"So, how are we supposed to find this planet of yours if it has not been charted yet?" Wrecker asked, as the group entered the hangar.
"We will follow the journals of Captain Neely. It is stated here that the captain had flown through the unknown regions, where he did something called light speed jumping. Very dangerous if it is done so recklessly. Although, if my friends and I are able to hone into the location of the planet, we might be able to find the right and safe passage to the planet," Akko explained.
"And what if you don't? Tech asked.
"Well, let's just hope we are able to," Akko said.
"That is not reassuring at all," Tech said.
"Why don't you have some faith in us and think positive," Akko said.
The group finally arrived towards the witches' ship, which was named the Shiny Rod. The ship was a Corellian Cargo ship, equipped with two manual blaster turrets and twin automatic turrets. The ship is able to fit all of the witches plus extra crew if it was needed. The ship was a gift from General Syndulla as a thank you for helping her crew out on a mission. Although the ship looks massive, it is fast enough to outrun Imperial Star Destroyers and powerful enough to take one down if it needed to be. On the inside of the ship is a makeshift kitchen, with a stove and a sink, the engine room, the common space, two latrines, and three living quarters. There was also a makeshift shower just in case the girls needed a place to freshen up. In other words, this is the witches home away from home.
As everyone entered the ship, Clone Force 99 was surprised to see how spacious the ship was. Walking towards the cockpit, Diana and Akko sat down and started inputting coordinates.
"The journal states that the jump point is about 40 parsecs away from the unknown regions near the planet of Rakata Prime. That will be our starting point," Diana said.
"And are you still sure this planet of yours still exists?" Tech asked.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure it still does. Look, this galaxy is massive and I doubt a few clones like yourselves explored every one of them. Especially if it is located deep in uncharted territories," Akko said, "Amanda, Hannah, please show our guests around the ship. Give them the grand tour of it while Diana and I prepare for takeoff."
Amanda and Hannah nodded a reply and led the Bad Batch throughout the ship. As they left, Barbara and Lotte were checking on the flight instruments, while Constanze was examining the weapons and shield system.
"Akko, Diana, do you really believe that we will be able to find our way home?" Barbara asked.
"I hope so," Akko said, "We just need to find how Yoda was able to come to our world. The only way to find the answers to this question is to go back to our planet."
"But don't you think this will lead us to a wild goose chase," Lotte asked.
"Lotte's right, Akko. We are only relying on a journal that was made ages ago. How do we even know that this journal is real?" Barbara asked.
"We just have to trust in the force and hope for the best," Akko answered, "Plus, we all saw the visions of the Liber Mundorum. If this book does exist, and it does, then we are able to defeat the Empire once and for all."
"But don't you think, with Clone Force 99 helping us, we might be entering into something that is above all of us?" Barbara asked, "Something that even witches and the Jedi don't even understand."
"Barbara is right, Akko. Ever since arriving to this world, we all felt something was different. Ben felt it, Yoda felt it, even Vader felt it, none of this smells right. And now we have innocent people joining our search. It's as if whatever truth we are searching for, it will not be something we are expecting," Diana explained.
"I understand how you feel, how all of you feel. Even the Bad Batch knows that this is wrong. If we proceed, we will have to be careful. No matter what happens, we will see this to the end," Akko said, feeling the same knot in her stomach as the other girls felt, "Now, Diana, are we ready for take off?"
"Yes, making the final preparations now," Diana said, pressing more buttons.
Amanda and Hannah led the enhanced clones to the kitchen, where the troopers saw the dishes moving by themselves, some being cleaned and some items being cooked. They were shocked to see magic being used in front of them as they had never seen something like this before.
"How is this possible? There are no droids doing it, and it doesn't seem to be run by machines," Omega asked.
"It's actually quite simple. Magic in a way is like the force. You let it flow through you, allowing you to use its abilities. Now the difference between magic and the force is that with magic, you tend to have a way to channel it. For example, wands, staffs, or even simple phrases can be a way to channel the magic. Also with magic, sometimes if you are not in a world where magic is not as powerful, you would need something called the sorcerer's stone," Hannah explained.
"And what is this sorcerer's stone supposed to do?" Tech asked, quite curious about the world of magic.
"It helps amplify our magical abilities, allowing us to create powerful spells. This ship is infused with something that has similar properties for the sorcerer's stone," Hannah answered.
"Fascinating, a whole ship run by what you call magic," Omega said.
"You will be surprised what magic can do compared to the force," Hannah said, with a smile.
"Can you show me?" Omega asked, her eyes gleaming with innocence.
"If it's all right with your friends here, I don't see why not," Hannah said.
Omega turned to Hunter and asked, "Hunter can I go with her to see some more magic please?"
Hunter thought for a second and then smiled. "Sure, so long as you guys are in eye view, I'm fine with it," he said.
Omega jumped in happiness as Hannah took her hand and led her farther into the cafeteria. She took out her wand and like a magician doing a magic show in front of a child, casted a spell on her, transforming herself into a bird. She then transformed herself into a bunny and then a dog. Omega stood there, smiling in wonder as she never saw this before. Clone Force 99 watched from afar with interest too, never seeing something like this throughout their experience in the field.
"Interesting is it?" Amanda asked.
"What?" Hunter asked.
"Magic. Funny enough, she used to make fun of my friend for doing something like this. Kind of ironic isn't it," Amanda said.
"Yeah, it is," Hunter answered.
"Can I ask you something?" Amanda asked.
"Sure," Hunter said.
"Have you guys ever thought about putting up your weapons and living a quiet life?" Amanda asked.
"We are soldiers, we can not really do that. We can not just retire," Hunter answered.
"I understand, but don't you at least want to give your friend a wonderful life to live?" Amanda asked.
"We do, but we can't just up and leave. The Empire will follow us and plus I don't think cutting our ties off with Cid is a good idea," Hunter explained.
"Sounds like we are all alike here," Amanda said.
"Excuse me, but I don't think we are alike at all," Tech interrupted.
"Well, kind of. We are both strangers in a strange land in a way. Can never stay in one place and just feel awkward no matter where we go. We are both on the Empire shit list and, to be honest, war has changed us," Amanda said, "If you guys ever do want to just escape reality and live the rest of your life in paradise, my friends and I will be able to help you. If we do find this book, that is."
"Why are you offering this?" Echo asked.
"Because all of you deserve a happy ending. Especially the kid. I don't want her to experience things that both you and my friends have experienced," Amanda explained, "Now, I'm not really the type of person who loves school and history, but from where I am from there is a poem that I love. 'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, for I lift my lamp beside the golden door.' You see, this poem was etched onto a statue that is known for being a beacon of freedom. Never forget that you do have a home here. Now, if you excuse me, I am going to see if Akko or Diana needs anything.'
Amanda walks away from the Bad Batch, leaving them in silence as she heads towards the cockpit. The clones stood there, letting what Amanda said to soak in. Looking back at Omega, who was in awe and wonder as Hannah was doing a trick with fireworks and what seems to be a creature of some sort.
"The kid is right, Hunter. This life is not for Omega, she is not a soldier," Echo said.
"I know, I know. But what will we do with the Empire on our butts," Hunter said, "No matter where we go, they will find us."
"There is also Cid, I don't think dissolving our partnership with her will lead to anything good," Tech added.
"No matter what we do, we will at least give Omega a good life," Hunter said.
"Hunter, I need your team up here real quick," Diana radioed in.
"Guess we will finally learn if what these witches say is true or not," Hunter said as he started to make his way to the bridge with the rest of the squad following him.
Amanda, Akko, and Diana were looking at a holograph of Earth, while Constanze and Barbara were pressing buttons on the computer. Examining the map, Diana found a good place for them to land and be in cover while not giving away too much attention to themselves. They also found out what time period they will be entering as the group was making plans on how to proceed.
"Apparently, the book will be appearing in some museum down in New Orleans. Landing wise, we should be landing in a thick, swampy area where there is no human activity," Diana said.
"Agree, if we are able to do that, this might be an easy mission," Akko said.
"Careful Akko, it is not wise to tempt fate," Amanda said
"I know, but look, we have the abilities and tech to have this mission succeed without causing any big disturbance," Akko said.
The Bad Batch entered the planning room as Akko was talking to Amanda. There they saw the map of the planet these girls called Earth and some weird language displayed they had never seen before. Actually, it seemed to be different languages on the screen. Tech was interested in this vast amount of languages but decided right now was not the right time to ask.
The witches didn't even notice the enhanced clones entering the room as they were talking. Hunter was able to pick up some things the witches say such as something like alligators and what seems to be a specific community law enforcement and government.
"Ahem," Hunter coughed loudly to get the witches' attention.
"Ahh, Hunter didn't hear you guys coming in," Akko said.
"So did you girls find the planet?" Hunter asked.
"Yes, we have. We already plot a course for it and it should be about a three day journey. That is counting the hyperspace route from the farthest planet of the Unknown Regions," Diana explained, "We have also calculated the time period we will be entering. In Earth's time, it will be around 1977. Now, this is not bad considering if you have to wear your armor, people will sum it up as you guys cosplaying as stormtroopers."
Hunter was about to open his mouth but closed it when Diana interrupted him and said, "Don't ask."
"Now, we have learned during this time frame, the book will be put into a museum exhibit. They are going to make a big show of it so Akko and I believe this is a great time to attack. Now, all of this is the good news," Diana said.
"So what's the bad news?" Hunter asked.
"This," Akko said as she pressed a couple of buttons and a hologram of a news headline appeared, "Apparently since this book is not only a powerful spell book, it is worth quite a lot of money. Because of this, it will attract attention. We will not be the only ones hunting this book. Supposedly, the great thief Arsene Lupin III is quite interested in it and it was reported that he was successful in stealing it."
"One man against us is not really a challenge," Wrecker said.
"My friend, do not underestimate him. You see, he is a master of disguise and can pretty much outsmart anyone if he really wants to. Plus, his allies are also powerful too. There is the marksman who never misses his shots and a samurai who can cut through anything. Although, I am actually interested in seeing him cut through Kamonian tech. Anyways, in order for this to be prevented we will need to work fast as not only will the local police be there but the International Law Enforcement," Akko explains.
"Easy you say," Amanda said, still reeling in the fact that Akko called this easy.
"It is, so long as we don't run into them or Interpol," Akko said to Amanda.
"Look, this sounds like you guys are running a huge risk. Are you sure this plan is foolproof?" Hunter asked.
"More or less. If anything, we just rely on the force and hope for the best," Akko said with a smile.
"You do realize that is not how the force works," Diana said.
"You said that wearing our armor will make people believe we are stormtroopers, why is that?" Tech asked.
"Because this is the same year as the film was released and it was actually a success. If anything too, we can get some regular clothes for you," Amanda said.
"The only thing though is that you will have to stay on the ship," Akko said, pointing at Echo.
"Why me?" Echo asked.
"You will look very out of place and will attract unnecessary attention. We do not really want the American government to be on our ass. Hunter looks like he just came back from war, actually looks closely to a character from another movie called Rambo. Tech actually looks normal without all the gear. Wrecker looks like any bouncer I saw whenever I sneak into clubs. You, you look something straight of a scifi film," Amanda explained.
"Plus, you can come and give us support if we need any help," Diana said.
"And what is this plan when we land?" Tech asked.
"The plan is simple. There will be two teams. Team A will be Amanda, Hannah, Hunter, and Barbara, while Team B will be Tech, Wrecker, me, Lotte, Constanze, Omega, and Diana," Akko said as she presented a holograph of the museum layout, "Team A, you guys would be playing security guards, this will get you closer to the book and hoping everything goes to plan, we will be able to steal it right under their nose. Team B, we will be playing a happy family together. We will be tourists from out of the country, coming into the museum after hearing it on the news. There we will be helping with the getaway vehicle and providing some backup."
"That…actually doesn't sound like a bad plan. Though, I do wonder how Team A is going to fit in as new guards if we consider how they might check for ids," Tech said, surprised about the plan.
"Don't worry, we are witches after all, we will conjure something up and hope for the best," Akko said.
"So, for the getaway vehicle, what will we be using?" Hunter asked.
"Since our planet is very primitive, it will be something very foreign to you guys. It will either be a truck or a van of some kind. Now before we were transported here, the only people who knew how to drive or even have a license were Amanda, Hannah, Barbara, and me. The issue will be acquiring this vehicle, but we can think of that obstacle when we get there," Akko explained.
"You do not have speeders of any kind?" Tech asked.
"Cars, motorcycles, and trucks are our speeders," Amanda answered.
"So that's the plan. Do any of you guys have any questions?"Akko asked.
"What about this Lupin guy? If that factor is counted, do you guys think that he might try to steal it before we are able to get our hands on it?" Hunter asked.
"I have to agree with the clone, Akko, if Lupin plans to steal it under our noses, we won't be able to retrieve it," Diana said.
"My plan for that and it might help diminish the numbers for Interpol is to send his calling card and have the location across town," Akko said, "Knowing Lupin, he will have to steal from the place we are having him steal. So not only will that distract him and his crew, but also Interpol."
"That seems very risky. Are you sure that will work?" Tech asked.
"Nope, not at all. But hey, when did any of our plans work," Akko said.
"She does have a point, a lot of our plans usually backfire on us. That's what happened to us at the Death Star," Barbara said, "But, I do feel like this plan might work in our favor considering it is easy to fool Interpol."
"The biggest factor in all of this is Lupin. If we manage to use his own calling card against him, he will track us down and steal it from us. Or even have one of his goons impersonate him and steal the other treasure," Amanda said.
"So the rate of our success is all on if this guy tricks us or not. Doesn't sound too bad considering we will outnumber him," Wrecker said.
"Don't get cocky, big guy. I have read some stuff on this guy and let's just say he is able to take us down if he wants to," Amanda said.
"If all else, the girls, Hunter, the kid, and I can scope out the area. Tech, you and Echo could help formulate a better plan with the footage we take," Akko said, "This way if things go south, we have a plan B."
"Understood," Tech said.
A green light was flashing on the console, getting the attention of Diana and Akko. Pressing the button, a few words popped up. "Well, it seems like we have arrived. Good luck everyone and may the force be with you," Akko said, as she and Diana headed back to the cockpit.