Episode 16 – Seconds In Command
Victory at Calibo! Following a successful mission to shut down a Sith Factory, the legendary 501st Legion is in high demand, repelling encroaching Sith Forces across Republic Space! Meanwhile the elite pilots of Grey Squadron prepare to bring down a Sith Blockade around the Sith Occupied world of Phindar!
On the bridge of the Tatooine Avenger…
Jacen Solo stood at the holotable with Commander Delta and General Veers on either side while a hologram of Jaina Solo stood across from them. A hologram of Phindar was being projected over the table with several red arrows representing Sith forces close together in orbit around the planet. Delta, along with the rest of the 501st Stormtroopers, was now in Phase II Stormtrooper armor that had been customized with the typical navy blue decals of the 501st Legion. He'd also added a grey-blue kama to his uniform. Jacen had adopted a grey-white uniform shirt under a green jacket with the forearm armor and upper chestplate of Phase II Stormtrooper armor. He also wore white Stormtrooper shin guards over a pair of sturdy khaki trousers. He'd swapped out his typical Jedi utility belt for a Stormtrooper utility belt.
"With both of our Nebulas in for repairs, we simply don't have the firepower to take on the Sith fleet guarding Phindar. We managed to get the support of Kento's Liberty Group but Kento himself can't make it. We could use just a little extra support. Any chance we could get the help of the 501st…yeah I still can't believe I'm asking you that question." Jaina said as Jacen nodded in agreement.
"Normally I'd be insulted but for once we're of like mind for a change. Unfortunately, we've just arrived at Taanab to standby in case we're needed to provide support for Admiral Numb's Fourth Fleet Group for a counterattack against the Sith at Roche." Jacen replied, earning a somewhat disappointed look from Jaina.
"Are you sure you can't spare so much as one Star Destroyer? That's all we'd need to pierce the blockade. Then we can begin deploying troops to the surface." Jaina explained as Delta put a hand to his chin in thought.
"Sir, if I may? We could spare our Open Circle Group. They're old but they've been heavily retrofit and should be more than capable of towing the line. What's more, the Acclamators could deploy the ground troops directly the surface, bring in some heavier weaponry. Our marines are already on standby for ship-to-ship combat here. Our invasion forces are mostly relegated to support duty at the moment." Delta explained as Veers nodded in agreement.
"Yes I concur. The Roche system is largely asteroids anyway so we have little need for ground troops at the moment." Veers said as Jaina furrowed her brow.
"Open Circle Group?" she asked.
"It's half of the 501st Fleet Group. It's comprised of the old Venator Star Destroyers and Acclamator Assault Ships still in use from the Clone Wars. The ships might be old but they're versatile. Sith Cruisers still can't hold a candle to a Venator and the old Acclamators can even hold their own against a Sith Destroyer. The Open Circle Group usually serves as our invasion force and seeing as how we're looking to be doing a lot of ship-to-ship combat, there's not much use for them in this instance except for providing a few extra turbolasers." Jacen explained as Jaina sighed with slight relief.
"We'll take all we can get. The sooner they get here the better. The people of Phindar won't last much longer. The Sith appointed governor seems to be a real psychopath." Jaina replied as Jacen nodded understandingly.
"Right. I'll send Tahiri along with the Open Circle Group as soon as possible. Solo out." Jacen said as Jaina and the hologram of Phindar disappeared. Delta and Veers were both exchanging skeptical looks.
"Sir, with all due respect, are you sure you want to send the Commander? She's had no experience leading soldiers into combat short of the fight on Calibo." Delta commented as Jacen started heading for the front of the bridge, Delta and Veers following after him.
"I understand your trepidation, Commander but bear in mind that I've got just as much experience as she has. We've all got to learn some time." Jacen said as Delta relaxed slightly.
"Then might I suggest assigning her an adjutant?" Delta asked, earning a curious look from Jacen.
"A what?" he asked.
"An adjutant. Someone to assist the Commanding Officer like Commander Delta does with you." Veers explained. Jacen immediately gave Delta another curious look.
"You're my adjutant?" he asked, earning only a silently raised eyebrow from Delta as Veers continued.
"I believe I can cite a better example. Until recently General Kento Marek of the Liberty Fleet Group and Boma Company has employed the use of the Bounty Hunter Ailyn Vel as a second-in-command and adjutant as she has far more experience in matters such as general warfare." Veers said as a look of realization swept Jacen's face.
"Ah now that explains it. I suppose you have someone in mind for Tahiri, Commander?" Jacen asked Delta.
"Captain Phasma, my second-in-command." Delta replied as Jacen gave an approving nod.
"If you think he'll work then make the arrangements." Jacen instructed as he started to double back for the turbolifts.
"Her, sir." Delta replied, causing Jacen to pause and turn back towards him.
"Her?" Jacen asked.
"Phasma, sir. He is a she. War orphan adopted as an infant by some of our non-cloned Legion members. Family was killed during an Imperial reprisal against the New Republic sometime after Endor. Records were lost during the attack so we took her in. She's quite literally been raised since infancy to be a Stormtrooper. And on a personal note, she is one of the finest soldiers I've ever had the privilege of serving with." Delta explained, much to Jacen's surprise.
"Then she's the best choice. Make the arrangements." Jacen ordered before headed to the turbolifts.
…
Down in the Avenger's Galley, Tahiri as grimacing at the taste of a sort of grey putty-like substance. It was a nutritional supplement that most of the Stormtroopers had been practically raised on. A single bowl provided all of the nutrients of a balanced meal. Tahiri was quite certain they'd just taken a bunch of pill form supplements and ground them up to make the putty. Tahiri was now wearing a black TIE Pilot's jumpsuit minus the extra piloting gear, a black officer's jacket, and sturdy white Phase II Snowtrooper boots. As she gagged on the paste, one of the Stormtroopers approached and proceeded to stand next to her at attention.
"Commander. Captain Phasma, reporting for duty." The trooper said with an obvious High Coruscanti accent and a distinctly feminine voice. Tahiri paused and looked up at the trooper curiously. She couldn't have heard the voice right. Phasma wore solid white Phase II Stormtrooper armor with no decorations or customizations save for a white cape with black edging draped over her left shoulder, marking her as a Captain.
"Uh…" Tahiri stammered, confused. Phasma merely remained standing at attention. Tahiri was still confused as the doors to the galley opened, causing the entire roomful of people to stand at attention as Jacen entered. Jacen paused, not used to this kind of reaction.
"As you were." Jacen stated as he approached Tahiri, the men returning to their meals.
"Ah good, Captain Phasma. I assume Delta gave you your instructions." Jacen said as Phasma turned towards him.
"Yes sir. I am to serve as Commander Velia's second-in-command for the duration of our assignment to Phindar." Phasma replied as Jacen nodded but Tahiri seemed even more confused.
"Good. Tahiri, Phasma, come on. Your transport's waiting." Jacen said as Tahiri rose from her table, hurrying after Jacen while Phasma followed close behind.
"Wait, transport? What transport? Where are we going? Phindar?" Tahiri asked.
"I'm putting you in command of the Open Circle Group. You're to help Jaina and Grey Group lift the siege at Phindar and aid in the liberation of the planet from Sith forces." Jacen explained as Tahiri straightened the black officer's jacket.
"Oh so I'm getting my own command too now?" She asked.
"Temporarily. Captain Phasma here has been assigned to act as your adjutant and second-in-command for the duration of the assignment. Jaina's in charge of the mission overall so you'll be taking her orders. That's not going to be a problem is it?" Jacen asked but Tahiri gave a confident smile and shook her head.
"Come on, when have I ever let you down?" Tahiri asked as Jacen scratched his head.
"Fair point but don't be too cocky. We're both inexperienced when it comes to warfare. One victory is not enough to give us a lifetime of experience. Listen to whatever Phasma has to say. Commander Delta says she's one of the finest officers he's ever served with and I trust his judgement." Jacen explained as they reached the hangar where several AALs were being loaded with additional Stormtroopers for the Open Circle Group.
"Okay." Tahiri replied, still a little unsure of Phasma, glancing at the Captain as she dutifully followed behind them.
"I will do my best, General." Phasma said as they reached one of the AALs.
"I have no doubts about that." Jacen commented as the two started to board the AAL.
"Oh and Tahiri, remember that the Force will be with you, always." Jacen said as Tahiri gave a two-fingered salute towards him as she climbed up the ramp, the AAL's engines already starting up.
...
Later, the Open Circle Group had made the jump to lightspeed. Open Circle Group consisted of two Venator Star Destroyers and four Acclamator Assault Ships with a few smaller craft as escorts. The paint schemes on the ships were reminiscent of their Clone War era paint schemes only in the dark blue used by the Legion and with the Legion insignia in place of the red Open Circle Fleet insignia. Walking the halls of the lead Venator, the Revenant, was Tahiri, accompanied by Phasma. Tahiri was exploring the ship to learn her way around. The interior layout wasn't too drastic a departure from the newer Imperial-II Star Destroyers so it was a little easier to deduce where things were. Despite its age, the nearly 50-year-old vessel was in pristine shape. It looked as shiny as the day it had first launched during the Clone Wars.
"Soooooo, your name is Phasma?" Tahiri asked, still not quite sure what to make of the female Stormtrooper.
"Yes Commander. Captain Phasma, designia-." Phasma said but was interrupted by Tahiri.
"Whoa hold on. No numbers please. I asked a few other Stormies what their names were and I just got a bunch of numbers before I got to an actual name. Gave me a headache." Tahiri said.
"Of course, Commander." Phasma replied, earning a slightly exasperated sigh from Tahiri.
"And you don't have to call me Commander. I'd prefer it if you called me Tahiri." Tahiri replied.
"As you wish, Commander Tahiri." Phasma replied, causing Tahiri to face palm.
"Oye this is going to be a long mission isn't it." She mumbled to herself before glancing up at Phasma.
"I don't want to sound rude, but I'm a little surprised that there's a female Stormtrooper. I mean I'd heard there were female Stormtroopers before but I didn't think there'd be one in the 501st. Are they cloning females now?" Tahiri asked, curiously.
"I take no offense to the question, Commander. And with all due respect, I am not a clone." Phasma explained as they continued walking the halls.
"You're not? Huh. When did the 501st started taking applications?" Tahiri asked.
"We don't. I was adopted by the Legion. My family was killed during the Imperial Reprisals after the Battle of Jakku." Phasma explained as Tahiri looked at her curiously with a look of surprise.
"You were one of the Reprisal Orphans? I'd heard about them. Imperial Warlords would conscript entire families save for only the youngest of children and force them to fight against the Republic. Whenever they realized the Republic would win, they started slaughtering the people in anger. Left thousands of orphaned children." Tahiri said as Phasma gave a slow nod.
"I don't remember the Reprisals, personally. I don't even remember my parents. I was only an infant at the time. All I've known is my duty." Phasma replied.
"Sounds a bit…Imperial if you ask me." Tahiri said.
"To an outsider, perhaps. But we aren't forced to remain. There are other orphans adopted by the Legion, adopted from countless different worlds. Some don't remain in the Legion and others do. You've heard of Senator Etan? The Senator representing Kamino? He's like me. An orphan adopted by the Legion. He opted out of the Stormtrooper Corps when he was five but he is still a good friend of the Legion." Phasma explained.
"Oh so it's not unlike the Jedi Order. The Jedi adopt Force Sensitive children who have no one else to turn to. We don't take them from families though. We're not like the old order." Tahiri explained as Phasma gave a nod.
"I believe it was Lord Skywalker who came up with the adoption programs for both the New Jedi Order and the Legion." Phasma explained as they reached the bridge, one of the bridge officers approaching.
"Commander, we're ETA sixty seconds and counting. We've received word that Grey Group and Liberty Group have already engaged the Sith Forces." The officer reported as Tahiri and Phasma approached the holotable.
"Understood. Sound general quarters. Standby to engage hostile forces and prepare fighters for deployment." Phasma ordered, the ship went into red alert, alarms sounding across the ship while the crews rushed to their stations. Phasma then turned towards Tahiri.
"Commander, with your permission, I would like to take the lead on commanding our orbital forces." Phasma said as Tahiri shrugged.
"Works for me. I suck at flying anyway. I work better on the front lines, up close and personal." Tahiri said, patting her lightsaber. Phasma gave a nod and turned back towards the table, entering a few commands, causing a hologram of the Open Circle Group ships to appear one-by-one in blue colored holograms.
"Open Circle Ships, prepare to drop out of hyperspace on my command. Stand by." Phasma said over the comms, the holograms turning from blue to green as the ships confirmed Phasma's orders.
"Disengage in five…four…three…two…mark!" Phasma ordered, the ships dropping out of hyperspace right smack in the center of a pitched battle between the Republic forces and the Sith Fleet guarding Phindar. The turbolaser and laser fire was flying in all directions while fighters from both sides swarmed through the space around them. Phasma then entered a few commands to the holotable.
"This is Captain Phasma of the Five-hundred-and-first Legion's Open Circle Group. We are on station and engaging enemy forces with extreme prejudice. May the Force be with us." Phasma said over the comms, holograms of Admirals Toba and Moor appearing across from them at the holotable.
"Captain, your timing couldn't be better. The Sith fleet is employing a most brutal but effective strategy. We received this transmission from the Sith appointed governor shortly after we arrived in the system." Admiral Toba reported, entering commands from his own holotable which caused the hologram of the Open Circle Group to disappear and be replaced by a hologram of a Phindian man of advanced years with tattoos along one side of his head.
"Republic scum, you think you can defeat the Sith Empire. Well, allow Moralo Eval to prove you wrong. Each of our cruisers and destroyers are carrying two hundred women and children apiece, taken from their families. Destroy our ships and you will be killing innocents and since you wouldn't dare harm innocents, you have no choice but to withdraw." The Phindian man said with a dark grin, the hologram disappearing.
"Our sensors have confirmed his statements. We're picking up an excess of over two hundred lifeforms apiece on their ships all confined within specific areas of their ships. General Solo is working to try and find a way to disable their ships. We cannot afford to destroy them." Kasan Moor reported as Tahiri stepped towards the front of the bridge, looking out at the battle raging outside.
"Understood Admirals. Open Circle Group is targeting their starfighter compliments. Our boarding teams will be prepared to engage. Unfortunately, our estimates indicate that the number of civilian casualties will be high." Phasma reported. The conversation between Phasma and the Admirals seemed to fade away for Tahiri as the Padawan reached the front of the bridge, looking out at the Sith Capital ships before them. Something was off, and she could tell it. She reached out with the Force, sensing something wasn't right about what they had been told. Finally, Tahiri turned towards one of the NCOs manning the sensor controls down in one of the "pits" of the Destroyer's bridge.
"Hey, can we verify those civilian lifeforms on those ships?" Tahiri asked the NCO, a Fett Clone, who looked up at her for a moment before looking back at his console, entering information into it.
"Standby Commander." He replied, entering information for a moment before looking back up at her.
"Confirmed. Two hundred additional life forms on each Sith Capital Class vessel." The NCO reported but Tahiri didn't seem convinced. Tahiri instead turned and headed back towards the holotable but walked past, heading towards one of the communications control stations near the back of the bridge. Phasma watched her pass, her expression unreadable due to her helmet but it was clear she was curious.
"I need to get in touch with Jedi Knight Jaina Solo. She's probably flying an X-Wing right now." Tahiri said to one of the communications officers. The officer nodded and wordlessly started working on the controls.
"General Solo coming on now, Commander." The officer replied as a viewscreen showing a live feed of Jaina in her cockpit came on.
"This is Grey Leader! Speak quickly Revenan-…Oh Tahiri it's you!" Jaina commented, chancing a glance at the small viewscreen in her cockpit.
"Jaina, am I the only one feeling something off about that Sith's claim that they've got their ships loaded down with civilians?!" Tahiri asked as Jaina scowled, weaving slightly as her fighter banked hard.
"Nope, you're not the only one. Force I'm glad you're here. X3 was feeling something off too so three strikes, they're out! We need to verify those signals!" Jaina said back as Phasma approached.
"How do we verify the validity of the information?" Phasma asked as Tahiri looked at Jaina on the viewscreen.
"Let me get back with you Jaina." Tahiri said, the transmission ending as Tahiri and Phasma approached the holotable.
"Phasma, how would the Empire have verified the information?" Tahiri asked.
"They wouldn't have concerned themselves with civilians, Commander. They would've slaughtered them to get past, likely labeling the civilians as subversives or Rebels." Phasma replied as Tahiri scratched her head in thought.
"Okay wrong question. How would the Empire search for the Rebels back during the Rebellion era?" Tahiri asked.
"It would depend on the situation. For example, the Empire located Echo Base on Hoth using Probe Droids." Phasma replied as Tahiri thought for a moment.
"Not much chance we could use them here…or can we?" Tahiri asked, noticing the Revenant's holographic display of its systems.
"Commander?" Phasma asked as she followed after the Padawan.
"Phasma do we have any probe droids?" Tahiri asked, looking the ship's schematics over.
"Fully stocked, Commander. Over thirty Viper Class Probe Droids, all fully operational. They're Empire Surplus." Phasma reported as Tahiri turned back towards her.
"Is there any way for us to get a probe droid onto those ships and get us a more direct scan?" Tahiri asked. Phasma glanced up at the schematics in thought for a moment before turning and heading towards the holotable again.
"I believe we can, Commander. The probe droids are deployed using specially designed hyperspace pods, capable of withstanding extreme impacts. Long range armor piercing missiles with a non-lethal payload in a sense. We could program the pods to collide with the Sith vessels and have the probes perform a scan up front. Permission to speak freely Commander?" Phasma asked as Tahiri gave her a nod.
"Yeah?"
"You are assuming the sensor readings are inaccurate?" Phasma asked as Tahiri gestured towards the communications console.
"Not just me. Jaina and X3 all sense something in the Force! There's something wrong with our sensor readings." Tahiri said as Phasma turned towards the holotable.
"It is possible to fool sensors by using automated transponders to transmit false sensor readings. If we can prove the use of transponders, we can get the transponder frequency and transmit a feedback pulse to disable them." Phasma commented, confusing Tahiri.
"In basic?" she asked.
"We'll be able to see which readings are accurate and which are false." Phasma replied as Tahiri gave an approving nod, Phasma working at the holo-table.
"Revenant Actual to all Open Circle Ships, prepare all probe pods for launch! Set them for these coordinates." Phasma commanded. Tahiri ran back towards the communications console.
"Let General Solo know that we're working on something and that we need her to buy us some time." Tahiri said to the communications officer.
"Yes, Commander." The officer replied before Tahiri hurried back towards Phasma.
"Do we have any information about the Sith Governor? This Moralo Eval?" Tahiri asked as Phasma gave a nod.
"Yes, Commander, we do." Phasma replied as they turned towards the holotable which projected a hologram of a significantly younger Moralo Eval, at least forty years younger.
"Moralo Eval, born on Phindar roughly eighty years ago, exact date of birth is unknown. Convicted numerous times of heinous crimes including but not limited to murder of all degrees, manslaughter, conspiring to assassinate the Old Republic Chancellor, crimes against the Old Republic, crimes against the Empire, crimes against the New Republic, and countless sapient rights violations. He's marked by Lord Skywalker himself as an especially dangerous criminal." Phasma explained.
"Quite a rap sheet." Tahiri commented.
"His record extends to before the Clone Wars. Lord Skywalker personally had at least one run in with Eval. The encounter led to Eval's arrest. After the Clone Wars, Eval escaped from prison and all records of him cease here until recently." Phasma explained as Tahiri looked out the viewports.
"I think we can figure out what happened to him. Sith recruited him." Tahiri said as one of the bridge officers approached.
"Commander, we believe we may have identified the Sith Flagship." The officer reported, entering commands on the holotable.
"Which is it?" Tahiri asked as the holotable displayed a hologram of a Hammer Class Factory Ship.
"We traced the transmission sent by the Sith Governor to this factory ship on the back lines. We've analyzed the signal and can confirm that the transmission was not relayed from the surface. Moralo Eval is on board that factory ship." The officer reported.
"Prepare all marine forces for boarding actions and prepare AALs for departure." Phasma ordered, the officer saluting and departing immediately.
"That's good news, right? We can go directly after Eval on his ship?" Tahiri asked. Phasma quietly zoomed the hologram of the factory ship out to show the rest of the fleets in the space over Phindar. The factory ship was located at the very back of the Sith blockade.
"Ah, of course. Cowering behind his hostages. Any chance we could disable those ships without harming the hostages?" Tahiri asked.
"It would take heavy ion cannon fire to disable the fleet. Even so, it would be very difficult to save all of the hostages. Even if we were to disable their ships, the crews could still execute the hostages. Commander, it is very unlikely that we will rescue all of the hostages." Phasma replied as Tahiri pondered, looking at the hologram of the Sith fleet formation.
"What if we disabled only a few ships, making a safe route to Moralo's flagship? We take him down and the blockade is thrown into disarray." Tahiri suggested as another officer approached.
"All ships have signaled that their probe pods are ready for deployment." The officer replied, Phasma looking to Tahiri, expecting her to answer.
"Launch." Tahiri said as the officer saluted and returned to his post. Tahiri then turned to the holotable.
"Get me General Solo again." Tahiri said, a hologram of Jaina in a seated position while manipulating a control stick appearing near the table.
"Go ahead, Tahiri." Jaina said.
"We're about to make a run on their flagship, we'll need escort. Think you and Grey Squadron can handle it?" Tahiri asked with a challenging smile as Jaina smirked.
"Bring it. Grey Squadron will stand by." Jaina said before ending the transmission. Tahiri then turned to Phasma.
"Come on, we better get to the transports." She said, Phasma quickly following her out of the bridge just as swarms of probe pods were deployed from the Open Circle ships, the pods streaking towards the Sith Capital Ships, smashing into their hulls. On the bridge of the factory ship, Moralo Eval observed this with a suspicious gaze.
"What were those missiles that struck our ships?" Moralo asked one of the bridge officers.
"Sensors indicated that they were hyperspace pods for old Imperial Viper Probe Droids." The officer reported as Moralo pondered. On one of the Sith Destroyers, the damage to the ship from the pod's collision had been extraordinary, leaving a veritable tunnel through several decks leading into the vacuum of space. The probe droid itself was unharmed and was now floating through one of the empty corridors, its occupants having been sucked out into space from the hull breach. It followed the life-form signal to its source which wasn't far from its point of impact. It passed through an emergency forcefield meant to protect against hull breaches and emergency depressurizations, floating through into a cargo hold that was virtually empty save for a signal transmitter and a small generator. A couple of Sith Technicians were startled by the probe droid, especially as the droid's proximity alarms went off, the droid firing its small blaster at them, killing one while the other fled. Its antennae then extended into transmission mode, broadcasting in its unique droid speak. On the Revenant, Tahiri, Phasma, and several 501sts stood inside the main hold of an AAL, a hologram of the droid's transmission being projected from a projector in the ceiling. Several more holo-feeds from the other droids, all showing identical transmitters and generators on the other ships.
"I knew it! It was a trick!" Tahiri exclaimed as Phasma put a hand to her helmet.
"Relay the probe droid feeds to the Falon Grey and the Liberty. Make sure Admirals Moor and Toba see this. All ships, you are clear to engage the enemy with extreme prejudice. Shoot to kill authorization has been granted." Phasma ordered as the boarding ramp to the AAL started to close. Tahiri pulled her comlink from her belt.
"Jaina, we were right! They were using automated transponders to fool our sensor readings! The ships are empty! There are no hostages, repeat there are no hostages!" Tahiri said.
"Copy that! Grey Squadron form up near the Revenant! We've got boarding parties to escort!" Jaina said as Tahiri pocketed her comlink with a relieved smile.
"Excellent call, Commander. General Solo seems to have been wise in selecting you for this mission." Phasma said as the AAL shook beneath them, beginning to take off, a live holofeed of the cockpit view appearing over the boarding ramp.
"Hang on in there!" the pilot said as the AAL followed several others along with several 501st X-Wings as they exited the Revenant's hangar. Tahiri saw Jaina and Grey Squadron forming up along with them.
"Good morning, Landers! We'll guide you in!" X3 said over the comms.
"We're on your tail, Grey-1. We'll provide whatever support we can but stay close." The AAL Commander replied. Phasma then looked to Tahiri.
"Commander, you might want to consider taking the turret." Phasma suggested, motioning to a periscoping control set in the roof.
"Right." Tahiri said, one of the troopers pulling the controls down for her. Tahiri took the controls, looking at the screen on which showed a live feed from the turret's camera.
"Lander-2 we have three incoming on your nine! Watch yourself!" Porky commented over the comms. Tahiri spun the turret around to her left and saw the three Sith TIEs inbound.
"Target locked!" Tahiri reported, opening fire with the blaster cannon, the first volley impacting the center fighter, cutting through its shields before clipping one of its wings, sending it spiraling out of control into the hull of a Republic Corvette.
"Nice shot Lander-2!" Porky complimented as his Y-Wing appeared on Tahiri's scope, taking down one of the TIEs while the ion-cannon disabled the other.
"I think I'm getting the hang of this!" Tahiri said with a grin. She glanced through the battle to see the Republic's Capital Ships moving in on the Sith Blockade, opening fire on their ships. With the ruse of the fake civilian hostages having been discovered, they didn't have to hold back and within minutes, two of the Sith's Star Destroyers were in flames, with Republic Bombers pounding the capital ships while smaller corvettes and frigates were free to move in. The AALs and their Grey Squadron escorts were clearing the path through the Sith lines towards the factory ship. The Liberty was leading a phalanx attack towards the factory ship, its turbolasers ripping through the Sith's capital ships while the other Venator and two of the Acclamator Assault Ships provided additional firepower.
"Sir, we're almost to the factory vessel." Phasma reported as Tahiri headed back to the front, having scored a couple more kills by this point, one of the other troopers taking over the turret.
"Any ideas about how much resistance we'll be facing?" Tahiri asked.
"Likely a surplus of engineers with a standard security team for a vessel like this. We should be cautious though, it is a factory ship. It is entirely likely we will be facing some of their war machines inside." Phasma replied as Tahiri gave a nod.
"Good to know. May the Force be with us." Tahiri said.
"Agreed." Phasma replied as they saw the factory ship approaching on the holo-feed. They saw Jaina's XJ3 X-Wing and two other Grey Squadron X-Wings fly past, knocking out the deflector shields on the factory ship's hangar bays, allowing the AALs to land. The holo-feed suddenly deactivated, the hold suddenly becoming bathed in red light from overhead.
"Red light! Check your weapons and standby to engage!" Phasma ordered as she and the troopers checked their blasters and braced themselves for the imminent fight. Tahiri unclipped her lightsaber, holding it ready as they felt the AAL touch down beneath them. The red light suddenly turned green just seconds before the boarding ramp fell open, revealing a hangar in chaos. The hangar personnel were fighting back as 501sts stormed out of the landers, opening fire on the Sith Forces. Tahiri activated her lightsaber and charged out, followed closely by Phasma and her troops.
"Let's go!" Tahiri shouted as they chased the Sith crewmen towards the corridors of the factory ship.
"Secure this hangar! Don't let them reclaim it!" Phasma ordered as some of the AALs took off and left the hangar, allowing more landers to touch down, deploying more 501sts. A few Republic U-Wings and Krayt Gunships even started touching down, deploying some Republic Marines.
"Where do we go from here?!" Tahiri asked, deflecting blaster fire as Phasma fired from behind the relative safety of Tahiri's lightsaber.
"The bridge would be the most logical solution, Commander!" Phasma replied as Tahiri gave a nod.
"Right, let's go!" she replied, leading the charge of Stormtroopers towards a large door that led to a large hallway meant for larger vehicles to pass through on their way to the hangars. The Sith Engineers were already erecting crude barricades using cargo containers, troop transports, and cargo haulers. A couple of freshly finished Strike Walkers lacking their chin weaponry were already moving into position to try and block the boarding parties from getting any further.
"Take cover!" Tahiri ordered.
"Riot teams! To the front!" Phasma ordered, several 501sts with white riot shields and blasters moving up and taking point, forming moving barricades for the other marines to fire from. Tahiri started looking around for something that could offer a makeshift cover. She looked up and saw a large crane on its track overhead, the crane connected to rails on the walls. She pointed to the crane.
"There! Bring that crane down! That'll give us some cover!" Tahiri ordered, Phasma making several hand gestures to the forces behind them before motioning to the supports on the crane. Two 501sts with shoulder mounted rocket launchers quickly stepped out behind the cover of a few Riot Troopers, Tahiri providing cover of her own. One of the rocket troopers lined up his shot and fired, the rocket smashing into the support on the opposite end of the room, the crane groaning under its own weight, bowing slightly towards the ground. The second trooper was lining up his shot when he took a blaster bolt to the face, killing him instantly but firing the rocket in surprise. The rocket hit the track just short of the crane, the crane groaning, sparks flying from where the crane met the track. Tahiri could tell it was damaged and loose, it just needed something to add enough weight to bring it crashing down.
"Phasma! I need cover!" Tahiri yelled.
"Tarpor! Helix! Cover the Commander!" Phasma barked, two of the riot troopers moving to stand in front of Tahiri. She quickly deactivated her lightsaber, clipping it to her belt as she reached out with the Force, grabbing hold of the crane at the weakened supports, pulling on it. The crane groaned under the increased weight before the supports finally gave way, the crane coming crashing down.
"Heads up!" Phasma yelled just seconds before the crane completely hit the ground. The Republic Marines quickly took advantage of the twisted wreckage, taking up defensive positions within the crane, firing at the Sith forces. Tahiri leapt onto the wreckage, deflecting blaster fire while Phasma approached with a rocket launcher, targeting one of the strike walkers, firing the rocket which obliterated the walker, the explosion dislodging some of the Sith's barricades slightly. Phasma then ducked down behind the crashed crane, her hand to her helmet.
"This is Phasma, please repeat." She said into her helmet comlink. Tahiri dropped down next to her as Phasma listened in.
"Understood. Send it in." Phasma said before turning towards Tahiri.
"Commander, we've just received some additional support. One of our Sentinel Class Landers got through the blockade into the hangar." Phasma reported.
"What kind of additional support?" Tahiri asked. That's when she heard it, a loud metallic jingling. She turned towards the large cargo doors leading in from the hangar just in time for an AT-ST in 501st colors to come stalking out from the hangar, it's head swiveling towards the Sith barricades, opening fire with its chin guns, destroying the remaining strike walker in the second volley. The AT-ST's height allowed it to fire over the fallen crane with ease. A second AT-ST entered, causing Tahiri to grin.
"Alright now this is what I'm talking about! Sound an advance! Drive them back!" Tahiri ordered, quickly bounding up onto the crane and then onto the roof of the second AT-ST. The walkers began to easily step up onto the crane, firing as they walked, clearing the crane and leading the charge as the Republic Forces stormed the factory ship, the Sith forces falling back.
…
Up on the bridge Eval watched his men retreating from the Republic forces within the ship with a look of intrigue on his face.
"Sir, the main enemy force has breached the forward factory floor. Secondary forces have infiltrated the detention levels and starboard crew quarters. The refinery levels are under threat as well." One of the Sith bridge officers reported.
"Send in the Butcher Droids. They will make short work of their soldiers." Moralo said with a demented chuckle, grinning at the displays, watching the one of Tahiri and Phasma intently.
"We shall see if the Jedi can defeat Moralo Eval this time." Moralo commented to no one in particular.
…
Down in the lower levels of the ship, the Republic's advance was steady, the Sith falling back further into the ship's factory levels. They had advanced into one of the assembly areas for the Sith's war machines and equipment. There were a few partially assembled Sith walkers along with large racks of blaster rifles, all missing their tibanna gas cartridges, sat waiting to be loaded and packaged into nearby shipping containers. Some speeder bikes missing their engines sat on a maintenance rack nearby.
"We've got them on the run! Press forward!" Tahiri yelled with Phasma barking out orders to the 501sts. The Sith were fleeing towards a large set of cargo doors leading into one of the production facilities, the doors opening for the retreating Sith. When they did though, there were several tall lanky metal figures that came charging out from within at a high rate of speed, each with vibroblades and riot shields.
"BUTCHER DROIDS!" one of the marines yelled as Phase I Dark Troopers came charging at them, cutting down the Republic forces. Tahiri looked and saw three troopers firing at one of the droids but it hid behind its shield, charged forward, knocking one to the floor before delivering a quick slash to the other two and then running the one on the ground through. Tahiri went running towards it, spinning her lightsaber and ducking a swing from the droid, easily cutting off its arm, disorienting the machine before stabbing it through the back. She saw two more droids approaching her but saw a legless strike walker dangling overhead on an overhead track. She quickly used the Force to crush the grappler holding the torso of the walker in place, the torso falling and crushing the droids underneath.
"Commander! Watch your flank!" Phasma called, Tahiri turning in time to see an approaching Dark Trooper get shot through the back by Phasma. At the same time, another Butcher Droid was heading towards Phasma. Tahiri reared back her lightsaber and sent it spinning through the air, the lightsaber cutting the droid in half before it could reach Phasma, the droid's upper torso landing at Phasma's feet.
"Thanks!" Tahiri commented as she heard the thumping of the AT-ST's grenade launcher, lobbing several canister grenades into the assembly area, the grenades detonating and taking a line of approaching droids with it. The walkers suddenly came under fire from four Phase II Dark Troopers and their massive repeating blaster cannons. The first walker was downed in seconds due to the sustained and concentrated blaster fire but the other walker managed to blow one of the droids away as it backed into cover.
"Commander, take cover!" Phasma called, Tahiri quickly sliding into cover behind the fallen strike walker torso.
"How do we fight these things?!" Tahiri asked into her comlink.
"Their rate of fire is too high for you to survive a sustained assault! We'll need a distraction!" Phasma said but Tahiri saw the Dark Troopers stepping beneath the maintenance rack of speeder bikes.
"Phasma, tell the men to aim for the supports on that maintenance rack!" Tahiri said, Phasma motioning to her men as they huddled behind cover, motioning towards the supports. The Stormtroopers quickly opened fire on the supports, the blaster fire damaging the supports which finally gave way, sending the speeder bikes sliding down the rack and onto two of the Dark Troopers, one of them being impaled on the steering vane of one of the bikes while the other was immobilized beneath some of the bikes. The immobilized Dark Trooper was finally destroyed as the surviving AT-ST emerged from hiding and obliterated both it and the third and final droid. With the path now clear of the Dark Troopers, another wave of 501sts and Marines came charging up from the hangars, rushing past Tahiri as Phasma approached her.
"Commander, we have taken the detention levels and their starboard crew quarters. Our fleets have broken their lines and are funneling additional reinforcements to the factory ship. Command has ordered this ship be seized in the name of the Republic." Phasma reported.
"Good." Tahiri said as she caught her breath, leaning against the incomplete walker torso behind her.
"Do you need a moment to rest, Commander?" Phasma asked.
"I shouldn't. The men need me on the front lines." Tahiri said but Phasma didn't seem convinced.
"Your presence on the front lines is unnecessary, Commander. If we are needed, we will be notified. Take a moment to rest, Commander." Phasma said as Tahiri chuckled.
"You're not supposed to give me orders, Captain." She said with a grin.
"My apologies Commander, but as your adjutant it is my duty to insure your wellbeing and to advise you when necessary." Phasma replied, Tahiri sighing, watching the AT-ST walk past towards the production floor.
"Alright you win, I surrender." Tahiri deadpanned as she sat down on the floor, pulling one of her provisions capsules from her belt, downing its contents. Phasma stood dutifully at her side, watching the front lines.
"So how come your armor's not all marked up like the others? Isn't there some kind of regulation for that?" Tahiri asked, Phasma looking down at her for a moment before looking back towards the front.
"Officers have near-complete autonomy in decorating their armor. I am not in any violation of any uniform codes or regulations." Phasma replied as Tahiri chuckled again.
"So in other words, you simply haven't decided how to decorate your uniform. Am I wrong?" Tahiri asked, Phasma looking at her again, her expression unreadable due to her helmet but Tahiri could sense she had struck a chord with her. Phasma looked back towards the front lines again.
"That is…not an inaccurate assessment." Phasma replied softly. She then looked towards Tahiri.
"Commander, might I trouble you for your opinion on the matter?" Phasma asked but Tahiri shook her head.
"I can suggest anything I wanted to but it wouldn't be you. I've seen enough of you and your fellow 501sts that armor customization is an expression of your individuality in a sea of uniformity. Your armor has to introduce yourself on sight. Make it impossible for anyone to mistake you for someone else or for being just one among many." Tahiri said as Phasma looked at her silently.
"You already stand out. A woman Stormtrooper. I know they existed in the old Empire but they so rarely held such positions of authority or command." Tahiri said.
"Or perhaps asking for your superior's opinion on such a decision could be considered an expression of respect for said superior." Phasma said as Tahiri smiled up at her.
"Alright then…" Tahiri said, standing up, looking at the cape on Phasma's side.
"…I think you need a different cape. The black and white doesn't work. Personally, I think black and red would work better for you, but that's my opinion." Tahiri said as Phasma glanced at her cape.
"Your input is noted, Commander." Phasma said as Tahiri shrugged.
"Well, you asked. Alright, your turn. Any advice for me? Anything I can improve? Start doing? Stop doing?" Tahiri asked.
"It's not my place, Commander." Phasma said but Tahiri laughed.
"Oh-ho no, you're not copping out that easily. Come on. Don't make me pull rank. Permission to speak freely." Tahiri said as Phasma looked at her.
"Off the record?" Phasma asked.
"Off the record." Tahiri replied.
"You have a tendency towards recklessness. Bringing down that crane was beneficial in the long run but forced us to limit ourselves to using walkers for our heavy weapons. We had a couple of fighter tanks from the Mandalorians standing by to assist in the push. The collapsed crane blocked their access until we can clear the debris. This wasn't anything you could have known about. It was not even a guarantee that we could get the walkers or the tanks here in the first place. As a leader, you need to be able to consider as many angles as you can as fast as possible before making a decision and acting on it." Phasma said as Tahiri shrugged.
"My Masters have taught me to act on instinct at times. Bringing down the crane was what my instincts told me to do." Tahiri said as Phasma glanced away.
"Instinct can sometimes be deceiving." Phasma said as Tahiri shrugged.
"Maybe. But we can continue this conversation another time. My instincts now tell me we should get back up to the front. Take the heat off the men. Besides, we've got that juma head Eval to take care of. You ready?" Tahiri asked as Phasma checked her rifle, raising it towards the cargo doors.
"You lead, Commander, and I will follow." Phasma said as Tahiri smirked and activated her lightsaber, the two charging towards the front lines.
…
Up on the bridge of the vessel, Moralo Eval slammed his fists into the holo-table displays in frustration.
"No! The Jedi will not thwart Moralo Eval again!" Eval growled as one of the bridge officers approached.
"Sir, the Republic have broken our lines! We have numerous transports inbound and the enemy capital ships are moving to form a perimeter around us! Our surface forces have no air support to spare, and our long-range sensors have picked up another fleet of Republic forces approaching at lightspeed! We think it's the rest of the Five-Hundred-and-First Legion!" the officer reported as Moralo scowled.
"Order the men to abandon ship and make for the surface. Tell them to prepare for an enemy surface invasion." Eval said, the Officer saluted and ran off. Moralo sneered at the holo-feed of Tahiri and Phasma joining the front lines in one of the large refinery rooms. He growled whilst grabbing an electrostaff that was leaning against the table. He then turned towards the turbolift.
"Moralo Eval is going to deal with the Jedi personally." Eval said to no one as he stormed towards the turbolifts.
…
The refinery room was filled with large ore processors which fed large tanks, vats, and bins full of raw materials for producing the Sith's weaponry and vehicles. The fight against the surviving Sith crewmembers was taking place on two levels of the facility, the lower main floor around the vats and bins, and on the catwalks where Tahiri and Phasma were singlehandedly clearing out the Sith troopers and engineers. Tahiri deflected a blaster bolt into an engineer, sending his dead body falling into an open vat of liquid chromium below them, Tahiri cringing.
"Ooh! At least he'll be a bit shinier when this is over!" Tahiri commented as she ran across the catwalks towards a group of retreating Sith troopers. Phasma however spotted something.
"Commander! Look out!" she yelled, Tahiri's instincts sensing an imminent danger and she quickly leapt back just in time for Moralo Eval to land in front of her, bringing his electrostaff down where she had been standing, Eval glared up at her, a dark grin on his face as he rose to his full height.
"So, the Jedi send a mere youngling to face Moralo Eval." Eval commented as Tahiri kept her lightsaber raised.
"I am no youngling. I am a Jedi Padawan." Tahiri said, sensing Phasma quietly flanking them.
"And Moralo Eval has faced true Jedi Knights and Masters before. You are neither. You are what Uncle Moralo would tell bedtime stories to." Eval said with a creepy laugh, causing Tahiri to scowl, taking a step back.
"Eugh, I have a hard enough time sleeping on those regulation bunks without a creeper like you around." Tahiri said before taking a swing at Eval but he easily blocked with the electrostaff in one hand and suddenly blindsiding Tahiri with a smack to the face with his long Phindian arms, causing Tahiri to stagger backwards, disoriented. She recovered in time to narrowly block a retaliatory strike from Eval's electrostaff, deflecting it upwards, Moralo forcing her backwards along the catwalks.
"Your army is in disarray, Eval! Your fleets are routed! You think killing me will stop us?!" Tahiri grunted as she deflected his strikes.
"Moralo Eval does not care about the success or failure of the Sith Occupation of Phindar. Moralo Eval was only doing what was paid for by the Sith Empire. And killing you is merely a sort of revenge for the Jedi ruining a hard-devised plan of Moralo Eval's during the Clone Wars!" Moralo replied, Tahiri jumping a low swing and attempting a counter attack but Moralo blocked in time with a dark chuckle, keeping her lightsaber aloft before kicking her in the stomach, knocking Tahiri onto her back on the catwalk. Moralo was about to stab her with his electrostaff when a blaster bolt flew across in front of him. He spun around to see Phasma at the end of the catwalk before him, firing at him at range. Moralo grinned and started nimbly swinging and bounding across the catwalk towards her, moving erratically, causing her to miss. Tahiri rolled onto her stomach and looked up in time for Eval to land in front of Phasma, knocking her blaster from her hands, the blaster falling and clattering onto the rim of a vat of liquid chromium. Phasma reached for her sidearm but Moralo punched her at least twice in the stomach in rapid succession, disorienting her and grabbing her with both hands, raising her into the air, accidently breaking the clasp on her cape which fell to the floor of the catwalk.
"NO!" Tahiri exclaimed, scrambling to her feet but it was too late as Eval threw the disoriented Phasma off the catwalk and into the chromium vat below.
"Phasma!" Tahiri cried out but Phasma disappeared into the vat, no bubbles forming from the vat at all. Her gaze turned towards Moralo and her eyes narrowed in anger. She reactivated her lightsaber with a snarl, raising it over head and letting out a guttural roar reminiscent of that of a Tusken Raider. This caught Moralo off guard as Tahiri came rushing forward, slamming into Moralo's stomach and attacking him with a renewed energy. Moralo struggled to withstand her assault, but the young Padawan's speed had suddenly increased, her blows becoming even stronger than before. She managed to gash Moralo's leg, causing him to collapse onto his back, raising his electrostaff defensively as Tahiri wailed on it, delivering blow after blow in a blind rage. Finally, she managed to knock the electrostaff up and quickly cleaved off Moralo's right hand, the hand holding the electrostaff, causing him to howl in pain and fury, Tahiri pointing the tip of her lightsaber at his chin.
"You are going to pay for the lives you have taken!" Tahiri declared, snarling at him in anger. Moralo merely started chuckling in dark amusement.
"Ah well. It has been a good run, but then I don't think it's over. You won't kill Moralo Eval, Jedi. It goes against your little code." Moralo said with a coy smirk as Tahiri's snarl quivered, glancing away from him in conflict.
"You'll only kill again." She commented, struggling to make a decision.
"That's right. Moralo Eval, always escapes. Moralo Eval will always kill. Moralo Eva-!" Moralo Eval gasped just as a blaster bolt flew through his cranium, a stunned expression on his face as he fell onto his back. Tahiri looked around for the source of the blaster shot but as she peered over the railing, she saw a figure knelt on the rim of the chromium vat, a blaster in hand, covered from head to toe in liquid chromium. Tahiri immediately realized who it was.
"Phasma! You're alive!" Tahiri exclaimed as Phasma wiped the mask of her helmet off, looking up at Tahiri.
"I couldn't let you destroy yourself, Commander! As your adjutant, it is my duty to insure your wellbeing!" Phasma yelled up at her as Tahiri looked at her confused for a moment, then looked at her lightsaber and then at Moralo's body, realizing what she had nearly done, sensing the Dark Side having nearly taken a hold of her.
"I guess I still have much to learn, don't I?" Tahiri asked as Phasma rose to her feet, brushing off some of the chromium with her hand. She then noticed something near Tahiri.
"Commander! Look!" she exclaimed, Tahiri turning towards Moralo's body but was stunned as she saw him starting to glow blue before disappearing completely, leaving a mechanical skeleton with a series of purple-blue rings on its arms, legs, hands, wrists, and neck.
"A holo-droid! Then this wasn't Moralo Eval at all!" Tahiri said before turning towards Phasma.
"No, Commander, it wasn't." Phasma replied as Tahiri dropped down onto the rim of the vat.
"Isn't that stuff hot?" she asked but Phasma shook her head.
"Chromium stays liquid at lower temperatures until certain catalytic agents are applied to solidify it. It only clogged my rebreather and obscured my vision for a moment." Phasma replied as Tahiri sighed, pulling an ascension dart gun from her belt.
"Come on, Captain. We can't stand her dawdling. Jacen will get annoyed if we don't finish the mission." Tahiri said as she handed the dart gun to Phasma before turning towards the outside edge.
"On your Command." Phasma replied before grappling down to the bottom of the vat, Tahiri simply dropping down off the side.
Later…
The orbital battle was practically over. The factory ship had been seized by the Republic who were still working to secure it, making sure there weren't any traps or surprises waiting for them. The 501st Avenger Group had arrived in full force, bringing the full might of the 501st Legion to bear. Tahiri emerged from the turbolift onto the bridge of the Tatooine Avenger, heading for the holotable where Jacen, General Veers, Commander Delta, Jaina, and holograms of Admirals Toba and Moor stood looking at tactical displays of Phindar's surface.
"With Roche secured, we were free to render assistance here at Phindar. We're preparing to deploy a full invasion force to root out the Sith forces. We've already received confirmation that several resistance cells have already begun counter insurgency operations against the Sith forces on the surface. Our participation is likely to be minimal. But we will assist them where needed." Jacen reported.
"We weren't asking for an invasion fleet when we called for your assistance, Jacen. We just needed to help break through the blockade." Jaina said but Jacen smirked.
"You called upon Skywalker's Fist. We don't do anything halfway, right Commander?" Jacen asked Delta who stood at attention.
"Never, sir." Delta replied as Jaina laughed.
"Alright-alright. Fair enough. Grey Group will remain on station until we receive new orders." Jaina said.
"As for Liberty Group we've been ordered to report to the staging area at Kathos for the time being. So you will forgive us if we depart as soon as our forces have regrouped." Moor reported.
"By all means, Admiral. And may the Force be with you." Jacen said as Moor gave a salute before ending the transmission, her hologram disappearing.
"What about the captured factory ship?" Jaina asked.
"Command is sending a special force to take control of the ship and bring it to a secure location for study. This is the first Hammer Class Factory Ship we've ever captured. We're hoping that we'll be able to access its databanks to get information on the Sith war machine. Strengths, weaknesses, loadouts, production capability, the works. We'll be turning it over as soon as they arrive to take ownership." Jacen replied.
"Meanwhile Moralo Eval appears to have escaped. We were able to trace the transmission to the holo-droid to a Sith Shuttle on the surface that took off and fled the system shortly after the droid was destroyed." Jaina commented as Jacen turned towards Tahiri, a look of disappointment on his face.
"Which brings me to my Padawan. I could sense your anger, Tahiri. I sensed you lashing out in anger against him. I know what it is like to feel anger at the loss of a friend or at the loss of the soldiers under your command. But we are Jedi, we cannot allow those emotions to control us, else we run the risk of succumbing to the Dark Side of the Force." Jacen said as Tahiri took a breath, somberly bowing to Jacen.
"I understand, Master. I-…I still don't know why I got so angry." She replied.
"Battlefield friendships are sometimes forged so strongly in the heat of battle that you can serve alongside someone you hardly know, fight on the same side, bleed together, eat together, and should they fall in battle, their death will have a profound impact upon you. You formed a strong bond with Captain Phasma in so short a time, your anger was understandable." Delta commented.
"But it must still be guarded against. There is no emotion, Tahiri. There is peace." Jaina said, Jacen giving a nod.
"You still have much to learn. But at least strategy and analysis isn't one of those areas, it would seem. Jaina and Admiral Moor's reports of your actions in determining strategy during the orbital battle helped turn the tide of the entire battle. Using the old probe droids to call the Sith's bluff? Very clever strategy." Jacen complimented as Tahiri stood up.
"Thank you Jacen." Tahiri said with a small smile.
"If I may sir, I believe putting her in command of the Open Circle Group on a more permanent basis might be a good idea in the long run. It will give her the firsthand experience she needs." Delta suggested but Jacen wasn't as convinced.
"One battle isn't enough to convince me of the need of assigning her to the post on a more permanent position. However, I will allow it on an interim basis. Let's see how she operates for the next few months before we pass judgement." Jacen said as Tahiri stood at attention.
"I won't let you down, Jacen." Tahiri said as Jacen smiled at her.
"Report to your post, Commander Velia." Jacen said as Tahiri smiled and headed for the turbolift.
Meanwhile within Sith Space…
Moralo Eval emerged onto the bridge of the Merciless, his hands behind his back in a resting posture, a smarmy grin on his face as he approached Darth Fenrir, bowing before the Sith Lord.
"Phindar has fallen to the Republic, Lord Fenrir. Precisely as you commanded." Moralo said as Fenrir turned towards him.
"Well done, Mr. Eval. Your service to the Sith Empire will be commended." Fenrir said as Moralo smiled at him.
"Would it be improper to inquire exactly why you wanted Moralo Eval to pantomime a strong effort to hold onto Phindar? An elaborate deception perhaps? Subterfuge? Either way, Moralo Eval is intrigued and is very open to negotiations for continued service to the Sith Empire…provided the price is right." Moralo said with one of his creepy chuckles. Fenrir merely smiled at Moralo.
"Your reason for your service at Phindar is not your concern, Mr. Eval. Your health would benefit greatly from not inquiring any further. But your service to the Empire has caught the attention of the Empress herself. She does not have anything for you to undertake on her behalf at this time, but would like to keep the door open for future cooperation. Compensation would be a trivial matter." Fenrir said as Moralo smiled darkly.
"Well, you may inform the Empress that Moralo Eval eagerly looks forward to assisting the Empire again in the future." Moralo said, bowing out and turning to leave.
Back on the Revenant…
Tahiri stood on the bridge of the Revenant, watching as the clouds of Phindar's lower orbit drifted past the bridge viewports. The invasion of Phindar had begun but already the Sith were attempting to retreat, their forces woefully outnumbered by the combined Republic, 501st, and local resistance forces. Phindar had been fairly loyal to the Republic to begin with so organizing a resistance was easy. Tahiri looked down at her black jumpsuit, standing barefoot on the cool floor of the bridge's durasteel floor panels, her lightsaber in hand, looking at it in thought. She thought back to the battle on the factory ship, remembering her anger, how easily it was to nearly give into the Dark Side.
"Captain on the bridge!" one of the bridge officers reported. Tahiri smiled and turned towards the turbolift to see something that made her smile widen into a grin.
"Commander. Captain Phasma, requesting permission to return to duty." Phasma said as she approached Tahiri, clad in a suit of chromium plated Phase-II Stormtrooper armor, a black cape with red edging draped over her left shoulder, and even carrying an F-11 Blaster Rifle with custom chromium stock and grip. Tahiri saluted the Captain who saluted in turn.
"Permission granted, Captain." Tahiri said as she turned towards the bridge viewports, walking towards the front, Phasma following behind her.
"Local resistance fighters have requested some additional medical supplies for their hospital facilities. Relief transports are on their way from Thyferra but will not arrive for another rotation. In the meantime, we do have a surplus for just such a scenario." Phasma reported.
"Make sure we spare whatever we can. Triage our own needs accordingly." Tahiri said as Phasma gave a nod.
"And General Solo has also requested the deployment of additional forces to sector four. Sith entrenchments are deep there. The Prosecutor is standing by to begin landing and deployment." Phasma reported.
"Let's toss in some starfighter squadrons if we can spare them." Tahiri said as Phasma gave a nod.
"Yes, commander." Phasma replied, beginning to turn away when…
"Hey, Phasma…" Tahiri said with a smile, Phasma turning back towards her, "…nice suit."
Phasma said nothing but Tahiri could almost see the smile beneath her helmet as the Captain turned and headed towards the holotable, leaving Tahiri to continue watching through the viewports, looking out over Phindar's surface below.
End Episode 16
So, this introduces Captain Phasma and Moralo Eval. I had to bring both of them in. They're just too good a characters for me not too. I naturally don't own them.
And if you're puzzling about Eval's comment about bedtime stories, that's kind of a subtle nod to Eval's voice actor, Stephen Stanton, who periodically does "Bedtime Stories with Uncle Moralo," a series of comedic but creepy rewrites of classic bedtime stories in Moralo Eval's voice and manner on the ForceCast podcast. If you want a good laugh, I highly recommend looking it up on YouTube.