Episode 19 – The New War
Cloned infiltrators in the Republic! As a part of the top secret effort to identify cloned infiltrators amongst their forces, Republic hired geneticist, Dr. Jerine Roa, has worked around the clock for months to develop and perfect a Clone Detector while stationed in secret in the Jedi Temples on Ossus! Meanwhile the valiant Boma Company is on sight at the planet Kathos assisting with the protection of a vital Republic Staging Area!
Ossus
Jedi Temple Medical Wards…
Kento Marek sat patiently in an empty cot in the medical wards of the temple. Jerine was quietly scanning various DNA samples kept in small microscope trays. Clapper was busily entering a set of highly tuned sensor settings into the prototype clone detector on the other side of the room which is how Kento preferred it. Taun We was seated at a computer, examining screens of DNA strands. Kento let out a drawn-out sigh.
"I'm no Jedi but I do believe that we are not providing sufficient entertainment for my young escort here." Jerine commented, not looking away from her scanning.
"Even Jedi get tired of seeing the same four walls day after day." Kento commented as the door opened, allowing Ferroda Grey to enter.
"Apologies for my tardiness, Dr. Roa. One of the temple technicians accidently crossed the wrong wires and got shot across the room for his trouble. Mild electrical burns, non-fatal." Ferroda said. She was a year older than Kento, wore large grey Jedi robes, a belt full of medical tools and equipment, but no lightsaber. She had long brown hair with a slight curl to it at the ends.
"Tell me doctor, is it not the duty of a healer to tend to the wounded?" Jerine asked, still not looking up from her scanning.
"Well…" Ferroda said, unsure of how to answer.
"Then why apologize for doing your duty?" Jerine asked, letting Ferroda off the hook.
"Nothing happened if you're that worried." Kento commented.
"Still I don't enjoy the thought of developing a tendency for tardiness." Ferroda said as Jerine set down the scanner, checking her datapad.
"Why are we still discussing a trivial matter? Please, may we continue?" Jerine said, giving a smile over her shoulder to Ferroda.
"Very well." Ferroda said as she stepped over towards the clone detector. As she approached, a small light on it turned yellow with a small buzzing sound.
"Why does this thing keep activating whenever I'm near it?" Ferroda asked.
"Probably because it doesn't like clones." Kento mumbled as he scanned through a datapad streaming the latest galactic news from the Holonet.
"Then it should turn red if she were a clone. Yellow indicates an anomaly." Jerine said, stepping over towards the device.
"Miss Grey, could you explain any anomalies that might trigger the device?" Taun We asked.
"She's a half-clone." Kento muttered absently, still scrolling through the datapad.
"Half-clone?" Jerine asked.
"My father is a clone. My mother was not. Ergo, I am a half-clone." Ferroda explained, Jerine letting out an "Ah" of understanding as she returned to her scans.
"Your father was a clone? Who was he?" the old Kaminoan asked.
"He is Jedi Master X2. He was a part of the Clone Army of the Clone Wars, one of two Force Sensitive clones produced for the Grand Army of the Republic. His brother fell to the Dark Side and was later killed. My father is among the last surviving Clone Wars Veterans from the GAR." Ferroda explained with a hint of pride as Taun We gave a slight smile and a nod.
"I understand. If I may, I'd like to examine you. I want to make sure the fact that your father is a clone doesn't lead to any negative side effects for you." Taun We said as Ferroda gave a slight nod.
"I've already been examined by doctors familiar with treating the children of clones. I'm fine. I appreciate your offer." Ferroda said as Jerine glanced at Ferroda's belt.
"Miss Grey, you are a Jedi, correct?" Jerine asked.
"Yes." Ferroda commented.
"I'll vouch for her if you don't believe it. She was knighted around the same time I was." Kento said.
"It's not the validity of her claim that's in dispute. I'm more interested as to why she doesn't carry a lightsaber. I thought Jedi were practically married to their weapons." Jerine said as Ferroda blushed in embarrassment.
"She has one she…just doesn't carry it…or use it for that matter." Kento said as Ferroda gave a meek nod.
"As a healer I am rarely in a position to warrant the need of a lightsaber. I do carry a blaster which is adequate compensation for my lightsaber." Ferroda said.
"Ferroda's our resident pacifist. She'd rather heal the wounds than inflict them." Kento said but Ferroda shook her head.
"I will take a life in self-defense if necessary, Kento." She argued softly.
"Kento, leave the poor girl alone. We have work to do." Jerine said, slightly agitated.
"I know that agitation. That means you're close to finished." Kento said with a smirk as he stood up.
"I believe so, yes. All we need is some preliminary testing and then some field tests and we'll be ready." Jerine said as Kento arched an eyebrow.
"Field tests?" Kento asked.
"We'll need to test the detector in the field. We have the genetic variances of the Sith's cloning techniques along with those of the Kaminoan and Spaarti variants as well as those of lesser cloners in the galaxy. It can also detect cloned organs or genetic variances. Red should indicate a clone and will indicate which faction cloned them while yellow indicates a genetic discrepancy, meaning it detects anything from cloned internal organs to transfused blood from a clone. Green, naturally means they're clean." Jerine explained.
"How long do you expect these tests to take exactly?" Kento asked.
"A week, give or take a few days." She said as Kento's eyes rolled upwards. He then rose to his feet.
"I think I need a breath of fresh air." He mumbled, heading for the door, to the amusement of Jerine.
Meanwhile on the surface of Kathos…
Kathos was a moon in orbit over a gas giant, Kathos Major, the moon itself collectively known as Kathos. The moon was largely a brown jagged rock with forest covered mountain regions scattered around. The planet was unique as it only had two seasons, dry and rainy. Its orbit kept the planet in just the right distance from the sun to only alter the temperatures by only ten degrees. It was warm but not overly hot like Tatooine. The planet's draw was its rich nova crystal and ore deposits. The ore and crystals were always found outside of the grassy forested areas and there were several mining facilities along with a Republic base that was acting as a staging area for several major campaigns in the region. The Kathos System itself was located between Ossus and Jabiim at grid coordinates S-7 if looking at a map of the Galaxy, but was closer to Jabiim. Republic Airspeeders were flying through the air on patrol while numerous landing craft and cruisers sat in a circular pattern around a large tower-like structure in the center. Tanks, cargo transports, and infantry transports were going back and forth from the larger cruisers. A steep mountain sat off in the distance where a Starfighter hangar had been built with Starfighter and aircraft landing zones established at the foot of the mountain to keep the fighters clear of the cruiser landing zone.
Linking the fighter base and the landing zone was a small town where a pair of repulsor lift trains ran supplies and personnel between bases. The town had originally been established by miners as a small space port, the bases sitting on old and dried up ore mines. The bases had initially been established by the New Republic roughly two years after Endor as a forward staging area for clearing out Imperial Remnant forces. In the town were the members of Boma Company, Major Tresk and a few other men including Corporal Mead and Corporals Sugi and Sumi'ra, sat watching a hologram broadcast of beautiful blonde human woman, singing some new pop-song in Bocce.
"Another dull day on Kathos. How long are we to be stationed on this backwater planet?" Sugi asked.
"Until we receive new orders from Command." Tresk replied simply, taking a sip of his beverage.
"Which will be when? And where's the General? We haven't seen him since Rhen Var. Is he even still alive?" Sumi asked.
"Scuttlebutt is that there was a huge campaign in the Thule System. A Starkiller Operation at that. I understand he was there, fighting alongside the 501st and the Mandalorians." Tresk replied.
"I've heard that term thrown around before but what exactly is a Starkiller Op?" Rayon asked.
"Oh those are legendary. A Starkiller Operation usually refers to a battle or mission where the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance. Some famous examples include the Battle of Yavin, Endor, Liberation of Coruscant, the Battle of Jakku, to name a few. They're called Starkiller Ops because they're usually the brainchildren of Grand General Marek." Tresk explained.
"Whoa." Rayon gasped in awe, he and the twins both equally impressed by the thought.
"So when do you suppose the General will be back in command?" Sumi asked.
"Not sure. I know he's been recalled by the Jedi for something. They're being tight lipped about it. Not even my old contacts in Republic Intelligence can tell me." Tresk replied as Rayon started glancing around with a confused look on his face.
"Do any of you hear that?" Rayon asked.
"Hear what?" Sugi asked back.
"I hear something, a faint rumble." Rayon said before noticing his glass. The liquid in his glass on the table was rippling periodically and it wasn't just his glass. Rayon and the others then noticed as various troopers were scrambling to the windows, some grabbing blasters.
"Uh-oh." Rayon said as they hurried to the door to the bar, looking out in time to see a Sith Assault Ship in low orbit, deploying large numbers of transports. There were already fighters in the air, Airspeeders and X-Wings flying in to intercept the incoming Sith forces. On the ground, Sith Walkers were already being deployed. Republic forces were already scrambling to intercept, Canderous Assault Tanks, Combat Speeders, and more were moving to attack the Sith forces.
"Hurry! Get your gear and get to the trains! We've got to hold them off!" Tresk ordered as they quickly picked up their packs and grabbed their weapons, rushing out towards the train station where the trains were boarding, some of the troops opening windows and breaking down walls on the carriages to get a decent firing position, turning the carriages into makeshift moving battlements.
"If there was a time we could use the General's help, it would be now." Rayon said as he sat down in one of the carriage seats, checking his rifle while the twins sat across from him, Sumi assembling her sniper rifle, Sugi looking out the windows with her electrobinoculars as their train started moving towards the landing zone.
"Stick close to us, Mead." Sumi said as Rayon gave a nod.
"I was hoping you'd say that. DAH! I mean-uh-not-too-closely-I-don't-want-to-get-in-trouble-or-anything-I…" Rayon stammered, flustered by Sumi's statement, earning amused glances from the two Twi'leks.
"Corporal you're rambling." Tresk commented, checking his own blaster rifle.
"Sorry sir, ma'am." Rayon said as the train started moving.
"I wouldn't have noticed had you not started rambling." Sugi commented with a smile.
"You know you're cute when you get flustered?" Sumi asked as she pointed her sniper rifle out the window, kneeling in the aisle to get a better position.
"Major, any word on whether a distress call's been sent out or not?" Rayon asked. Tresk had an earpiece on and was listening intently to it. The earpiece was relaying information and orders from various Republic sources.
"Definitely. I'm still listening in but from what I can gather, the Sith just dropped out of hyperspace and started firing. A large number of surrounding systems are on alert and sending reinforcements if possible. General Tantor is coordinating the defenses and is ordering all trains nearest either the Fighter Base or the landing zone to return to whichever they're nearest to. We're just waiting to find out where we're needed most." Tresk explained as they watched the battle in the distance, the sounds of weapons fire echoing.
"I don't like the sight of those fighters!" Sugi commented as she kept watching through her electrobinoculars. As she watched, she saw three Sith Fighters turn in formation towards the town, breaking off from the dogfight overhead, causing her eyes to widen in alarm.
"Major! Incoming fighters!" Sugi reported. Sumi immediately took aim with her rifle and fired a shot but missed.
"Missed! Try again!" Sugi yelled as Tresk rushed to one of the windows.
"Target those fighters and fire at will!" Tresk ordered, all of the soldiers in the car putting their blasters out the windows and opening fire at the Sith Fighters. It just simply wasn't enough though as any shots that hit the fighters hit their shields and none of the troopers had rocket launchers. As the fighters got closer, Tresk backed away from the window.
"Hang on to something!" He yelled, slamming the emergency stop button, the train suddenly starting to rapidly slow down, sending everyone sliding towards the front of the carriage if they weren't holding on to something. The fighters started to strafe the train, most of their shots coming up short due to the train's stopping but a couple hit the front carriage, causing the first half of it to explode and engulfed the rest of it in flames.
"Everyone off! That's an order!" Tresk ordered, ushering the troops out of their carriage. Roughly thirty-eight men made it off their carriage, a total two-hundred odd men in total escaping the train as the fighters started to come back around.
"Scatter!" Tresk ordered, the soldiers quickly scattering in all directions as the Sith Fighters started to strafe their position again. Three soldiers got taken out by the Sith Fighters' laser fire as they passed overhead, but this time they scored a direct hit on the engine, the engine exploding spectacularly, the burning remains billowing smoke as the fighters flew off.
"Major they're leaving!" one of the troopers exclaimed.
"Yes and there's why!" Tresk exclaimed, pointing towards the horizon where a cloud of approaching dust could be seen in the distance, headed towards them from the Sith Assault Ship which had landed in the interim.
"Everyone take defensive positions! We'll hold out for as long as we can!" Tresk ordered as the troops all scrambled to take positions around or inside the disabled train. Rayon looked towards the approaching cloud and swallowed nervously.
"General, wherever you are, we could really use your help." Rayon said as he took position.
Meanwhile on Ossus…
Kento was just on his way back to the medical wards when he noticed Temple Guards and other Jedi starting to rush about. He then sensed a disturbance in the force, a sense that someone was calling to him for help. He started to pick up the pace, hurrying towards one of the landing areas where he saw Temple Guardsmen hurrying to where several old GR-75 Transports sat nearby.
"Sev! What's going on?!" Kento asked the old Clone Commando as he hurried towards the transport.
"Kathos is under Sith attack! Command wants us standing by to evacuate if the Sith take the system! If they take Kathos, it wouldn't take them long to realize that we're here on Ossus!" Sev replied as Kento gave a nod.
"Right and if they don't take the system?!" Kento asked.
"We stay put?" Sev replied, unsure of his own answer. That was enough for Kento to bolt back towards the medical wards where Ferroda was already assisting Master Saa with preparing the evacuation of the medical wards. Kento slipped past into Jerine's research center where the scientist was already packing up her belongings with Clapper's help.
"Jerine! Come on! We're leaving!" Kento said as Jerine packed up the Clone Detector.
"Right, I know! But listen! It's ready!" she said, confusing Kento.
"Ready? You mean the detector's finished?!" he asked as she quickly nodded.
"Barring field tests, yes!" she replied.
"Right, then let's get you and the detector out of here. Coming doc?!" Kento asked Taun We.
"I've already accepted transport from Master Saa." She replied, not once losing her gentile demeanor.
"Right, let's go!" Kento said as he helped load the prototype detector onto a cargo sled attached to R4-M9, Clapper following close behind. The four started to approach the Mynock hangar where they found Ferroda and several other temple guards moving equipment onto the ship.
"Whoa-whoa-whoa what's going on here?!" Kento asked as they approached.
"We're loading your ship as part of the evacuation." Ferroda said as Kento stormed past.
"I never authorized this! What happened to the other ships?" Kento asked, Ferroda not once losing her serine calm.
"My father ordered the ship readied for immediate departure. He wants the ship to be ready to move out on a moment's notice." Ferroda replied as Kento groaned in frustration, Sev approaching in his Commando armor while pushing a repulsor trolley full of crates. At the same time, they heard the temple PA system click on.
"Attention! Attention! Additional Sith Forces have arrived at the Kathos System! At this time, the Jedi Council is ordering a full evacuation! Echo Protocol has been enacted! All ships are to begin preflight procedures at this time! Repeat, all ships are to begin preflight procedures at this time! This is not a drill! Repeat, this is not a drill!" X2 commanded over the loudspeakers.
"Augh it's Yavin all over again!" Kento groaned, hurrying onto his ship followed closely by Jerine, Ferroda and the droids. Kento headed directly to the cockpit, staring to rev up the Mynock's engines.
"How's the packing going Sev?!" Kento yelled into the hold.
"We've got time for you to pack your things, sir!" Sev replied.
"No need, I live out of this thing!" Kento yelled back as R4-M9 rolled up to a droid interface nearby, beeping something to his master.
"Yeah I know, buddy. First excitement we see in over a month and we're evacuating." Kento said as Jerine stepped into the cockpit.
"The detector's stowed with the rest of the medical supplies in the med bay. Clapper's keeping an eye on it. Where are we headed?" Jerine asked.
"I'll likely be taking you to Coruscant to hand over the prototype." Kento replied, going through the preflight checks. He looked over through the viewports to see the Ghost was powering up its engines as well. Starfighters were already taking flight from the starfighter hangar.
"The prototype isn't ready yet. We still need field tests." Jerine argued.
"Well then we'll probably link up with the Redemption. It's Master Saa's medical frigate. I've got its coordin-." Kento said before R4 started beeping excitedly.
"Wait what was that about Boma Company?" Kento asked in a mild panic, R4 beeping his reply.
"They're at Kathos?! Gah!" Kento groaned, throwing up his hands and spinning back around towards the console, entering something into the controls, bringing up a hologram of Master X2 in the Command Center.
"Master X2, I need verification! Is Liberty Group stationed at Kathos right now?!" Kento asked.
"Standby, Marek." X2 replied, looking way for a moment, giving a nod to someone outside Kento's line of sight, before turning back towards him.
"Affirmative. Liberty Group's been on station there for a week. They're getting overrun though." X2 said with a grim expression.
"Are there any reinforcements we can send in on their behalf?" Kento asked but X2 shook his head.
"Even our reinforcements are getting overwhelmed. The Sith have launched a massive push on all fronts. They're attacking us from systems we thought weren't on their battle plans. Grand General has ordered withdrawals from seventeen systems so far. They've even pushed into a couple of inner rim worlds. You're not thinking of going out there are you?" X2 asked as Kento looked thoughtful.
"I'm not going to let my men get slaughtered! The Mynock's stealth suite will allow me to slip in and rescue some of the survivors!" Kento said as X2 gave him a respectful nod.
"The council would likely say no, but I know what it's like. I'm routing a few of the Temple Guards to the Mynock and placing them under your command. They'll give you a hand on the field. Is Ferroda with you?" X2 asked as Ferroda entered the cockpit with Sev.
"I am here, father." Ferroda said as X2 looked towards his daughter.
"The Guardsmen coming aboard now will have your lightsaber with them. You might need it." X2 said as Ferroda gave him a nod.
"Thank you father, but I already have what I need to defend myself if necessary." Ferroda said but X2 was adamant.
"I know you do. I just don't want you leaving it behind." X2 said as Kento saw a squad of Temple Guards come rushing towards the Mynock.
"Thanks for the help, sir. I'll be sure to keep Ferroda safe…not like she'll need it though." Kento commented as X2 gave an appreciative nod.
"May the Force be with you all." X2 said, his hologram disappearing as the Mynock's engines roared to life.
"Hang on everyone! R4, put the hyperspace coordinates for Kathos into the navicomputer! I want to be able to jump just as soon as we're able!" Kento said as the Mynock started lifting off. As they lifted off, the Mynock turned and saw several other transports were already airborne and rising into the sky.
"Was it like this at Yavin?" Jerine asked as she sat down behind Kento.
"No, this is organized and calm. Not as frantic. Yavin was…it was chaos." Kento said as Ferroda gave a nod.
"It was indeed." Ferroda replied as the Mynock started making for atmosphere.
…
Less than twenty minutes later, the Mynock was dropping out of hyperspace into the Kathos system. It was chaos as Republic and Sith battleships exchanged fire, starfighters and bombers whizzing around in space. There were at least three MC80s and one Star Destroyer on the Republic side up against at least five Sith Star Destroyers, both sides supported by their respective support craft. Regardless, the Republic was holding the line, not giving the Sith an inch.
"Stealth systems engaged!" Ferroda said as Kento guided the Mynock through the crowded airspace.
"We take one direct hit with those stealth suites engaged, we're space dust." Kento grumbled as he focused on his flying.
"Why is that?" Jerine asked, confused.
"Because the shields interfere with the stealth systems, rendering them pointless! R4 get me Admiral Moor!" Kento commented.
"Won't that break cover?" Jerine asked.
"In this chaos, it is highly unlikely." Ferroda replied as Kento maneuvered the Mynock past a Republic CR90-A Corvette as it exchanged fire with a Sith Light Cruiser. Kento leveled the Mynock so that the Star Destroyer, the Liberty, was dead ahead of them, a Sith Heavy Cruiser passing below them. Kento smirked.
"Oh this should be good." He mumbled.
"What is-WHOA!" Jerine yelped as they saw a blue beam of concentrated energy fire from the hangar of the Liberty, cutting up the cruiser's spine, obliterating the ship's bridge in the process, sending it into a slow descent, crashing towards the surface. Finally, Admiral Moor appeared on hologram.
"General! For once I'm glad to see you! We're under heavy fire, the Sith are pushing hard on our forces!" Moor reported.
"I can tell, Admiral! Hold the line as long as you can! What's the status of Boma Company?" Kento asked.
"They're pinned down on the surface. General Tantor has ordered an emergency evacuation but the airspace is too hot. We cannot get our forces through to extract anyone. We have gunships standing by to launch." Moor said as Kento looked towards Ferroda.
"Can you fly a freighter?" he asked, Ferroda giving a curious nod.
"Clearly you've forgotten the only date we ever went on." Ferroda said as Kento shrugged.
"Well it wasn't meant to be anyway. Admiral, standby to launch those ships on my mark. Ferroda, take the helm! Jeri, get Clapper up here on the double! R4, get to the cargo bay and ready Boma-1!" Kento ordered, the hologram of Moor disappearing as Kento quickly got up from the helm, Ferroda quickly taking the controls, Jerine taking the co-pilot's seat. Kento and R4 quickly hurried to the back towards the cargo hold.
"What's he planning, what's Boma-1?" Jerine asked as Ferroda shrugged.
"I find it best to simply wait and find out. Although it's a sure bet that whatever it is, is going to be suicidal." Ferroda said as Jerine chuckled.
"Runs in the family I'm afraid. You two dated?" Jerine asked as Clapper rolled in, plugging into the droid interface.
"It was a one-off. Mutual agreement to keep things professional. Sweet man, just too exciting for my tastes. Besides, he and Jaina Solo make a far better couple." Ferroda replied as the comms came on.
"Alright enough of the girl talk! Jeri stand by to open the rear cargo bay door! Admiral Moor, launch the transports!" Kento ordered. Outside, the Mynock disengaged its cloaking field, its shields and weapons coming online while its cargo lift began lowering despite being airborne, lowering Kento's modified Eta-2 Interceptor down from inside the freighter. Boma-1 suddenly detached from the freighter and fell backwards just as its engines ignited, the fighter quickly flying beneath the freighter, overtaking it with ease, its S-Foils opening. Kento sat in the cockpit with a headset on.
"Boma-1 to Mynock and Liberty Transports! Form up and follow me! We're going in!" Kento said as several U-Wing and Krayt Gunships formed up with the Mynock.
"We're on your tail Boma-1!" one of the transport pilots replied as they started to make for the surface.
…
Down below, Boma Company was holding out against scores of Sith Troopers and light vehicles. They had been holding out for a long time and had repelled at least two waves of Sith forces. The train had been destroyed by the sustained combat, the wreckage of the train along with some destroyed Sith transport skiffs had been used to form a perimeter around their location. Since they were between the city and the main staging area, they were a lower priority target for the Sith but that could change in an instant. Tresk, Rayon, and the twins were together near the center of their defenses, a Rodian lieutenant running up towards Tresk.
"Lieutenant, report!" Tresk said as the Rodian saluted.
"We've lost sixteen men on the left flank, eighteen on the right, nineteen center. Wounded is numbering in the mid-thirties so far and we're completely out of aid supplies. We're ripping up uniforms for bandages and tourniquets at this point sir." The lieutenant said in his native tongue.
"Understood. Do what we can for the wounded. How are we on arms?" Tresk asked.
"We're down to a combined four rockets for the missile launchers, we're scavenging clips and rifles from our dead and wounded. We're not going anywhere near the Sith's own gear since they tend to booby trap them. We've lost four men to those traps already." The lieutenant reported as Tresk muttered a Bothan curse under his breath.
"Right, tell the men to shore up the left flank. We-." Tresk said before a blaster bolt suddenly struck the Lieutenant in the chest, wounding him but not killing him thanks to his armor. Tresk quickly ducked down and saw several Sith Troopers rushing to cover behind a fallen strike walker.
"INCOMING!" Tresk yelled, opening fire, Boma Company following suit. As they fought, they suddenly heard a mechanized growling sound in the air, getting closer. They all knew what the sound was and many of them paled, looks of fear on their faces.
"Growlers! Take cover!" Sugi yelled as Rayon started looking around, finally spotting something that made every experienced Republic infantryman feel fear, a squadron of Sith TIE Growlers, the Sith's answer to the TIE Bomber.
"I just want to say it's been an-CHUBBA!" Sumi yelped as one of the bombers suddenly exploded followed by two others, the remaining bombers forced to scatter as a familiar Jedi Interceptor and freighter came swooping over the battlefield.
"The General! IT'S THE GENERAL!" Rayon cheered as Kento blasted two bombers from the air with a single sustained burst of fire, the Mynock's turrets obliterating the sole remaining bomber as the two ships came around. The two ships headed towards the back of Boma Company's lines, a handful of gunships setting down nearby while most of the gunships headed for the staging area and airbase, barraging the Sith Troopers below as they passed, forcing the Sith to fall back away from the Company's perimeter. The Mynock and Boma-1 set down in the center, Kento climbing out as Tresk, Rayon, the twins and the rest of Boma Company hurried towards him, all relieved to see their commanding officer with them once again. At the same time, Jerine, Ferroda, Clapper, Sev, and several Temple Guards emerged from the Mynock with a medical droid, immediately beginning to tend to the wounded.
"General, are you a sight for sore eyes!" Tresk said but Kento gave a dismissive wave. R4 quietly took control of Boma-1, guiding the fighter on its repulsorlifts back towards the Mynock's cargo lift.
"We can catch up later, Major. For now, let's get you all on the transports, we're bugging out." Kento said as Tresk gave a nod.
"Right away, sir!" Tresk replied as he hurried off. Kento then turned towards Rayon.
"Corporal, I'm putting you in charge of a VIP. That blonde in the lab coat, that's Dr. Roa. Defend her with your life. That's the most direct an order I can give you, Mead." Kento said as Rayon looked Jerine over. Jerine was instinctively tending to the wounded.
"Yes sir." He replied with a salute before hurrying to Jerine. Kento took a moment to survey the battlefield, sensing a strong disturbance in the Dark Side of the Force. He looked over to Ferroda and at first glance she seemed to be too preoccupied in tending to the wounded but her eyes and emotions showed that she too sensed the same disturbance.
"Something's coming." Kento muttered softly, looking towards the sky with suspicion.
…
In orbit, the battle was still largely stalemated, the Republic having managed to destroy one of the Sith Destroyers and were beginning to gain the upper hand albeit slightly. One of the NCOs in one of the Liberty's bridge pits, looked up at her.
"Admiral! We're picking up more Sith forces dropping out of hyperspace!" the NCO reported as Moor looked towards the viewports, looking out into space just as four more Sith Destroyers and their escorts appeared. But what emerged with them made Kasan's eyes widen in alarm. A massive wedge of black metal.
"Spirits of Alderaan." She muttered in soft-spoken horror at the sight of a massive Eclipse Super Star Destroyer.
"Admiral! That ship! Its transponder identifies it as the 'Will of Palpatine!' It's the Empress's Flagship, ma'am!" the NCO reported as Moor licked her lips nervously.
…
On the Will of Palpatine's Bridge, standing at the front of the bridge and watching the battle taking place before her, Darth Akul watched with a dark glare, her hands behind her back, as Admiral Daala approached.
"Milady, we are in position and ready to engage." Daala reported with a bow.
"Fire at will, Admiral, wipe them out. All of them." Akul ordered, Daala bowing.
"By your command, milady. Commence primary ignition." Daala ordered.
…
Back on the Liberty, Moor saw a green glow start to appear at the tip of the Eclipse Star Destroyer, the entire ship moving slightly as it turned towards one of the MC80s. Suddenly a massive beam of green laser energy fired from the Eclipse, obliterating the MC80 in a single shot. Kasan and the entire bridge crew were taken aback in horror at the sight.
"Admiral! Our sensors indicate that we have roughly ten minutes before they can fire again!" one of the bridge officers reported.
"Relay all strategic data to High Command! Coruscant must be warned about this! Order all non-essential personnel to evacuation stations and standby to abandon ship!" Kasan said as she hurried to the holotable at the back.
"What about the General?" one of the officers asked.
"I imagine he knows already." Kasan replied as she looked at the holodisplays, the Will of Palpatine sitting in place, recharging its primary weapon, its four escort destroyers not breaking formation.
…
Back on the Will of Palpatine, Akul smiled at the burning wreckage of the destroyed cruiser. Her smile suddenly vanished as her eyes shifted around curiously.
"I sense a disturbance in the Force." She muttered softly as Daala approached again.
"Milady, our surface scans have confirmed the presence of a vessel identified as the Mynock. It belongs to Jedi Knight Kento Marek, General Starkiller's son. He appears to be attempting to evacuate his forces from the surface." Daala reported as Akul smiled darkly.
"Target the Republic base on the surface and fire when ready." Akul ordered as Daala bowed.
"We will be ready to fire momentarily, milady." Daala replied.
…
On the surface, Kento's eyes widened in disbelief as he saw the massive Super Star Destroyer in high orbit. Ferroda was looking upward along with several of Boma Company's members, seeing the massive ship in orbit.
"What is that thing?" Sumi asked in awe and fear.
"It's an Eclipse Super Star Destroyer. It's a miniature Death Star." Kento replied before turning to the others.
"Let's move it people! Double-time! Let's get out of here while we ca-." Kento said but quickly activated his lightsaber in time to deflect a blaster bolt headed towards one of the twins.
"Incoming! North flank!" Kento yelled as he saw more Sith Troopers had arrived. Boma Company quickly moved to cover, firing at the Sith while Kento moved to deflect the Sith's fire, throwing their cover away with the Force. Rayon quickly moved to shield Jerine.
"Doc! Come on, let's go!" Rayon said as Jerine finished treating a wounded soldier.
"Just one moment, I've almost got him stabilized!" Jerine argued. Rayon spun towards her.
"Doc! We're sitting ducks right here! We've got-." Rayon said before spinning back towards the front just in time to see a towering black machine emerge from the smoke ahead. It was a Phase III Dark Trooper.
"Bloodletter! Take cover!" one of the Bomas yelled as the Dark Trooper raised its arms towards the battlements, opening fire with its blaster cannons. Rayon turned back towards Jerine.
"Doc! Get down!" He yelled, quickly shoving Jerine away just as the Dark Trooper swept towards them, one of its shots impacting perilously close to them. The shot hit with an explosion, sending Rayon flying and tumbling across the ground. Jerine looked at Rayon's unconscious form in horror, quickly scrambling towards him. Kento sensed Rayon go down and spun back towards them, a look of shock on his face. Jerine reached the unconscious soldier, looking him over when she saw something that made her pause. Rayon's entire left leg had been obliterated below the knee, partly cauterized from the explosion. Kento spun back towards the Dark Trooper with a scowl.
"That tears it." He hissed but suddenly felt a hand pressed against his chest.
"Leave them to me, Kento." Ferroda said, looking towards the front lines. Kento looked at her, not replying. She then looked at him with a serious look.
"Get to the ship. We can save him if we leave now. I will take care of the Sith." She said as Kento took a deep breath before backing up.
"Major! Retreat to the ships! Go! Go!" Kento yelled as the twins helped Jerine get the unconscious and wounded Rayon onto the ship. Kento started moving back, deflecting blaster shots with his lightsaber as Boma Company hurried to the gunships and the Mynock. At the same time, Ferroda took a cleansing breath as she stood behind a wall of metal debris from a crashed Sith fighter.
"General, what about your friend there?!" Tresk asked, firing from behind the safety of Kento's lightsaber.
"Watch, Major. You're about to witness a once forgotten Art of the Jedi Order." Kento said as they backed away towards the Mynock's boarding ramp. They watched as Ferroda finally started to walk out from behind her cover, walking calmly and fearlessly towards the Dark Trooper, not even fazed as blaster bolts narrowly missed her, coming close enough to singe the hairs on her arm. She leaned over slightly to dodge a blast aimed for her head but she didn't break her stride. She reached the middle of the battlefield, the Sith Troopers starting to hold their fire, curious as to what she was going to do. Ferroda's gaze swept across the Sith lines before looking up at the Dark Trooper as it loomed before her. The large droid lowered its arms, a pair of tri-barreled RPG launchers rising from hidden compartments in its shoulders, aimed towards her. Ferroda calmly closed her eyes just before it fired off a volley but Ferroda calmly raised her hand, the RPGs scattering in all directions, exploding in midair or harmlessly hitting some of the debris strewn about the battlefield.
Ferroda suddenly pulled off her large grey robe to reveal herself in a suit of customized white armor with a pair of custom built blaster pistols in holsters at her hips. Her lightsaber was clipped sideways to the back of her waist. She suddenly drew the pistols and opened fire, firing at rapid speed in virtually all directions, downing the Dark Trooper in seconds with a flurry of shots to its neck and shoulder joints, the head being blown clean off. Every shot found its mark but as Kento and Tresk looked closer, they saw the Sith firing at her but none came close. Most missed her by mere inches but others were hit in midair by blaster bolts fired from Ferroda's blasters, deflecting the incoming bolts as if deflected by a lightsaber. Within seconds the attacking Sith Troopers were lying dead. Ferroda was stood with her blasters at her side. She then opened her eyes and holstered her blasters before picking up her robes, pulling them on before turning and walking towards the Mynock.
"Can you do that, sir?" Tresk asked, awestruck, but Kento chuckled.
"That would be a negative, Major. Ferroda Grey here is the first of a reborn breed of Jedi. The Gray Paladins. She studied some of their old teachings. She's always kinda scared me with that skill." Kento said as R4 came rolling towards them, beeping in alarm.
"What's he saying sir?" Tresk asked as Ferroda's calm walk suddenly turning into a quick sprint.
"That Star Destroyer's targeting the surface! We've only got about a minute before she fires!" Kento exclaimed as they all ducked inside the Mynock, the gunships already taking off. Kento burst into the cockpit and took the controls, Ferroda taking the co-pilot's seat again.
"Hang on! We're gonna be cutting this close!" Kento exclaimed as the Mynock started to lift off, overtaking the gunships as they made for orbit. Tresk sat behind Ferroda, holding a headset to his ear.
"Sir, General Tantor is on one of the gunships! He's ordered a full retreat! Admiral Moor is already leading Liberty Group into a retreat along with the rest of our forces in the system." Tresk said as they saw the Republic fleet in orbit already starting to make the jump to lightspeed, the Liberty amongst them.
"Right, R4, enter coordinates for Rally Point Mundi!" Kento said as he glanced towards the Will of Palpatine, sensing the Empress's presence through the Force.
…
From on the bridge of the Will of Palpatine, Akul could see the Mynock far off in the distance, watching as it and the gunships fled the system.
"Milady, the remaining Republic forces are beyond the range of our ships. They'll be clear to jump to hyperspace before we could possibly reach them." Daala said as Akul turned and started to walk past her towards the back of the bridge.
"Let them go, but let us make sure there is nothing for them to return to. Destroy their pathetic base and any who may still be alive down there." Akul said, not even stopping. Daala gave a nod before turning back towards the viewports, looking at the planet before them.
"Commence primary ignition." She ordered.
…
The Mynock was deliberately lingering behind as the gunships made the jump to lightspeed. Kento, Ferroda, Tresk, and R4 watched with bated breath as the Will of Palpatine fired its massive superlaser, the beam striking the planet's surface, causing a massive ball of flame that spread quickly and consumed the entire Republic Staging Area. Kento and Ferroda both grimaced as they sensed the sudden deaths of thousands of lives, Republic and Sith alike, on the surface of the planet.
"Come on, let's get out of here." Kento said as the Mynock turned and made the jump to lightspeed.
Later at Rally Point Mundi…
Rally Point Mundi was a special Jedi Rally Point established in case the temple on Ossus had to be evacuated. It was in the middle of open space and only certain people knew the coordinates of specific Rally Points. Only Galen and Luke knew the coordinates for all of the Rally Points. The Mynock had met up with a handful of Jedi owned ships which included the aging Nebulon-B Medical Frigate, Redemption. The Mynock was docked with the Redemption on its underside. Kento and Jedi Master T'ra Saa stood at a holotable on the Redemption's bridge, holograms of Luke, Galen, and Leia being projected around it while a hologram of the Galaxy was displayed over the table.
"The Sith have successfully pushed us from twenty systems total. We managed to hold a couple but our losses are staggering. They practically flanked us at every turn, caught us by surprise. This is arguably the worst military defeat for us of the war." Galen said grimly.
"Hopefully we'll keep it that way." Kento said, his mood understandably sober.
"How did this happen, Galen? We've never been blindsided like this before. Even Palpatine was outmaneuvered more often than we were." Leia said as Galen took a deep breath.
"Simply put, we were duped. We recently acquired intelligence that appeared to be the Sith's Battle Plans. They tricked us into thinking they were legitimate and we acted accordingly, deploying forces to defend the systems we thought the Sith were preparing to attack or launching offensives in areas that appeared weak and lightly defended. I first suspected something was wrong when I noticed we were winning certain battles too easily and that the intelligence seemed off in some places. By the time we realized it, it was too late. The Sith launched their attack and decimated our forces. They've now reached the edge of the mid-rim worlds. It's the start of a whole new war." Galen said as Luke and Kento grimaced.
"What can we do?" T'ra Saa asked.
"I've already spoken with some of the Senate's War Council Members. They've agreed to institute a draft in their systems as well as to bring the motion to approve of a Republic wide draft before the senate. It'll likely reach a vote before the end of the week." Leia said as Luke looked at Kento.
"Oh, Kento, my father is sending a shuttle to retrieve Dr. Roa's project and bring it to Coruscant. They also have something else for Dr. Roa to work on. It's something the Council has been made aware of. It's a non-military project. This is Jedi business." Luke said as Kento gave a nod.
"Am I to remain her escort for the duration of this project as well?" Kento asked.
"That won't be necessary. You are free to return to duty as soon as you're able. I'm sure your men will like having you with them again." Galen said as Kento gave an appreciative nod.
"And I'll be happy to be with them too." Kento said.
"May the Force be with us all as we move forward." Leia said before the holograms disappeared.
…
Down in the Redemption's medical bay, Kento walked in to find Jerine standing next to the conscious Rayon.
"I appreciate the offer, Doc, but I don't think I can…" Rayon said as Jerine looked at him pityingly.
"It's a common procedure these days. You'd have it installed and be on your feet again in less than a month. A week with therapy and routine bacta treatments." Jerine said as Kento approached.
"So how soon can I get my Corporal back, Jeri?" Kento asked as Jerine took a deep breath, a look of apprehension on her face.
"That depends on him, I'm afraid." She replied softly, stepping towards the door. Kento looked at Rayon who seemed uneasy about something.
"Alright Corporal, spill. What's going on?" Kento asked. Rayon took a deep breath of his own to muster his courage.
"I don't think I'll be coming back, sir. Not from this." Rayon said as Kento arched an eyebrow.
"Afraid of cybernetics, are we?" Kento asked but Rayon shook his head.
"No, it's not that. But…my family and I…we're from a long line of Beast Riders. We believe in purity of the body to coincide with the purity of the beasts. That means no cybernetics…but in my case, that also means a medical discharge…and probably burning every bridge I've got in the military for my cowardice." Rayon said, earning a scowl from Kento.
"Cowardice? No-no, Corporal. It's not cowardice to stick to your convictions. It takes a brave man to stick to one's convictions. I'm just sorry we're going to lose you." Kento said as Rayon smiled at him with relief.
"Thank you, sir. I'm sorry I let you down." Rayon said but Kento pat him on the shoulder.
"You didn't let me down, Corporal. But if you ever need a job reference, put me down as one." Kento said.
"I will sir." Rayon replied.
…
Meanwhile in the halls, Jerine was walking towards one of the medical labs when a pair of 501st Stormtroopers approached accompanied by an officer in a white Fleet Admiral's uniform and cape.
"Dr. Roa." The officer greeted, carrying a case at his side. He was an older human man in his late fifties.
"Yes?" she responded, confused.
"I'm Admiral Venk of the 501st Legion. Lord Skywalker has sent us here to retrieve your project with the authorization from Grand General Marek. We have our authorization here." The officer reported, presenting an image caster which displayed a holo-document. Jerine looked the document over before giving a nod.
"Yes, I was informed that you would be coming, Admiral. It's right in here." Jerine said as she led Venk and his Stormtroopers into the lab, motioning to a crate being guarded by Clapper.
"This is it." She said as Venk approached the crate and opened it, peaking inside.
"And it is completed?" Venk asked.
"Yes but field tests still need to be run." Jerine said as Venk gave a nod, closing the crate and motioning to it, the Stormtroopers loading it onto a repulsor trolley and moving it out of the room.
"Now, Doctor, Lord Skywalker and the Jedi Council have another assignment for you if you would be willing to undertake it." Venk said as he produced the case which he set upon the table.
"What is it?" Jerine asked curiously as Venk opened the case, turning it towards her. The case had a foam interior but had space for two metal cylinders marked with biohazard labels, and a code cylinder.
"These vials contain genetic samples from a Jedi Master that has been dead for the past twenty-nine years. Lord Skywalker believes that there is a possible relative or descendant of this Jedi alive today. He would like you to do the genetic tests and find out who might be the match. You will find everything you need right here and you will be appropriately compensated to the sum of two million credits." Venk said as Jerine looked at him with an arched eyebrow.
"Is that all? A meager two million? I come from one of the wealthiest families on Corulag, Admiral, I'm not motivated by credits. You can inform Lord Skywalker that he can keep his credits, or better yet donate them to the refugee fund. But don't assume I'm turning him down. It's quite the opposite in fact. I'll take the job, but not for credits. I just cannot be bought to do a job which I very much enjoy to begin with. My work, is its own reward." Jerine said as Venk gave her a courteous bow.
"Of course. Lord Skywalker is hoping you will have the results soon. Now, if you will excuse me, I must make sure the device is placed safely within Grand General Marek's hands." Commander Venk said before heading for the door, leaving Jerine and Clapper alone in the lab. Clapper wubbed a snarky comment.
"I heartily agree, Clapper. Although I am curious as to what it is, Lord Skywalker has sent us." She said, turning to the case, looking at one of the phials as Kento walked inside. Jerine paused when she saw him enter, a small but saddened look on his face. He smiled slightly when he saw her.
"Is Corporal Mead going to be alright?" Jerine asked.
"Rayon's being discharged. He'll be returning to Onderon soon. He's refused a prosthetic limb." Kento said as Jerine sighed sadly.
"Pity. I thought he was one of the bravest men I've ever met…present company excepted of course." Jerine said as Kento gave a nod.
"I agree. But I guess this is goodbye for us for now too. I need to get back to my men now that the project is over and on its way to Coruscant. Any ideas on what's next for you? Got some exciting studies lined up?" Kento asked as Jerine motioned to the box before her.
"Well your former Master just had this delivered. He wants me to check its contents for some missing relative of an old Jedi." Jerine said as Kento smirked.
"Well you did say that you wanted to study the genetics of Jedi." Kento said as Jerine smiled.
"I did, didn't I?" she asked as Kento chuckled, putting his arms around her. Jerine hugged him back.
"If you ever need me, just call. I'll be there with a fleet at my back to help you." Kento said as Jerine smiled at him.
"I think I'll be able to take care of myse-." Jerine said but was interrupted as the ship suddenly shook violently beneath their feet, the lights flickering before going out, emergency lighting suddenly coming on.
"What's going on?!" Jerine asked as Kento grabbed his lightsaber, looking around.
"Looks like we got hit with an ion charge! But where-…" he said, hurrying out into the hall to a viewport window and freezing in shock and alarm at the sight. Outside, a small fleet of what looked to be mercenary craft in yellow markings were attacking the Jedi forces around the Redemption, but leading the charge was an Aggressor Class Star Destroyer, its two massive cannons pointed directly at the Redemption while its support craft kept the Jedi ships busy. Kento saw several boarding vessels already close to the Redemption. Kento quickly activated his lightsaber.
"Jerine! Stay there and lock yourself inside! I'm going to try and hold them off!" Kento said, hurrying off down the halls. He soon heard the sounds of blaster fire from down the corridors but as he rounded a corner, he slid to a stop as he saw someone he never anticipated to see.
"It would seem the Force has a sense of irony, oh Son of Starkiller." Lumiya said as she glared at Kento.
"Darth Lumiya, we meet again. Last I saw you, you were scuttling off with your tail between your legs from that station in the Karthakk system." Kento said as Lumiya scoffed.
"My New Master has little interest in you, Marek. I, however, hold you personally responsible for my having to align myself with this mercenary scum, and all thanks to your interference at Malachor!" Lumiya said, cracking her lightwhip at Kento who rolled clear.
"Funny how every time we meet, you're the one that ends up running away!" Kento said with a coy smirk as he and the excommunicated Dark Lady engaged in battle.
…
Meanwhile, down the hall, Jerine and Clapper were huddled behind a worktable in the lab, Jerine with her blaster drawn when the door to the lab suddenly opened. She popped up with her blaster raised only to see Ferroda standing in the doorway, looking worried.
"Oh, Ferroda, I thought it was someone else." Jerine said as Ferroda stepped into the room.
"I came to make sure that the project had left the vessel safely." Ferroda said as Jerine gave a nod.
"It was taken by an Admiral Venk of the 501st already. It should be on its way to Coruscant now." Jerine said as Ferroda gave a relieved nod.
"And their shuttle made the jump to lightspeed just seconds before the pirates arrived. Good. Come, I'll get you to-…" Ferroda said before quickly turning towards the door with one of her blasters drawn. Suddenly a pair of small round blue spheres pinged into the lab from the outside hallway. Ferroda's eyes widened in alarm, quickly throwing Jerine away with the Force just seconds before the spheres detonated in an expanding blue burst of energy, Ferroda collapsing to the floor, unconscious but Jerine and Clapper were unharmed as they had ducked behind the lab table. Ferroda heard heavy footsteps entering the lab as she hid behind the table. Clapper suddenly started wubbing in alarm before being thrown against the wall by the Force and hit with an ion blast, disabling her. Jerine, eyes widened at the sight of her faithful droid being abused, quickly jumped up with her blaster pistol raised but dropped it at she felt something closing her windpipe, putting her hands to her throat as she gasped for air, being lifted off the ground. She saw a terrifying zabrak man with black and red tattoos standing before her with his hand outstretched towards her.
"That's enough, Maul!" another man's voice said, causing Maul to release Jerine, Jerine dropping to her knees on the floor. She coughed as air filled her lungs again, hearing footsteps approaching her. She looked up to see a pair of fine black leather boots before her. She looked upwards and saw an elegantly dressed man in a regal red cape with a head of long greying blond hair and a scarred face, looking down at her with a scowl. She recognized him immediately.
"You?!" she gasped, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Don't worry. This won't hurt in the slightest." The man said gently before shooting her with a stun bolt, knocking her out. Bossk and Sanzia then walked in.
"Take her." The man instructed before turning away, stepping over Ferroda's unconscious body, passing Hisari in the hall. Hisari saw the unconscious Ferroda and took a breath.
"W-what about her?" Hisari asked, motioning to Ferroda.
"What of her?" the man asked.
"She's a healer. She might be of use to us." Hisari said, as the man looked at Ferroda, allowing Bossk to walk past with the unconscious Jerine slung over his shoulder.
"Don't be fooled by the young one's comments. She means that this is a Jedi Healer but a Jedi nonetheless." Maul commented as he glared at Ferroda with disdain.
"Then that makes her even more valuable to our employer. We will bring her with us." The man replied as Maul sneered, allowing Hisari and Sanzia to move in and pick the unconscious Ferroda up by the arms, carrying her out. Hisari shot Maul a cocky smirk, earning an angered snarl from him. He raised an arm to strike her when he paused, a look of confusion on his face as he sensed something.
"Kenobi?" he asked softly, looking around before noticing the fallen case, the case having fallen shut in the chaos. Maul reached down and picked up the case, opening it and pulling out one of the cylinders. He looked at the label and saw something that made his eyes furrow.
"Genetic Sample: 5251977
Subject: Kenobi, O-W."
Maul's hand shook with suppressed rage as he read the inscription, placing the cylinder back in the case, sealing it and then heading for the door with a dark sneer on his face.
…
Down the hall, Kento felt a sudden disturbance in the Force, sensing Jerine in immediate danger.
"Jerine!" Kento exclaimed, quickly ducking a crack of Lumiya's lightwhip before taking off down the hall, slamming the blast doors shut behind him, preventing Lumiya's following him. He hurried down the hall towards where he saw Maul stepping onto one of the boarding vessels.
"JERI!" he yelled as he charged forward, Maul glaring at him but he merely pointed at the approaching Jedi before stepping onto the transport. A squad of mercenaries suddenly ran into Kento's path but Kento didn't stop, beginning to cut his way through the mercs without hesitation, using the Force to crush one up against the ceiling panels while deflecting blaster bolts and cutting through mercs. Maul saw his undaunted approach and snarled.
"Launch! Launch now!" Maul ordered as the airlock door slammed shut before Kento could reach them. Kento was unable to do anything but watch in helpless anger as the transport carrying Jerine and Ferroda disconnected from the Redemption, flying towards the mercenary vessels which were all turning away, jumping to lightspeed, their prize having been acquired. Kento could only watch as the transport jumped to lightspeed, bound for places unknown. Before it did though, he saw a symbol on the hull of the transport that he recognized that made him scowl. He suddenly heard a blaster shot ring out and turned to see a wounded merc fall to the ground behind him, a blaster hole in his back. He looked down the hall to see Rayon's room, the door open and Rayon using his bed as a cover, his blaster rifle in hand. T'ra Saa then approached with Major Tresk and the twins.
"General, the mercenaries are escaping. What were they after?" Tresk asked as Kento turned towards them, a look of anger on his face.
"They took Jerine and Ferroda. Darth Maul and Lumiya were with the mercs." Kento replied.
"Maul? What in the Galaxy could he possibly stand to gain aligning with mercenaries?" T'ra Saa asked.
"I'm not sure. But whatever it is we-." Kento said but was interrupted by a familiar wubbing sound.
"Clapper?" Kento asked as Clapper came rolling towards them, her manipulators snapping as she crashed into Kento's shin.
"Whoa-whoa-whoa, Clapper calm down! Who did you say was there?!" Kento asked. Clapper immediately turned her head slightly and began projecting a recorded holoimage of the elegantly dressed man. The minute Kento saw him, his eyes widened for a moment before they narrowed in anger, his fists clinched at his sides. T'ra could sense his anger rippling through the Force and took a cautious step back with her hand on her lightsaber.
"I should've known!" Kento roared before storming off down the hall. Kento went straight for the bridge, the ship's power having been restored. He entered a few commands into the holotable, opening a transmission with his father.
"Kento? What's the matter?" Galen asked.
"Jerine's been abducted! Pirates again, but this time, Darth Maul was with them." Kento said as Galen's eyes widened.
"Darth Maul? What would he have to gain from abducting her?" Galen asked but Kento scowled.
"I think he's only a pawn. I saw the symbol on the pirate ships that attacked us. It's one you might know." Kento said, bringing up a hologram of the symbol, the symbol making Galen scowl at the sight of.
"So he's the one behind this. But where does Jerine factor into it I wonder?" Galen asked as Kento brought up a hologram of the man Clapper had seen. Galen and Kento both glared at him with disdain.
"You should've killed him when you had the chance." Kento muttered.
"Now isn't the time to debate that. But it is now imperative that we get Jerine back." Galen said as Kento nodded.
"Not just Jerine, but Ferroda Grey as well. I'm not sure why they took her though. That's the big question mark." Kento replied as Galen sighed heavily in anger and frustration.
"Regardless, the shroud of the Dark Side has fallen. We are now facing an all new war." Galen said grimly.
Elsewhere…
Jerine was dragged into a darkened chamber by a pair of men in bulky red armor who unceremoniously threw her onto the floor. Jerine sneered at them as the elegantly dressed man emerged from the shadows.
"They can be crude but they're at least worth the price." The man said as Jerine snarled at him.
"Why have you brought me here?" she asked in a low and angry tone.
"For me, your presence here would be obvious. But for my employer, he has much greater use for you. Although I do say that I find more value in you than he does overall." The man said as Jerine spat at him.
"Get borked!" she spat, both literally and figuratively.
"Such language. Most unbecoming of the heiress of the Eclipse Family." A man's voice said as a hologram of a hooded individual appeared before her. The room started to brighten, and although Jerine couldn't see the walls, she could see that she was not alone. Maul, the Labyrinth participants, Kalani, 8T88, as well as Hisari and Sanzia all stood behind her in the shadows. Jerine looked at the hologram in front of her with suspicion.
"Who are you? What do you want with me?" she asked as the man tented his fingers.
"I have invested billions of credits to bring you here, Doctor. It has caused me no shortage of hassles but I don't anticipate any more. Tell me, Doctor, what do you know of Emperor Palpatine?" the man asked.
"Aside from the fact he was a tyrant and a murderer? Not much." Jerine asked, giving the elegant man a cold stare. The elegant man looked at her disapprovingly.
"That is not up for debate. I refer to, of course, the Emperor's mysterious reappearances ten and eleven years after Yavin. What do you know of that?" the man asked.
"Pure hogwash. Probably an imposter or some kind of a clone." Jerine replied.
"What if I told you that you are partly true. There was cloning involved, but it was indeed the Emperor's mind operating within the clone." The man said but Jerine looked at him suspiciously.
"You mean some kind of memory print?" she asked.
"I mean, the Force. Emperor Palpatine had dedicated much of his life to finding the secret to immortality…and he succeeded." The man replied, surprising Jerine.
"You're not…you're not the Emperor, are you?" Jerine asked but the man chuckled in amusement.
"I am not Palpatine. Never was, never will be. But as for the title of Emperor, now that is something I hope to claim for myself." The man replied as Jerine looked at him confused.
"Who are you then? And why am I here?" Jerine asked.
"You are going to help me to recreate Palpatine's discovery. To help me achieve immortality." The man said but Jerine scowled.
"I'm no Jedi. And even if I were, I have no reason to help you. And if you think he's going to convince me, you're delusional." Jerine said, motioning to the elegantly dressed man.
"I suspected that the fear of death would not be enough for you to capitulate. I believe you will find my solution to earning your cooperation much more convincing." The man said just as the men in red armor walked in again, throwing a weakened Ferroda to the floor next to Jerine. Jerine quickly moved to her side, checking her vitals instinctively. Ferroda didn't appear injured save for some bruising on her arms from where the goons had manhandled her. Ferroda winced with light pain, holding her stomach as she staggered to her feet.
"Where are we?" she asked softly.
"I'm not sure." Jerine replied.
"I…I cannot feel anything." Ferroda said worriedly, a look of confusion on her face.
"What do you mean?" Jerine asked.
"The Force…I cannot sense anything." Ferroda said as a pair of spotlights came on, illuminating a pair of cylindrical cages, each holding a familiar brown lizard inside.
"These Ysalamiri will prove more than adequate for keeping your Jedi powers in check, Ms. Grey. When the time comes, you will be permitted the use of your Force Powers." The man said as Ferroda glared at the hologram but said nothing. Jerine looked at the hologram in annoyance.
"Is this your coercion? You intend to threaten Ferroda's life for my cooperation?" Jerine asked.
"On the contrary, I intend to threaten the lives of everyone on your homeworld for your cooperation." The man said, earning a shocked look from Jerine.
"What?" she asked softly, a second hologram activating, displaying a familiar planet.
"Corulag is your homeworld, yes? Your parents are there, along with many of your childhood friends and their families. People you care greatly about. If you do not cooperate with me, Doctor, I will destroy Corulag. Do not assume that I lack the power to do so. I can most certainly arrange a demonstration if you would like." The man said as Jerine rose to her feet, swallowing nervously.
"You're a monster." Jerine said, her voice shaking.
"It would seem that I have your attention…and your cooperation doctor. Shall we discuss business then?" the man asked.
"What do you want me to do?" she asked softly. The man was silent as a light came on behind the hologram, revealing a black metal oubliette, the same one Maul had been found in, connected to a series of machines and with a medical droid standing by. Jerine began to cautiously approach the oubliette, the original black lid having been replaced with a transparasteel lid. Lying inside, covered in a white sheet from the chest down, was a withered husk of a human man. The man had frayed and withered silver hair and a long scar across his face. There was a metal helmet of some kind attached to his head, a few lights blinking on the helmet indicating it was active.
"Who is this?" Jerine asked.
"Your patient, Doctors." The man said as the hologram deactivated, revealing a holo-droid, one like PROXY, but with yellow hued holo-projectors. The droid then took the form of a much younger man in brown leather jacket with a fur collar, black trousers, and black boots. The man had long silver hair and a scar matching that of the withered man in the oubliette. The men in red all dropped to one knee in respect while Jerine and Ferroda both looked at him curiously.
"What is this?" Jerine asked as the man made the motion of straightening his jacket.
"I am your patient, Doctor. Or rather, this droid is allowing me to act through it. And I must truly have been away from the galaxy for a long time if you do not recognize me…but then I did somewhat strive to be an unseen force and influence in the Galaxy so perhaps my anonymity has worked in my favor." The man said, walking past them, running a hand over the oubliette lid.
"But the time for anonymity has ended. You wish to know who I am?" the man asked, picking up a custom built rawk-chopped special blaster carbine, resting it on his shoulder and giving them a look down his nose.
"I am the one who arranged for the attack on the Yularen as well as the abduction and execution of Captain Gault's family in the effort to bring you to me. When that failed and I learned you had been placed within the custody of the Jedi on Ossus, I arranged the attacks of the farmers of Saleucami to spread the Jedi out. I mastermind behind the Labyrinth Contest which brought together these bounty hunters and mercenaries all for the purpose of bringing you here, Doctor. It was then a matter of waiting until you left the Jedi's protection. Once you left Ossus, it was a simple matter of tracking you down. Luckily the tracking beacon that Captain Gault placed on your droid made it all the more easy to track you to that medical frigate." The man said as Jerine's eyes widened in shock and disbelief at the effort put in to capture her.
"And to answer your question, Doctor, my name, is Zann…"
"…Tyber Zann."
End Chapter 19
Bom-bom-BOM!
That's right folks, the mysterious third party has been Tyber Zann, the criminal kingpin from Star Wars: Empire at War, Force of Corruption, this whole time. What is he after? Find out in the chapters to come.