117Jorn: WAZZUP PEOPLE! 117Jorn here with another chapter of 'We Dared!' Once again, I am joined with my friends Dragonknightryu, Patriot-112, and the cast of Red Vs Blue!
Everyone else: YO!
117Jorn: So anyways, this chapter is gonna be tense! With Grevious back, what will happen now? Well, you'll just have to find out, and READ!
Patriot-112: So without further adu...
DKR: LETS BEGIN!
"Talking"
"Radio/Com link"
'Thinking'
"Alien Language"
Chapter 6: Unity and Discovery
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Onboard the Former RAS Prosecutor
En-Route to the Mandalore moon Concordia
Bridge
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
On the bridge of the Acclamator I-class Assault ship Prosecutor, Marik, Zule, Etain, and Kal were in the middle of a discussion with the others on their ships including Alaya, Robert, Jango, Aira, Calista, and Xeo. "So, once we get to Concordia, what do we do after that?" Alaya asked.
"We'll wait for the others to show up, then we meet up with Master Yoda and his group at Polis Massa, then we head for Hoth to link up with the Hades Corps." Robert answered. "While at Concordia, it will be nice to finally get a little breather there if you ask me."
Jango nodded "I agree with him, we should also be able to get some help from Lady Artemis." he said. "We should also try to link up with my forces at New Mandalore on our way there."
The others who didn't know about New Mandalore rose curious eyebrows at that.
"Where is that?" Robert asked.
"It's in the Moddell Sector, in the Moddell Nebula near Endor," Marik answered and Kal seemed to chuckle gruffly but good naturedly, "I swear Jango you are just full of surprises," he said, and Jango just grinned "You know it!" he said, and Aira sighed.
"Well, it looks like we'll be dropping out of Hyperspace soon." said Xeo, "See you guys at Concordia." And his image disappeared, soon followed by the others.
Marik sighed a bit as he looked out the front window of the ship, with a small smile "Things are beginning to look up to us faster than I thought they would." He said. "I hoped that some Clones like us would defect...but a whole sector army's worth? I didn't think we could get this lucky!" he felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist and knew who it was.
"I think it has to do with with us somewhat," Zule said as her boyfriend raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?" he asked and the Falleen rolled her eyes.
"I mean we been an influence on many of the clones because you broke the Slice Hounds out of that whole 'Taking any order without question' crap!" she said and Marik's mouth formed an "O".
"Oh, yeah," he said, completely embarrassed. "heh, I guess that's finally paying up, but I didn't think that even our influence could cause this many clones to defect, not that I'm complaining."
"I guess not even training from birth can keep every clone from betraying the trust they built with their commander these past few years." Revan commented. "Looks like we'll be dropping out of hyperspace in a moment, sir."
Marik nodded, and the others turned their attention forward. Shortly after, the fleet of four Venator-class Star Destroyers, one Victory II-class Star Destroyer, one CR-100 Assault Corvette, three Marauder-class Corvettes, and two Acclamator I-class Assault ships dropped out of hyperspace. Ahead of them, lied the familiar sight of the planet Mandalore, and the orbiting moon of Concordia.
"We're picking up a transmission from Concordia, patching it through." Said the clone on the Comm Station. Not long after, the image of Lady Artemis appeared on the front screen of the Prosecutor.
"Hello there Marik," Nasha said as she saw Marik, " I hope you enjoyed your vacation?" she said with a smirk. Marik just chuckled, "Why yes I did Lady Artemis," he said sarcastically, "Unless you count the entire 501st, with the exception of Rex, Fives, and Torrent Company, shooting at me,while escaping from the Jedi Temple, and then rescuing Boba and his team from a Pirate Jail Cell on Ordo, yes I had a nice vacation," every one of the Bridge Crew, including the captain either snickered or laughed at that.
Nasha shook her head as she chuckled with them as well.
"I see you still have your sense of humor," the Ne'tra Kad CEO, but then her face became serious, "But I have a feeling I know why your here."
Marik turned serious as well. "Yes, we're here to link up with any surviving Jedi or Clones who didn't follow 66." He said. "We know the Hades Corps defected from what Robert told us, but have there been any others recently?"
Nasha smiled and nodded "Yes, a few have showed up." she said. "Including the 7th Deep Infiltration Squad." Zule instantly picked up on that name.
"That's Sagan and Aubrie's Squad!" She said, and Nasha nodded "Yes, they and their Clones were out of contact when order 66 went down in a recon mission, and Palpatine couldn't contact the clones they commanded." she said. "When they got back in contact, they found out what Palpatine was doing, and they instantly went rouge and tried to sneak they way over here. They just got here a few hours ago."
"This means that all of the Padawan Pack that survived Jabiim are alive..." Zule said with a smile. "Anyone else?"
"Other than a few lone clones that refused to follow the order, we also have the Firaxan Squad lead by Jedi Padawan Dosma Tont, the 82nd Rangers Platoon, the Pathfinders, lead by Jedi Knight Sara Une, and last but not least, the Muunilinst 10 lead by Fordo also defected." Nasha said.
Marik's eyes widen at that, "Firaxan Squad, the Pathfinders, the 7th DIS AND the Muunilinst 10? Man, this day just keeps getting getting better," he said and Nasha.
"Yes, and that's not all, remember Jedi Master Arligan Zey?" she said, causing Marik, and Kal who was on the bridge to perque up.
"Bardan's Jedi Master and the Director of the Special Forces?" Marik asked and Nasha nodded. "Yes, well he's here at Concordia." She said, and Marik and Kal's eyes went wide. "When 66 went down, Clone Captain Maze was told by one of Kal's boys, Ordo, what was really happening, and Maze managed to help smuggle him here with Fordo's men."
Kal grinned a bit "That's some well-needed good news." he said. "I was hoping that he survived 66, where is he now?"
"With the other Clones that went rouge, and Walon." Nasha said before she remembered something "Oh, and I almost forgot, but Delta Squad also defected as well," she said, to the shock of the others. "They were on Kashyyky working with Kairi and Verpine Team, when they found out Sev was being held Prisoner in a Trandoshan Prison. When Command told them to just forget what they saw, they decided to go rouge and save Sev with Kari and her team helping. They managed to rescue Sev and jump out of the planet in the Blood Gulch before the Republic found out they were gone."
Marik could only blink in suprise at that but then grinned, "Well shit, that is good news!" he said excitedly and Nasha nodded, she left out the part about Zar and his group leaving the Sepratists and planning to unite the Death Watch with the others, leaving that a suprise for now.
"Yes it is," she said but then scowled, which confused the others "But we got another problem...,'
Kal was the first to ask, "What is it?" he said and Nasha began to tell them about how Kari, Cal, and their team found out about Project Freelancer still being operational from Wash, despite Nasha personally shutting the project herself, and how Palpatine has been helping the Director by donating funds and a fleet to the project behind her back. To say the others were shocked but also pissed, was an understatement. She also told them about Wash now being a double agent for them, which made them feel a little bit happier.
"I always hated that guy, the director." Marik said with narrowed eyes. "It felt like there was something wrong with him ever since I met him, but working with Palpatine? I can't believe this..."
"I know how you feel," Nasha said. "But anyways, you and the others are cleared to land at Darasuum, the others will be waiting for you there. Welcome back to Concordia everyone."
Marik smiled "Good to be back, Ma'am." He said, and then turned back to the others.
"Okay everyone, let's get ready to disembark," he said and everyone nodded, he then turned to his ship captain and friend from the Battle of Jabiim, Orliss Gillmunn, the leader of the Jabiimi Republic Loyalists, who made up half of the crew of the Prosecutor. He grinned as he gave Orliss the go ahead, "Take us in Orliss," he said, and Orliss smiled and smiled in approval.
"Right away, Marik," the Captain said and he ave orders to the helmsman, and the ship headed toward the moon's surface.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Meanwhile
At the Jedi Temple
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Jade, Trips, Kass, Mak, John, Masao, Obi-wan and Yoda were moving through the Jedi Temple, making their way to the Communications Room. Trips managed to access the Clone's Comm Channels, so they managed to avoid engaging with the larger groups of Clones still guarding the still fought against smaller groups, but nothing they couldn't handle.
As they progressed through the once great halls of the temple, they came across bodies of their fallen Brethren, temple security, and people who only work at the temple, all over the place. It was then they were walking on a causeway that made them freeze and their eyes widen in horror. Right in front of them, were the small bodies of Jedi younglings who didn't escape in time.
Kass walked toward the children and knelt down, her eyes filling with tears. Mak came up to her and wrapped his arms around the female Zabrak who began to cry as she held the small hand of a little human girl. Jade was the same as she approached with Trips behind her
"I guess Marik couldn't get all the younglings out in time," Obi-Wan said sadly, but then Trips noticed something, as did the other masters.
"Wait," he said. "Something's not right...these kids look like they have Lightsaber wounds, not Blaster holes."
"Lightsabers?" Jade asked. "But...how could that be possible? Who could have done this?"
"Another Sith Perhaps?" Masao said. "Maybe Sideious had another apprentice besides Dooku and Grevious?"
"Maybe," Obi-wan said as he finally managed to tear his eyes away from the dead children "Come on, we don't have any time to mourn, we have to get to the Communications."
The others nodded as they continued forward, heading towards the Communications Room. After dealing with a few more Clones that were in their way, they finally got to the room where Obi-wan immediately began to change the message.
"Alright, it is done." Obi-wan said. "I've changed the message, to inform all remaining Jedi to stay away."
Jade added her own theory at that, "That's good, it will probably take a long time for the other clones to find out the signal was changed," she said and Yoda nodded in agreement.
"Agree with you, I do, Jade," he said, "Now, leave, we must," the old master said, but Obi-Wan stopped in the middle of the hallway.
"Wait, Master," he said getting everyone's attention, "There's something I must know," he then walked to a holo-table. Yoda looked at his old people, concern on his old green face.
"If into the security recordings, you go, only pain you will find," Yoda warned, but Obi-Wan shook his head.
"I must know the truth Master," he said, and Kass, Jade, Mak, and even Trips nodded, as Obi-Wan fast forwarded the hologram to when the temple was attacked hours ago.
When the Recording slowed back down, the image of a man welding a lightsaber slaughtering anyone in his way appeared. But the others all gasped in unbelievable shock, as they all clearly saw who it was doing it. "It...it can't be..." Obi-wan said, as shocked as the others. "It can't be!"
"A-Anikan?" Kass said, not believing what he was seeing. Then the image switch to Anakin kneeling down before a man in a black cloak, that the others instantly recognized as Palpatine, confirming their suspicions. "You have done Well, my new apprentice." he said in a raspy voice. "Now, Lord Vader, Go and bring Peace to the Empire."
Obi-Wan reached for and flipped a switch, turning the hologram off.
"I can't watch anymore," he said sorrowfully, and he looked back at te others. Jade's eyes were clenched shut tight as Trips embraced her, while Kass and Mak were the same. John looked pissed off, and barely kept himself under control. Masao looked neutral, but Obi-wan could tell he was furious. It was then Yoda's voice caught their attention.
"Destroy the Sith, we must!," he said as he tapped his cane on the floor.
Obi-wan instantly knew what he was talking about, as did the others "Send me to kill the emperor, but I cannot kill Anakin!" He said, but Yoda sighed.
"To fight this, Lord Sideous, Strong enough, none of you are." He said. But Obi-wan shook his head "He's like my brother! I can't do it!" He said.
"Twisted, by the Dark Side, young skywalker has become." Yoda said. "The boy you trained, gone he is. Consumed by Darth Vader."
"Why would he do this?" Jade asked, tears still in her eyes. "This...this isn't like Anakin! Something has to be wrong here!"
Yoda nodded in agreement with her, "Agree with, you I do. Find out, you must, the reason of Young Skywalker's fall to the Dark Side," he said.
"We should probably talk with Padme first, she knows Anakin better than any of us," he advised, and the Jedi masters all nodded.
"Go, you will. Talk to Senator Amidala, you must, while deal with Palpatine, I will," Yoda said and turned to leave.
"Are you sure that's wise Master Yoda?" Masao said with concern, "He's very strong if he managed to defeat someone like Mace so easily,"
Yoda just smiled grimy "Have faith in me, you do not?" He asked. "Besides, risk more Jedi, to die at the hands of this Sith Lord, I cannot. Needed, you are, elsewhere."
Masao nodded in understanding. "I believe it would be best if I went to see Padme alone." Obi-wan said. "Having all of us approach her at once may make things look not as they seem."
"I agree," John said. "The rest of us should head back to the Sundread Heart, and wait for Bail to return from the Senate."
Everyone nodded and began to leave, with Obi-Wan heading to the hanger bay and commandeering an airspeeder and heading in the direction of Padme's apartment, while everyone else headed in the direction of the Senate.
All the while Jade was having thoughts on why her fellow Jedi-turned-Sith turned to the Dark Side, 'Anakin. How could you do this? To your friends, to your master, and to your Padawan, Ahsoka? It doesn't make sense,' she thought as the Jedi boarded the Sundered Heart and awaited Yoda's return.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
At the Senate
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Bail Organa had just arrived to the Senate building, where he met with Padme Amidala "What's happened?" He asked the Senator of Naboo.
Padme looked up at Bail, "The Chancellor has been elaborating the plot of the Jedi to overthrow the senate." She said, as she turned back.
"And, the Jedi Rebellion has been foiled." Palpatine said. "The Remaining Jedi Shall be hunted down, and defeated!" The Senate erupted into a series of claps as the Dark Lord continued his speech, with Padme having a look of disbelief.
"The attempt on my life..." Palpatine said, in a low voice "Has left me scared...and deformed...But I assure you, My resolve has never been stronger!" Again, clapping from the whole senate filled the unbelieving ears of the two Senator's.
"In order to insure our security and continuing stability," Palpatine said, and he began to raise his voice once again "The Republic, will be reorganized into the First, Galactic Empire!" Padme and Bail's eyes widen in horror at that as the Sith Lord continued, "For a safe and secure society!" he finished and the Senate Chamber was filled with approving applause, much to the Senators' disgust.
"So this is how Liberty dies," Padme said ironically, "A thunderous applause,"
Bail nodded in agreement with her as Palpatine continued his speech, after he calmed the Senators down.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Meanwhile
On Concordia
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
A Black Haired Blue eyed 15 year old human boy stood near the landing platform of one of the many Ne'tra Kad Military bases on Concordia. He was wearing Jedi Robes that were fused with Clone Trooper armor, only minus the helmet. He stood with several other individuals, some Jedi while others were Clones, as they waited for the LAAT/i Dropships from the ships that had just landed to reach them.
The boy, Sagan Gull, was silently hoping that Zule, Marik and the others of the Padawan Pack that survived Jabiim were alive. Though those were their ships, he needed to see them to believe that they were really alive. Looking to his side, he saw his fellow Padawan and survivor of Jabiim, Aubrie Wyn, a 15 year old girl with shoulder-length brown hair and brown eyes, wearing the usual Jedi Robes. "Do you really think Zule could be alright?" She asked Sagan.
Sagan nodded "I Hope so," he said. "I mean, if all these other Clones didn't kill their Jedi Commanders, then Zule and Marik's men could have done so as well, right? I know Revan would never kill Marik."
Aubrie smiled a bit, and nodded "Ya, its nice to know some Clones are still on our side." She said, before she got a slightly scared look on her face "But...what do you think they'll think about...well...us?" She said, with a bit of a Blush.
Sagan blushed a bit too. When the two heard about Order 66, Aubrie broke down into tears when she heard her Master, Mace Windu, had been killed by Palpatine and this new Sith, Darth Vader, who they still didn't know who that was yet. Sagan wanted to find some way to help her get over her sadness, and stayed with her. Long story short, by the end of the day Sagan had finally admitted to her his real feelings that he loved her, and he honestly expected her to turn him down. But he was just as shocked as she was, when she admitted she felt the same way.
It was then another voice said "I'm sure it's not going to be a problem, you two." Jedi Master Arligan Zey said. "I doubt they would be worried about you two being together when the whole galaxy is going crazy."
The two Jedi padawans couldn't help but agree with the former Director of Special Forces, but couldn't help but be concerned.
"I hope you're right Master Zey," Sagan as the Gunships landed. Unknown to them, a figure was also watching as the gunships landed and the doors opened and the people inside walked out. The individual was a young male around the same age as Sagan and Aubrie, but wearing a set of Mandalorian Shock-trooper armor that colored dark brown with light grey trim. His indigo colored eyes widened behind his t-shaped visor at the sight of the lone female Togruta who looked like she cried for hours.
'Ahsoka!' the Beskar-clad individual said and then proceeded toward the group.
Also coming out of the same dropship, were Marik, Zule, Revan, Rex, and a few others. The mood Sagan and Aubrie were in instantly brightened up considerably as they both smiled "Zule! Marik! Revan!" Sagan shouted as he waved to them "You guys made it!"
Both Zule and Marik smiled "Yes, and it's good to see you two are alright as well, Sagan, Aubrie." Zule said. "Its nice to see the whole Padawan Pack that survived Jabiim are still alright."
"I say it's nice to see more Jedi who survived 66, as well as Clones who didn't follow it in the first place." Said one of the others with them, a Male Nautolan with dark green/brown skin, and wearing a mix of Clone Armor and Jedi Robes, only made so that the Robes could easily be discarded. Next to him who wore Black/White Clone SCUBA armor, only without the equipment attached.
Marik grinned a bit "It's been a while, hasn't it Dosma?" He said as the two shook hands. Dosma Tont chuckled "Too long, my friend," he said. "Wish it was under better circumstances though."
"Don't we all." Said the Female Sephi Jedi with long blond hair and blue eyes. She had two clones next to her, one wearing White/Gold Phase-II ARC Armor, and the other had Black and White Phase-II ARC Armor. "But it's good to see the Slice Hounds are among the Clones that saw through Palpatine's lies."
Marik nodded in agreement, "Yes, it's really fortunate," he said, "And it's good to see you're alive as well Sara,"
Sara Une nodded in return, "Likewise, it's nice to see a friendly face after all that's happened,"
"Ain't that the truth," Zule said, "I'm just amazed that the whole Padawan Pack is still alive after this."
"Wait, where is Kass and Mak?" Sagan asked, noticing their other two fellow Padawans were nowhere to be seen. Zule smiled a bit "Their with Master Obi-wan and Yoda, along with Jade, her Master, and Master Cypher." She said. "They had to sneak into the Jedi Temple after the 501st tore it apart, to change the message that Palpatine set up that's telling all Jedi to return home, that the war is over. They should be back soon, though."
Sagan and Aubrie nodded, knowing that they were alright for now at least was good to hear. Behind them, Ahsoka managed to smile a bit, glad to see more surviving Jedi and Clones who didn't follow orders. "Ahsoka?" A voice said directed at her, and the Torguta looked at the Mandalorian with Dark Brown/Grey armor, who removed his helmet and she gasped a bit in surprise. "L-Lux?" She asked, gathering the others attention "Lux Bonteri, is that you?"
"Ya, Its me." Lux said, with a smile "It's good to see your alive, Ahsoka, I was really worried about you when I heard what happened at the Temple."
Ahsoka nodded at that, "Yeah, well, you have Marik, Jango Fett, Rex, the Slice Hounds, and Torrent Company for that. But what are you doing in Mandalorian Shock-Trooper Armor? Last time I saw you was when you left in the escape pod, after that run-in with the Death Watch," she said and Lux cringed a bit when he remembered when she mentioned that, but told her what happened.
"A Ne'tra Kad fleet showed up after we parted," Lux said, "I was brought on board and I was bombarded with questions by the Fleet Commander, and after I told them what happened on that planet when the Death Watch burned the village, they took me to see Lady Artemis. She was actually good friends with my Mother before she died. She offered me a position in Ne'tra Kad as a way to keep me safe from the Death Watch, Dooku, Republic and the Separatists, while also giving me the chance to gain the Redemption I seek." He then chuckled a bit "It was either that, or I would have to fend for myself against whoever the Separatists, Republic, or Death Watch sent at me, so I accepted."
Ahsoka managed to smile a bit, "It's good to see your doing well, Lux." She said, and Lux nodded, "Ya, but are you alright? You don't look so good." He asked, concerned and the Togruta looked down a bit, as a solemn look appeared on her face, "I...It's my master," she said and Lux perqued at that.
"Master Skywalker? Is he alright? I haven't seen him get off any of the gunships with you," Lux questioned and looked at the group and saw Zule and Marik's solemn faces, which caused Sagan and Aubrie to worry as well.
"What happened? Where's Anakin, Zule?" Sagan asked, concerned for his friend from Jabiim. Zule bit her lower lip, not knowing how to tell them what had happened.
"Sagan...Anakin...he..." she said, trying to tell one of her friends that another one of their friends had betrayed them all.
"What? Is he dead?" Sagan asked. "Come on Zule, where is Anakin?"
"He's not Dead, Sagan." Marik said, deciding to tell them himself. "Guys...I know this is hard to believe...but Anakin...he's Fallen to the Dark Side."
The eyes of the two members of the Padawan Pack widened at that.
"W-what...?" Sagan said, horror and shock in his tone.
"That can't be true. Anakin could not have..." Aubrie began to say, but Marik cut her off, "It is true Aubrie," he said, "he was the one who lead the attack on the temple, went after Ahsoka, fought her, and would've killed her if Whie hadn't come and saved her. And he paid for it, with his own life," he said making Ahsoka close her so no one could see the guilt in them.
Scout who was next to Drake, squeezed his hand, while laying her head on his shoulder. Dosma and Sara were also shocked by this.
"How could this be? How could he fall to the Dark Side and betray us like this?" the Nautolan Jedi said in shock. Zule sighed "We don't know," she said. "We think he thought that Mace Windu and the other Masters that were sent to arrest the Chancellor were attempting to overthrow the republic from what Rex told us. He was the one who helped Palpatine kill Mace."
Aubrie's eyes widened at that "A-Anakin...killed...Master Windu?" She asked, not believing what she was hearing. Zule nodded grimmly. "Yes...along with Master Drallig as well." She said, and Serra who was also with them closed her eyes, fighting back her tears. Before anyone else could say anything, a new voice got their attention.
"But now's not the time for that," everyone turned, and there was Lady Artemis walking up the platform.
"Lady Artemis," Marik said in greeting and Nasha returned it with a nod and then looked at the Jedi and their Clone XOs.
"I know many of you have so many questions on why Skywalker turned to the Dark Side the way he did, but for now I suggest you, and if you your clone XOs are present, to follow me to the command center," she said and then spotted Kal, the Nulls, and Omega Squad exit their gunship and spoke to them, "Kal, you, your boys, and Miss Tur-Mukan will come with us as well," she said, Kal nodded as the group then followed Lady Artemis to the Command center.
Lux meanwhile looked at Ahsoka who had her head turned away from the others "Ahsoka..." He said, gaining her attention "It's not your fault for whatever reason Anakin turned to the Dark Side." He said.
"I know..." Ahsoka said "But I should have been able to stop him! I'm hist Apprentice, I should have seen this coming!"
"It's still not your fault," Lux said as he placed a hand on her shoulder "We will find out why he turned, and maybe if we find the reason why, we can turn him back to the light side."
Ahsoka thought about what Lux xaid, and knew that he was right. If they find the reason wy her Master did what he did, she could somehow bring him back to the light. But another part of her is saying that it will be very difficult.
"I hope you're right Lux," she said and the former Seperatist Senator-turned-Mandalorian only smiled at his friend.
"I know so, Ahsoka," he said gently, and Ahsoka smiled at him, "Come on, we better get to the Command Center, before Lady Artemis throws a fit,"
"I heard that, Bonteri!" Nasha shouted from up front of the group. "I know! That's because I said it!" Lux retorted, and several of the others had to supress their laughter.
Nasha gave Lux a glare "Be glad that your Mina's son," she said as the others continued to the Command Center, where inside was Verpine team, Delta Squad, Fordo, and a few other Clones and Mandalorians. One of them Marik recognized as he is suddenly hugged attacked.
"Thank goodness you're alright!" Freya Mereel Orar said in relief as her son returned the embrace. Nasha smiled at the scene and then returned her gaze to the others.
"Are we all here then?" Nasha asked, and one of the other Mandalorians answered.
"Just waiting on Gilamar and Tay'haai," he said, and Nasha nodded in understanding.
"I've sent them on a mission on Mandalore, they should be back momentarily," she told them, and 5 seconds after she said that two figures walked into the Command Center. One was a Mandalorian Male with Black hair and brown eyes, wearing Gunmetal Grey Shock Trooper armor with Purple Trimming. The next was another Male with Greying Brown hair, and Grey eyes. He wore Golden Colored Shock Trooper armor.
The two walked towards Lady Artemis, however when they glanced at Jango and Aira, they froze, both of their mouths gaping and eyes wide. "Aira? J-Jango?" The Black-Haired one asked. "B-But your-"
"Dead?" Jango asked, with a grin. "Reports of my death have been greatly...exaggerated." He chuckled a bit "Good to see you both again Mij, Wad'e."
The two were still wide-eyed at seeing Jango was still alive, and Mij spoke for the both of them.
"B-but, how? You got your head sliced off back on Geonosis! I saw the hologram!" he said in shock, and Jango sighed. Luckily Nasha decided to spare the Bounty Hunter the explination.
"Jango had a personally trained clone act as his double in order to trick Dooku back at the arena," she said. "Since then, he's been leading a Secret Hit-and-run war against the Separatists behind their lines, working with Ne'tra Kad in secret."
Freya smirked a bit "I always knew you died far to easily on Geonosis, Jango." She said.
"Anyways, how did the mission go you two?" Nasha asked, and the two Mandalorians managed to get out of their shock and stood at attention. "Ma'am, we managed to deal with Lorak and Dred as ordered, and we manaded to Capture Isabet." Wad'e said, "Though, Isabet willingly surrendered after the bombshell we dropped on her that Dred's been cheating on her, heck she would have killed the Di'kut herself if I didn't stop her, and Mij got to him first."
Mij seemed to smirk a bit at that, causing the others to sweatdrop or become uneasy as Jango thought, 'Whenever he smirks like that, he did something that was very sadistic,' he thought, and Nasha coughed getting the other's attention.
"Great, now that we're all here, I'd like to announce that I have some more good news, despite all the bad news we keep getting back from Coruscant," she said and everyone sighed at that.
"Some good news would do good right about now." Sara said. "What is it?"
Nasha grinned a bit "The good news is, the Death Watch is no longer fighting against us."
This bit of news caused many of the Mandalorians, even a few of the Jedi and Clones, to have wide eyes. "W-What?" Kal asked, not sure he herd her right.
"You heard me, The Death Watch are no longer fighting Ne'tra Kad and the True Mandalorians, so we can officially declare the Mandalorian Civil War over, for good this time." She said. "In fact, the current Death Watch Overlord, Zar Hellfury, is on his way to Concordia now, with the intentions to unify the Death Watch with Ne'tra Kad, uniting the Mandalorians under one banner for the first time in a long time. He even left the Separatist Council, for good this time."
Many of the Mandalorians were flabbergasted by that bit of news. It was quiet for a few minutes until Marik spoke.
"What in the Galaxy made him make this decision?" he asked incredulously as he remembered fighting Zar a few times in the past, and to say he was not like the other Death Watch was an understatement. He had honor which was very rare among the Terrorist Splinter Group, he was selfless, charismatic, and above all, he was not as blood thirsty as his other brethren, and his men were more disciplined and believed in a good cause.
Nasha simply grinned, "Let's just say he got tired of the other Seperatist Leaders' greedy and snobbish attitudes, and knows when something bad is going to happen," she said, much to the others' confusion. "While he and the other Separatist Leaders were on Mustafar, Darth Sideious sent a message to them saying that he was sending Vader to 'Take Care' of them. Zar knew he was planning something, so he and his ally Gizor Dellso left the facility the Council was in. We came into contact not long after, and he informed me of what happened, and I told him what's been going on with 66 and Palpatine." She then grinned more "He also said Gizor has built a whole Droid Factory and a Bug Hive on Mustafar without the Seps, and in extension Palpatine, knowing about it."
Once again, the others were thrown into silence until Jango spoke up, grinning "Now this is the best news I've heard in a long time!" He said. "When is he gonna get here?"
At that moment, one of the Mandalorians in the control room spoke up "Ma'am, incoming fleet of ships just dropped out of hyperspace," he said. "They have Death Watch and Separatist IFF's."
"Put e'm on the screen." Nasha said, and the Mandalorian nodded as the image of the fleet appeared. The fleet consisted of one Refit Kandosii-type Dreadnought, one Providence-class Carrier, two Munificent-class Star Frigates, and surprisingly, one Subjugator-class Heavy Cruiser. All of these ships possessing the CIS Symbol on one side, while on the other side they had the Death Watch Symbol.
"We're picking up a transmittion from the Kandosii, patching it through." The Mandalorian said, and soon next to the screen came the image of Zar Hellfury standing on the bridge of his Flagship, grinning. "Hello Nasha, sorry I'm a bit late." He said.
Nasha smiled "Zar," She said. "Where is the rest of your fleet?"
"Still at Iego," Zar said. "Taking care of any remaining Di'kut's in the ranks who want to follow our old ways, you'd actually be surprised at how few still believe in what the Death Watch originally stood for, not that I'm complaining." he then turned to the rest of the people in the room and when he saw Marik, he smirked.
"Hey Adiik, Still alive?" he asked and he could hear a few people chuckle at that. Marik glared a bit at the Overlord "Didn't I tell you to stop calling me that?" He asked. "Every time we meet?"
Zar chuckled a bit "I know, It just sticks." He said before looking at Jango "And Jango Fett...Nasha said you were still kicking, but I had to see it to believe it."
Jango only smirked, "Well, it will take more than a simple lightsaber decapitation in order to take me out," he said which caused Zar to laugh good naturedly.
"I had a feeling you weren't dead! Just by looking at the holograms of your 'Final' Battle with Mace Windu, when you defeated FIVE Jedi back on Galidraan with your own barehands!," he said causing the Jedi to look at him in suprise.
"You defeated five with just your BARE HANDS?" Sagan said with a look of great surprise, while Jango just shrugged.
"It was a long time ago. I was still in my teens at the time," Jango said, furthering the shock of those who hadn't already known.
"Well, now that that's over with," Zar spoke up "Do I have your permission to land?"
Nasha nodded "Yes, your cleared for docking bay 12." She said, and smiled "Welcome Home, Zar."
Zar returned the smile and cut the transmission. Nasha then turned back to the others.
"Also, as most of you have already heard, I recieved word from Roman in the Hades Corps have found an abandonded CIS Base at Hoth, but what they found on the surface of the planet itself is a whole new story," Everyone was immediatley interested, "When they sent probe droids to the planet, it found a ship half buried in the ice. What suprised was that it was a Praetor-class Starcruiser," everyones' eyes widen at that as Nasha continued, "When they sent a scout team, and accessed the ship's logs, they found that the ship was a search and recovery mission for the Republic Navy's Katana Fleet,"
That got everyone's attention as most of them have heard of the infamous fleet of 200 Dreadnaught Heavy Cruisers that disappeared without a trace.
"The Katana Fleet?" Marik asked, with wide eyes, but was grinning. "Well shit, if they do manage to find those ships, we'd have evreything we would need to fight Palpatine!"
Nasha nodded "Roman and his team's thoughts exactly." She said. "They already sent a scouting party to the Coordinates on the ship's logs, and will report back to us if they find anything. They also think they can get the Battlecruiser up and running again, so that will be a big help as well."
Ahsoka couldn't believe it. Out of what's happen, luck seems to bless them with good news. Of course, Jedi don't usually believe in luck, but what the hell.
"It seems out of this awful mess, something good always happens," the Togruta said and Lux nodded in agreement.
"That I agree with you on Ahsoka, that I do.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Meanwhile
Somewhere near the Unknown Regions.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
An Arquitens-Class light cruiser with the Hades Corps colors dropped out of hyperspace, and into normal space. On the bridge of the ship Sasha was sitting in the Captain's chair while the Clones worked. After going through the data that the Defiant had, they had managed to gather the data on where they believe the Katana Fleet might be located.
Sasha had expected that they might be looking for the fleet for a while, however, she and the rest of the crew were caught off guard, as their eyes widened at the sight ahead of their ship.
"Holy Shit..." Sasha said, she honestly couldn't think of anything else to say at what she and the other Clones were seeing.
Ahead of them, were dozens and dozens of Dreadnaught-class Heavy Cruisers, all of them still in formation, and all of them with the colors of the Katana Fleet.
"The Katana Fleet..." Sasha said, in a bit of awe. As the Cruiser continued it's course, one of the clones spoke up.
"Ma'am, scans are picking up no life signs on any of the Dreadnaughts, although bio-scans are picking that life forms are still on the ships. For lack of a better term, the entire Fleet's completely dead," he said and Sasha scrunched in thought at that.
'Strange, there should be at least a few crewmembers still alive on them. Of course after 26 years, they would all be dead already, what the hell happened?,' she thought.
Placing that thought to the side, she got back onto the mission "That's to be expected," she said. "Well, let's find the Katana herself, then we might be able to finally see what caused the fleet to go missing in the first place, and then we can get these ships back to Hoth."
The Clones nodded as they began scanning the ships, looking for the Flagship Katana, it thankfully didn't take long, as they found it in the center of the fleet. After docking with the ship, Sasha lead a team of Clones into the ship to find the bridge. On their way, of course, they found the bodies of what once was the crew of the Republic Warship.
They were wearing the usual light grey uniforms of the Republic Navy, and they were still decomposing by the condition of the bodies.
The Clones were thankful for the air filters in their hemlets which blocked out the smell of decomp. There were a few corpses who had blaster holes in them, while others were either smashed by blast doors, or a falling bulkhead.
"Osik, what the hell happened here?" one of the clones said.
"Who or what could've done this?" Another said. Sasha herself remained silent, as she tried her best to not look at the bodies of Humans and Aliens alike.
Soon, they finally reached the bridge which thankfully didn't have as many bodies, but still had a few. She and the Clones quickly got to work to get the controls of the ship working "Alright, let's see..." Sasha said as she accessed the Logs. "Let's find out what the hell happened to the fleet."
And so she looked at the logs, and thirty minutes later she found the cause as her eyes widen.
"A Hive Virus?" she said in shock, suprising the clones, as she kept reading and became more suprised.
'I can't believe it! A Hive Virus in the carasuum spice! This fleet was doomed from the day it was concieved!' she thought, and then read the captain's last entry, and her eyes widen and then turned to two clones who were removing a body from one of the terminals.
"You two! Come with me! Seargent, you have the bridge!," she said and before the clone could ask, the Mandalorian and the two cloneswere already out the door.
"Ma'am, what's wrong?" One of the Clones asked.
"We've got survivors! Just like when we found D'anna on the Defiant." She said, to the shock of the other clones. "For some reason, the chief Medical Officer of the ship was Immune to the effects, and created a cure. But by the time she created it she only managed to save two of the other crew members. Their in Cryo right now, so we need to get them out ASAP!"
The two clones nodded as they followed the Mandalorian.
"But where is the Cryo room?" the first clone asked, and Sasha answered.
"It's right next to the Medical Bay," Sasha said, as they continued to run to their destination. It took five minutes to find the Cryo Bay, and Sasha pressed a panel on the wall and the door opened up, and they went in. Inside were 16 rows of cryo chambers with 8 rows on one side and 8 on the other. Most of them were open, indicating that they were vacant. However at the end of the room three of the pods were closed, indicating they were occupied.
Moving towards the occupied pods, Sasha first checked their vitals "Good, their alive." She said, with a bit of a smile "Well, let's get them out of these things." She then went to the panel one one and began the awakening sequence, while the Clones with her activated the other two.
The one Sasha activated opened first, and inside was a 25 year old Woman, who must be a Kiffar from the three Qukuuf markings on her right cheek, with an slender and athletic build standing at 1.65 Meters tall. She had Indigo, mid back length hair with two banes framing her face, and wore a Republic Navy Uniform with a Doctors Coat. The Kiffar groaned as her eyes opened, revealing them to be brown.
"Uhh...I hate Cryo Sleep..." Sasha heard her mutter as she rubbed her eyes. When they opened back up, she instantly focused on Sasha, who had removed her helmet but was still held in her hands.
The woman's eyes narrowed a bit at her "Who are you?" She asked, quickly. "Do you work for the Republic?"
Sasha blinked in surprise, but replied "My name is Sasha." She said. "And yes, I work for the Republic...well Kinda anyways."
The woman rose an eyebrow "Kinda?" She asked. "What kind of answer is that?"
"Its...a long explanation Miss...?" Sasha said, trailing at the end.
"Nadinna." The Kiffar said. "Darine Nadinna, Chief Medical Officer of the Katana...and acting CO after the Captain's Death..." She said, with a bit of sadness at the end.
Sasha nodded "Well Miss Nadinna, I promise you all of your questions will be answered." She said. "But first we need to make sure your friends there are alright as well."
Darine blinked as she looked out of her pod, and noticed that the other two pods next to hers had opened, revealing their occupants. The first was a man who looked about 27 years old, with a build that showed he was a Soldier, if the fact he was wearing a set of old Republic Combat Armor was any indication that was colored Dark Green, a lighter green, and some brown and black in a Camo Pattern. He stood at 5'11 with short, military crew cut brown hair and brown eyes.
The second, was someone that caught Sasha's eye. She was a 15-16 year old human girl, who stood at 5'8 with shoulder-length wavy chocolate brown hair and Violet colored eyes. But what caught Sasha's attention was that she wore what definitely were Jedi Robes, and her hair had the braid that showed she was a Padawan.
'Who would've thought a Jedi would be here? But she's just a Padawan!' the Mandalorian thought.
The two then turned toward Nadine, and the soldier was the first to speak.
"Doc? What happened? And who are these guys?" he said as he motioned to the Clones and Sasha. Nadine only shook her head at the soldier.
"I'm just as curious as you are Colonel Sheridan," the doctor said honestly, and then turned to the Padawan, "Are you alright Kira?" she said gently as said Jedi rubbed her forehead, trying to stave off the headache she had, as she nodded, and then looked around, "Ya...just a little headache...but who are they?" She asked, pointing at the unknown men in armor, and the one woman.
"My name is Sasha Neos." The Mandalorian said "I'm a Mercenary from the Mandalorian PMC Ne'tra Kad. Those there are Nick and Trigger, Their soldiers of the Grand Army of the Republic...well, formerly anyways."
The caused the four survivors to become confused "What do you mean Formerly?" Colonel Sheridan said, his eyes narrowed a bit "Are they traitors or something?"
"No, no, deffetly not traitors." Sasha said. "Well...that depends on how you look at it." This just caused the three to just become more confused "Listen, I'll get someone who can explain the whole thing to you once we get on the bridge, alright?" She said. "We gotta contact my superior, she'll clear things up for you."
The three survivors still didn't look completly convinced, but Darine wanted answeres as much as the others did so she spoke first, "Very well, lead the way." She said. Sasha nodded, and she and the two troopers escorted the three survivors to the bridge.
As they walked by, the survivors grew a bit uneasy at the sight of all of the still decomposing bodies, the girl Kira looked the most effected, eyeing the bodies in saddness, but she was more focused with the several heacaches she has been getting.
"Kira, you alright?" Darine asked, and Kira nodded "Ya...I just keep getting these Headaches." She said as she continued to grab her head "I...I think something's happened to the Jedi...How long have we been in those pods?"
Sasha stopped for a second and looked at them, "At least 26 years," she said and the three were shocked to the core as their eyes widen as a result.
"WHAT!" they said in unison, eyes wide as saucers.
"As I said, my superior will explain everything that's happened," Sasha said, trying to calm them down, "We already had to deal with some thing similar to your situation when we found a ship that was sent to find your fleet four years after its disappearance, and only the XO of that ship is alive because the captain put her in Cryo Sleep."
Once again, the three were surprised by this, but continued on towards the bridge. Eventually, they reached it where they found the other Clones there, and they managed to remove most of the bodies from the bridge. "Do we have Communications yet?" She asked one of the troopers.
"Yes ma'am, we just got the Katana's Communication's up and running a little while ago." The trooper said. "We can contact the Admiral now if you want."
Sasha nodded "Yes, get a link set up." She said, the Trooper nodded and got to work.
Kira then looked at the Trooper, and back at the two other Troopers with Sasha "Why do all of the soldiers under your command sound the same Miss Neos?" She asked.
Sasha chuckled a bit "Please, just call me Sasha, Miss makes me feel old." She said. "And that would be because their all Clones."
"Clones?" Darine asked with wide eyes, while Sheridan rose both eyebrows. "What do you mean by that?" To answer, the Clones on the bridge removed their helmets, and to the three's surprise, they all had the same face aside from different hair styles and colors, along with some scars and Tattoos.
"Well...this surly needs an explanation." Sheridan said, Sasha nodded before the first Clone spoke up "Alright, I have the Admiral, on the main screen." He said, and a few seconds later Satele appeared on the front screen on the Katana's bridge.
"Sasha, did you find anything?," the woman asked and Sasha smirked.
"Yep, all 200 Dreadnaughts of the Katana Fleet are present and accounted for, all in perfect formation. We even found three survivors as well that were in Cryo Sleep," she said and the Admiral grinned at the news.
"That's good to hear," she said, then frowned a bit, "What happened to the rest of the crew?"
Sasha's grin disappeared after Satele asked that question, "Apparently a Hive Virus was in the Fleet's supply of Carasuum Spice and it infected the whole fleet," she said grimmly. "The whole Crew's fate was sealed the moment it was brought onboard."
Darine then stepped forward "I survived because I had some sort of Immunity to the Virus effects," she said "And I managed to create a cure...but I only managed to save Kira and the Colonel here."
"And you are?" Satele asked. "Darine Nadinna, Chief Medical Officer of the Katana...and current CO of said vessel since the Captain and First Officer were killed." Darine said, the last part with a bit of sadness.
"Lieutenant Colonel Anton Sheridan, of the 205th 'Striker' Mobile Infantry Regiment," the military man said, with a salute "Ma'am. I was in charge of the Katana's Soldier Garrison."
Satele smiled a bit "At ease, Colonel." she said, as Anton did that "Good to have you back with us." She then turned to the girl "And what's your name little one?" She asked.
The girl blushed a bit "K-Kira Angelina." She said. "I'm a Jedi Padawan. My...My master was killed by the Virus before we could give him the cure..." She got a sad look as she glanced at the floor. The Doctor placed a reassuring hand on the girl's shoulder.
"I'm sorry to hear that," The Admiral said. "But its still good to see another Jedi, especially after what's been happening these last few days."
Darine perked up at that "What do you mean by that?" She asked. "What's happened in the 26 year's we've been in Cryo? Mandalorians, Clones, I need to find out what's been going on!"
Satele sighed and the three surviving Katana crew saw the tired look she now sported. She told the three to take a seat, and when they did, Satele gave them a complete run-down of the events that occured during their 26 Year Hibernation. By the time she was finished, the three were completely shocked.
"The Chancellor is a Sith Lord? And has ordered the Jedi Order to be exterminated by Clones who followed this Order 66?" Nadine asked incrediously, and Satele nodded. Kira began to become edgie as she looked at the other Clone Troopers. Sasha saw this and decided to ease the Padawan's worry.
"You don't need to worry about this bunch, though," the Mandalorian said, "These Clones of the Hades Corps are just a few of the thousands who didn't follow the order," she said and Kira seemed to relax somewhat. But she was still scared "H-How many Jedi...are still alive?" She asked, her voice a bit shaky from the Bombshell dropped on her.
"A few," Satele said. "My Superior, Knight Jade Lee is still alive. Also a Battalion of Clones that defected managed to save a handful of Younglings, Padawans, and a few knights from the Temple when the 501st Legion attacked. A few other knights, and Masters are still alive around the galaxy, either in hiding or trying to regroup with other survivors and defectors. Jade reported back that the Grand Master of the Order, Yoda is still alive."
"Master Yoda is still alive?" Kira asked quickly, instantly recognizing the name of the Jedi Master. Satele smiled and nodded "Yes, he and Master Kenobi and a few other Jedi are at Coruscaunt, attempting to recalibrate the Emergency Channels to warn the Jedi away from the Core Worlds."
"You knew Master Yoda well I presume?" Sasha asked the Padawan, who nodded "Y-Yes, he helped train me when I was a youngling, he actually wanted me to be his next Padawan Learner before, well my old Master came, and accepted me as his, since Yoda was so busy." She said. "I wonder if he still remembers me..."
"I'm sure he has, Miss Angelina." Satele said before turning to face Sasha "Are the ships ready to go?" she asked.
"Yes Ma'am." Sasha said. "Their all slaved to the Katana, so once we make the jump to Hoth it'll be in one trip. And don't worry about the Hive Virus, it's been dead for a long time."
"Though, I still wouldn't like to take any chances." Nadine spoke up. "I'd like to administer the Cure I created to the Clones here, and Sasha just in case. I'd like to avoid an incident like what happened to our Fleet. And I'll send the formula to the cure to you, so that you can imply it to your troops just in case. I want to make sure something like this never happens again."
Satele nodded at that, "Better safe than losing your mind and winding up dead," she said causing a few of the clones, Sasha and Nadine to snicker.
"True, give me a moment and I'll have all the clones and Sas inaculated with the antidote," Nadine said and went back to the Med Bay to get it.
After an hour, Nadine administered the serum to the clones and Sasha who then proceeded to give commands to the other Dreadnaughts through the Slave System. The 200 cruisers in sync turned to the same direction and then jumped into hyperspace, along with the Arquitens-class cruiser back to Hoth, where they will be used for one purpose: Fighting an Empire ruled by by the Sith.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Concordia
Prison Block
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Isabet Reau sat in her cell of the Ne'tra Kad Command Center. He has been sitting there for a while ever since Wad'e and Mij captured her. She didn't resist one bit.
The former Mandalorian of Death Watch warrior felt a mixture of emotions. Anger, Hate, Sadness, just to name a few. But above them all were Betrayal.
The reason that this emotion was so strong was because of her now dead ex-boyfriend and fellow Cuy'val Dar, Dred Priest. When they captured her, Wad'e showed her a hologram of Dred Priest meeting and being intimate with another female member of the Death Watch, one of Bo-Katan's Night Owls Squad. Needless to say she was pissed off was understatement. She wanted to shoot the bastard's balls and dick off and torture him so badly that his clan would'nt recognize him, but Wad'e managed to convince her not to, as Mij wanted a piece of him since it was Dred who was the who raped and murdered his wife, Tani.
As much as she wanted to kill him herself, she knew that Mij deserved it more. So she then decided to go after the girl he was cheating with, but she then found out that Dred lied to her too, saying he had broken up with Isabet. So now both women were pissed of that Dred had lied to both of them, and both wanted a piece of the bastard. Thankfully, Mij granted them some revenge and gave the Di'kut to the two of them for a while (Dred's screams of pain could be heard all across the surrounding area) before Mij killed him himself.
But dispite being satisfied, she still felt lower than she's ever been. She trusted Dred, and how did he repay that? By Cheating on her!
She sighed as she looked at the ground. She didn't plan on escaping, and even if she did she didn't want to rejoin Death Watch. Thanks to Dred, she finally saw the Death Watch's true colors. They were no better than raiders or pirates...there was no honor in that. And seeing Dred and his own men slaughter that one village on Tatooine, watching as he killed men women and children...
She clutched her head as she remembered that day, when she saw the fear in that one child's eyes as Dred put a blaster bolt right between her eyes, smiling all the time. That image will haunt her for the rest of her life.
"Isabet Reau?" she looked up and saw one of the guards dressed in the usual black colored Shock-Trooper Armor, with a cobalt colored flight-suit underneath it that most members of Ne'tra Kad wear while others wear their own custom armor. Behind him were two more guards, and the girl who Dred also used for his own pleasure, Karina Aramov. She was 27, standing at a height of 1.65 meters, with purple dyed shoulder blade length hair in a braid similar to hers. Her eyes were a olive drab color with some brown flecks in them. She also had a small green tattoo of a bird or somewhat on her neck. She had the same look that Isabet had.
"Ya...what is it?" Isabet asked in a neutral voice.
"You and Karina have visitors, follow us." The Guard said. Isabet blinked in surprise. Visitors? Who would want to visit them? Sighing, she stood up and followed the guards as the two women were escorted to whoever it was who wanted to visit them.
When they entered the interrogation room, both of the woman froze in surprise who were inside. First, was unmistakably Zar Hellfury himself in his full armor minus his helmet. But also with him was Lady Artemis, and Bo-Katan herself who had her helmet off showing her Crimson Red hair, fair skin and blue eyes. Isabet was the first one to speak, albiet she stammered a bit.
"Z-Zar Hellfury? What are you doing here?" she said, shock clear on her face, as Karina had the same look, but she also looked scared as she saw her commander. Bo-Katan was someone who hated people who were unfaithful to their lovers, and those who were part of the whole deal. And if caught, she dealt a severe punishment to them. Hence the reason Karina was so nervous.
Zar had a neutral look on his face as he gestured the two women to sit down.
"I came to tell you that Death Watch, Ne'tra Kad, and the Neo True Mandalorians have ceased all hostilities towards each other," he said, shocking the two as their eyes widen. Karina was able to recover as she asked, "Y-You mean, the Civil War is over?"
This time it was Bo-Katan that answered, with a bit of a smile "That's right, Karina." She said. "For now on, when someone addresses a Mandalorian, it's not going to be True Mandalorian, Death Watch, or Ne'tra Kad. We're all just Mandalorians now."
Though both of the women were shocked to hear this, Isabet stayed frozen in shock while Karina tried to avoid the gaze of her Superior.
Bo-Katan noticed this instantly "Karina, are you alright?" She asked her subordinate. She said nothing, but nodded her head a bit. Bo-Katan then sighed "Is this about what Dred did to you two?"
This once again caught both woman by surprise "Yes, we know what happened." Zar said. "I was the one who gave Nasha here the go-ahead to kill him and Lorka, and I was the one who found out about what he's been doing behind your back Isabet." Karine bowed her head as she continued to avoid Bo-Katan's eyes in shame.
"Karine, this wasn't your fault," Bo-Katan said, and Karine's head snapped back up in surprise "It would have been one thing if you knew that Di'kut was still with Isabet, but you were in the dark as much as she was about this." Both she and Nasha growled a bit "If anyone is to blame for what happened, it was Dred."
When she said that, Karine finally managed to relax a bit. "By the way, nice job with what you two did to the bastard before Mij got to him." Nasha said, with a bit of a grin. "Wish I was there to see it myself. But anyways, back to the reason we're here. Though the Civil War is over, we have a much larger problem to deal with now."
Both women rose their eyebrows at that "What's that Ma'am?" Isabet asked, and the CEO of Ne'tra Kad sighed. "This will take a while, so pay attention, I'm not gonna say this twice." Nasha said as she then began to tell them what has happened in the past few days. It was an hour and a half later, and by then Nasha told them everything. Needless to say, the women were horrified by what the CEO of Ne'tra Kad told them.
"I...I can't believe it...," Karina said, clearly shocked at what she heard. Isabet was no better, as the story made her have a brief flashback of the massacre back on Tatooine. Bo-Katan could only nod in the affirmative.
"It's true Karina, the Chancellor played us all, just so he complete the Sith's goal of eliminating the Jedi. Luckily, Marik was there and was able to evacuate at least over a dozen Jedi Younglings," the Former Death Watch Lieutenant said, "And also, hundreds of thousands clones manage to disobey the order Palpatine gave out. The Hades Corps, Slice Hounds, and Torrent Company just to name a few."
The two nodded, knowing that there was at least some good news. But just then the Communicator on Nasha's wrist began to beep. "One second please." Nasha said as she activated the Comm unit and placed her helmet on to speak "Yes, what is it?" She said before shouting "WHAT?"
This caught the others attention "When did this happen?" Nasha said as she paused for a moment. "Alright, we'll be there in a minute! Keep your eyes on them!" She then removed her helmet "Come on, we need to head for the Command Center!" She said as she stood up. "We have a situation."
Not asking why, the Mandalorians nodded as Nasha lead them towards the Command Center.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Command Center
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Nasha and the others entered the Command Center where most of the others were already there. "Alright, what's the situation?" She asked as she walked towards the Holo display.
"Ma'am, multiple ships of Separatist Origin have entered the system, and are currently in holding Pattern." One of the Mandalorians said. "We've confirmed one Subjugator-class Heavy Cruiser is in the formation, bu it does not seem to have its Ion Cannon installed yet. All Ne'tra Kad ships are deployed and ready."
Nasha nodded "have we gotten any communications from them yet?" She asked.
"No Ma'am, not yet-wait, we have something." The Mandalorian said. "The Subjugator is hailing the base, patching it through."
After flipping a few switches, an image started to appear, and a few seconds later the eyes of everyone in the Command Center widened at who it was.
"I-Impossible!" Ahsoka said in shocked horror at who she was looking at.
"It can't be! He's dead! He's supposed to be dead!" Zar said, seeing none other than General Grevious himself. Alive and well.
"Greetings," the cyborg said in mock greeting, "Allow me to re-introduce myself. I'm the new and improved Commander of the Droid Armies of the Seperatist Alliance. I am General Grevious,"
"How are you still alive?" Zule demanded instantly. "Your Dead! Master Kenobi killed you!" The Droid just laughed. "True, I died at the hands at that Jedi Scum," He sneered, "But Lord Sideous still requires my services to hunt down all Clones who do now follow Order 66, as well as any Jedi they protect." His eyes then Narrowed "And I will not hesitate to fight you pesky Mandalorians as well." He said. "If you surrender the Clones and Jedi now, I will leave you Mercenaries alone, if not..." He then activated two Lightsabers, and Serra and Aubrie's eyes widened as they instantly recognized them as Master Windu's and Drallig's Lightsabers. "I will take great pleasure in slaughtering you all myself! Resistance is Futile!"
Marik didn't like that one bit as he clenched his fists and glared heatedly at the killer cyborg. Revan and the other clones were his brothers in all but blood, they trained together and fought together, and he will also never, EVER, hand over Zule, or any other Jedi for that matter, especially the younglings.
"Like hell we will just hand them over to you," the nephew of Jaster Mereel growled out catching everyone's attention, "You think for one second, I'll just hand over my brothers, especially Revan? And do you also think that I would just hand over Zule and every other Jedi on a silver platter?" he said and Grevious' eyes squinted at the Mandalorian's words as Marik continued. "If you really thought we would just give them to you, you must have a few screws loose in that empty sack that's your head! If you want them, you'll have to go through ME!"
Nasha and Zar smirked at what Marik said. "Well, there is your answer, General Grevious." She said, before she cut the feed.
"Nice speech Marik." Revan said.
"Thanks," He said. "But one way or another, I don't think we can really win this battle Lady Artemis. Grevious has a pretty big fleet under his control...as much as I'd hate to admit it, I think we may need to evacuate Concordia."
Nasha was conflicted for a momemnt, but nodded in understanding, "I agree," she said and turned to one of the other Mandalorians in the room, "Have all available ships set up a defensive line around the moon, and prepare all troops for Ground Assault," she said and the Mandalorian nodded and left to carry out the assignment she then turned to the Jedi.
"Begin the evacuation of all younglings first, after that, Padawans, then the rest of the Jedi we manage to rescue from 66," she advised the Jedi who nodded. "I'll get the evac started." Zey said as he left to get the younglings out of there. Nasha then turned to Revan and the other Clone Commanders.
"Also, I want Clones to be deployed with our Forces, but when the Jedi and other base personnel have evacuated, I want them to get out of here as well along with all remaining forces." She said. Revan and the other Clone XO's nodded their agreement.
"I will take command of the defenses on the ground, Nasha." Zar said as he stepped forward. "You should focus on their space forces." Nasha nodded "Yes, I believe that would be for the best." She said before turning back towards the Holographic Display which showed the Ne'tra Kad fleet preparing to fight the approaching Separatist Fleet which was launching fighters, bombers and landing ships."From the course of their landing ships, it looks like they are attempting to land near Shangarath City." she said, Marik's face scrunched in thought.
"We should send my Battalion and units from the Star Corps to Shangarath," he said, "And also keep an eye on other cities if the droids Grevious sent to Shangarath are a decoy,"
Nasha and Zar both nodded in agreement at that.
"Great thinking kid, you definitely are related to old man Jaster when he was alive," Zar said with a smile. "I'll send in some of my forces I brought with me to help you out. From the looks of things, you'll need all the help you can get."
"Appreciate the help, Zar." Marik said and turned to Jango. "What about you and your Men, Jango?" He asked.
"Me and my men should be deployed in Necropols." Jango said. "Its the closest city to the Command Center here. We cant risk to loose this position just yet."
"Jango," Sara said as she and her Clone Commanders stepped forward. "If you wish, me and the Pathfinders can deploy with you. Odds are Grevious may send forces to the city to have a clean shot to the evacuation site."
"We'll join in too." Xeo said. "Mantis Company is at your Disposal sir."
Jango nodded in appreciation, "Good to have you aboard, Xeo," the man said and then turned to his wife and before he could anything, Aira beat him to it.
"I know, look after Boba and his new girlfriend so they won't get killed, or do anything...unappropriate," she said with a sly smile, while a few giggles were heard, and the mentioned two were blushing beet red.
"Uhh, you guys know we're right here, right?" Boba said in a deadpanned tone. Aira could only smirk.
"Yep! That's why I said it!" she chirped, while Jango smacked his face.
Nasha chuckled a bit before becoming serious once again. "Alright then, Zar, you take command of the Ground Forces." Nasha said. "I'm counting on you. I meanwhile will take command of the space forces, and hold off Grevious's forces for as long as I can." He then turned to one of the Mandalorians in the Center "How long will it take for all forces to evacuate?" She asked.
"Three and half hours Ma'am." the Mandalorian Said. "It depends on how quickly we can our supplies loaded up."
"Just tell them to grab what we need to fight the Empire!" Nasha ordered. "If we can't take it with us, we'll destroy whatever we leave behind with the Base's Self-Destruct function. We can't leave them anything to use against us." The Mandalorian nodded as it issued the Orders.
"What about the civilians? Once Grevious' Tinnies start to land, a lot of innocent people are gonna panic," Bo-Katan said, since a worst case scenario in urban warfare is frightened people running for their lives.
Nasha immediatley answered her, "We'll take any civilians, mostly elderly and children, with us if we have any spare room on the transports," the CEO said, and then sighed, "As for the rest, as much I hate to do this, but we may to draft any able-bodied person in order to defend Concordia," she said, "Thankfully, most citizens here have minimal military training. At least they stand a chance."
The others nodded in agreement "They'll fight," Jango said. "They want to protect their loved ones, but our focus right now should be Grevious."
"Right, get moving everyone!" Nasha spoke up. "We need to get ready down here! I'll be heading up to the Akalenedat and take command of our space forces!" Everyone nodded, but before Nasha could leave, Zar turned her around and then gave her a passionate kiss on the lips.
The woman was suprised for a bit, but then relaxed as she returned the kiss. Everyone else was dumbstrucked by the scene in front of them. After a minute the two broke apart.
"Be careful, cyar'ika," Zar said, Nasha smiled and nodded "I will, just make sure you stay safe as well." Nasha said, and Nasha looked at Kari and her team. Kari's eyes were wide and mouth hanging open and stuttering nonsense. "M-Mom W-What the...?" She stuttered out, the most shocked out of all of them.
Nasha smiled at her adoptive daughter "I'll explain later, Kari." She said. "But you and your team should hurry up and get ready for battle."
Kari could nod dumbly and turned to her team, and gave them orders to get ready. Tucker on the other had only one thing to say about what he just saw.
"Lucky bastard. Got the hottest chick in this whole PMC!," was what he manage to say until a dark chill crawled down his spine. He slowly turned around and his eyes widen at what he saw, as EVERY SINGLE woman in the Command Center were glaring darts at Teal Mandalorian, as well as Zar, Marik, and a few of the Jedi as well.
"What was that Tucker?" Tex growled out as she cracked her fingers.
"I would run if I were you." Church whispered to Tucker. Said member of Verpine Squadron needed no further motivation as he ran out of there in a blur of motion.
"Can we go after him?" Bo-Katan asked with a bit of eagerness, but Nasha sighed and shook her head "No, we'll deal with him later." She said. "Right now, we have a battle to win." She then turned to the rest of the Mandalorians in the Center. "Well, what are we all standing around here for!" She shouted, with a grin. "Let's show these Clankers what happens when you mess with Mandalorians!"
The Mandalorians, Both Death Watch, Ne'tra Kad, and True Mandalorians, all grinned in anticipation as they rushed to fight their enemy, the Jedi doing the same as they prepared to fight along side their new allies.
117Jorn: And Cut! Another Chapter down for the count!
Patriot-112: Yes indeed! Although, Tucker is gonna have the beat down of his life once the others catch him. LOL!
Tucker: WHY YOU'D DO THAT FOR! WHAT THE FU-*SMACK!*
Patriot-112: Quiet you! It's your own damn fault!
DKR: Ya...hey, where's Tex?
*Tex Walks in carrying a Gravity Hammer* Tex: (In a Sing-Song voice) Oh Tuuucckkker. I've got something for you! And I got until next Chapter to show it to ya!
*The rest of the Female cast of We Dared show up* So Do we!
*Tucker Pales, and 117Jorn leans close to him* 117Jorn: I think you should run.
*Tucker Bursts out of the door in light-speed, while The Girls lead by Tex chase him down*
Sarge: Hehehe, that'll teach him some manors!
Next time on We dared: The Battle for Concordia begins! And while Obi-wan searches for the reasons of Anakin's turning, on Hoth The Katana Fleet Arrives to the location of the rest of the Hades Corps. But when Darine tries to find out how the Hive Virus first came onbord, she discovers something that will surprise all of the Hades Corps. All this and more in the next chapter of Star Wars: We Dared!
Until next time, May the force be with you!