robed man came closer, looked at me and smiled. "You must be that Great Jedi who saved us all."
"Err..." How often have you heard a conversation start like that?
"Yes Councillor, this is the Jedi who played a vital role in repelling the Sith assault over Telos. Jedi Master Jade Low." Grenn cut me off, sensing my discomfort.
"Then we are at your favour." The councillor said, his smile really creeped me out.
"Not at all Sir. I did what had to be done."
Grenn turned to me and began the formalities. "Please allow me to introduce Urano Kol, Chairman of the Telosian Ruling Council."
"Pleasure to meat you Master Jedi, your kind has been gone too long from the galaxy. I'm happy to see that the Jedi might rise again." He smiled again and extended his hand.
Since everyone insists on calling me Master, might as well act like one. I ignored his hand and bowed respectfully, the traditional Jedi greeting. I 'really' didn't want to shake his hand. "Pleasure is all mine Councillor." I responded politely. I guess he liked the idea of imitating a Jedi. He retracted his hand and returned my gesture with that good-old creepy smile of his.
"On behave of the Telosian Council and its people, I offer our thanks. What you have done for us might have stabilized the Republic hold over this system and this entire region of space. From aiding the Ethorian Restoration Project, to repelling the Sith Assault. You sure can carry on allot for a lady, Master Jedi." Kol thanked smiling.
I did not like the implication that because I am a woman, I am incapable of such feats. "One who carries on more than his load, often collapses under the weight of a feather, Councillor." Words of wisdom, meaning I don't act foolishly; if I didn't think I could do it, I wouldn't have tried that way. I only said that to see the confused look on his face. I really doubt he could fathom their meaning.
After a small pause, Kol spoke again. "I'm not sure I know what you mean." Yup, that's the look I was waiting for.
"Jedi speak." Mandalore suddenly cut in. "You get used to it after a while." Mira snickered.
Kol not wanting to look foolish also laughed. "Yes, I'm sure I will."
"We also received your communiqué a while back, about securing a new fuel source for Telos. We have since been contacted by Voga the Hutt. Negotiations are well underway." Grenn added.
"That is great news Lieutenant!" I arced my eyebrows with surprise. I didn't expect the slimy slug to keep his word. But then again, that Hutt would always keep his word if it meant a few Credits. There is a lot of Credits in the fuel business.
"Master Jedi, I came here to meet you, and personally extend you an invitation to the events being planed tomorrow night." Kol said.
"Events?"
"Yes, it's asocial gathering, involving top Telosian officials, and high ranking TSF brass. Of course the gathering is opened for the members of the media." The Lieutenant explained. Media? I'm not sure I like the sound of that; I want nothing to do with them.
"And you my dear shall be the guest of honour." Kol concluded with a creepy smile. My dear? Okay, I 'really' don't like the sound of that.
"There is no need to go through all the trouble." I said trying to evade that idea.
"No trouble at all, it's the least we can do!" Grand Councillor Kol replied.
I thought for a moment. I don't like this idea, exposing ourselves at this time is a bad plan; but then again, the last place people will think to look for you is in plain sight. This could be a good cover; our movements will not be free on Telos. And What better place to loose a couple of preying eyes, than in a crowd full of faceless people with sparkling jewellery and fancy clothing? "Thank you Councillor."
Mira inched closer and whispered disapprovingly, "'We're going?" I cleared my throat authoritatively, telling her without words not to interrupt me now, I have a plan. She got the message loud and clear.
"Capital!" Kol turned to one of this escorts and said, "Bring them in."
The SpecForce soldier double timed it to the bay door and opened it, then opened the outer bay door. A small flood of Reporters and floating Vid-Cam Droids hurried in and made it to our position. DAMN IT, What did I just say about the media? Camera flashes blinded me for a second and as soon as my eyes adjusted, we were bombarded with questions. That is until Kol got their attention. "Ladies and Gentlemen, members of the Press. There have been many questions about the resent assault on Telos by Sith Forces. Here to answer some of those questions is the woman who was at the heart of the Telosian and Allied defence effort, and the one that lead the counter assault onto the Sith Flagship, the Harbinger. The Jedi Jade Low." As he turned and pointed his palm towards me, everyone's gaze shifted to my position. It seams that I gained considerable renown because of my actions during the Telos assault. TSF forces, Onderonian Military, Dantooine Khunda Militia, even Mandalorian troops. Fighting side by side with them or singlehandedly braking through Sith ranks; either way, rumours of my leadership and prowess in battle spread within the Allied ranks. Some were a little exaggerated, but was taken back to all their homeworlds none the less.
I inched closer to Mira. "What a snake! I knew this was a trap." I said sarcastically. I'm not good at this sort of thing. Inspire an army to fight, no problem; answer questions under a microscope, not so much. I don't know if that's the Jedi training talking or my years in exile, but that's who I am.
"Don't worry; I'll take care of it." She said amused.
"Thanks."
Kol excused himself as we once again were bombarded with questions, but as Mira promised, she took care of things. She Stepped in front of me and got everybody's attention. "Excuse me, yes, thank you. Regrettably, the Master can't take your questions right now. Any questions you have, kindly direct them to me." She's good at this, Mira was a renowned Bounty hunter on Nar Shaddaa before she decided to join my crew. A series of events unfolded in a very interesting way before she accept my teachings, and we were able to secure information about the Exchange, that led us to the big boss, none other than my old friend G0-T0. I guess getting your prey as a Bounty Hunter of Mira's calibre wasn't always achieved by force. Sometimes a small slight of hand and sweet words are necessary.
"Who might you be ma'am?" A man asked.
"Jedi Knight Mira. I'm her... Press Liaison, you could say." Mira was a Padawan, not a Knight, but she knew how to play the game.
As people started asking her questions, I turned back with a smile, and started up the ramp. Mandalore edged closer to Mira, for extra security I guess. Good idea, even with Grenn's men on crowed control, we've made allot of enemies out there that might want to do us some harm. Remnant Vaclu supporters, Mercenaries, Bounty Hunters, Sith Assassins, Killer Assassin Droids. You name it, we fought it.
When I cleared the ramp, HK looked at me, Eyes bright red. "Observation: Many meat bags Master!"
"Don't do anything I'll 'make' you regret. Just follow Mandalore's lead."
"Appeasement: Yes Master, what ever you say."
"I meant it HK." I said with a firm tone.
After a pause, HK continued. "Agreement: Very well Master." Last thing I need right now is HK-47 on the loose blasting 'meat bags', as he always says.
I finally got to the Common Area, away from everyone's eyes, and walked towards the cockpit. I saw Atton at his station; he didn't need to be there, still thinking I guess.
"Atton." I said as I walked in.
"Yeah, somethin' up?"
* * * **
A woman in a black cloak walked slowly in a long, dark corridor. The dim lights flickered as she passed under them, making her shadow expand and shrink accordingly. She blended in perfectly in the darkness, not even her foot steps were heard. She made her way around a corner and through a big hanger, with signs of battle, wreckage and blaster scoring on the walls and floor. She walked ten meters through another corridor and stopped, then looked at the door to the right of her. The hood of her cloak covered her eyes and most of her face; but when she looked to her right, the hood rose just enough to show her blue chin and lips. The woman keyed her COM.
"I found it." She said with a low and soft voice.
"Good, but we are receiving a transmission from Kashyyyk. Its urgent, head back to the Shuttle." A male voice came cracking over the COM.
"Now?" She said clearly irritated, her voice considerably louder.
"No choice, we're waiting for you."
She said "Alright. I'm on my way back, you better not be wasting my time D."
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