So here we are again!
The views and follows for this story just keep growing, as ever thanks to each and every one of you!
Boba is certainly an interesting match for the story of GATE. The story revolves around him, not the other way around. He's a fearless veteran who's seen it all and done it all. Sure none of what's going on makes sense to him, but it wouldn't be the first time. If Jedi and highly advanced beings couldn't stop him, what hope do these people have?
That been said we WILL see an evolution of his character, I researched a lot of his EU as well as purchased the Bounty Hunter's Code. Very good information and yet, there's a lot of room to work with him. His Mandalorian heritage, his code, all these things make for a very fun character to work with.
*Update*-All I did was merge chapter Five and Six together, so don't panic. But, you'll all be happy to know the next chapter is going to be up VERY soon.
Chapter 5: The Sky Man Cometh
"There is no greater good than Justice; and only if law serves Justice is it a good law. It is said correctly that law exists not for the Just but for the unjust, for the Just carry the law in their hearts, and do not need to call it from afar.
I bow to no one and give service only for cause."-Boba Fett
Boba ran through the winding paths of the base, at every turn he encountered the bodies of slain JSDF soldiers and refugees. Fires from destroyed vehicles and buildings lit the night sky with a dull orange glow as he tracked down the one he knew was responsible for this.
I told you Itami. Now I have to clean up your mess, fix your mistake.
Boba took another turn and finally wound up at the main gate, standing at the center was a blood stained and manically laughing Rory. At her feet a defeated Itami knelt before her, weaponless, brought low by her power. Around them lay the bodies of his team, dismembered, scattered like leaves before the wind.
They never stood a chance.
Udes o'r naak verda Ni Kelir gra'tuar gar. You weren't Mandalorians, but you fought for a cause, your home. Not even you deserved this, your foolish Lieutenant's actions did this to you.
"Boba! Just in the nick of time, I was just about to show Itami the price for his stubbornness to defy me. Perhaps you will learn from his example."
Boba raised his blaster and took aim, but it was for naught. In a flash of speed, Rory had bisected Itami, her halberd but a blur in Boba's helmet feed. Itami never had time to react as both halves of his body neatly collapsed near each other at Rory's feet.
With Itami slain, Rory looked at Boba with hungry eyes as she licked her lips. "See? See the power you are denied? If you but join me by my side we can share this together. You only have but to kneel, be mine Boba."
The bounty hunter shook his head and reached for his belt, unclipping his lightsaber he activated it. Its green blade hissed as it extended to its full length, the weapon of his sworn enemy would be his ally in this battle. Holding the saber at the ready and with his blaster aimed at Rory by his hip, his range finder slowly slid down over his helmet.
"No thanks, I prefer to work alone. If we accomplish anything together, it'll be your corpse providing me with my next paycheck."
With that, he activated his jetpack and flew directly at the demigod. His blaster shrieking with every bolt it let loose, his saber held at his side as he prepared the killing blow.
"Gar ash'amur jii, witch!"
Rory laughed and readied her halberd, slowly running her free hand down the front of her body, her eyes filled with lust as he got closer. "When you die here I'll take your soul and you'll be mine forever."
Boba leveled his blaster right up to Rory's smiling face as he took aim, his saber coming up for a hard swing.
"No deal."
Boba shot up from his bed, his body covered in sweat as he held his WESTAR in front of him. As adrenaline continued to pump through his body; his eyes darted around his room, searching for the enemy, searching for Rory. As he realized everything he had just experienced was a dream, he slowly lowered his pistol and ran his free hand across his forehead.
Just a dream, but perhaps it was a premonition. A sign of the things to come?
Shaking off the notion, Boba tucked his pistol back under his pillow and slowly clambered out of bed. Looking out his window, he could see that the sun had already risen. Averting his gaze from the light, he cracked his knuckles as he stared at his calloused and scarred hands.
"You're lucky that was a dream Rory, but what's a man's journey to success if not paved with dreams?"
Sighing he stood up and made his way over to his bathroom, clad in a simple tank top and undergarments. As he entered the small bathroom he approached the sink he turned it on, splashing cold water on his face as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. As he turned the water off, he looked at himself in the mirror.
"Right then, time for work."
Making his way back into the room he eyed his armor and jumpsuit on the table smirking, "Hello old friend, ready for another go?"
With practiced hands every piece of gear and armor was fitted and secured, he had done this so many times it was like donning a second skin. In minutes he was fully armored and ready for the next job, the only thing missing was the final and most important piece. His helmet.
Picking it up, he stared at its visor a moment. His eyes regarded the chipped red and green paint that adorned its face as well as the large impact mark on the helmet's forehead.
Helmet on, heart gone.
Slowly sliding his helmet on, he pressed a series of buttons on its rear. In moments, his helmet had activated and began displaying the statuses for all his weapon systems. Everything registered green across the board.
He then reached under the couch and grabbed his kit bag, reaching inside he pulled out his blaster carbine and lightsaber. Once the saber was clipped to his belt and his blaster at the ready, he made his way back to his bed and grabbed the WESTAR from under the pillow. He eyed it for a moment before spinning it into his holster.
Always ready, never unarmed.
On his way to the door, he picked up his kit bag and stopped at the mirror. He took a moment to look himself over, everything was properly fitted and once again he was prepared for another successful job. He slowly nodded at his reflection and made his way out the door, making sure to lock it behind him.
No rest for the wicked.
"Sir why is that bounty hunter accompanying us? We don't need his kind here, this is a peacekeeping operation, not a show of force."
Sergeant Tomita eyed Boba with contempt as he made his way towards RCT3's vehicles, meanwhile, Itami gave Tomita a nervous smile as he helped Kurata and Kuwahara move another crate of ammunition into the back of the LAV.
"Commander Hazama hired him, he's agreed to help us on our campaign. In return we help him find a way back to his home, it's a fair trade if you ask me."
Tomita rolled his eyes as he adjusted the sling for his Type 64, "Since when did command start hiring mercenaries? If we are to win the hearts and minds of the people here, waving a heavily armed and armored man around is certainly not the best way to go about doing it."
As the rest of RCT3 continued to check their gear and vehicles, Kuwahara approached Tomita. Placing a firm hand on his shoulder, he gave him a firm look.
"These are strange times we live in, all of us are lost. That man is no different though his method and purpose deviate greatly from ours. The Lieutenant General is a wise leader, Boba will no doubt have a very big role to play later on. His lack of connection to anyone gives him a great deal of independence in what he can do, that means he can operate in areas we can't. If he was truly an enemy, I have a feeling we'd all be dead long before we'd catch on. Besides, he has honor even if he doesn't readily show it. He'll honor his end of the bargain, just as he expects the same of us."
Tomita merely nodded and looked at Kuwahara with trust in his eyes, if Kuwahara had a good gut feeling about it? Then everything was going to be fine. Meanwhile, Kurbiyashi chuckled from the back of one of the trucks as she looked at Tomita with a sly smile.
"Yeah you best get used to him Akira, you saw how he handled that dragon. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want to get on his bad side. You saw his face too, hardly the type of guy you'd share a cold one with."
Kuwahara released his grip from Tomita and took a few steps back, "Just work with him Akira, give him the same respect you'd give any of us."
With that, he turned on his heels and went to greet the bounty hunter.
"Fett, I heard you'd be joining us on our mission today! It's always good to have an extra gun by your side."
As Boba got closer he nodded, "Hazama hired me, so you can thank him."
Making his way past Kuwahara he approached Tomita and stopped. He stared at him for a moment as his visor regarded him motionlessly. His voice came through his helmet's speaker like a cold chill.
"You look like you have a chip on your shoulder, something you want to say?"
Think you're clever talking in your native tongue? I heard my name and the look you're giving me isn't helping your case.
Tomita stared at him with contempt in his eyes, for a moment, both men looked as though they were ready to throw down. Finally, he straightened himself and extended a gloved hand.
"Sergeant First Class Akira Tomita, good to have you working with us again Fett."
Boba slowly looked down at his hand and then back at him before he extended his own. He grasped Tomita's in a firm handshake as he squeezed just hard enough to let Tomita know he was onto him.
"Right, likewise Sergeant."
Releasing his grip Boba left Tomita to flex his pained hand as he approached Itami.
"Lieutenant, I'll be riding in your truck again."
Before Itami could respond, Rory's voice came from the back of his truck. Accompanying her was Lelei and Tuka.
"Wonderful! I left a spot for you next to me."
Boba slowly shook his head and tossed his kit bag inside, letting it land next to Rory. As he did so, Lelei and Tuka watched it slide over with wide eyes.
"I'll pass, you can watch my bag though."
Rory scowled as Boba turned to face Itami, "So Lieutenant, Italica was it? You said it was an important trading hub for this region?"
Itami nodded as he looked at the girls, "According to the girls, yes. We can cash the scales in there."
Boba cradled his blaster in his arms as he cocked his head to the side, "Right then, the job was to make sure you guys get there and back in one piece. Cashing in the scales will pay for my last job, but if Italica is as important as they say. We can expect a governing body to be in charge there, that also means a garrison. Be ready for a fight, something tells me whichever military you've been fighting will be there too."
As Boba said this, the rest of RCT3 slowly nodded their heads. The bounty hunter was right, such an important location would have to be well defended.
Boba looked at Tuka, his gaze was enough to let her know to scoot over next to Lelei. As she did so Boba clambered inside and turned to face Itami.
"Well then, let's not waste any time."
Itami nodded as he raised his hand and spun it in a circular fashion, "Hai, alright team! Mount up and roll out!"
A series of "Hai"'s rang out as men and women began to board their vehicles, engines roared to life and comm checks were carried out in short order. Meanwhile, weapons' charging handles were racked back and gear was fastened for the trip and possible fight ahead. In moments, RCT3's trucks were rolling out the main gate and into the Special Region countryside.
"So Fett if you don't mind me asking, how long have you been bounty hunting?"
Boba continued to look out the truck's rear window, gazing at the countryside as Kurata asked the question he knew was bound to come up sooner or later. Without turning back, he answered the question.
"A long time."
"How long is a long time?"
"Since I was a young boy."
Silence followed for a moment as Kurata let the answer sink in. Boba knew what was going to come next.
"How young?"
"Do you want the official answer or the unofficial answer?"
"...Both."
Boba slowly turned his head and looked at the truck's rear view mirror, his visor staring directly at Kurata's wide eyes.
"Officially, thirteen."
As his head went back to looking back out the rear window, he answered the second half.
"Unofficially, about eight or nine."
Dark days, it's been so long I can't even remember.
Kurata and Itami looked at each other with shocked looks for a brief moment, this man had known violence since he was a child? What kind of galaxy demanded this of a boy? What kind of life was he thrown into? Meanwhile, Lelei and Tuka had exchanged worried looks, Rory on the other hand only seemed to be more enticed by the prospect of a man practically born into violence.
Now it was Itami's turn to ask, "Fett, your father was a bounty hunter...wasn't he?"
Boba scoffed and braced himself as the truck took a sharp turn, once they evened out he continued to look out the rear window as he answered Itami's question.
"If you two keep asking me questions about my past, I'm going to start charging you."
"Well uh..."
"You don't want to pay my prices for something so trivial."
Itami and Kurata sounded off at the same time, "Understood..."
The two soldiers sighed and went back to staring out their windows, they had been so close to having Boba open up. All they knew now was that he was pretty much a born killer. That hardly made for pleasant conversation.
Meanwhile, Boba went back to looking out the back window, he hated long transits and right now he was certainly in one. It also didn't help that his mind kept wandering back to his dream.
There's a reason for it.
"Rory, this god of yours, Emroy. What does he or it represent?"
For the first time, Boba had actually initiated conversation with Rory on somewhat friendly terms. A fact not lost on the Apostle's face as her eyes lit up with the delight, her hands clasping together as she blushed.
"Dearest Boba, Emroy is the god of darkness, war, death, insanity, and violence. Why do you wish to know? Have you finally come around to my outreaches? Are you ready to take us into your heart? To take me into your heart?"
Insanity and violence? You've just secured your place at the top of my "most likely to kill" list. Even the Sith had some degree of purpose, something you and your "god" clearly lack.
Boba slowly turned his helmet to face her, if she could see beneath his visor, she would have seen the look of disgust on his face.
"No, in fact now I'm fairly certain you're just a psychopath. Even the most violent of bounty hunters I've met had honor, a sense of direction and code. You have none of that, you and your god just kill for the sake of killing? You're no warrior, you're the instrument of chaos incarnate. Quite frankly I want nothing to do with you, I have only killed when I need to. Be it revenge, a job, defense, or honor, but never without a reason."
As Boba finished his verbal assault the rest of the truck's occupants sat there in silence. His words had been like shards of ice, piercing their hearts and making them subconsciously cringe even if they hadn't been directed at them. As for Rory, she had quite the opposite reaction. Rather than be offended, it looked as though she was actually enjoying his disgust.
She covered her face with her hands, her red eyes gazed at him through her spread fingers with affection. She began to breathe heavily as she stared him.
I swear by the soul that I don't have. When the job to take you down comes in I'll do it faster than any job I've ever done before. I'll wipe that smile right off your face.
Boba's verbal assaults were far from done, however, turning his head towards Itami he began his assault anew.
"And you Itami. You're just going to let a dangerous individual like this prance around your base? Accompany you on your missions? What happens if she gets lost in a moment of bloodshed? What happens if you get caught up in it and get hacked down just like everyone else? You endanger not only yourself but everyone you bring her around."
Itami had been so shook by Boba's words that he had actually started to cough violently. No one not even his instructors had ever pierced his heart in such a way. This bounty hunter was questioning his very right to lead men. Meanwhile, Kurata just sat there, his eyes frozen to the road as he continued to drive the vehicle.
As Itami began to compose himself, he slowly turned to face the bounty hunter. "B-boba, where we're from we believe in guilty until proven otherwise. She hasn't done anything yet to make her guilty, I would never endanger my men. Just give her a chance."
Boba scoffed as he shook his head, returning his gaze to the rear window.
"Where I come from we believe in avoiding a crisis while we still have time, many an individual and civilization has fallen from not being more suspicious. I've only survived this long because of my own intuitions. Just wise words from one who has seen it happen first hand across the galaxy. Take them to heart Itami, I don't often give anything away for free, not even advice."
Quiet once more, the air inside the truck had taken a turn for the worse and it reflected on all the occupants. One question still remained one that Boba had allowed Kurata to ask.
"Fett, so what do you believe in?"
Boba shifted to face Kurata, slowly pointing to his right yellow shoulder guard. Displayed on it was the weathered image of a skull that looked not unlike the extinct mammoths of Itami and Kurata's world. Painted in red and etched upon a white background, it seemed to glare menacingly at Kurata even through the rear view mirror. Meanwhile, the three girls strained as they tried to maneuver around to see it.
"This.."
"What does that image mean?"
"To be a Mandalorian."
"And what does that mean?"
Fett slowly shifted back to his original position as he resumed his casual grip on his blaster, "That's a story for another time."
When the time is right and I deem you worthy enough to hear about it.
Suddenly the radio on Itami's shoulder blared to life, "Sir, we're approaching Italica now."
Itami grabbed the handset and spoke into it, "Roger that, eyes up people."
Meanwhile, the sounds of various weapon systems humming to life began to emanate from the back of the truck and over the sound of gravel underneath large tires. Boba gripped his blaster tight as he turned to face Itami, nodding slowly as he pressed a series of buttons on one of his gauntlets.
"Showtime Youji."
The three armored trucks made their way up a large central road towards Italica, on either side, large farmlands went on for as far as the eye could see. On either side of the road's edges sat carefully planted trees, no doubt set up as a welcome sight to any weary travelers.
Boba looked towards the front of the vehicle and its front window as the trading town grew closer and closer. It was certainly a massive thing, large stone walls towered off the ground, surrounding the town and creating an impenetrable defense. Not like it mattered to him though, that was what jetpacks were for.
Stopping a few hundred meters out from a large gate, the trucks fanned out across the road creating an almost makeshift road block. This was to ensure they had overlapping fields of fire to the front, something Boba could respect. At least they had a notion of tactics.
Boba set his blaster to single shot and checked to make sure his pouches were stocked, he took a quick glance out the truck's front as he lowered his range finder.
"Right, doesn't appear like they've set out a welcoming committee. But my scanners are seeing a few primitive looking bolt throwers atop the walls. Shouldn't do any damage to the trucks, but you don't want to take one of those to your vest."
Boba slid back and opened the truck's rear hatch, before he could proceed any further Itami stopped him.
"Boba wait! Perhaps it would be wiser to let the girls go in front of us, this way the locals know we don't mean any harm."
As if to bolster his idea, a man suddenly yelled down from atop one of the walls, "Who's there!? If you aren't enemies, show yourselves!"
Boba shrugged as he opened one of the other doors to let the girls out, "Job was to make sure everyone comes back safe, having them in front of me puts them in my line of fire. They already know we mean business Itami, three armored vehicles and men garbed in gear hardly makes for a warm salutation."
Itami sighed, there was reason to Boba's words, but this was his mission and he was going to call the shots.
"My decision stands Fett, they go ahead of us. I know you won't hit the girls unless you're trying."
Though I'm not so sure about Rory.
The bounty hunter chuckled as he exited the vehicle, "If I didn't know any better I'd say you just tried to talk back to me. Foolish, but brave. You may have some bearing to you yet Lieutenant, very well we play it your way."
For now.
Itami sighed and looked back at the girls, "Alright try to make contact with them."
Each of the girls quietly nodded and exited out of the vehicle. As they went towards the front, Itami exited and slowly followed after. He hadn't made it but a few steps forward before Boba called out to him.
"Going unarmed?"
Itami patted his holster on the side and turned to look over his shoulder, "I have my sidearm."
"And if they're out of range? What if you run out of ammo?"
Itami smiled nervously as the bounty hunter approached his side, "I thought you were here to make sure we come back alive."
"I am, and I'll see that job done to the last. But if you had the capacity to defend yourself better, it makes my job a lot easier. It also makes you look like less of an idiot."
Right back to square one Lieutenant.
Itami sighed and signaled to his team to stay put inside the vehicles, with that the two men followed closely behind the girls. They were a strange bunch, a mixed bag of people from different time periods and places. If one were to come across them during a casual stroll, they might think they had witnessed an early Halloween.
"So Boba, what do you think?"
"What do I think? Their defenses are sorely lacking."
"Maybe they're afraid?"
"Understandable, but wouldn't you defend an important location with a lot more than a few men and some small static defenses?"
"Well...yes."
"Well, then it seems we agree on one thing, poor defenses. Obviously this place must not mean a great deal after all. Back where I come from if you didn't holster your weapons and answer the proper comm calls? Well, let's just say you weren't coming or going."
Unless it's me, then you knew damn well to not even think of trying anything.
As they got closer Boba could see a few loosely garbed men in equally sloppily assembled armor, they manned the bolt throwers and watched the newcomers with curious but confused eyes. Boba stopped just ahead of the front gate, he wanted to be ready to engage should the talks go sour.
"You go ahead Youji, but mind the boiling pit of tar above you. I'll be covering you from here."
Itami sighed and gave Boba a half-hearted thumbs up, "Gee thanks."
The bounty hunter merely shrugged as he eyed the top of the wall, "Don't say I never cared."
With that Itami made took his place ahead of the girls and made his way to the front door. So far it seemed as though they were in the clear, Boba watched as Itami gave the door a series of loud knocks. The knocking continued for a few moments until the door suddenly swung open with enough force to fling Itami back and onto the ground.
"Welcome!"
Great another idiot.
A number of things happened in quick succession. First it was discovered that a young red haired woman garbed in white ornately decorated and semi-revealing armor had been the one to knock Itami out. Second the girls had merely stood there and looked at a now unconscious Itami and back at the woman with surprised looks. Finally, Boba had immediately raised his blaster and now had it pointed directly at the woman's head.
"Really? The oldest trick in the book? You'd best hope that was by accident."
The woman stood there motionless as the bounty hunter stared her down, she was too petrified to speak.
Meanwhile, Boba gave Itami a quick scan, thankfully his bio readings were showing him as still alive. In moments, Tuka was upon Itami grabbing his canteen and pouring water over his face in an attempt to wake him up. While that was going on Itami's shoulder-mounted radio began to erupt with a chorus of confused shouting.
Boba shook his head and approached Itami, his blaster aimed at the woman all the while. Kneeling by Itami, he shooed Tuka away and used his non-firing hand to grab Itami's radio.
"This is Fett. The Lieutenant got knocked out by a door, yes a door. Standby."
Boba promptly dropped the radio as he stood up and kicked Itami with the side of his boot, "Wake up, your embarrassing me."
Itami jolted upright and awoke wide-eyed and confused, "W-what happened?"
"An idiot just knocked out an even bigger idiot. I recommend you tell your men what's going on before we have a one sided fight break out."
Itami quickly fumbled for his radio and began to speak in his native tongue to the rest of his team, Boba didn't need to speak the language to know his men were calming down.
As Itami slowly stood up, the woman finally began to speak.
"T-the sky man?"
Boba slowly nodded as he lowered his blaster, "Well, looks like my reputation precedes me. My name is Boba Fett however, and right now the only ones asking questions should be us."
Itami raised his hands and tried to calm the situation down, "Fett stand down, it was an accident. A very convenient accident, but all the same. Now can someone please explain to me what's going on?"
Before the woman could speak, another similarly garbed brown haired girl came forward.
"Impudent fools! This is an affront to the Third Imperial Princess Pina Co Lada!"
Boba scoffed at this remark and cocked his head to the side, "You say that like it means something, what kind of "princess" slams open doors and greets guests armed?"
The woman looked at Boba with scared but brave eyes as she took another step forward, "You will hold your tongue!"
Brave even in the face of overwhelming odds, in another world you might've made a fine Mandalorian woman.
"And you will watch yours before I do it for you. You're outgunned right now, odds aren't exactly in your favor."
Boba then proceeded to point to the dragon scales adorning his cloak, "Or would you like to end up like the flame dragon?"
Noticing the scales the woman began to mirror Pina's shocked look, "The sky man? So the rumors were true?"
Boba shook his head and sighed, "What is it with you people and sky man? Yes, I have a jetpack and my name is Boba Fett. As for the rumors, yes they're true and I'm about to make some more if you don't start answering the Lieutenant's questions.
Suddenly a large older man clad in massive gray armor made his way forward and stood between the two women and Boba. He easily dwarfed the bounty hunter by a few feet.
"I am Grey Co Aldo, chief adviser to her highness and The Rose Order of Knights. I am also one of her most accomplished warriors, if you want a fight I will gladly give it to you. Sky man or not."
Boba looked up at the man and regarded him with contempt, "Well, you're a big one. But you know what they say, the bigger they are, the harder they fall. You won't fare any better than anyone else here I assure you."
Grey growled, his hand shook with anger as it stayed wrapped around the hilt for his massive sword. "What was that?!"
Meanwhile, beyond the door, a small crowd of curious villagers began to take shape upon hearing Boba's moniker. They too had heard the ever spreading stories of an armored faceless man who commanded fire and magic, a man who could take to the skies at a whim and best even a mighty flame dragon.
Before the situation could get even more out of hand, Itami stood between Boba the large warrior, and the two shocked women.
"Please everyone, let's just calm down. Boba Fett is with us, he won't bring any harm to you. Right Fett?"
The bounty hunter slowly nodded his gaze never straying from Grey. "Only if they stop irritating me."
Grey didn't take kindly to this, but was promptly stopped by Itami.
"Please!? Now then, we didn't come here for hostilities, we came here to trade and establish friendly communication."
Princess Pina slowly composed herself and sighed, "If it's as you say, however, I'm not the one you should be explaining this to. If you could follow me and my knights, We'll introduce you to the leader of Italica."
With that, the Princess led the group into Italica and into a large courtyard. As the group entered the town's inhabitants gave them a wide berth everywhere they went.
Slowly catching up to Itami, Boba muttered through his helmet's speaker "Where I come from the Empire was once the sole governing body. I'm sure that's also the case for these lands."
Itami turned to face Boba as they continued on their way through Italica's now winding streets, "Once? What happened to it?"
"Someone came along and beat it into submission."
Well, they certainly put more care into this estate than they did the defenses.
Boba raised an eyebrow as Pina, and the other woman led the group to a large and elaborate mansion in the center of Italica. Fountains and carefully tended gardens surrounded the mansion on every side. At its front, a small path led to a stone stairway that stopped just in front of the mansion's ornately carved wooden doors.
As the group made their way inside, the princess began to lead them through a series of long corridors. Artisan crafted tapestries were draped over windows and long carpets of similar make covered the corridors' wooden floors. As the group continued its path, Pina briefed them on the current situation.
"This fortress city, Italica, stands strategically at the intersection of the Tessararia and Appia highways, making it an important commercial hub, too."
Boba shook his head as he walked between Itami and the girls. Rory seemed to notice this and had mimicked the gesture with closed eyes and a smile, much to Boba's annoyance. Meanwhile, a confused Lelei looked at him with curious eyes; she couldn't tell what was going through his head.
Could've fooled me.
Suspending his disbelief as just how inept the leadership was for Italica, Boba focused himself as the princess continued.
"For generations, it's been ruled the counts of Formal, Imperial nobility. But when the last count died suddenly, the three daughters he left behind began struggling for dominance."
And so the pieces begin to fall apart. Have you people ever heard of contingencies?
"The eldest and middle sister had already married into other families. They fought over who would be the guardian of the rightful heir, the youngest sister, Myui."
I don't like where this is going.
"Then the Empire sent the expeditionary force into the other world. The head of every family was expected to lead their troops into battle there...none returned."
Boba looked over at Itami and muttered, "Idiots, looks like they bit off more than they could chew. Guessing she's talking about the incursion into your world?"
As Itami realized the magnitude of what the princess and Boba were saying, he made a nervous smile. "Yeah, there were a lot of them. But they started this fight, we lost a lot of innocent people that day."
"And you intend to end it, as it should be Lieutenant. A man should never feel remorse for protecting his home from invaders. The Resol'nare calls for the defense of the homeland and its people against any and all transgressors. I would defend Mandalore if I were called upon to do so."
Though it's never happened before.
Itami muttered back as he looked at Boba with a raised eyebrow, "The Resol'nare? Mandalore? What's that?"
Boba shook his head as he returned his gaze to the back of the princess, "A story for another time. Ears sharp, we have information to digest." Itami merely nodded his head and continued to listen as the princess continued.
"As a result, the security situation in Italica deteriorated quickly, the point where defending the city is proving to be difficult now."
Well, it all makes sense now. I'm a firm believer in all or nothing, but you people dug your own grave.
Suddenly the group stopped at the end of the hallway and in front of a small door, "Beyond this door lies the current ruler of Italica and Countess of Formal, Myui."
Boba and Itami nodded and with that Pina opened the door, the sight that awaited inside had surprised all of the newcomers.
Atop a small ornate chair sat a little girl, dressed in a pink dress she looked at them with child's eyes. Boba guessed she couldn't be any older than thirteen at least. His mood dropped when Lelei whispered from behind him.
"I believe the Countess turns eleven this year."
Boba had seen rulers come in many shapes, sizes, and ages, but this? A child to lead a city by herself? Where were her advisers? Boba doubted she knew anything of war or what it took to manage a settlement. Shaking his head he muttered to an equally shocked Itami.
"This world continues to irritate me."
On either side of a small table, Itami, the girls, and the Imperials sat and began to discuss the current situation. Meanwhile, the Countess sat at the head of the table. Her eyes were filled with doubt. Pina leaned forward in her chair as she looked Itami directly in the eyes.
"While she is the head of the family, it's too much to ask her to lead an army. As such I'm taking command in her stead."
Meanwhile, Boba leaned against a nearby wall as delegations continued between Itami, the girls, and the Imperials. He shook his head as maintained a steady grip on his blaster, throughout the conversation the Countess had begun to regularly give him nervous glances. No doubt she too had heard of him.
At one point she had stared at him for such a long time that he had slowly nodded making her almost jump out of her seat. No doubt she thought he was some sort of automaton.
Another orphan, this one put in a position of leadership. That's a big burden.
"Currently, we've been under constant harassment by bandits. I sent out a request for help to my knights, but I give them two days at best before they arrive. We are undermanned, you say you've come here to trade and I can understand that and would happily oblige. But we need help."
Itami nodded as he leaned forward, "On behalf of the JSDF my men and I will happily oblige to help in your defense. Where I come from, we believe in fair trade, a favor for a favor. We have the munitions necessary to repel any attacks the bandits attempt."
Suddenly the heads of every person present turned to face Boba as Pina spoke, "This is good news, but what of him?"
"Boba Fett is a bounty hunter working for us. He's been contracted to aid us whenever possible, by extension he'll be fighting on our side here as well."
Suddenly Pina's warrior slammed her fist on the table, "Mercenary scum! His kind can't be trusted, how do we know he won't turn on us should the bandits offer him more pay? His is a loyalty that only follows gold."
Before Itami could retort Boba had already begun to speak, his helmet gazing directly at the girl.
"What's your name girl?"
"H-hamilton."
"Hamilton, got it. Now then Hamilton, how many fights have you been in?"
Hamilton sat there for a moment as she tried to think of an answer that would look impressive. She never had the chance.
"I'm going to guess and say that up until you came here, you were nothing more than an honor guard, a toy soldier. So let me tell you something toy soldier. I've been running jobs since you were but a baby, you and the rest of your posers. I can tell by your attitude that you have something prove, you want to be noticed as a real warrior. Well, you're not, so before you go making baseless assumptions I suggest you shut your mouth. If you're going to start a shoot off be it words or otherwise, you'd best be prepared to be the last one standing."
Itami looked at Boba and back at a now mortified Hamilton and Pina, "Boba, I think that's enou-"
"No, I intend to finish Itami. Class is in session and I'm the teacher."
Boba returned his gaze to Hamilton as he continued his verbal assault.
"You don't know anything about me except for some rumors and old wives tales, but I can already look at you and know everything I need to know. Comes with the territory of being a professional, professionals don't go against their contract or their word. They also don't open their mouths unless they need to, something you've failed to do. So believe me, when I say, all of you would have been long dead if I wasn't among that privileged and fortunate few. I didn't make it this far by being a spineless swindler."
Silence hung over the room, once again Boba had been denied the respect that befitted his reputation and position. Once again he had to make someone pay the price for slandering his honor. Itami knew that were this anywhere else, Hamilton would have probably been shot then and there.
Just when the room's atmosphere had taken a turn for the worst, a small window of kindness opened up and from the most unlikely of people.
Lelei.
"Boba is my friend, when he first came to this world it was my master and I he approached first. Though we didn't understand each other, he offered peace and cooperation from the moment he stumbled upon my master's cottage. He also saved my life twice, once from a rampant horse in Coda, and the second time when the fire dragon attacked us. Though he is a rough man and his tongue can be sharp, he never goes back on his word and he's never shown any signs of threatening us."
You're way too trusting Lelei. But I thank you for it, few have ever come close enough to earn my respect. I feel as though you've already begun your first steps.
Boba slowly nodded at Lelei, had she seen his face she would've seen the small smile forming at the corner of his mouth. Meanwhile, Itami took this moment to help clear up the air.
"What she says is right, though I can't say my first meeting him was as pleasant. When he gives his word, he sticks to it, even if his word isn't so kind at times."
Only because you do stupid things.
Before anyone could get another word in, it was Rory's turn to talk and she made this apparent as she clasped her hands together.
"Boba is a magnificent warrior, he's relentless, ruthless, and above all unforgiving. He's also...captured my heart. I doubt your bandits will be ready for him should they show up again."
Rory then turned her head towards Boba, her eyes lit up with a smile, looking for the same praise that Lelei had received. The only reaction she got was him slowly shaking his head.
Psychopath.
When it was finally Tuka's turn to talk, or rather what she thought was her turn. She merely looked at Boba and back at the Imperials and nodded her head, her voice barely a whisper.
"Everything they say is true."
Throughout the previous delegations and subsequent talking from the other people present, Rory wasn't the only person that Boba had been keeping his eyes on. He watched the elf as her eyes seemed to wander and occasionally freeze entirely. Her face seemed to be stuck in a perpetual state of being lost, to say it unnerved him was an understatement.
He understood Rory, she was just a very potential threat. Tuka on the other hand, she could be a potential liability. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, her father was dead. Boba had long come to terms with his father's death, in time, she would have to as well. The question remained how she would come to terms with it, and how she would continue to live after that.
Having been thoroughly convinced that Boba wouldn't flip the proverbial script and kill them all, Hamilton and Pina exchanged looks with the countess before returning their gaze to Itami.
"Then we are in agreement, we would like it if you, your men and Boba Fett protected the Southern gate. We will have forces occupying the Eastern gate, should we need your assistance we will call upon you."
Itami nodded and began relaying information to his handset; meanwhile; the girls got up and made their way to the door with Itami following behind. Before Boba could go to exit the room, Myui's voice called out to him.
"Boba Fett?"
Boba promptly turned on his heels as regarded the countess, "Yes?"
"T-thank you."
"For what?"
"For agreeing to help us in our time of need."
"That would be Itami you should be thanking, I'm just doing my job."
"W-well all the same, it's good to know that the fabled Sky Man is here to assist us. Your prowess will help save many lives."
Boba slowly shook his head as he took a step forward, "I'm not a hero and I've never thought of myself as one. Italica will still be standing by tomorrow morning, I can promise you this."
The Countess cocked her head to the side in curiosity as she regarded the strange armored man from another world. "You are an odd man Boba Fett, many warriors have come and gone, but none has ever come upon this estate such as yourself. I'm no warrior, but I know talent when I see it."
Boba merely nodded at the countess before turning his gaze towards Hamilton and Pina, "As for you lot, when the killing starts you and your men would be wise to stay out of my way. I'll handle the rest."
The two women merely nodded, but before Boba could leave there was still one last thing to be said.
"Boba, I apologize for Hamilton's outbursts. Constant fighting has brought us all down to our last legs, I assure you she meant no ill wishes."
Boba made his way to the door and stopped, his helmet slowly turning to look over his shoulder. "The first step on the road to becoming a professional is to master your mind. Only then will everything else fall into place."
With that, the enigmatic bounty hunter left the room.
In the afternoon's setting sun, Boba, the three girls, and RCT3 sat posted along Italica's southern wall. Shortly after the team was given its task, RCT3's trucks rolled in and set up shop in the courtyard now below them. Since then it had been a relatively quiet afternoon.
"Sir, scouts!"
Boba and Itami approached Kuwahara as he looked down the road leading to the southern gate. Sure enough, they could make out three men on horseback just down the road.
"I can't say for sure, but it appears as though their main force is behind them. About 500 or 600 I'd say."
Boba zoomed in with his helmet's rangefinder as he began to target each of the scouts. If there was thing Boba hated, it was being watched, and it just so happened he had a solution to that problem.
"Lieutenant, your rifle."
Itami and Kuwahara looked at Boba with surprised faces as the bounty hunter slung his blaster.
"My rifle? What for?"
"No time to explain Itami. Just do it, I can assure you the fragile balance of power isn't going to be tipped over me seeing a slug thrower."
"Slugthrower?"
"Ballistic weapon, firearm, whatever you want to call it. They're all the same thing."
Unslinging his Type 64, Itami handed the rifle over to Boba's outstretched hand. As the bounty hunter grabbed it by the barrel, he promptly shouldered it and began checking it. Meanwhile, the rest of RCT3 and the three girls watched with curious eyes.
Boba handled it as if he'd known the weapon his entire life, quickly finding the mag release and removing the magazine. He checked the rounds in the magazine for a moment before promptly slamming it back into its waiting receiver. Promptly racking its charging handle back he approached an adjacent column and rested the barrel atop it.
For a few moments he adjusted its iron sights and took a modified shooter's stance, then he flicked the safety off.
In what felt like an instant, five shots rang out. The rifle's retort echoed loudly as the shots rang out in quick succession, causing everyone and some nearby birds to jump.
When the smoke cleared from the weapons barrel, Itami and the rest of the team looked down the road. Two bandits and their mounts now lay dead in the middle of the road, the third pinned under his horse and struggling to free himself.
Boba looked up from the sights, flicked the weapon's safety back to its original position and passed it back to a now confused and somewhat irritated Itami.
"Decent marksman's weapon, little on the heavy side though wouldn't be caught dead lugging this around for too long."
Shouldering the weapon Itami took a step forward, "What the hell was that for? Couldn't you, at least, give us a warning?!"
Itami's irritation promptly stopped as Boba unslung his blaster.
"Making our job easier, give me a moment."
Before Itami or anyone else could say anything Boba had already engaged his jetpack and had flown over to where the bandits were.
"Sir, this man is clearly unhinged! How could you let him do something like that? This makes us look like mindless barbarians!"
Tomita slammed his fist against a nearby wall as he yelled, his anger ever apparent in his voice. "I've taken his cocksure and arrogant attitude as best I can. But I draw the line here!"
Neither Itami nor anyone else responded they were too busy watching the event taking place down the road. As Tomita looked down the road, he soon understood why.
Holding the helpless man in the air by his collar, Boba began relentlessly beating him down. There wasn't a place on the bandit's body that hadn't received a swift clenched fist.
This went on for a few minutes until Boba promptly threw him back down on the ground and pointed down the road. The bandit looked at him and back at the wall for a few moments. Suddenly he began to crawl away away for a few feet and broke off into a run, he didn't make it far before Boba shot him in the leg, his blaster's shriek echoing all the way back to the wall. Forced to limp, the bandit made his way down the road until he was out of sight. Once this was done Boba promptly flew back to the wall, as he landed and dusted himself off he looked at Itami and the others.
"Kuwahara you were correct. The enemy is numbering at least 600 based off what that man was able to tell me."
"Fett, explain yourself!"
Boba slowly turned his helmet towards Tomita, the Sergeant's hands firmly grasping his rifle, his eyes glaring at Boba with anger. Boba shook his head and slowly took a few steps towards the sergeant, the grip on his blaster as casual as ever. Meanwhile, the rest of RCT3 watched with wide eyes, unsure of what to do and how the situation would play out.
"Sergeant...If I didn't know any better, and I usually do. I'd say you're thinking some very hostile thoughts right now."
"What you just did was unnecessary, it gave away our position and more than likely spooked the town's inhabitants. We're here to help and reach out, not be looked at as mindless barbarians!"
Itami had taken a step forward to calm the situation only to be stopped by Boba's outstretched hand and a slow shake of his helmet. Itami merely nodded and returned back to his original place.
"Sergeant Tomita was it? Those bandits already knew we were up here. They have something called a Siren with them, whatever that is."
"A siren is a species of half bird half human creatures, this particular one must have some sort of magical potential if she's able to spot us."
Boba turned to face Lelei as she finished giving her lesson, "Well, that explains that. Thank you Lelei, that creature should be a nice bonus for this job. Now back to the topic at hand, Tomita, as much as I hate explaining myself it seems as though I'll have to. Otherwise, we could just settle this problem another way.."
Tomita stared Boba down with hate filled eyes as the bounty hunter stood there motionlessly.
"Judging by how you're just standing there quietly, I suppose you've chosen the former. Well then, tell me have you ever waged psychological warfare? Ah, who am I kidding of course you haven't. Where I come from fear is a powerful tool, more powerful than any weapon. A battle can be won earlier or prevented altogether once you have power over your enemy's mind. What I just did was instill fear into that man. Hopefully, he does the same for his fellows, well if he makes it that is. Either way, I sent him to deliver a message to give to his comrades. Do you want to know what it was?"
"What did you tell him?"
"That if they set foot anywhere near this town? I'll kill every last one of them."
Tomita and the rest of RCT3 stood there a moment, for all his violent tendencies, the man had a point. What he had told that bandit wasn't just an idle threat either, something told the men and women of RCT3 that he was more than capable of doing so.
Meanwhile, Rory had been giggling the entire time, "He's right you know, fear is a powerful weapon."
That's about the most you and I can agree on.
"All the same Fett, in the future try to warn us about these things. We're a team, if we want to make any progress, we need to communicate better."
Boba turned to face Itami, "You're absolutely right Lieutenant."
Itami stood there flabbergasted he couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"I am?"
"Yes." Suddenly Boba reached into a thigh mounted pouch and took out a small silver rectangular device. Passing it to a confused Itami he began to explain its function.
"Two-way communicator, has a direct link to my helmet and vice versa. Should we get separated during the fight that's about to go down which I'm sure we will, you can use that to relay any information to me."
As Itami eyed the device's various buttons, Boba pointed to one on the device's side, "Press that to talk."
"Uh, hai."
"Well then back to the waiting game, I'm sure our new friends will be here any hour."
As Boba nodded and went to take up a position down the wall, Tomita called out to him one more time.
"Fett, I thought you said your message would frighten the bandits! Why are you saying they'll be here now?"
Boba stopped halfway towards his destination, not even so much as looking over his shoulder.
"I did, now they'll do one of two things. Either they'll heed the message and give up the plunder, which I highly doubt. Or they'll get so angry that one man could threaten an entire force, that they'll come here looking for me. That lust for vengeance will make them sloppy, taking advantage of sloppy performers is another one of my tactics. A professional keeps a calm head in the face of any adversity and I highly doubt they're professionals."
With that Boba made his way down the wall, Lelei following close behind him. As the mysterious bounty hunter continued out of earshot Tomita turned to face Kuwahara and Itami.
"That man...I just don't understand him. It's like he wants to keep playing mind games with us."
Kuwahara took off his helmet and ran a hand through his hair, his gray hair faded with years of service to Japan.
"Nobody does Akira, but that's just it. Once we understand him and accept why he does what he does, I have a feeling he'll begin to respect us more."
"Yeah, well what's so special about that girl? So far she's the only he's been giving any sort of respect to!"
"That girl was the first person he met in this strange new world, she led him to civilization, which in turn led him to us, which in turn might very well lead him to a way back to his own world."
The three men turned to face Kurokawa as she addressed them, her night vision goggles stowed above her helmet.
"I think he's thankful to her in a way, she doesn't seem to care what he does or why he does it. She just accepts him for who he is and is curious to learn more about him. He saved her twice, that's enough to for him to be a friend in her eyes."
The three men merely nodded in agreement before returning to their posts, whatever the chip on Boba's shoulder was, they'd get to that later.
Itami sighed as he took off his helmet, the sun was starting to set and they had a long night ahead. As he fussed with it, Rory giggled as she approached him.
"I can help."
Nightfall...
"Boba?"
"Yes, Lelei?"
"What's your world like?"
Boba held his blaster into the air as he pointed to the night sky with his free hand, "Not a world Lelei, that."
Lelei looked up at the stars with curious eyes as she began to understand what he meant. "The stars?"
"Yes child, the stars. Where I come from I travel them, there's more than one world where I come from. They're called planets, systems. All part of the known galaxy."
I suppose Space Man would be more applicable, but Kurata is an idiot so we won't use that term. Sky Man works fine for me.
Lelei cocked her head to the side in curiosity as she copied the words he said, "Planets? Sis-tems?"
"Yes, this world could be considered a planet. In a system there's usually a group of planets, some planets are just like this one and capable of sustaining life, others are nothing more than giant dust balls. In turn, the systems make up the galaxy."
Lelei scratched her head as she maintained a steady grip on her staff with the other, this was all very confusing to her. Boba noticed this and chuckled. "Ah, science isn't a thing here I'm guessing. I wouldn't stress it too much, it'll be a long, long time before you ever need to worry about any of that."
Probably not in your lifetime.
Lelei nodded as she leaned against the column Boba was next to, "Boba? Does magic exist where you come from?"
The bounty hunter slowly nodded his head, not removing his gaze from the stars. "More or less, but the people who use it are nowhere near as bountiful as they used to be."
Most of whom I've dealt with.
At this remark Lelei's eyes went wide, her questions flying out in rapid succession. "Really? Are they sorcerers like me? What kind of magic do they use? Is your strange weapon magical?"
Boba slowly put a hand out to calm her down, "Slowly child if I explain too much of it, your brain might get overloaded. So we'll start with the basics. Where I come from, magic is known as The Force."
"The Force?"
"Yes, hmm how do I put this? Well, the Force is supposed to be a sort of energy that surrounds all life in the galaxy. Some people have learned how to manipulate this energy and use it to do a variety of things. They're known as Force users."
"Force users?"
"Yes, and they can do all sorts of things Lelei. They can move objects with but a thought, persuade people's minds, there are even those who could cheat death itself."
If you can believe all that jargon. No one ever cheated death when I was involved, except for you Solo. Strange case...
Lelei stood there for a moment as she digested the information. "So are these force users good people?"
Good is a subjective term, and there were far more bad ones than good ones.
"Some, there are two groups of force users. The Jedi and the Sith, the Jedi believe in using the Force for knowledge and the preservation of life. Then there are the Sith, they use the force to conquer. They believe in the idea that might is right."
Which isn't entirely wrong.
"Are you a Jedi? Or a Sith?"
For the first time since he came here, Boba had actually come very close to laughing. To think that he was a force user, though he had to give her credit. He certainly had tools that looked like magical items.
"Neither, but I have fought a few. Even worked for some, the devices I use are known as technology, weapons, and gadgets. They're meant to make things easier for people."
Such as a surprise wrist laser when someone thinks I'm disarmed.
"So is what the JayEssDeeEff use known as technology?"
Boba turned around and nodded at the intelligent girl, "Precisely, though it's at a much lower level than what I'm used to."
"Lower level?"
"Yes, you should be thankful that it isn't any army invading from where I come from. There wouldn't even be a fight, just a one sided massacre all the way towards whatever the capital here is."
The Empire would have rolled right over this world without a second thought.
Lelei stood there silently for a while as she let his words sink in, a place where there were more people like him. It was an intimidating thought to say the least.
"Boba, earlier you mentioned your father. You never answered Itami's question, was he a bounty hunter too?"
Boba froze for a moment, her question had caught him completely off guard. Leaning against the wall, he cradled his blaster.
"Why do you ask so many questions Lelei?"
The young sorceress looked up at him with innocent eyes, had she done something wrong? Boba shook his head and went back to looking out over the wall.
"Yes, he was. And the best too, his name was Jango."
"Jango Fett?"
"Yes."
"What was he like?"
Boba slung his rifle and reached up, releasing the seal on his helmet he took it off and turned to face Lelei. "Just like this."
Lelei once again cocked her head in puzzlement, "What do you mean?"
I'm a clone of my father, an exact genetic replica.
"He looked like me Lelei, he and I are practically indistinguishable. Everything you know about me is all you need to know about him."
Boba promptly put his helmet back on, slung his blaster and went back to looking out over the wall. Things were quiet for a few moments until Lelei asked one last question. The one Boba had been asked one too many a time during his years.
"What happened to him?"
Boba's grip on his blaster tightened as he recounted that day, the moment that would come to define him forever.
"He...was killed. One day his job finally caught up to him, and his luck finally ran out."
Right in front of me...by him.
Boba felt Lelei's small hand touch his arm, "I'm sorry...I shouldn't have asked."
Boba shook his head as he turned around, taking a kneel in front of the young girl. "Don't be, once your words leave your mouth, there's no taking them back. His death is what set me on the path I'm on now, this helmet? This helmet and my face belong to him, so in a way he never truly left me."
Boba extended his hand and ran it through Lelei's hair, her eyes closing as she enjoyed it.
"Just promise me this child, never rely on your magic. One day you'll fight someone who can overcome it, the man who killed my father? His name was Mace Windu, a Jedi. Though I never got to enact my revenge, I did eventually track him down and fight him. All his tricks, all his force abilities? I was able to keep up with them Lelei, him and many others who I'd go to fight later on. Which is why when I look at you sometimes I'm reminded of the Jedi. Respect your powers and be humbled by them. No one will ever fault you for that."
As the bounty hunter stood up he went back to looking out over the wall once more. Things were quiet for a while once more, until Boba heard it.
The ping from one the scout droids he had sent out earlier.
As information began to be fed to his helmet, he turned on his heels and approached Itami and the rest of RCT3.
"Youji they're here. All 600 of them."
Mandalorian Words and Their Translations:
Nayc Ijaat-"No honor"
Gar ash'amur jii-"You die now"
Udes o'r naak verda Ni Kelir gra'tuar gar-"Rest in peace warriors, I will avenge you."