Sorry for delay release of this chapter. Been working on my separation paperwork from the Navy, looking for a job, and working out a RWBY one-shot. No rest for the weary. At least I got this chapter out before the month is out.
Thanks for Firehawk1100 for looking over this chapter and the next.
The Crack in the Foundation: Part One
Aarganor.
Like most planets that made up the vast galaxy they called home, it was a beauty of a sight from afar. It was as large as Tatooine, blanketed entirely in a pleasant russet shade that was its sand. The lack of pollution was clear, with zero smog among the few wispy white clouds in the lower atmosphere.
Despite the stunning appearance, Aarganor was far from what Coquer would have labeled a vacation hotspot. The planet was more akin to Jakku in most regards than that of Tatooine. The life-scans exposed the sparse local population that was encompassing the planet in tiny pockets. The fauna of the sand covered-world ruled Aarganor, unforgiving and without prejudice.
The corner of Coquer's mouth curled up, completely cocky in its nature.
This would be the quickest mission yet.
"Lieutenant," he called out. "Pull up a map of the planet."
"Sir."
From the corner of his eye, he watched Alarik turn to Lugnut, his body tensed, with apprehension clear on his face.
Coquer blinked, his throat suddenly feeling tight. His hands felt clammy and his heart racing, able to hear the blood pumping in his ears. It was as if he was a child again, initiating in his first real duel against the sparing droids on that gods-forsaken planet he spent his childhood on. The warmth of his piss running down his leg, blood trickling down from the open wound on his shoulder, the stinging pain in his abdomen from the broken ribs, and the cold dreaded realization that the fight wouldn't end unless he scrapped the droid or died.
He placed a hand on top of the other, attempting to cease the trembling.
Coquer was scared, he realized. Terrified, more like it. Of what, he didn't know. What he did know was that it took all of his willpower to not burst out of his chair and sprint to the nearest escape pod. The sensation was abrupt, loud, muting all his senses and thoughts he previously had.
Why was this happening, the young commander wondered. It was as if he no longer had control over his own emotions. It was almost like…
His eyes widened, recalling a similar incident occurring some time ago.
It was with that clone—Joker, was the name of the soldier. Coquer could remembered the sensation as if it transpired yesterday. It was as though he was unexpectedly possessed by a spirit, manipulating his anxiety, spiking his panic and distress.
The loss of control was only fleeting back then. A moment he hardly thought twice about, but now, as sweat dripped from his nose and anxiety clenching his throat, the dread felt it was lasting forever.
"Sir?"
As quick as a jump into hyperspace, the mysterious feeling disappeared, evaporating without a trace. Coquer blinked a few times, trying to get his head on right.
Alarik lowered his head slightly, speaking in a lower tone. "Are you okay, Commander? Is this about the mission?"
"I'm fine…" Coquer cleared his throat then wiped the sweat from his brows. "I'm fine," he reiterated, sitting more confidently.
Alarik didn't pursue his peculiar behavior, merely closing his eyes and nodding in acceptance as he stood by his side. Coquer was extremely grateful for this. As long as he focused on the war, everything would be okay. Everything would be normal.
He would be normal.
"As you requested," Alarik began, drawing Coquer out of his own thoughts. "Here is the map of Aarganor."
"Thank you, Lieutenant."
Coquer cupped his chin, tapping it as he examined the planet, fixated on the objective. He tapped a few of the buttons that were on his armrest, rotating the projection into different angles as well as bringing up a multitude of additional information, such as weather history, soil composite, wildlife, everything that could aid him in solidifying his decision on where the base should be constructed.
His eyes flicked to the all the data as they popped up, absorbing them and then placing them in a long list of pros and cons. The base of operation have to be assembled in a site that couldn't easily be discovered from recon drones that the Republic might utilized, while also being able to efficiently deploy droid fighters at a moment's notice to raid any Republic ships that may fly close to the nest.
Coquer had a general idea as to what sort of region he was searching for. Perhaps additional input might ease the decision process. It was always good to hear suggestions from those in your rank, Trench had taught him. It may spur something in them as well as the leader that asked them.
He leaned back in his chair, bringing one leg up and resting the ankle on his other leg's knee. "Any ideas, Bonteri?"
Alarik hummed at the inquiry. "How about here?"
He pressed a button on Coquer's armrest, zooming in on a quadrant in the northern hemisphere. With another press, the projection went horizontal, showing large sand dunes and a mountain range.
"We could erect the base inside the mountain if there is no entrance to it," Alarik explained. "Based on the data, if we did such a thing, it wouldn't be spottable at first glance, even by radar. It would take the Republic a while to find it."
"True, but..." Coquer pressed a button on the other armrest. A large red blob appeared not that far from the location Alarik favored. "It's quite close to a sarlacc."
"Even more of a reason to pick this location," Alarik reasoned. "It would steer locals away from the base, lessening the amount of curious eyes spying on us and casualties should the Republic find us, which by the way, if they did, they would have to work around creature to attack us, forcing them to play by our rules."
A sound military decision if Coquer ever heard one. Sadly, his lieutenant wasn't seeing the big picture as to why he dismissed the notation.
"When you hear of Aarganor, what do you think of?" Coquer asked.
"Sir, respectfully, I haven't heard of this planet until we were sent on this mission."
Coquer chuckled. He wasn't surprised at all with that response. If it weren't for people's natural desire to explore the unknown and settling down, he doubted anyone would even look at the planet.
"Fair enough, Lieutenant," he said with a tiny smile. "What I am getting at, is that the planet is known for two things; its numerous sarlaccs and their predator; the gouka dragon."
"A what?"
"A gouka dragon," Coquer restated. "It's one of two known predators of sarlaccs. Goukas are known to be quite, let's say, rowdy while feasting on one."
"I see…" Alarik looked at him with a raised brow. "How did you know that? That seemed to be a very specific piece of information."
"I liked dragons when I was a child," Coquer admitted with a shrug.
And if he was being honest, he still did. It was the child in him, still fascinated by the stories of the Tirra'Taka dragon that used to roam Serenno. Once a fierce and majestic creature, now reduced to folktale. Even now, the young boy wished to see the last living one before it was slain by his father when he claimed the title of Count of their noble house.
"Though, as you may have guessed, dragons in fairytales were vastly different than the ones that are in the galaxy."
Alarik snorted a laugh. "Well, I guess that leaves my location out."
"Good suggestion though, Lieutenant," he complimented.
"Commander, if I may?" A new voice joined in.
The two looked to their right, seeing a Lugnut standing with a timid posture and a datapad in hand. Alarik shuffled a bit closer to Coquer.
"What is it, droid?" Alarik asked hotly.
"I, uh, well, uh." Lugnut brought its attention to the datapad, obviously avoiding their gaze. "I looked at the map of the planet, and the Commander had always told us that if we have an idea I should voice them."
The battle droid peeked up from the datapad, staring at Coquer. "I have an idea about where we should build the base, sir."
This was a new development. Usually Coquer had to prod the droids in his command for their inputs and thoughts for tactics. He wondered what caused this change in Lugnut.
"I think we're—"
"Let's hear it, Lugnut," Coquer ordered, interrupting Alarik.
Alarik whipped his head to him, his eyes narrowed. "Commander, it's a B-1 series, not even one programmed to lead. Plus..." He leaned in close to Coquer's ear. "Remember what I told you about the droids. You should not humor it."
Coquer sighed. Alarik was right, but Lugnut had proven itself capable enough for the right for him to listen. It was the least he could do for his soldier.
"Your concerns have been noted, Lieutenant." He waved Alarik off. "But as a member of this crew, he deserves to be heard."
"It."
"Excuse me?" Coquer turned his head to him.
"You refer to the droid as a he. The machine is an it."
He had? Strange. Coquer never made that mistake before.
"A slip of the tongue I guess." The look Alarik gave him said he didn't believe him. "Anyways, Lugnut. Where do you think we should build the base?"
"Oh, yes." Lugnut pressed a button on the datapad causing the projection to zoom out.
Five blinking red lights appeared across the globe. To Coquer's eye, there didn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for their placements.
"After scanning the planet, I found these five locations that fit the necessary criteria you and Lieutenant Bonteri wish to employ."
Coquer hummed. "Impressive."
"I agree," Alarik grumbled. "At least we narrowed it down."
"Um." The two looked at Lugnut once more. "Actually, I was thinking about building a base at each of the locations. As well as one on one of the planet's moons."
"Ambitious, Lugnut, but we don't have the resources for that," Coquer explained. "We can build two if we do the bare minimum for the construction."
"I know Commander, but I am not saying we build a true base at each location."
Coquer and Alarik glanced at each other, mirroring the other's confusion that were on their face.
Alarik stared at Lugnut with a raised eyebrow. "What are you implying, droid?"
"Like you said Commander, we only have enough material for two bases, if that. I suggest putting one plantet side, a small one, while we place the real one on the planet's moon. While at the other four locations, we construct decoy bases to throw off the Republic when they try to search for our real one." Lugnut continued, "The decoys would be filled with explosives, booby-trapped to detonate once the Republic entered deep enough."
At the end of the droid's explanation, the sole two humans of the entire Confederate Third Fleet, just stared, completely gobsmacked. Coquer had fought alongside with many B-1 droids that were programed for leadership and several of tactical droids from many battalions during the war, listening to their plans and inputs that he ultimately ignored due to their single-mindedness. The plan Lugnut concocted was, dared he say it, ingenious. Human.
It was something that he himself would invented.
"That…" Alarik trailed off, sounding completely at a loss for words.
Coquer shook his head, getting out of his stupor. "Impressive, Lugnut. Most Impressive." He flashed the machine a smile. "I told you our lessons would pay off."
"T—thank you, sir." Lugnut sounded happy, proud even. The timid posture that the machine had transformed to that of pride. "Should I give the order to the fleet to commence with my proposal?"
Coquer glanced at Alarik, whose expression was a mix between disbelief and horror. He knew what this was about. He would be idiot if he didn't.
"I'll talk it over with Lieutenant Bonteri," he deflected. "You may return to your post."
Coquer stood from his seat. Tapping Alarik's shoulder, he released the man from his self-induced trance. Gesturing the lieutenant to follow, he led the way to the elevator.
The doors opened. "We will return momentarily," Coquer announced. "You have the bridge, Lugnut."
Said droid saluted. "Aye aye, sir."
Coquer and Alarik entered the elevator, doors sliding closed behind them. He selected a random destination, counted to five, and then pressed the emergency stop button.
"We're alone, Alarik," Coquer stated. "I know you have—"
"What the kriff were you thinking?"
Alarik grabbed Coquer by the collar, hoisting him off his feet and pinning him against the wall with a dull thud. Coquer's eyes gritted his teeth as a shot of pain ran down his spine.
"You taught the droid?" Alarik's eyes narrowed into thin slits, his lips stuck in a disappointed scowl. "B-1 droids aren't manufactured to learn like Commando or MagnaGuard droids do. They lacked the programming to do so."
"And the worst part about it," he continued, growling, "is that the droid's plan was completely sound. These droids are not supposed to have this level of intelligence. Can you now see the issue Coquer; do you need any more evidence?"
Alarik was huffing after finishing his rant, pelting Coquer with his warm breath. Coquer felt an icy hand squeezing his heart, sending chills through his veins as it squeezed. His eyes widened, recognizing the feeling. It was like before when Alarik was forced to communicate with the droid to display the map of Aarganor, and like the previous time, it felt foreign to him, similar to that of a body combating an infectious disease.
This fear he was experiencing didn't belong to him, he deduced. Neither that time with Joker nor the moment on the bridge a few minutes ago. It was…
Coquer stared at Alarik, noticing how beady his eyes were. How afraid he was.
…It was Alarik's fear he was undergoing.
But how? Coquer questioned. It should be impossible. My studies stated only mystics should have such abilities. Unless…
I have the same ability…
It made so much sense to him now. Those sporadic visions that seemsed to display the future. The weird sixth sense that he felt in combat, warning him of a bolt that was aimed at his head.
It all made sense now. He, Coquer, son of Dooku, had the Force.
If I am, then why has father, ignored me? I could've helped him. I could've been his apprentice, and not that harpy. I could've been—
Alarik slammed him against the wall again. "Damn it Coquer, just accept that the droids have to go!"
Coquer clenched his teeth, anger bubbling in his gut. He grabbed Alarik by his wrists, applying force to the pressure points, coercing the older man to let go. He sneered at the lieutenant as he exercised more energy, bringing the man to his knees.
"No, Alarik," Coquer spat, peering down at the pathetic man like he was an insect as the grating whine of pressure applying to metal pierced their ears, "you will accept the droids aren't going anywhere. You're replaceable—not them. I refuse to lose any of them due to a coward who worries what might happen in the future. I refuse to lose them like I did Trench!"
Coquer stood there, lights above flickering for a brief moment as he seethed in hatred at the cowering man before him. Furious at the discovery of his own newfound ability. Livid at his father who he originally believed neglected him due to his lack of connection to the Force. Infuriated at the hairless harpy for torturing him and that damned cyborg berating him. Enraged at this horrendous war for taking the only person he loved in this whole damn galaxy.
HE WAS HEATED AT EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE!
The fluorescent lights above popped, blanketing them in a brief darkness before the emergency lights came on. The walls creaked louder. A nut or bolt burst and flew in the small elevator, ricocheting against the walls.
"Coquer…"
He glared at Alarik then paused at his expression. It wasn't pained or angry like Coquer thought it would be. It was that of understanding and a hint of pity.
He immediately let go of him, "I'm sorry," muttered Coquer. "I'm sorry."
Coquer backed to the wall of the elevator, sliding down, sitting on his rear. He brought his legs up, burying his head in-between them. "I don't know what came over me…"
Silence filled the tense air, creeping with it the anxiety that Coquer knew didn't belong to him.
"What was that?" Alarik demanded.
"I don't know."
"What do you mean you don't know," Alarik snapped. "It was like you were—"
"I don't know, okay!"
Coquer clenched his teeth, attempting to shove the foreign emotion out of him. "I just don't know, okay…"
There was just too much for him to decipher, simply too overwhelmed with the discovery of his latent ability to act, let alone think straight. Trench would know how to calm his raging heart and racing mind.
He heard Alarik shuffling to his right. The older man wrapped an arm around him, bringing him close, squeezing for a second before relenting. Was that a hug?
"I should apologize as well," Alarik stated. "I attacked you, not only my commanding officer but also a kid who is barley an adult. That is not how I was raised to act."
"I…I can't lose them, Alarik," Coquer confessed. "I realize it now. Those droids are the closest thing I have to a family. They are family."
Alarik hummed, patting him on the back. "I see."
They sat in silence, Coquer's true feelings about the droids of his fleet bared. He knew what would come next. Court martial with the verdict of being guilty. If he was lucky they would just disbar him from the navy, but knowing the amount of his enemies he made in the military for just existing, most likely execution. And his droids—his men, probably scrapped used for building materials. Too risky to use them for spare parts if their cognitive could be spread.
"Do you trust them?" Alarik inquiry.
"I do. With my life," Coquer proclaimed. He lifted his head, eyeing his second-in-command with mild curiosity. "Why you ask?"
"Because I should too, or the very least give them a chance to prove my worries wrong."
Coquer was completely befuddled from the man's words.
"You're my CO, and that means I should at least trust you to do the right thing." He looked at Coquer. "They still possessed a great threat to the galaxy, but I'm willing to utilize our mission as a test of sorts to see if my woes are actually warranted."
"Really?"
Alarik chuckled. "Really."
Alarik got on his feet, dusting his rear off. He placed a hand out, inviting Coquer to take it. "We should hurry back to the bridge. We have delayed long enough."
Coquer smiled. He knew he had a good feeling about Alarik when they first met. He accepted the hand and was helped to his feet. Pressing the button for the bridge, they were on the way.
"Thank you, Alarik. You won't regret this."
"We shall see, Commander."
Did I do the right thing, Alarik contemplated while overseeing the deployment of ships in the hangar.
He knew Mina would say that he did. That his actions were to have a grieving boy come to terms with his own emotions. Despite doing better than the first day they met, even he knew Coquer was still hurting.
But Mina had been wrong before, and his gut was saying the same thing.
There were multiple droids uprising in the past. All of them ended before it took real root, but the bloodshed that they instigated with each occurrence was immeasurable. Strict laws and unbending regulations were written and passed to thwart any more events from occurring.
It had worked. The galaxy hadn't experienced such horrid events since the times of the Old Republic with the surprise influx of assassin droids.
But, like the infamous saying went, history doesn't repeat itself, but it does sometimes rhyme.
Alarik hoped he didn't turn this already ugly war into a ghastly one.
"Lieutenant Bonteri."
Alarik suppressed a shiver that came from the sound of the modulated voice. He turned around, seeing a B-1 droid with a rifle in its hands.
He swallowed his fears. "Yes, droid?"
"I want to apologize, Lieutenant. Ever since our talk, you've been avoiding the crew. We are happy to have you on board the Alacrity and Third Fleet, especially since you helped the Commander. If there were any misconceptions from before, I hope this rectifies it."
Alarik blinked, completely astonished from the machine's words. Droids apologizing wasn't a foreign concept. Before the war, when he still believed in the Republic, he had to plan hundreds of wife's events to entertain her political friends and had much assistance from servants and chef droids. Clumsy few broke plates or trip and fall, smearing food on the guests. They all apologize profusely, but there was never any real sincerity in their voice. A default reaction if you would.
But this droid, this simple B-1 droid designed as an expendable pawn in war, sounded so sincere that it almost resembled a...human.
"I want to say sorry earlier, but—well." The droid scratched its head. The machine had a nervous tick. A machine had a human quality. "You've been avoiding me—us."
"I see…" he trailed off, not sure how to reply.
What could he say? What could he do? The evidence of his worries was standing right in front of him, unknowingly admitting to the crimes it committed. He could lash out at the droid, or even scrap the machine himself, but what would that solve? It won't resolve the core issue or pacify the anxiety that was making him stand like a statue.
"So, um." The droid stuck a hand out, inviting him to shake it. "I hope we can be good comrades from this day forward."
Alarik stared at the machine, then at its hand. The machine wanted to make amends. To become associates—comrades in this terrible war. His gut was still warning him of the dangers, practically yelling at him to scrap every droid in the fleet, with or without Coquer's permission.
"Uh, am I doing this wrong, Lieutenant?" The droid looked at its outstretched hand, tilting its head to the right. "During the Annexation of Elom, I saw Commander Coquer and Chieftain Amieto shake hands and seemed to be on good terms after that." The machine turned its photoreceptors to him, tilting its head in the other direction. "Is this something only organic beings could do?"
"They are family."
Alarik could now see why Coquer thought of these droids in such high regards. Even he, himself, was starting to sway because of their emotions. These machines cared for the boy—cared for him.
"What's your serial—" He shook his head. They don't have serial numbers. Not anymore. "What's your name?"
"It's Rust, remember? We met the first day you came onboard. You helped Coquer and I thanked you for that."
That was right, he did recall a droid labeling itself Rust when he first arrived onboard. It was the droid that started all of his worries and fears. He honestly forgot its name once realizing all machines in the fleet attained a similar level of psychological state.
"Ah, sorry. I've been having a...hard time adjusting to the Commander's fleet, and remembering so many names."
Rust chuckled. Alarik never thought he would ever hear a droid chuckle so genuinely "Understandable, sir. We do have a lot of droids."
More than a lot. Enough to raise arms against your creators and win. "That we do."
"Well, I'll see you planet-side, Lieutenant."
Rust saluted him before turning around, walking to one of the dropships.
"Wait," Alarik called out.
Rust turned around, staring at him. "Yes, sir?"
He walked up to it. With a deep breath, he placed his hand out. He knew was going to regret this. Maybe not now, or days later, or even when he was long dead. Alarik knew he was going to regret his next action.
"Apology accepted...Rust." Alarik smiled at the being of metal and oil. "Comrades?"
Rust grabbed his hand and shook it with fervor. If the machine had a face, Alarik knew the droid would be smiling ear to ear.
"Comrades," Rust excitedly said.
Author's Note: Coquer is finally aware of his abilities. Originally, it was suppose to come out way later in the story, but I felt this was a good spot for it after some editing. Working on the next couple of chapters, planning on bringing back Ventress and Ahsoka, before finishing up with the last arc.
Till Next Time