Looks like the issue with the site and the notifications has been resolved, finally. I was getting really annoyed by the lack of notifications of new chapters and new stories, plus reviews and PM's. So, that's a relief.
On that note, I feel like I should tell you all something that I think I might have mentioned or forgot to mention. I have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder for a long period of time, probably since my days in grade school and it's been a bit of a challenge in my life. I've had times when I lost all hope and felt like I'll amount to nothing and have been depressed, but I recently learned that Dan Ackroyd, the actor best known for his role in Ghostbusters has the same disorder I do and is a successful man. That fills me with hope.
Anyway, I've finished the campaign of Modern Warfare 3 and I have to say, I like the Zombies mode for MW3, better than the PVP of the DMZ from Modern Warfare 2, I don't have to worry about players killing me when I say I'm friendly and not targeting them. Robocop: Rogue City is also a good game.
Alright, time to see what Ruby and her team plan on doing to infiltrate the enemy occupied Kingdom. But first, the reviews.
SunPhoenix90: That was a funny quote, but Ahsoka is far from being a Jedi master, but she's ready to teach Luke everything she learned from his father.
Jetjedi: I strongly suggest you keep reading.
Luffy L Deathwalker: You're right about Garcia and Gonzalez, but Kruger is actually based off Sean Ashburn Kruger, the ridiculously overpowered and overused OC character of Dragonlord 0, who writes the same type of stories every time. Massive harems with girl-on-girl action, lemons, pregnancy, not enough detail to certain scenes, but more details to those damn lemons he writes, making Tarkin look like a good guy along with that Winters character from Call of Duty Advanced Warfare and did I forgot to mention that many of the characters in this characters harem are already married, minors or otherwise haven't even been born or are still children! God, why do so many people like those kinds of stories? It's like those farting stories someone tried to get me to read. Did I forget to mention that in his Star Wars stories, he makes that Kruger character a descendant of Revan and makes him the Chosen One instead of Anakin? That it's his Kruger character that is the leader of the Autobots and possibly, the leader of the Power Rangers or the first Green Ranger instead of Tommy, Jason, or Optimus?
The Court of Talons: Thanks for those words, I try to take my time and write these scenes out carefully, so I keep the readers interested. Sure, some of them might seem familiar, but it's just how I write. Glad you liked the chapter and if Rex and Thrawn meet in the Mandoverse, I'd like to see that.
Bjlpcell: I wasn't going to abandon this story, I love writing this story, plus it helps keep my mind off other things.
Monster King: Thanks
No songs this chapter, but time for the intro. Also, this chapter takes place while Galen and his companions are looking for the stolen supplies.
(Start Polaris, by Blue Encount)
On that day I promised to protect you. That promise still remains in my heart.
(A blizzard rages across the tundra of Solitas before subsiding to reveal Galen, Team RWBY, Jaune, Ren, Nora, the Clones, Ace Ops, and their allies standing on a cliff as in front of them lies the imperial occupied Atlas and Mantle, with the Executor hovering high in the air. Behind it is the silhouette of Vader, Adam Taurus, Maul and Salem as the title card is revealed with the title.)
Remnant Unleashed
Even if I must lose everything I have. To Save a life in front of me.
(The camera zooms down below to Fort Arrowfell where exhausted Atlas soldiers and pilots sit on crates with their heads hung low in disbelief at the loss of their home.)
I'd be happy to give it all away without a doubt. This is the first time I've ever felt this way.
(One soldier is looking at the picture of his family, almost on the verge of tears until Captain Rex puts a hand on the soldier's shoulder. Behind him are Luke Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, Ray, and Neo. Harriet is nearby, glaring at Galen, the badge of the Ace Ops no longer on her uniform.)
I won't hide my scars anymore. Making the despair as my weapon, That's how I want to live my life!
(Cuts to Galen who is standing in front of a massive attack force of Grimm, Battle Droids, Imperials, White Fang and Death Bots with his teammates, friends, allies, and fellow Jedi behind him. Above them, Republic and Rebel ships fly towards the enemy force alongside Remnant fighter jets, before the ground forces charge)
Push aside these tears as best I can. I'll give you everything that I have.
(Explosions light up the tundra as Ray and Neo lead the charge with the Bad Batch and Delta Squad, firing at their enemies while the young huntsmen and huntresses cut their way through the Grimm, as Vader engages Luke and Ahsoka in deadly lightsaber combat.)
So please, don't give up on me and disappear.
(Cuts to Salem and Maul wielding their lightsabers against Ray and Neo while the Fox, Winter, The Ace Ops, Artoria and Mordred run through the bowls of the giant whale Grimm towards Oscar.)
On that day I promised to protect you.
(Shows Whitley standing in front of his mother defensively as White Fang soldiers move in with their weapons raised. In his hands is a familiar object.)
The promise still remains in my heart.
(Galen and Ruby stand in Mantle with their hands extended as Atlas falls from the sky towards them, joined by Faye, Kara, Lop, Ahsoka, Serra, Zett, Plo, Kit, Aayla, Rahm and Grogu. While the others, including the Fox stand behind them and watch in awe before the screen turns dark)
Even if the light is fading. Just Go!
Disclaimers are the same as always, please enjoy.
Chapter 123: Infiltration
Ruby watched as the two Puma's raced off into the tundra. Though she knew how strong and skilled Galen was when it came to his fighting and mastery of the force, it still didn't stop her from worrying about his safety. "Ruby, let's go get our armor." Blake called out as Ruby continued to watch the Puma's until they vanished into the distance. "Ruby?"
The young leader was snapped out of her thoughts before turning around to face Blake. "S-sorry, didn't mean to ignore you, Blake. I was just…" she stammered.
"Worrying about Galen?" Blake guessed. "I don't blame you. When I was still part of the White Fang and Adam went on a mission alone, I was also worried for his safety." The Faunus member of Team RWBY closed her eyes, remembering such times. "Though he did come back, I noticed that he started to change and not for the better. I guess that's one of the reasons I felt like leaving the White Fang, especially when I smelled blood on Adam's body."
"Galen's not like Adam." Ruby reminded.
"I know that." Blake agreed. "But you have to have faith that Galen will be alright. I mean, he's come back from worse things than recon and recovering supplies."
Ruby smiled and followed Blake to their quarters where Yang and Weiss were packing their 'special suit's' for their mission. "Remind me again why we're doing this?" Yang asked.
"We need to know what the Empire, the White Fang and Salem are planning. We can't just sit around and wait for them to attack us, so we're infiltrating Atlas and going send information back to our allies." Weiss answered. "Besides, it also might shed some light on who the spies in our own ranks are. That and it will be good to get away from all the annoying people of Atlas." She added.
"Yeah, those people seem to think they matter more than the rest of us, while those from Mantle or any of the other kingdoms are less important than the rest of us." Blake pointed out. "There are plenty of people from Atlas, military and citizen who'd love to take the easy way out, just to get what they want. They don't realize that Adam would never keep his promise."
"He's done something like this before, hasn't he?" Ruby guessed.
"Yes. It was a year before I left the White Fang." Blake answered, remembering the day she was referring to. "Adam and some of his men captured several Atlas civilians off the coast of Solitas, demanding a ransom of Dust and Lien for the safe return of hostages. The ransom was paid, but Adam executed the hostages despite that. He'd never allow any humans to live, even if they were innocent. The hostages he took were strong supporters of equal rights for my people, despite what the White Fang had become, and he just killed them. He even sent pieces of their bodies to Atlas as a message." She explained.
"That's just gross." Yang said plainly.
"Let's just hope we don't run into Adam when we reach Atlas." Weiss said hopefully. "Shall we go over the plan again?"
"We're going to infiltrate the enemy forces disguised as Imperial Soldiers, sneaking into the capital, and spy." Ruby explained. "Ever since they attacked us on the island, they've been a step ahead of us, just like Salem's always been. We need to find out who the spies are, where Kara and Oscar are being kept and send back any useful information to Clover so they can plan a better offensive to retake the kingdom."
"How are we going to disguise ourselves as Imperial soldiers?" Weiss asked curiously. She soon had her answer as Nora walked into their room and threw down four duffle bags, each with a set of Snowtrooper armor. "Oh, that's how."
"You sure this is going to work, Ruby?" Yang asked, picking up her helmet. "I mean, ARC Trooper armor is one thing, but Imperial armor? I don't think this will work."
"Galen, Jaune, Luke, Han and I did this when were onboard the Death Star and we were able to get through the station without so much of a fight. All we need to do is act like we're Imperials and not say a word. Amber was already able to forge us some transfer orders, so it will look like we're coming back from the front lines and being sent to Atlas." Ruby continued. "Once we get into Atlas, we make our way to the academy and upload that virus Watts created into the imperial and Atlas systems."
"Isn't that risky?" Blake asked.
"Well, maybe virus isn't the best word. It's more like a back door for Amber to access the enemy intelligence network. She'll be able to feed our guys the locations of military targets. Convoys, outposts, prison camps, and even the location of that Aigaion thingy that helped Salem take control of Atlas and Mantle." Ruby clarified. "That thing is dangerous and unless it's destroyed, we won't be able to retake your home, Weiss."
"Well, you make a point, Ruby. But I don't want to think that part of our mission is to rescue my 'father' from prison. I'm more worried about my brother and mother. If the White Fang has found them, they'll have probably executed them by now." Weiss interjected. "The last thing I want to find is the bodies of my brother and mother."
"We'll make sure to find them the moment we finish our mission." Ruby promised. "Besides, once we get to Atlas, we'll ditch the armor and wear something more, flexible." She continued, taking a pair of long black gloves, and putting them in her backpack. "Kara mentioned that suit that she wore during the New Argus mission was more flexible than if she was sneaking around in something clunky like armor. Plus, using glass will help us not be so cold."
"So, we're taking a cue from Cinder then? At least that's something she gave us that we can be grateful for." Yang said, stroking her hair. "Just as long as it doesn't mess up my hair."
"We've got more important things to worry about then your hair, Yang. We're at war! The last thing we ever expected to be a part of!" Blake practically shouted. "We were training to become huntresses, and in Ruby's case a Jedi but now look at us. Now we're practically soldiers fighting a war that never should have started."
"Not everything is as black and white as you think it is, kid." Thorn said, standing in the doorway of Team RWBY's quarters. "Even if my brothers and I weren't created for the Republic, the war between the CIS and Republic would still have been fought. Even if you spend all your life trying to stop war, war will still be waged no matter the era."
"The Commander's right." Ruby pointed out. "Even if Galen and the others never came to Remnant, then Salem would have still made her attack on Atlas. Ironwood would've forced us to make a choice between saving the people of Mantle or keeping the staff out of her reach, he'd descend into madness and who knows how many people would've died. We may not be able to change the past, but we can work on fighting for a future where Salem doesn't threaten the people of Remnant anymore."
"Wow, sis. That was a good speech." Yang said, grabbing her sister and bear hugged her so hard, that her face was buried in her sister's chest. "Looks like someone's grown up more than I thought."
Ruby flayed her arms around as Yang continued to hug her before finally breaking free of her sister's grasp. "Seriously, Yang! Are you trying to smother me with those things? I swear, those oversized melons should be added to the banned weapons list!" Ruby groaned.
"Oh, come on, sis. I was only teasing you." Yang teased. "Besides, I'm not a bimbo like Mercury called me."
"If you're done messing around, then you should gather your gear and board the Marauder. It will drop you four off close to the Imperial lines. Any closer and you'll risk getting compromised." Thorn said, clearing his throat after what he saw.
"Yeah, we better get going." Blake agreed and picked up her own backpack and duffle bag and walked out of the room and outside, with the rest of her team following her to the hanger where the Marauder was sitting in.
As the team climbed aboard the ship, Qrow watched them from nearby, his flask empty of any alcohol. "You're concerned about your nieces, aren't you?" Faye said as she walked towards Qrow with a pair of mugs filled with hot chocolate in her hands.
"That obvious?" Qrow answered, taking one of the mugs from the Jedi, which he then took a sip from. "You sense my feelings through the force?"
"Yes, but seeing as you are their uncle, it's only natural for you to be worried about them." Faye replied, taking a sip from her own mug. "I myself would be lying if I said I wasn't worried about Kara's safety, but at the same time, I cannot allow my concern to cloud my judgement, as you shouldn't with your own worries about your nieces, or Winter with her sister." She added, just as Winter and a certain individual joined them.
"Qrow isn't the only one who's worried about their safety. If the White Fang discover that my sister is posing as one of those imperial soldiers, she'll be tortured, interrogated, and then executed simply because of our father and his actions." Winter said with a worried look. "I should be infiltrating Atlas, not my sister."
"That would put you in greater danger, Winter." Diego said with a gasp as the Marauder left the hanger and flew into the open sky. "While I do agree, this plan is rather ingenious, it's still too dangerous. Any number of things could go wrong and as much as would love to accompany them, I am against any forms of violence and would only compromise their mission."
"Perhaps," Winter began with a sly grin, glancing in the direction of Diego. "A certain masked individual might be able to watch over them as they secure their transport into the city. But what are the odds that 'he' would show up are slim to none." Diego knew exactly what Winter was implying and sent a quick message to a close friend of his family to have his 'special attire' ready.
An hour later, up in the air, Tech kept the Marauder on course for the drop point as Team RWBY changed into their imperial disguises, with the four enhanced clones keeping their backs turned from the four teenagers who were changing in their ship. "You know, it feels weird, having girls on our ship." Wrecker said, not even tempted to look back at the girls.
"The only women we've had on our ship were a few Jedi during the war, not to mention we have had them on before, remember the Imperial Scout Fleet?" Hunter reminded his brother.
"Oh, yeah. I forgot about those times." Wrecker remembered.
"You only remembered the explosions." Crosshair teased.
"Hey!" Wrecker exclaimed.
"Need I remind you, Wrecker. That the passengers we have on our ship are exceptionally younger than us and have not partaken in as many missions as we have." Tech said, keeping his eyes glued to the terrain below them. "We will be arriving at the landing zone in three minutes."
"And we're all ready." Ruby announced, finally allowing the three enhanced clones to finally turn their faces to see the members of Team RWBY, fully dressed as Imperial troopers, with the exception of their helmets which they had yet to place on their heads. "I've gotta admit, it feels kind of weird wearing this armor after wearing clone armor. Still, we got to look the part, but it makes me wonder what the clone armor looked like."
"I heard from Rex that the phase one armor looked similar to the imperial design, which was later improved for the Galactic Marines, using that plastic and steel combo called Synthmesh." Yang remembered.
"Let's talk later, we have a mission to focus on." Blake reminded her teammates, placing her helmet on her head, followed by the rest of Team RWBY who did the same. "Ruby, what happens if they won't let us through?"
"I've been strengthening my connection to the force, so I should be able to use a mind trick on those that get in our way, but only as a last resort. If anyone see's me waving my hand around, they might get suspicious and raise the alarm." Ruby answered.
"Let's just hope we don't encounter Vader, Maul or even Salem herself. They'll know we're not imperial soldiers in an instant." Weiss said as the Marauder touched down in a small clearing and the four students exited the craft, which then took off back into the sky and flew back towards Rosamond. Each of the girls carried an E-11 blaster rifle in their hands, as any other weapon would stand out and give away their true identities.
"Let's move." Ruby ordered her team as they trudged through the snow towards the imperial lines.
Salem's Command Center/ Monstro
Adam walked through the halls of the monstrous Grimm, his eyes darting from left to right as if he was expecting an ambush. Battle droids and Death Bots patrolled the hallways, along with the new Grimm which Adam recalled from several history books as being called 'Metalheads' due to the metal that was used in their biomechanical armor and that they were the only Grimm that could use weaponry.
He turned a corner and entered the bridge where Salem was sitting on her throne, with Maul and the Hound by her sides. "You summoned me, Lady Salem?" Adam said, kneeling down in front of the Queen of the Grimm.
"I did." Salem answered, gesturing for Adam to rise to his feet, which he did. "I've decided to hand over control of my droid army to you, in preparation for our enemies impending assault to retake the kingdom, and to keep the relic out of my hands." She said, standing up from her throne. "I've been told that you've commanded the droids well during your assaults on Argus and the failed destruction of Haven Academy. An army of machines under your command, I'm certain you'll handle the responsibility."
"What makes you think I won't use the droids to attack you and the Empire?" Adam inquired with a grin.
"I can sense that you don't plan on such a thing." Salem answered, turning her back to Adam as if she was presenting an opportunity for him to cut her down. "While you pledged your loyalty to me, I should advise you that such ambitions are bad for your health and could lead to, an early death." She warned.
"Power like yours is what's needed for the Faunus to rule the world. We will wipe the humans off the planet and if we have to work with the woman who controls the Grimm, then that's the path the White Fang will take." Adam proclaimed. "The days of the humans are numbered, no matter what they do."
Salem grinned at Adam's proclamation and couldn't help but admire his ambitions to wipe out the humans on Remnant, but at the same time, she sensed his arrogance and overconfidence, a combination that would lead to his death. "Tell me, how goes your search for Jacques's son and wife?" she inquired.
"They've alluded us for the time being, but based on information we acquired from one of Schnee butler's we've narrowed it down to several private retreats across the continent. Lavish estates he built using the money and suffering of my people. We will find them and when we do, they will die." Adam vowed.
"Do as you will but do keep me informed of any developments involving a certain girl with silver eyes." Salem told the high leader of the White Fang, who bowed and left the bridge. "His goals have blinded him to my true motives. Let him believe that I'm helping him, my only goal is the destruction of the gods."
"And you shall have your victory, my lady." Maul told his mistress. "But all the same, we should keep an eye on him. His ambitions and lust for power will be his downfall."
Rosamond
After the Marauder left the base, Diego discreetly made his way to an old hanger where his friend, the mute, black haired and brown eyed Bernardo had fueled and prepped his ATV, the Tornado. Donning his attire and sheathing his weapons, the Fox mounted his ATV and sped out of the hanger, past a surprised Captain Monasterio whose uniform was covered in slush when the masked vigilante sped past.
"The Fox! After him!" Monasterio shouted, but by the time his men were ready, the vigilante was already out of sight.
Tundra
Imperial Lines
Though the battlefront was still miles away, the Empire and their allies were stepping up their efforts. As Team RWBY made their way into the old mining town that the enemy was using as an outpost, they watched as a platoon of massive AT-AT's, accompanied by several squads of smaller AT-ST's, Imperial Juggernauts and other vehicles were undergoing maintenance. Much like the Puma's and Landstalkers, most of the imperial vehicles were ill equipped to deal with the almost sub-zero temperatures of the Solitas continent, but Imperial engineers were working around the clock to prepare the vehicles for battle.
"I heard the rebels have been stepping up their patrols."
"They seem to place great faith in their pilots."
"Faith or not, the superior military wins the day."
"Once we eliminate the rebels, we'll bring order to this backwater planet."
"So long as our informant keeps us posted on any offensives they have planned."
"What about the Faunus? What do they get out of all this?"
"Who cares."
Ruby heard the thoughts and conversations of the imperial forces through the force as she and her team made their way to the officer's quarters, their 'orders' in hand and ready to present to the commander. But as she walked, she could feel the animosity from the White Fang soldiers who eyed them with suspicion. Team RWBY, however, kept a cool demeanor as they moved past the motor pool and weapons storage, but all the same they felt rather uneasy.
"Keep it cool, don't give them any reasons to be suspicious." Ruby whispered to her teammates as they came face to face with the commander of the outpost, General Maxmillian Veers, the leader of Blizzard Force, an elite unit of the Imperial Stormtrooper corps.
"You four are late from patrol. You were supposed to report back at fourteen hundred hours yesterday." Veer's scolded, but Team RWBY kept their cool. "It's this blasted tundra. It's impossible to navigate. No landmarks other than the blasted railway the locals use."
Ruby then reached into her backpack and handed Veers the datapad with their transfer orders to Atlas. "Hmmm, everything seems to be in order. Yet, I was expecting my request for components to repair our vehicles. The tundra is proving to be hell on our walkers, especially the sub-zero temperatures." As Ruby and her friends were about to leave, they were stopped again, this time by Grand Admiral Thrawn.
"General. Might I inquire as to who these troopers are?" Thrawn asked.
"Troopers from the 124th rifle company. They appear to have gotten lost in the tundra yesterday and only just returned to the outpost." Veers answered with suspicion. "Strange, as the 124th rifle company was recently deployed to Orto Plutonia to deal with an insurrection of former republic fighters led by a 'hero' of the Clone Wars."
"Yes, very strange indeed." Thrawn concurred, noticing that three of the troopers were fidgeting, yet the squad leader was keeping a calm demeanor. "Corporal, you, and your men are to remove your helmets at once. I wish to see your faces." Thrawn demanded.
Ruby and her teammates hesitated for a moment, but before they could do anything, a squad of troopers rushed by them towards the motor pool, one of which stopped. "Sirs, we've got an intruder! It's the one they call the Fox." The trooper explained.
Thrawn and Veers were taken by surprise but knew that an intruder in their outpost meant an attack was imminent. "You four wait here, we'll discuss your transfer later." Veers ordered, placing his helmet on his head, and rushed towards the motor pool, with Thrawn behind him. As they left, Ruby and her teammates let out a sigh of relief, waited for Veer's and Thrawn to vanish from sight before they moved to one of the transports at the landing pad.
Meanwhile, the unconscious bodies of imperial soldiers and engineers laid about the motor pool as the Fox used his whip to grab the blaster of another trooper. "Now, now, it's dangerous to be playing with a firearm. You might just shoot your eye out with it." the Fox teased, tossing the blaster back to the trooper before hitting them in the chest with a double kick, sending them flying into the leg of one of the AT-AT's, knocking them out. "Well, it seems that the Demon Lord's description of your skills are true. None of you are capable of dealing with a skilled and handsome opponent as me."
Snow crunched underneath a series of boots as multiple Riot Troopers rushed towards the motor pool with their electrostaff's powered up and surrounded the Fox. "Oh, some lancers. It appears that some of you are actually trying now." The Fox quipped, drawing his rapier.
One of the riot troopers swung their staff, but the Fox ducked down to avoid the strike then swept the troopers feet out from under them. He parried the staff of another trooper with his rapier, then cracked his whip, grabbing the staff from the trooper before he threw it back at the trooper. "Oh, quite shocking wouldn't you agree?" he quipped, but the troopers just ignored him and continued to attack him. Looking at one of the walkers, Diego swung his whip again, latched onto one of the cannons and swung himself up to the roof of one of the buildings. "I hope you all don't mind the cold." He quipped again, as a thermal detonator was thrown towards him, but he leapt away from the explosive as it detonated and sent the snow that was piled on the roof crashing down onto the troopers.
"How did you get in here!?" Veer's shouted, aiming his blaster at the Fox as the masked vigilante was quickly surrounded by Imperial Soldiers.
"As I suspected. The one who caused the late General Ironwood and Jacques Schnee so much trouble is the intruder; the Fox." Thrawn mused, gesturing for the troopers to lower their blasters. "It appears that our information about you is out of date. Why you are so far away from Mantle, is anyone's guess."
"Perhaps I was longing for some fresh air. One can't always stay in the city." The Fox answered cheekily. "Wouldn't you agree, Grand Admiral Thrawn?"
"So, you seem to know who I am." Thrawn said, putting a hand to his chin. "I can only assume that you know about us from Mara Jade, the former emperor's hand who joined forces with Sicario by piloting the Shinden II in combat for the first time."
"Sounds like someone is too smart for their own good." The Fox teased, sheathing his rapier and whip. "So, you've got me surrounded, does that mean you want me to surrender?"
"Oh, I don't think surrendering is your plan." Thrawn said, reaching into his uniform and pulled out a lightsaber. "I propose a duel, between yourself and me. If I win, you will surrender to the Empire and assist us in eliminating the rebels. If you win, you will be free to leave this outpost, with your life. Should you refuse, I will order the men to execute you right where you stand."
"Sir, what are you doing?" Veers asked.
Thrawn didn't answer as he continued to glare at the Fox, waiting for his answer. Finally, he had his answer as the Fox drew his own lightsaber. "A duel between the Grand Admiral of the Imperial Navy and the true hero of Mantle and Atlas? I find that to be rather intriguing." He said, igniting his lightsaber's blue blade, as did Thrawn with his lightsaber whose blade was purple. "Ah, you too have a lightsaber. Might I inquire as to where you acquired such an elegant weapon?"
"A relic from the days of the republic. Found on the body of a Jedi who died when his fighter was destroyed, left to drift across the galaxy." Thrawn replied and held it in a manner similar to a Jedi. "Shall we commence with the duel?"
The Fox didn't answer and casually walked towards Thrawn, holding their blades directly at their sides, then attacked. Thrawn attacked first, swinging his blade at the Fox's legs, but the Fox leapt behind the Chiss admiral swinging his own blade at his foe, but Thrawn blocked his strike. "It seems that you are quite skilled, Admiral." The Fox praised.
"I am pleased that you noticed. I've trained in various forms of combat, ranged, unarmed, and melee. My people, the Chiss are warriors and throughout my life, one fact has always remained constant with me. We must be approached from a position of strength and respect." Thrawn said. "One must have strength, for the Chiss will only deal with those keeping their promises. One must also respect, for the Chiss believe in keeping those promises."
With that said, the two continued to clash blades with one another. Though his skills with a rapier were second to Winter, Diego found Thrawn to be a skilled opponent, one whose skills told him all that he needed to know about his opponent. Their blades clashed once more with both opponents pushing against one another in a struggle for control. Eventually, Diego was able to gain the upper hand and knocked Thrawn's lightsaber from his hands. "Looks like I win." The Fox announced, holding his blade at Thrawns throat.
"You have indeed won the duel, my masked opponent." Thrawn agreed as the Fox sheathed his lightsaber. "You are free to leave the outpost and I will order the men to let you leave."
"Very noble of you, Grand Admiral." The Fox said with the tip of his hat, grabbed his whip and swung it, wrapping it around a piece of a nearby roof then flung himself onto the roof. "Until we meet again!"
The troopers were prepared to fire, but Thrawn raised his hand, ordering them to stand down. "General, you saw the Lambda-class shuttle that took off during our duel, correct?" the Chiss admiral asked Veers.
"I noticed it, Admiral." Veers answered.
"It would seem that the duel was a distraction and allowed those four 'troopers' to leave the outpost before we could expose them." Thrawn deduced, picking up his lightsaber. "The goal of his attack was not to disrupt our operations, but to allow a certain team of huntresses to infiltrate our ranks."
"I'll inform Lord Vader at once. We'll shoot down the shuttle before it…" Veers began, but Thrawn was quick to interrupt him.
"No. Allow the rebels their small victory. Even if they managed to get past our forces, they will not succeed in their mission." Thrawn clarified. "Right now, I need all the information we've gathered on the Fox and every student that graduated from Atlas Academy skilled with a rapier. The Fox's skills are clearly well refined and suggests that he trained at Atlas Academy. To defeat your enemy, you must understand them." Thrawn said before turning around and walked back to the officers' quarters.
As Thrawn predicted, a Lambda-class shuttle was indeed headed for the occupied Kingdom but landed several kilometers away from the walls of Mantle, where it was found by a squad of Imperial soldiers who found it completely empty with no sign of the disguised Team RWBY.
Said team, made their way to one of Robyn's safehouses in Atlas, where they discarded their 'borrowed' armor and replaced it wearing the same infiltration suit that the late Cinder and captured Kara wore during their missions, but to keep the enemy from identifying them, Ruby, Weiss, and Yang wore a hood over their heads that covered their hair and mouth, leaving only their eyes exposed. A hood that Yang said looked similar to the ones that women who worked in 'certain club's' wore when they were 'entertaining' a client. "Keep your weapons hidden and stick to the shadows." Blake reminded her teammates as she opened the door to the street and checked to see if the coast was clear. "Alright, let's move."
The others nodded their heads and moved quickly through the streets and into a nearby alley, ready to begin their mission.
Finished the chapter.
Hope everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving. The holiday, not the movie that involved a serial killer wearing a mask of said holiday. I saw that movie and let me tell you, it's the first horror movie I saw in theaters, and I don't think I want to see another one in theaters anytime soon.
I do want to see the Godzilla movie coming out next month, so that's a movie to look forward to. I love the G-Man, mostly when he fights other giant monsters.
Still now word on the status of RWBY Volume 10, but I do want to see the RWBY/Justice League Movies, but don't think that means I'm incorporating them into my story.
Anyway, I think I'll return to my Power Rangers story after the next chapter or two, so you can all look forward to that story, especially those who have given me several ideas for it.
So, until my next chapter, please read, review, and stay warm, it's getting colder these days. Oh, and for those of you who are planning on attending LA Comic Con 2023, the original Black, Blue and Pink Rangers are going to be there, along with Bryce Papenbrook. See you around.
