Chapter 15
The freedom fighters...
Vader didn't even introduce the title, rather the concept spread from every single one of them until it had been mutually agreed upon. Ann had been the one who brought the idea to Vader. Some of the still skeptical former slaves expected that Vader would not agree that he would try to push down his beliefs on them like Jabba and many of the slavers have done before.
It had been to their shock when he kept true to his word about their freedom & consent, which only drove home loyalty beyond belief to him.
It have been in that moment even if they didn't know about it, they had been a rebirth of Vader's Fist. Yes, the armor and intent were different, but their loyalty was beyond the Republic and Empire.
These liberated slaves...
They were loyal and faithful...
To him...
When they trained, they did it to appease him, even though Vader would often subdue those personal feelings of seeking acknowledgments and reminded them of their loyalty to one another. Anybody who attempted to threaten Vader would be mowed down in seconds without knowing what hit them. Better yet, he hadn't even influenced them with the Force as Sith would have.
It had been deeper than even the Clones' loyalty, born not out of leadership tactics or how effective he was to complete the mission, but rather out of willingness to listen to them and understand they had feelings of their own.
While he would consider the Clones friends and many of them including Rex family long ago, Vader had enough knowledge to understand that many of them had a duty before family mentality - considering their own brothers out of their squadron nothing more than strangers.
At the time, Anakin didn't have an army at the end of it all. The Chancellor and the Republic had an army they allowed him to be in command of. He had been aware of Order 65, but the Republic Security Council had only such authorization to execute the order, not the Jedi or anyone else. The Order of Bane had years to implement themselves into the Senate.
The Clones were programmed to follow orders, especially the contingencies, from before birth. On top of that, each of them was genetically modified to be obedient. When the Clone Wars started, Sidious had been in the position to execute any order, and it would be followed to peak efficiency. He had failed safes that his closest pawns - Vader included even - didn't knew about in place for if he was killed.
While their personalities may have been freshened out later, while they had developed respect for him, most of them would have unfortunately wound-up following orders. Vader had witnessed it himself. While they loathed the human recruits in general, many of the Clones hadn't been above remaining loyal to the Empire. When the 501st Clone Troopers slaughtered the Kaminoans after their attempted Clone Rebellion, that was haunted memories for them all. When they invaded and subdued all of Kamino's cloning facilities, and then used them to keep the 501st "pure" clones, that had been when their loyalty have been affirmed to the Empire.
And the Kamino uprising had been a painful reminder of how the Clones' brainwashing could do sufficient damage against their rivals.
Stormtroopers were loyal to the Empire, carrying out official duties for that institution and those in high positions. While the Clones who stayed in the navy throughout the Imperial era may have remained loyal to him due to his battle techniques, many of them had never knew a life outside of slavery and only preferred someone who could lead them to victory in the false approach of the Republic. Vader respected the human recruits, but he would never even call them friends.
This had been different. These were individuals gladly willing to follow someone like him into battle. While they were slaves too like the Clones, many of them had feared their masters and had only followed orders to survive. The Clones had been conditioned since birth. The slaves had been brainwashed to carry out their masters' order.
Yet while they may be similar on paper at the very least, one put them off differently. The slaves may have been through torment frequently and had to live days in & days out without refreshments but knew there had been a life outside of slavery despite most of them giving up on the prospect of freedom; however, the Clones had to endure their brains going through actual alternations by the Kaminoans scientists. Some Clones such as the ARC Troopers were purposely less altered from the base template to be able to make more unorthodox decisions and tragedies that normal Clones wouldn't think of. Many of them stayed not because they couldn't imagine a life outside of the Empire because they felt betrayed by the Jedi, they believed Palpatine over the Jedi and were enraged by being betrayed. But many still had doubts about it after the deed had already been done.
Fortunately, the slave masters didn't think of or care to use such sick ideas for the slaves, or else they may have been no better.
His co-leader - a black and yellow striped Zabrak - Mol Zandarg - with fierce golden eyes. He was one of the slaves who were quite outspoken and defiant, even in the face of a beating he proudly told him. This was no doubt because of his rough upbringing which had already forced him to adapt to survival. Many other Zabraks in his revolution were, likewise, have been taken later in life.
The Zabrak looked at him with a grin. Even though he had a vocal attitude when push came to shove, he was still quite a jokester. "We have taken out some of the guards in the way as you've commanded, Lord Vader. Of course, what else is new?"
It was just another barb, yet it was an unsettling reminder that many of them have come to call him "Lord Vader", despite how often he would remind them that Vader would do. Vader suspected it had been a running joke among them.
"Remember, Mol, it's Vader," he scolded sharply. "There is no Lord involved."
Mol shook his head, grinning slightly. "Lord Vader just suits you, sir, none of us can't explain it."
Vader had been tempted to grumble but swallowed back that childish instinct.
After doing a brief inspection, Vader continued on with the former slaves stalking behind him. He'd moved slowly as he did during his time as a Sith instead of dashing in like when he was a Jedi. This prevented him from falling into all possible traps that there may be and also showed his soldiers that there is no cause for fear when he is at the front.
They moved quickly and quietly through the streets, avoiding the watchful eyes of Jabba's henchmen. While this curfew hardly impacted their silent and swift operations, the people of Tatooine & slaves alike were feeling it hard, and Vader can only feel sympathy for the poor souls.
A group of henchmen - Klatooninians, Weequays, Niktos, - spotted them and aimed their blasters in their direction. They were armored up and had state-of-the-arts weaponry.
Vader charged forward and battered through their defensives. Their improved armor required close combat instead of blasters, something that briefly provided them with shielding.
Regardless, Vader knew where their weak spots were, and took advantage of it. Other times, he would just aim for amputation.
Redemption be damned, slavers and whoever supported them would not be allowed to thrive when Vader would always be around to deal with them.
When the final one fell dead after being stabbed through by his lightsaber, Vader retracted the lightsaber.
Mol smirked. "Watching you lead is quickly becoming a pleasure of mine."
Vader didn't say anything about this as he deactivated both lightsabers and turned to the army. "Incinerate their bodies and collect their possessions."
"Yes, sir," the female Twi'lek stated, moving forward along with others to collect the bodies and take them to the nearest hiding place to do as ordered. It was best to make sure that Jabba doesn't think this is the handiwork of a Jedi just yet before they made a major move.
"Come, we have more to deal with," Vader stated in that ever-commanding voice. "I sense a disturbance in the Force."
As they moved through the shadows, they came across a group of Chadra-Fan - clearly a family - who were huddled together in fear. They have been caught in the curfew.
Their hands were tied behind their backs, and two Weequay henchmen were standing in front of them, evidently some form of guards.
Mol looked at him, offering a slight gesture to them with a slight inclination of his head. Vader nodded and moved slightly to the side, allowing the Zabrak to run forward and fire two bolts against the heads of the helmeted and unsuspecting guards, surprising the captured as they look up to the rescuers to see Vader standing in front of them, lightsabers at the ready.
The freedom fighters approached them, their weapons at the ready as always to make sure that anyone who was possibly a foe would be dealt with accordingly.
Vader walked up, a soft smile across his lip.
"We're here to help," Vader proclaimed, his voice low and commanding as he removed their restraints with the Force.
Vader and his group led them through a maze of alleys and side streets, avoiding the main roads where it have been confirmed more of Jabba's guards were already patrolling. They moved quickly and quietly, their senses on high alert.
They took them to a secret hideout that would have to be done for the time being.
As they moved through the city, they came across other natives who were in need of help - those of the innocents that have been unfortunately caught.
The freedom fighters stopped to help each one, leading them to safety and assuring that they are taken care of. They move like a well-oiled machine, their training and experience allowing them to move quickly and efficiently.
Despite the dangers that they faced, Vader and his group remained focused on their mission. When the night was over, Vader and his group had helped hundreds of people.
They didn't even have to ask them. Many were inspired by the former slaves who now stood against the tyranny that once enforced them, fighting for the forces of good instead of continuing mindless obedience in darkness. And even the small margin that didn't want to get involved with the conflict agreed to keep it a secret or fill other positions in the background.
By dawn, dozens of those of who had been rescued came together, all having a request to join the freedom fighters movement.
They would receive training soon, but the next nights would be just as worth it.
The Slave Brothel had been guarded by Jabba's overseers. The light-skinned human female Jescla Jussan had been the main female overseer in charge. She had been doing this for over seven years now, and while her age was showing, she still loved it.
Hence, she didn't regret it when Jabba chose to give her away to the brothel for her remaining days! The band played every song she wanted, she had many friends here, comfortable living conditions such as desirable beverages, foods, and drugs. And the best part, the men had been stripped to the stomachs to show their skin and muscularity! Their legs had been shown to them all as well! That'd been why she been pissed off when Jabba hadn't came through with delivering more male slaves to them, and that this situation about whatever that have been happening on Tatooine hadn't been solved.
She had been getting tired of this slave revolution. Whoever this bloody bastard was, they have been quickly becoming a threat. Word had spread that they struck again last night, and the poor unfortunate bastards who failed Jabba have been disposed of in many ways that none of them wanted to consider.
As always, she never questioned the Hutt. She had been in Jabba's favor more than once, but unlike many others, she enjoyed being shackled to Jabba, took a deep pleasure throughout every movement. Be that from appeasing to Jabba's needs to karking his male thugs and whoever wanted whatever from her, she wouldn't take it back. It had been a surprise when one day the Hutt grew tired of her like he did many others yet hadn't killed her viewing her submission as something that could be used and instead began to train her to be in charge after the old one had to go.
Some of her fellow females had preferences for both genders or other female ones. Those who preferred the latter must be disappointed, especially since the dancer tonight had been a male Twi'lek.
She had witnessed females dancing before and have done it when she was one of Jabba's many slaves, but she didn't know where Jabba's other friends got this idea that only female were better dancers, but most of them couldn't think straight aside from looking at the girls buttocks.
Granted, she would be hypocritical to say she didn't try to get the best look at the men's pelvises.
"Here here to more drinks!" Someone cried out, and she looked to see the Weequay smoking on a death stick, clearly not in the right mind. "And play something different!"
The band's singer complied, and they all began a tune.
They all cheered for the Twi'lek male slave to sing. He seemed like he wanted to argue but he knew better. He had not been broken completely, albeit that would change soon as it did many others in the past. The others couldn't dance as good as this one, and he have been catching many of their eyes for a while - even some of chic who usually prefer females.
The male Twi'lek began to sing in Huttese just like he had been told to do, rubbing on some of the other female's shoulders, earning seductive smirks from them. He would be a fun one to unpack for sure. The song had been called "Lost in the Mistress's Muse", about the superiority of slavers!
"His dancing is to be commended," A voice asked from the shadows. She snapped her head up and turned to see if one of the slaves had gotten brave.
Just at that moment, a man with brown hair and black robes walked inside, earning awed looks from many of them. He couldn't be much older than some of the slaves...
Where had he come from?
The man gave them all a smile which made him look even more appealing, and they were all embraced by bliss. He was light, the brightest thing in the room...
"Oh, come now, ladies, would you stop gawking at me and do a favor for the gentleman?" The male asked with a slight chuckle, something that made her personally - and likely many other felt hot - to the cores. Ye-yes, she would appease this one. "Let's get to know each other, would you all kindly raise your hands if you are in possession of slaves?"
They did so, each of them snapping their hands up as they walked in front of him slowly, seemingly cast in a spell. Something from within her fought, for what she knew not - a slight push in her mind...
The handsome man had been irresistible! While he had been wearing black robes, the scar next to his eye, his long brown hair... the beard on his lips... he had been very enduring!
"Oh, that's too highly of a count," the man said with disappointment, walking outside. "Quite a shame. Guess none of you want me."
Vocal disagreements cried out as they all craved for him to give them attention like the good girls they were. Who wouldn't want someone like that?! He's hot!
"Well," he broke the silence, pretending to be contemplating, "okay, I have an idea. Free all your slaves."
What?! They shouldn't! Those slaves they worked hard to keep in line... and now to let them go! That would be disgraceful! Plus, it would damage Jabba's Empire more ways than once!
Yet before they knew it, they each scrambled for the devices that controlled the transmitters, and deactivated it, releasing slave after slave one by one. Something screamed within the back of her mind, protesting. What the fark was she doing?! Jabba would skin her alive!
Regardless, it didn't matter, for in seconds all of their slaves were freed. They had a great number of them. Where was the other one? Why did a male came to one which consisted mostly of other males when he seemed to be doing well for himself to purchase the slaves.
Behind him, other individuals walked in, though her eyes were set on him. The slaves were slowly recovered, including the male Twi'lek who had been led out as well. Recovered! Taken! One by one, slaves were pulled out. Where the kriff was the guards?! That had been a thought in her mind but have been overall irrelevant.
"You have done your job good," the male said in appreciation, grinning. "Jabba's reaction... will be interesting for sure."
At that moment, she snapped out of the trance and managed to look around, surprised by what she was seeing. No longer were many of them downing their beverages, talking with one another about topics of all types, or planning to spend the night with their favorite slave. By now, most of them were on their knees, gasping for air that was cruelly taken from them.
Looking back up at the charming man, she could see the man's eyes burned a chilling golden, those once beautiful soothing cerulean orbs piercing deeply into her soul with years of hatred and contempt.
"Don't stand there, you fools!" She shouted to the remaining guards who seemed to have been stuck in the same hallucination as herself.
The guards grabbed their foreheads, staggering for dominance. They managed to angle their rifles and carbines at him.
The man arched an eyebrow, and they screamed as their skin began to melt. Their bodies twisted from the inside, and the process seemed to have been painful, even making her grimace.
Instinctively, she reached for her side, grabbing a concealed blaster that was still there; but her breath had too been stolen from her, her hand shooting up for air as well.
She gasped as she came into his hand, a sick grin across his lips.
"Now, Jescla Jussan, do you wish to cooperate, or do I have to tear the information of all you know about Jabba's latest plans?"
Arthur's note: Ngl, all my love out of the Disney version of this franchise has been poured out. I'm not going into detail, but I'll say the Ahsoka finale and overall show aside from three episodes had been the last straw as my latest indifference with SW in general finally reached a snapping point, but I decided I'll just happily avoid anything that Disney releases now and focus on what I like which is just from the past era. My time with continuing to watch stuff that is being delivered by Disney is finished. Nuff said.
Anyhow, "Vader's Fist" came from the EU. I'm also going with the Kamino uprising from there for three reasons. 1) I don't really care for Bad Batch as much as I did when I first watched the show like I do with the Clone Wars and Rebels. 2) I honestly don't understand why the Empire would bomb a world loyal to them without provocation. They have complete control over the facilities, and massive training facilities that could be used to train the final batches of Clones. Allowing them to be reshaped into Stormtroopers is one thing but just wasting their talents is not something Sidious would do. It would be one thing if there had been a proper reason like the Kaminoans getting greedy and pulling a Clone Rebellion, but to each his own as there would be inevitable disagreements. And 3) I grew up with the OG Battlefront 2 (along with the 501st journal) so I'm really biased. I also find what happened more unique than a generic bombardment.
May the Force be with you all always.