It was a warm day inside the Havoc Marauder. Hunter was sitting at the control panel and watching the ship. Wrecker sat in the middle of the Havoc Marauder, working out. Tech, meanwhile, is on at the controls. Echo is in the co-pilot seat, checking the scanners. Crosshair is in the back of the ship to work on his Sniper Rifle. Omega, finally, was in her room talking to Alejandro on her Data Pad. Warm on the Havoc Marauder, the fairy lights around the Gunner nest lit up her room. The sounds came from her brothers working and the ship itself. She can smell and taste the metal of the Marauder, the blankets, and her armour parked at the edge of her room. The floor is hard but softened by the rug. Everyone can see that Omega is getting too big for the Gunner nest, though Omega is the only one who can see the little drawing of Hunter she made in her room.
Just as her conversation with Alejandro concludes, Omega hears an urgent message from the console. She poked her head out from behind the curtains and spotted Tech turning it on. An older female, Trandoshan, comes into view. But there is static as Cid struggled with communication.
"What is going on?" Hunter asked as Omega, Wrecker, and Crosshair joined Tech and Echo.
"What is going on is that we all have been sold out to the Empire by Shamto," Cid replied, getting looks from everyone.
"Sold out? How do you know?" Echo asked sceptically.
"Shamto was overheard by Hissy and Grumpy selling us out. He told the Empire about us and that you boys were still alive," Cid replied.
"Bossk and Boba told you? Then we're on our way," Omega replied.
"You best be quick. The Empire's already got a ship stationed over the planet," Cid replied, but nothing more came as the Empire jammed communications.
"Cid, we have to help her," Omega called.
"We will, kid," Hunter reassured. He turned to Echo, "Echo, how long before we get to Ord Mantell?"
"We'll get to Ord Mantell in twelve minutes," Echo replied.
"We don't have twelve minutes," Omega replied.
"Cid is tough. She'll be fine. I suspect she has a few hiding places in her Cantina," Crosshair sneered.
Omega nodded, still nervous. The Battle of Ord Mantell would be their first clash with the Empire in almost three months, having taken advantage of the Empire thinking they were all dead after Onderon to operate in the shadows, quietly undermining the Empire.
"Are you sure this isn't a trap?" Echo asked after a few minutes.
"This is not a trap. The Empire thinks we're dead, and neither Boba nor Bossk wants Omega in the hands of the Empire. That means us by extension," Hunte replied, but this doesn't reassure Echo.
"We're here," Tech suddenly called. The squad got into position as Tech brought the Havoc Marauder out of hyperspace.
They realised Cid was right once they exited hyperspace. An Acclimator-Class Assault Ship was hovering over the planet, a departure from the typical Venator. Two squads of V-Wings were also patrolling, and Omega heard, "Strap in. Getting to Ord Mantell City is going to be a rough ride,"
Two V-Wings ambush the Havoc Marauder as Tech flies through the atmosphere of Ord Mantell. Tech pulled hard on the Marauder to dodge the V-Wing fire. Wrecker opened fire on the V-Wing and destroyed them.
"We're heading to the surface. Brace yourself," Tech called again as the Marauder landed just outside the city.
"It's time to get ready to go. We've got a fight to rescue Cid," Hunter said. Omega nodded and put on her armour while the other squad members prepared for the fight ahead.
The door to the Havoc Marauder opened, and the group of six exited. The city was old but well-protected.
It was a warm afternoon for Summer at Ord Mantell City, and the sun blazed overhead, illuminating everything. Hunter, leading the squad, could hear Stormtroopers moving around the city. He can smell and taste the stone floors and the metal buildings around them. The stone is hard on Hunter's boots.
"We're back on Ord Mantell. Now it's time to fight. Crosshair, keep it slow. Warn us of approaching squad and whatever else the Empire will throw at us," Hunter said. Crosshair nodded and quickly climbed to the top of one of the smaller buildings, scanning for stormtroopers using his natural infrared vision.
As the Batch entered the city, it became clear that the Stormtroopers weren't just here for Cid or them. Ord Mantell had fallen to the Empire. The Empire was occupying Ord Mantell.
"The Empire is occupying Ord Mantell. Stay alert," Hunter reminded everyone. He suddenly heard footsteps. Omega and Crosshair did too. Immediately, they entered a battle formation, protecting every corner of their position.
"Troopers on Wrecker's side," Hunter heard Crosshair call, and the squad immediately followed his instruction, engaging a troop of five Stormtroopers before they could respond.
Killing the troopers, they proceeded further into the city, avoiding or engaging Stormtrooper formations. They got about halfway from their ship to the parlour when Crosshair yelled, "Walker, watch out,"
The call was just in time, as an AT-AC walker turned around the corner seconds later, forcing the squad to scatter.
"Get around the walker," Hunter called to the others. Wrecker, Echo and Crosshair went one way, while he, Omega and Tech went the other. The AT-AC reached the two corridors that each half of the squad went down and initially followed Hunter, Tech and Omega.
With Hunter, Tech and Omega
The trio ran down the corridor, looking for a spot to fight the walker. It was narrow and dusty, so they turned on their helmet lights to see better.
"Look for an alcove above the walker so we can ambush it," Hunter called. Tech and Omega searched for one. Soon, they found both a rusty ladder and an alcove.
"Over here, Hunter. It looks like only Omega will be able to climb it, though," Tech called.
"You two get under the range of the walker. I'll climb the ladder to attack it from above," Omega called.
"Omega, be careful," Hunter replied as Omega started to climb the ladder. Quickly ascending it, she waited patiently. Meanwhile, Hunter and Tech found a second area to hide and wait for the walker to come past.
The AT-AC stalked through the narrow corridor, seeking out the three troopers. They looked like members of Clone Force 99. But they were dead. However, when the AT-AC reached the alcove that Hunter and Tech hid, there was no mistaking it. Especially when they heard a thud on the top of the walker and bolts from a Zyggerian energy bow started firing through the roof.
"Did you hear that?" the trooper asked when Omega landed on the walker. Suddenly, Omega started firing, quickly killing the pilots and disabling the AT-AC.
Hunter, meanwhile, attached a grappling hook and started running it around their legs. When he gave the signal, Omega leapt off the walker, and Tech gave it a push to tip the walker over.
As Omega climbed back down the ladder, Hunter asked, "Are you OK?"
"I'm fine. Now what?" Omega replied as she rejoined Tech and Hunter.
"Now we get back to the main road and see if Echo, Wrecker and Crosshair have made it to Cid's Parlour," Hunter explained.
"Communications are offline, so we need to make our way to the Parlour and hope they're there," Tech replied.
Meanwhile, with Echo, Wrecker and Crosshair
Crosshair was watching for any walkers or troopers they may encounter. They were on the right track to the parlour, and he hoped that Tech, Hunter and Omega had figured out a way to destroy that dreaded AT-AC. He had seen a few of those in production towards the end of his time with the Empire, so he was unsurprised to see them in use.
They encounter a Stormtrooper group halfway to the parlour and immediately engage. Using the buildings themselves as cover, the two groups exchange fire. Echo has his blaster shot out of his hand by one trooper, and they quickly notice that it took several shots to take down the troopers. Even the sniper rifle wielded by Crosshair took two rounds to knock one down. Crosshair approaches the fallen soldiers and discovers they're Commandos.
"Commandos, not normal troopers. Clone Commandos," Crosshair sneered.
"Why are Commandos here?" Echo asked.
"Whoever is behind this must be serious about the trap," Crosshair sneered. Suddenly, they see an explosion from the parlour and a humanoid figure running from it. Crosshair immediately goes to stun the figure with his sniper rifle. A flashbang goes off at that moment, blinding everyone, especially Crosshair, long enough for the figure to escape.
At that moment, Hunter, Omega and Tech reached them.
"What happened?" Hunter asked.
"Regular troopers supported by Commandos. Also, someone just bombed the parlour. Hopefully, Cid survived the explosion," Crosshair replied.
"She's tough. It will take more than that to take down Cid," Omega said. Hunter nodded, then led the way into the parlour.
It was later in the afternoon in Cid's Parlour, and it was colder inside than outside for Summer. There was no light, so everyone had to turn on their helmet lights to see. Omega could hear the sparking remains of several holo tables and gambling machines, and as she walked on, the glass and tables strewn everywhere made it difficult to navigate safely. She could smell and taste the alcohol spilled everywhere and the electricity from the holo tables. The ground was hard on her boots.
"You don't think they dragged her off?" Omega wondered.
"We only saw one figure depart. Which means, alive or dead, Cid is still here," Echo replied.
The squad, led by Omega, navigated towards her office. When they got inside, it was in a little better condition. Omega notices a smashed holo table and a spilled Spice box added to the smells and tastes.
"Crosshair, cover our backs. Omega, do you remember where the trapdoor is?" Omega heard Hunter ask her.
Suddenly, they heard the trapdoor move. Then it rose, and Cid climbed out of it.
"There you are, Aunty Cid," Omega called as she ran up and hugged Cid.
"Guess I'm part of the family now," Cid admitted as she hugged Omega back.
"You are now. It's good to see you're OK, Cid," Omega heard Hunter call as she let go.
"Thanks to Grumpy and Hissy. They gave me barely enough warning before the Empire burst into my parlour and started wrecking everything. I knew I couldn't fight them, so I decided to send the message out and hope I still had enough time to get into my trapdoor before everything went up. Luckily, the Imperials couldn't work the trapdoor, or I would be a goner," Cid explained.
"Now we know you're alive. We've got to keep you alive until we get to the Havoc Marauder," Omega said.
"The city is crawling with Imperials, so that won't be easy," Cid replied.
"Then we must get going," Omega heard Echo say, but at that moment, the voice of Dr. Hemlock echoed through the city.
"People of Ord Mantell City. This planet is now under the control of the Empire. However, we will leave the planet if you hand over two people I'm looking for. One is the Adolescent Clone Commando, Omega, and the Kaminoan Scientist, Khan So. Anyone found to be harbouring these two fugitives will suffer the wrath of the Empire," Dr Hemlock said in a voice that told everyone he meant business.
Omega immediately tensed. Dr Hemlock had said Khan So. One of her only friends on Kamino was an Imperial target along with her. The atmosphere inside the parlour dramatically changed as everyone noticed Omega suddenly tensing up and looking noticeably nervous.
"Everything OK?" Echo asked.
"No, but I can't explain here. Well, except for one," Omega replied, noticing her voice was higher pitched and worried. Omega then jerked her head towards the office exit and silently asked Hunter to follow her as she exited the office and headed to a secluded area nearby. Hunter followed, concerned.
Cid, observing this, asked, "What's up with Tiny?"
Echo sighed, "Omega is hiding a lot from her past. We've talked about our pasts numerous times, but even I don't know the name Khan So. It sounds like he is an important figure in her past,"
"Khan So, who could he be related to?" Wrecker asked.
"Judging by Omega knowing him, I assume Nala Se and likely Kuan Si," Tech stated.
Soon, Omega and Hunter return.
"We must ensure Omega and Khan So escape safely. Omega has formed a plan to do just that," Hunter explained.
"What is the plan?" Crosshair asked.
"We need to split into groups. Omega and I will scout the city to ensure Dr. Hemlock hasn't captured Khan. We must also ensure he escaped. Wrecker and Echo, you two remain here with Cid. Tech, Crosshair, get back to the ship and guard it. Once Omega and I have completed the city sweep, we'll give the signal and you three runs for the Marauder. Alright? As for familial relationships, Khan is Kuan Si's son and Nala Se's Nephew," Hunter explained.
Everyone looked carefully at Hunter and Omega.
"Nala Se's Nephew? That would explain why Dr. Hemlock is after both of you," Echo replied, "Are you sure about this? There are Commandos and Walkers out there,"
"Please, we need this. While I don't want to be in the hands of the Empire, it's equally important, if not moreso, that Khan stays away from the Empire. I'll explain more when we're back on the ship," Omega replied authoritatively. She nodded to Echo, who nodded knowingly, realising that Khan So ties in with her past.
"Let's go," Omega called to Hunter, who nodded, and they were the first to depart. Tech and Crosshair followed but went in a different direction as Hunter started tracking, determined to find the scent of a Kaminoan. Hunter and Omega had to be careful. There were still many traders here where loyalty varied with money or incentive. They had to watch for Stormtrooper patrols and AT-AC walkers searching for Omega. Additionally, many residents in the city may recognise Omega even wearing her armour.
Hunter and Omega carefully made their way through the labyrinthian streets of Ord Mantell City. Hunter senses the approach of a Stormtrooper patrol and pulls himself and Omega down another alley. They wait until the patrol passes, then continue their way. Hunter repeatedly kneels, searching for a scent, a clue as to the movements of Khan So. But for about twenty minutes, nothing.
Hunter could hear Omega was anxious, "Take a deep breath and calm down. I can sense the anxiety about your Kaminoan brother. But we will find him, and I will do whatever it takes to keep you and him away from the Empire," He heard Omega take two deep breaths and turned around to see her relax noticeably.
"I'm calmer, Hunter," Omega said.
"Good. Now let's keep going," Hunter replied. Suddenly, Omega activates her bow and starts firing stuns. Soon, the stormtroopers fire back, trying to daze them. But after a quick exchange of fire, Omega and Hunter had beaten the stormtroopers back.
"Let's move," Hunter said to Omega. Then bingo. Hunter kneeled to test the soil. And he caught the scent of a Kaminoan.
"I have his scent. A Kaminoan scent. Omega, can you confirm?" Hunter asked. Omega copied Hunter, then nodded.
"Confirmed. I can tell my brother's scent," Omega replied.
"Khan So was here, but a while ago. The scent is faint. He could be anywhere in the city," Hunter said.
"Then keep tracking," Omega replied. Hunter nodded, then tracked the scent. He listens for the approach of a Stormtrooper battalion or an AT-AC.
He hears it before he sees it. Immediately, he signals Omega that another AT-AC is coming their way, and they go down a side corridor too narrow for an AT-AC to go.
The AT-AC stops at the entrance to the corridor and runs down the aisle. The AT-AC walker fires a few shots at Hunter and Omega, but they miss. Both see the impact they have on the ground, disturbing it significantly.
"Who is there?" one of the accompanying troopers called.
"Send two troopers to investigate. It could be Hunter and Omega," another trooper replied. Hunter and Omega realised they had to find a way to avoid being spotted by the stormtroopers. Hunter finds some scaffolding he could climb. Omega managed to find a trap door she could hide under. The patrol walked past and shined lights around the area to search for Hunter and Omega. They shine their lights down the trapdoor, but Omega has moved far enough away from it that the stormtroopers failed to find her. The other trooper scanned the scaffolding, but Hunter had found a window to climb through to hide. After a few moments, the stormtrooper returns to the AT-AC, and Hunter carefully listens to the conversations.
"We must have missed them," one trooper said. Hunter heard another stormtrooper sigh, "Then let's keep going. They can't have gone far, and Dr. Hemlock is getting impatient. Khan So has proven elusive,"
The other stormtroopers agreed, and they and the AT-AC walker continued down the passage. Hunter and Omega waited until they were out of hearing range before they climbed back to the surface.
"Sounds like they're having as much trouble with Khan So as they are with us," Hunter said.
"Good," Omega replied. Hunter kneeled to regain the scent and then tracked down the alley, with Omega close behind.
As he continues tracking, Hunter notices the Imperial Transport Ship landed in a bay nearby. Judging by the scent, Khan So had run straight for the ship.
Why did he go for the ship? Dr. Hemlock is waiting for him there. What is he thinking?" Omega wondered.
"There is a tracking beacon on the side," Omega whispered to Hunter, who nodded, "Khan So must be on his mission. He must have known the stormtroopers were coming here, including Dr. Hemlock. And from the scent, I can tell her went that way,"
Hunter pointed down a dark alleyway that Omega knew ran down Ord Mantell City's west side, almost between this port and the one they were at.
"Down the west side. That is where Khan So went," Hunter said.
"So if we follow, we might be able to catch up," Omega replied. Hunter nodded, and they started making their way down the alley.
"Hey," came a voice from nearby. A Clone Commando had spotted Hunter and Omega. Omega and Hunter quickly stunned the trooper and ran for their lives.
"Who is there?" Dr. Hemlock asked from inside the ship.
"Hunter and Omega. They're running down the west alley. Khan So is too," a stormtrooper replied.
"Get them! And radio ahead to other stormtroopers to warn them about Khan So," Dr Hemlock yelled.
"We will get them," the trooper replied, and the stormtroopers pursued Hunter and Omega.
Dr Hemlock got a radio call from a trooper patrol further up.)
"Trooper patrol. What is it?" Dr Hemlock asked.
"They're all too fast. We're struggling to keep up. I can't believe Omega is this fast," the stormtrooper replied.
"Then blockade the passageway and stop them," Dr Hemlock replied.
With Tech and Crosshair
Tech and Crosshair spot a stormtrooper patrol near their area and engage. Before the troopers knew what had hit them, they were all stunned.
"Stormtroopers. And I can tell it looks like they're laying a trap," Crosshair said.
"Hunter and Omega are about to run into it. We had better trigger it from behind," Tech replied, and they moved down the passageway.
At the same time, a figure snuck out from behind a bunch of crates and snuck onboard. Khan hid inside the refresher and masked his presence with the Force.
Tech and Crosshair were walking for a minute when they reached the patrol. Tech threw a Smoke grenade to distract the troopers, and then they both defeated the stormtroopers before they could respond.
They heard more footsteps, and Crosshair used his infrared vision to deduce it was Hunter and Omega.
"Hunter, Omega, are you OK?" Crosshair asked.
"We're OK. Where is Khan So?" Hunter replied.
"We don't know. We've got to return to the ship," Tech stated. Hunter and Omega agreed, and they returned to the Havoc Marauder.
"Khan So was ahead of us. He might have hidden behind some crates, then jumped onto the Marauder when you left it," Omega suggested.
"What about Wrecker, Echo and Cid?" Hunter asked.
"Cid confirmed they found an escape route here. They will be here soon," Crosshair replied.
When they arrived at the Havoc Marauder, they only had to wait a few seconds before a secret passage opened, and Echo, Wrecker and Cid all climbed through.
"Come on, we must get on board," Hunter said as the septet climbed onboard. Tech ran to the pilot seat and took off.
"I will miss my parlour," Cid admitted, "But I am determined to rebuild,"
"We will support you where we can," Hunter replied.
"Thanks. And you have secured my undying loyalty. I won't sell you out as Shamto did. Speaking of Shamto, how about we contact someone to destroy him?" Cid said.
"Sounds like a plan," Echo replied.
Omega turned to Hunter and gently took his hand, leading him to the back of the ship, away from the others.
"Can you sense Khan's presence on the ship?" Hunter asked.
"Yes. Khan is in the refresher," Omega replied.
"How can you sense him? Are you Force Sensitive?" Hunter asked. Omega shook her head, "He is, but I'm not. It's a bond we share that allows us to sense each other if we're close enough,"
"Handy Ability," Hunter replied.
"It is," Omega admitted, "I'm just glad he's safe. But I know he's also on a mission, so I don't want to disturb him. And both Cid and the Lawquanes are more important right now,"
"Alright. How about we get back to the others?" Hunter asked.
"I'll be OK. I need time to process things. Can you please send Echo up to my room with me? He deserves to know about Khan," Omega replied.
"Alright," Hunter replied, hugging Omega, which she returned before Hunter returned to the group while Omega removed her armour and climbed into her room.
Hunter returned to the group and said, "Echo, Omega needs you in her room. Give her a minute or two to change into her civilian clothes. Then she wants to talk to you,"
Echo looked to Omega's room, concerned, then nodded and headed for the room. Hunter, meanwhile, tapped Tech on the shoulder.
"I will be the last one to depart the ship. I'll handle locking the ship up, alright?" Hunter asked when Tech turned to him.
"Alright. Khan?" Tech asked.
"Khan," Hunter replied. Tech nodded, and then Hunter returned to the group.
Two hours later, the Havoc Marauder landed near the Lawquane household. Once Clone Force 99 and Cid departed, Khan waited until everyone had left before he left. Hunter stayed back long enough to allow Khan to exit before closing the door to the ship. Khan departed to the spaceport nearby to return to his home.
The story of Clone Force 99 continues in The True Meaning of Family.
Epilogue:
It is a warm night in the Hosnian Prime Underground. Inside the Shamto parlour, the hum of a holo table provides sound, and a lamp lights his office. He can smell and taste spice and his meal. The seat is comfortable, though dusty. Shamto is not happy. Cid escaped. Cid escaping meant he had a high chance of Cid enacting revenge.
Suddenly, he heard a presence. Someone was staking the area. He got up from his chair, turned around, and came face-to-face with Fennec Shand. Shamto yelled, but Fennec Shand quickly silenced him with her blaster. Shamto was dead before he hit the floor. Her job done, Fennec Shand departed.