Hello again, everyone, and welcome back to my Halo/Star Wars redux.

Writing this chapter was one of the greater challenges that I'm going to be facing with this crossover. Either way, I hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.

As always, leave a review, and enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Halo or Star Wars franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of Microsoft Studios, 343 Industries, Bungie, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Fox, Disney Films, etc. Any material original to the franchises belongs to their respective developers, producers and publishers. Any material not original to the franchises is of my own invention. I do not on any music listed in each chapter. Any music listed belongs to it's original composers and/or artists.


UNSC Infinity

Arriving At Rendezvous Coordinates

April 13th 0BBY, 9:30AM (October 28th, 2558, 9:30AM)

The air on the bridge was thick with tension. Standing at his post, Captain Lasky watched as everyone quickly settled in (for the drop out of Slipspace. Nearby, Envoy Melody paced, wracked with nervous energy.

It's been two days since we arrived in this brave new galaxy, Lasky thought as he made sure his dress uniform was good to go for the umpteenth time. I don't know what awaits us on the other side, but whatever happens next, I know that I will do what is necessary to protect my crew. He also had confidence that his crew would do the same for him.

Melody, noticing his expression, asked, "Worried?"

"Yes. We'll soon be dealing with a galactic faction fighting against another galactic faction." Lasky replied.

"It's natural. It happens to all of us eventually. Just don't let your emotions lead you."

Lasky nodded in agreement. As far as he could tell, the Alliance to Restore the Republic was this galaxy's Insurrection. In a sense, we're seeing what went on with the Insurrection before the War, he noted. I guess, even in other galaxies, human history repeats itself. On that note, he also wondered how humanity came to exist in this galaxy. Did they naturally evolve, or did someone put them here.

All thoughts of that, however, were quickly pushed to the side when Lieutenant James said, "Sir, we're approaching our exit point."

"Understood," Lasky replied. "Time to get the show on the road. Begin Exit Protocols."

"Aye sir," James replied. "Initiating Slipspace exit. Gabriela, can you assist?"

"Affirmative," Gabriela replied. "Slipspace exit in five… four… three… two… one..."

At that precise moment, the Slipspace Drive onboard the Infinity engaged one of its subsystems. With an azure slipspace portal opening dead ahead, the Infinity threw itself into true reality, arcs of energy releasing their grip on it as they reconciled the ship's slipspace debt to spacetime. "Location?" Lasky asked.

"Scanning," Gabriela replied. After a few seconds, she said, "We've arrived in a three planet star system. Coordinates traced to a moon near the system's gas giant. Only one settlement detected, presumably the Rebel Alliance's base."

"Fair point," Lasky agreed. "Navigator, bring us into single second sensor lag range."

"You got it, Captain," James replied. Plotting a course, he entered a command, The powerful Macedon engines roared to life, hurling the ship through the vacuum of space.

"Get a CAP in the black," Lasky ordered.

"Yes sir," Lieutenant Murphy said. "On screen in three mikes."

"Very good. Have them report ASAP upon arrival."

"Yes sir," Murphy said.

Within a few minutes,, Murphy said, "Sir, Longswords are reporting in."

Lasky walked to the holo-table. "Any activity?"

"Affirmative. Rebel Allliance aerospace assets guarding the area, sir. Orders?"

"Have the Longswords RTB. Let's stay friendly," Lasky ordered.

"Yes, sir."

Looming ahead was the gas giant detected earlier. A crimson ball of gas that reminded Lasky of Sanghelios. Noticing the orbiting moon that was their apparent rendezvous point, Lasky turned to Gabriela for details. "What've you got?

"Habitable moon," Gabriela said. "It's about point eight Earth size, oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere, 8% water surface."

"I'm picking up heavy chatter captain." Lieutenant Ryder added. "Admiral Raddus brought us somewhere important."

"Captain, Senator Leia is requesting an audience with you." Gabriela informed.

"Send her through," Lasky replied.

The doors opened, permitting Leia onto the bridge."Captain, have we arrived at our destination?"

"Possibly," Lasky said. "Can you confirm this is our destination, assuming the numbers you gave us lead to a habitable moon?"

Leia looked at the hologram of the moon ."Yes. We should expect a hail from them soon..."

On the surface of Yavin IV, the command center was a flurry of activity as personnel ran to and fro. "Status?" General Dodonna asked the sensor operators.

"Unusual activity at the system's edge, sir," one of them said. "Detecting one ship on approach." Walking over to a nearby viewscreen, the general punched in a series of commands, bringing up the errant ship.

Seeing the dot, and the projected readouts, the General addressed his subordinates. "It would appear that General Raddus has brought the to our system," he observed. "Yellow alert, prepare our escort squadrons along with meet-and-greet protocols."

"Yes sir," the surrounding officers said.

One of the base's Comms officers quickly established a comm channel, Dodonna cleared his throat and began to speak...

Onboard the Infinity, Lasky was about to ask Leia to clarify her response when Lieutenant Jespersen said, "Sir, we've got an open hail directed at us from the base."

"Put it on speakers," Lasky ordered.

Seconds later, an unidentified man's voice spoke. "Unidentified ship. From the plains of Alderaan to the nights of Umbara. The tendrils lurk and grow."

"May I?" Leia asked. At Lasky's nod, she answered, "Even through the mud, the trench and the stench, they adapt and take root, cementing in all that believe that reprieve is to come."

There was a short pause. "Welcome back, Senator Organa. We've been expecting you. A squadron will soon be on approach. Please signal when ready for shuttle escort to the base. Captain Lasky's presence is expected as well. Until then, maintain current position. Dodonna out."

"What's the plan once we arrive?" Lasky asked.

"We requested this meeting to gain firsthand insight on who you are, as well as how and why you're here, past the public's perceptions. Anything after that is for you to discuss with our leaders, captain."

"That seems adequate." Lasky replied noncommittally.

"I'll be returning to my ship now captain. Thank you for your assistance prior. It was a pleasure conversing with you." Leia concluded, not acknowledging the debt she now owed.

"Same to you Senator. Murphy?" Lasky asked.

"Hangar's been informed sir," Lieutenant Murphy replied.

As Leia left for the hangar bay, Lasky keyed his comm, "Lasky to Merrick. You there?"

. . .

Down in Hangar 21-D, Fight Officer Merrick directed Tantive IV's departure from Infinity. Hearing his com ping with the captain's request, he answered, "Affirmative, sir. We're on it now."

"Good," Lasky replied. "Keep it smooth."

"Yes, sir," Merrick replied. "Anything else, sir?"

"No, that will be all. Captain Lasky out."

Merrick began commanding his section heads, "Begin departure preparations!"

"Yes, sir!" they confirmed. Crew hands and technicians promptly went to work.

Minutes later, Leia boarded the ship. Once she was aboard, Merrick keyed his COM. "Tantive IV, Merrick, standby for final checks." Switching frequencies, he said asked, "Sir, permission to begin disembarkation?"

"Granted," Murphy replied.

"Copy," Merrick replied. Switching frequencies, he asked, "Captain Antilles, do you read me?"

As soon as Captain Antilles entered the bridge, the pilot turned to him and said, "Sir, we have permission to undock from Infinity. Ready to begin on your go."

"Good, proceed." Antilles replied. He keyed the comm as soon as he heard Merrick's reply. "We read you," he said. "Ready to depart."

"Copy," Merrick said. "Gabriela?"

"Course input," Gabriela said. With a nod, Merrick signaled his team. With the docking clamps release, Tantive IV smoothly glided out of the hangar.

"You're good to go." Merrick informed the Tantive's bridge crew from the hangar's control room.

"Now comes the hard part," Leia stated as she entered the bridge, gazing past the front window.

. . .

"What is it, General?" Mon Mothma asked.

"Leia Organa has arrived, ma'am," General Dodonna replied.

"I see," Mon Mothma noted. "I wish to speak with Leia."

Walking back over to the Comm Officer's station, Dodonna keyed the channel in and said, "Tantive IV, this is General Dodonna, Marianne would like a word."

"Of course," Leia replied.

At Dodonna's stepping back, Mon Mothma took over. "Leia, can you hear me?" Mon Mothma asked.

"Yes, Mon Mothma," Leia replied. "What do you need?"

"I would like to speak with Captain Lasky of the Infinity."

"Of course," Leia replied.

"Sir!" the sensor operator again reported. "Hyperspace signatures approaching the planet. IFF readings identify as the fleet."

"Better late than never," Dodonna said. "Comms, get in touch with Profundity and inform them of Infinity's arrival. Tell Raddus and Antoc Merrick to come down to conference 2."

. . .

Aboard Infinity, Lasky watched as the moon drew ever closer

"Captain, reading unknown radiation surges near the moon," Lieutenant Ryder reported. "Looks like hyperspace windows. Signatures coming in. It's the rebel fleet sir." He added.

"Is Admiral Raddus there?" Lasky asked.

Right on cue, Admiral Raddus' voice came in over the open COM. On Lasky's approval, Lieutenant Jespersen played vis voice over the speakers. "Admiral Raddus to Captain Lasky. Do you read me?"

"I do," Lasky replied. "Glad to hear your voice."

"Same here," Raddus added. "I just wanted to inform you that I am grateful for your assistance at Scarif, and that I'd like to meet with you in person when possible."

"Same here," Lasky agreed. "Lasky out." Closing the COM channel, he looked to James and said, "Take us into geosynch orbit. Cortana, have,Jordan MacCallum and Blue Team to meet Azikiwe and I in the bridge hangar. We're going planet side." With that, he quickly exited the bridge.

. . .

A few minutes later, Lasky and the people he requested were in Hangar 42-B. Blue Team stood at rapt attention behind their Pelican, with a team of ODSTs preparing to embark.

In uniform was the quarantine crew, who now left the vehicle, sterile field generator onboard. One of them saluted and regarded him, "Good luck down there captain."

Motioning to the others, Lasky had them board before following. "Cortana, you reading us through video feeds?"

"Affirmative," Cortana replied.

"Good. Pilot, we're good to go!"

"Copy that," the pilot replied. "Delta-3-5-1 to flight op. Ready to leave the barn."

"Granted." Murphy informed. The pelican, disengaging its magnetic clamps, smoothly drifted into space.

"Blue Team will be with me, Jordan and Melody as we attend the meet. The rest remain with the Pelican. Jordan, if their leaders accept, try getting a spare Hyperdrive from their mechanics."

"Yes sir," all affirmed near uniformly.

"Good. Standard diplomatic protocols apply." Lasky added. Rechecking their masks and other equipment, the group prepared for their tasks a final time as the Pelican broke atmosphere.

"Unidentified shuttle, this is Blue Leader, we're here to escort you. Do you read me?" A new voice said over open com.

"This is Delta 3-5-1." The pilot replied. "I read you."

"Understood," Blue Leader replied. "Sending you the flight plan, please stick by it."

"Understood, got it." Delta 351 replied. As she set the ship to autopilot control using the received plan, Lieutenant Esparza took in the flaming view.

As they flew along, Blue Leader spoke up. "Delta 3-5-1, this is Blue Leader. We're sending you the frequency for the control tower."

"Copy that," Seeing the frequency, he quickly punched it it. "Rebel base this is Delta 3-5-1. Requesting permission to land. Over."

"Copy that," a woman's voice said, "Maintain current flight. Reduce speed to 80 kilometers per hour and begin descent when ready."

. . .

On one of the landing pads, Wedge Antilles waited for the arrival of the newcomers. Nearby were other Rebel Troopers, armed but reserved at rest.

For the first time in his life, Wedge faced a true unknown. Taking a breath, his thoughts were interrupted when another man nudged him. "Hey? You OK?"

Recognizing the voice, Wedge turned towards a tall, burly man with deep brown hair.

"I'm fine," Wedge replied. "Just worried."

Wes Janson smiled, his brown eyes twinkling with amusement. "No need Wedge. These guys screwed over the Empire at Scarif. Who knows? They might have good company"

Wedge smiled. Janson was a ladies-man, with little to show for it. "And I'm sure you won't make any of them want to skin you alive." he responded "Either way, be ready."

"Don't worry," Janson reassured Wedge. "Just stay calm and this will blow over us." With that, Wes returned to his post.

Minutes later, an ugly green brick attempting to fly made itself known as it approached the base. Micro thrusters at the bottom let it land smoother than expected. A moment later, the back hatch opened into a ramp.

Wedge got his first look at the newcomers. Twelve armored men, advanced into formation around the ship. A moment later, an unarmored man walked out alongside a tall, regal-looking woman, all with masks on.

Further back were four, fully armored ...droids? They certainly walked in sync like droids, but their gait was too smooth.

Stepping forward, he greeted them. "Welcome to Yavin IV. I'm Captain Wedge Antilles. With me is Lieutenant Wes Janson. We're here to escort you to Rebel High Command."

"I'm Captain Thomas Lasky of the UNSC, commanding officer of the Infinity. With me is Envoy Melody Azikiwe of our government's diplomatic division, and specialist Jordan MacCallum."

"Pleasure to meet you all. Please follow us to the conference chamber."

"Lead the way," Lasky replied.

Turning around to lead them, Wedge began conversing with them. "What's with the masks, captain? Do your people have a noted ailment or something?"

"No," Lasky replied. "We've rarely been to other planets here. My medical staff advised that some caution was warranted."

Wedge nodded understandingly. "Got it."

Lasky took the time to examine his surroundings. Much of the base was surrounded by dense rainforest, with clearings cut for walkways to other facilities. Up ahead, he could see a tall, pyramid structure, likely the command center.

Upon entering the structure, Lasky spotted more fighters, with hangar doors overhead. "Interesting layout," he noted. "Your fighters have VTOL capabilities?"

"Yes," Wedge replied, "courtesy of repulsors." Turning towards them slightly, he remarked, "Quite the escort. Why so heavy?"

"Precedent from past experience." Lasky supplied simply.

Moving through hallways, Lasky noted more of what the base staff went on with. From the looks of it, they were just barely getting by.

Entering the meeting room, Melody noted the human and alien individuals standing around the center table as the door closed behind them, guards standing by outside.

A woman at the center of the posse stood up. "Greetings, Captain Lasky. I am Mon Mothma, the leader of the Rebel Alliance. With me are Generals Jan Dodonna of Commenor and Antoc Merrick of Virjanis, along with Admiral Raddus of Mon Cala, Senator Tynnra Pamlo of Taris, Nower Jebel of Uyter, Davits Draven of Pendarr III and Vasp Vaspar of Charros IV. We welcome you to Yavin IV."

"Thank you for your time," Lasky replied. "I'm Captain Thomas Lasky of the United Nations Space Command. To my left is Envoy Melody Azikiwe of the United Earth Government, and to my right, ship specialist Jordan MacCallum."

With the introductions settled, Mon resumed. "I must admit, Captain Lasky, it is not every day that we learn of a new faction, especially one that hails from another galaxy. If you'll allow me to dispense with the flattery captain, I know you have no reason to help us currently. After all, this isn't your fight; this isn't your war. All we ask is that you don't ally with the Empire against us and to allow us to establish trade relations."

Lasky and Melody shared a glance. Turning to Mon Mothma, he said. "You're right; this isn't my war. I can assure you that we have no intentions of allying with either side. Our main goal right now is to find a way home. To that end, yes, I recognize your request for trade relations. My research staff require various samples for testing and you're currently the only ones we can talk to that either have them or have contacts that have said samples. I can't formalize this though; this is a commercial matter outside the military. I can only allow trade for what we need."

"That is adequate, captain. We are grateful for your openness and acceptance to this. I must say that you're more reasonable than would be expected, given your history." Mon smoothly replied.

Letting the official diplomat take over, Lasky nodded, with a slight bow.

"As are we Lady Mon," Azikiwe said. "We have no qualms with you or your organization. We simply want to get home to report to our superiors, who will then decide on our next course of action. Any help in that is more than welcome. We recognize your struggle against the empire and its actions, but we must come up with a planned response with the full backing and authority of our government.

Vasp was about to speak when Melody said, "One ship, even the captain's, is too much for us to risk alone. We would be willing to expand this potential agreement later on. At the moment though, the captain must focus on getting the crew he's responsible for back to their families." At that, Vasp utterance was answered.

Two hours of discussions on tradable items, levels of assistance, locations, what to do with the rescued survivors of the battle of Scarif, and other miscellaneous later, Mon Mothma gave her final remarks. "We understand the dilemma you currently face. You will have our support in getting back to your galaxy. After that, formal deliberations may begin. General Draven is free to assist you with obtaining any specific equipment you may require. Please feel free to tour the base's open areas with him after this."

"You have our appreciation for this gesture Lady Mon." Melody supplied.

Giving a short bow of recognition, Mon went on, "We thank you once more for your time Captain Lasky, Envoy Melody, and Specialist Jordan. We hope that this interaction sets itself as a foundation to future events."

"As do we. Thank you for your candidness and consideration. We'll be sure to detail this in our reports, and effect an action upon our arrival home. May the savanna winds guide your paths." Melody finished.

"And May the Force be with you." Mon Mothma replied.

As both parties left the chamber, up in the observation room, an observer took down her final notes and closing thoughts. General Hera Syndulla glanced at the others. He seemed quite reasonable. She smiled elatedly at the determined outcome. Kanan would've loved this, she reminisced.

Taking up Mon Mothma's offer, Captain Lasky and Envoy Azikiwe trailed General Dravits Draven as he gave them a rundown of the base. Jordan had long since disappeared, having been last seen talking to a stout, orange colored droid and some technicians, gesturing with his hands like a madman.

"Chief, what do you think of this group's military competence?" Lasky asked.

Spartan 117 was silent for a moment, before proving the innate skills of his class, beyond direct combat.

"Inefficient, sir" he said. Recognizing Lasky's questioning silence for what it was, he elaborated. "The Rebel Alliance, in its current state, is divided and poorly organized. Its leadership is fragmented on the morals of fighting the Empire."

"My thoughts exactly," Lasky said. "I got a little hint of the former problem from their rank system. Very confusing."

"Agreed." Pausing for a moment, the Master Chief shifted tone. "Captain, possible Tango-Seven-Romeo. Immediate extraction advised." He informed, noticing a harried rebel officer making his way towards the departed conference room.

. . .

"Ma'am, situation with Leia Organa, urgent priority for you and Captain Lasky." The Trooper began.

"Gail, inform the captain. We'll take it in the chambers. Trooper, with me." Mon Mothma instructed.

. . .

As this went on, Bail Organa, in a closed meeting with other Imperial Senators, deliberated over the recent reveal and accompanying data.

A platinum-blond haired woman grumbled, "The loss of Scarif was a tremendous waste," she grumbled. "How was this hidden from the appropriations and military oversight committees? Even yes men have to actually prove their competence for it."

"I don't know," another Senator said. "While this is hardly news, the implications are... unsettling to say the least. A whole moon, hidden from every check and balance ingrained in our commerce and military procedures? That seems to be a recipe for disaster."

"I'm more worried by what the discovery of the battlecruiser means," a brown haired man remarked. "There's life beyond the galaxy, human life I must add, and we just kriffed first contact with them."

"We'll have to account for that," the platinum-blond haired woman said. "We'll need our best deliberators ready. I'll try raising my contacts in the judiciary."

As the others talked, Bail went for the adjacent balcony. He gazed at the planetwide cityscape. Towering spires of metal and composites, miles-wide factories and power grids, endlessly snaking lines of repulsor bikes, trains and trams, ships and vehicles of all make, and the hidden billions of menial workers that ensured the optimum working of this infrastructure conglomeration.

A particular structure drew Bail's eye, a tragic reminder of a past long trampled. Banners and Imperial symbols lined its sharp, striking edges.

A tear brimmed in his eye at old memories. I couldn't save that boy, he thought to himself. Why? How did we allow the Republic to turn into this?

A hand rested on his shoulder. "Bail? Are you all right?"

Centering himself to the present, he nodded. "I'm all right," he reassured her. "Old memories and wounds."

"You have a holo," the woman replied. "Apparently, the Emperor deigned you an audience." She added sarcastically.

"I see… well, who am I to deny him?"

The lady, Winter, nodded. She and the others quickly left as Bail accepted the call. A moment later, a life-size image of the Emperor imposed itself into his office.

Coming to a knee, Bail greeted, "What is it, my Emperor?"

"Senator Organa, I want your opinion on recent chamber events. Your junior appears to be unavailable."

"I haven't spoken recently with her, though I was planning on contacting her this evening. I will inform her of your call and intent."

"Good," the Emperor smiled, an inhuman, predatory stretch of muscles. "Make sure to remind the young senator that my time is not infinite." The Emperor concluded, closing the channel.

Bail let out a shiver. I should have expected this, Leia why are you this impulsive? he monologued. He reached for his personal communicator. I need to speak to Leia immediately.

. . .

Onboard the Tantive IV, Leia calmly walked to the ship's hyperdrive room. Rounding a corner, she found Captain Antilles, looking at the Hyperdrive. He turned, smiling at her. "I still can't stop thinking about that alien."

"Slightly Too Heavy?" Leia inquired.

"Yes," Antilles said. "A species that can understand anything." Turning to her, he said, "The hyperdrive's been humming since Heavy fixed it. Engineers haven't had to touch it yet or maintain anything."

"Quite remarkable," Leia agreed. "What else did Slightly Too Heavy work on?"

"Well it touched on our holo-comms; got better reception. Life support too; haven't heard of any scrubbing problems yet."

The two would have remained there conversing, if not for a Rebel Trooper approaching them. "What is it?" Leia asked.

"Ma'am, you're needed in the holo room," the Trooper informed her. "We've got an incoming transmission from Bail Organa."

"I see," Leia noted. Looking to Antilles, she said, "We'll speak some more later."

"Of course," Antilles said. "I'll be available when you need me." With that, Leia made her way to the comm suite, while Antilles remained in the Hyperdrive room for a while, before leaving as well.

Up in the formal state conference chamber, Leia smoothed down her dress while accepting the waiting call. Once Bail's hologram shimmered into existence, she asked, "Bail, is something wrong?"

"The Emperor wished to speak to you." He said solemnly.

Leia's face went cold. She knew the consequences of a senator not availing oneself upon immediate request by the Emperor. Taking a breath, she asked, "What about?"

"We both know. If there was ever a time to apply all the lessons of statecraft you know, it is in this call, Leia. Don't act out, don't push back. You're my young, obnoxious, inexperienced, prideful successor. Act like it."

"Wise words," Leia said, composed. "I'll call his office by days end."

"Very well," Bail said. "Be careful, Leia. Don't act out."

"I won't," she answered in false confidence. As the holo faded, she took a deep breath. Be a good, subservient Imperial Senator, give him most, but not all, assurances. Ritualistically reciting her lessons on kissing ass, Leia looked back at the holo-communicator and contacted the Imperial head office.

Seconds later, the Emperor's hologram expanded to consume most of the room. It's almost as though he's compensating for something, Leia digressed. Bowing as low as her pride would let her without fidgeting in rage, she began.

"My Emperor. Apologies for my unavailability, and your inconvenience at it. To what honor am I required?"

"Senator Leia Organa," the Emperor said to her. "I followed your recent speech, and have directives for you."

"What would they be, Emperor?"

"It is quite simple. You are to attend a ball a week from now at the Imperial Palace. Your direct handling of the situation should be rewarded. You defused a possible war and opened a diplomatic channel for the Empire to this UEG," he drawled.

"It would be appreciated that you invite the captain of the battlecruiser to this ball as well. I'm sure his insights will be most enlightening. His presence should also warn the Imperial Navy of the consequences of direct mistakes."

"I see," Leia said, steeling herself for what she would say next.

"I would be most grateful to attend this function. However, I am unable to invite Captain Lasky. He and I parted ways shortly after my announcement."

"Do not worry yourself with such trivial matters, I am well informed of his ship's current movements. Simply avail yourself once his location is shared to you." The Emperor replied.

Leia's mind reeled, unsure of what to do. Taking a breath, she fumbled, "Upon that case, then I would be most grateful to extend your invitation once alerted."

"Good, good," the Emperor intoned.

"Most excellent. Inform me when he accepts the invitation upon your next address. Good day to you." Leaving no doubts as to the mandatory success of this mission, the Emperor ended his call.

Leia despaired. Lasky must be warned, she thought. Opening another com channel, she said, "Mon, are you there? This is urgent."

. . .

Jordan quickly trailed Davits, who had extracted himself from Lasky earlier.

"Why do you need a hyperdrive again?" Davits asked. "It sounds like yours would do just fine."

"They're rare and expensive for us to make," he replied simply. "Plus, we've got the only one around here. If it blows up, we're screwed."

"Fair enough," Davits admitted with a shrug. They continued maneuvering through the base, before coming to one of the auxiliary hangars. Technicians worked on vehicles, pipes, hoses, cables, and other things he couldn't determine.

Davits continued leading them through the bay, coming to a group of technicians working on a possible hyperdrive. "Here we are," Davits informed him. Turning to the technicians, he asked, "Is Jenar here?"

Rising from below the suspended hyperdrive, a young, tall woman with dirty blond hair gazed at Jordan and Davits. "I'm here," she said in a scratchy, low pitched tone.

"Jenar, this is Jordan, an engineer from the Infinity. He's looking for a hyperdrive to test. Could you help him find one from our spares?" Davits asked.

"Spare or stock?" Jenar replied. Stock parts were their higher quality spare parts, reserved for hot swapping damaged systems in their fighters and freighters. Spare on the other hand, was anything the engineers deemed too broken to work with. Of course, with the limited resources available, it was obvious that the Rebellion had a limit on things it could openly share, though nothing wrong came out of confirming it.

"Spare. Just give him a rundown, I gotta go get someone to add holo-com to their ship and check on green four's progress." Davits said as he left.

"Pleased to meet you, Jenar," Jordan said with a smile, extending a hand.

"Likewise," Jenar replied, her greasy hand slathering his. "Damn… You UNSC guys don't build small, don't you? Ah, well… suits me. About time I met you. How fast is that drive of yours?"

"Roughly 3-1.5, according to your scale," Jordan remarked, wiping his hand with a handkerchief.

"So you want a Hyperdrive, eh? What for?"

"See what makes it tick. Compare it to our own systems. Find out if we can build or use them. Testing basically." Jordan answered.

"If it's a working hyperdrive you want, we salvaged some for spare parts some months ago, they're in my shed up inside. Got a class or size to transport?"

"About any size, cruiser compatible to start with. One lower, another higher class. Eighteen and two ideally." Jordan supplied.

"All right," Jenar decided. "Got an eighteen we recovered from an Invincible few months back. Has a few chinks and hiccups but should run OK most of the time. Better if one of my guys is there though."

"Have to clear it with the captain first. What about the other one?" Jordan asked.

"Savaged it from a Gozanti," Jenar said. "We also snagged a Class one from a Venator. Little banged up and janky, but otherwise functional."

"I'll take the latter."

"We'll send you the one from the Venator. Now, let's get your hyperdrives cleared and loaded." She finished.

At that moment, an ODST appeared behind Jordan, "Doctor Jordan, Captain Lasky's ordered your immediate extraction. Follow me." Calming his nerves from the immediate fright of a sudden, close voice, Jordan replied, "Got it. Thanks for the parts Jenar." He said as he was led away.

As the two rounded a corner, Davits came towards them with a repulsor forklift, as well as a tall, dark man. "Ah, there you are," Davits said. "Jordan, meet Kentor Fennak, our resident Holo expert."

"Pleased to meet you," Jordan said to Kentor, extending a hand.

"Likewise," Kentor said in a deep, rumbling voice. "I heard about your ship, though I'm surprised that you do not make use of HoloCommunications."

"Different systems. We need a way to talk to each other, so I figured, why not add it to the list of things we need. You'll have a team for direction and security."

"I can work with that," Kentor said.

"Good to see everyone getting along," Davits noted. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I now have two of green squadron's fighters to sort out. See you later." He ended as he trotted towards the adjacent hangar, expletives audible all the way.

"He's like that," Kentor told Jordan. "Don't mind him much. We're all doing overtime."

"I've noticed," Jordan remarked as they proceeded outside.

It was here he met another person: a blond-haired woman with green eyes. "Hello," she said. "Mind if I joinr?"

"Only if you're cleared," Jordan said. "If you want to work as a civilian specialist, you'll have to speak with the Captain. In fact, why do you want to work with us?"

"That's why I want to come," the woman said. "I can be a guide for other parts of the galaxy, and I know where to get the best gear." She extended a hand. "Sabine Wren of Mandalore."

"Pardon?" Jordan asked. "I know of Mandalore from some reading, but I'm not familiar as to why it's important."

"We're some of the toughest warriors out there," Sabine said. "

"So you're like the Sangheili," Jordan observed. "They're an alien warrior society that takes pride in honor and combat."

"Sounds like we're similar at face," Sabine noted,

At that moment, the droid Jordan had encountered came back, beeping and whistling. "Chopper here likes you, but he still wants to argue with you."

"I'll do so later. Right now, I've got work to do."

Sabine nodded. "Come on, Chopper. We're about to leave anyways."

That was close, Jordan thought. Still, might want to look into this whole Mandalore thing. Could be important.

. . .

Entering the chamber they had recently vacated, Lasky watched as another Rebel Trooper informed the gathered crowd of the situation. "Ma'am, Captain, Leia wishes to speak with you both, marked urgent." The trooper reported.

"Open a channel. Let's see what it is." Mon Mothma directed.

A moment later, Leia appeared via holo in the room. "Mon, the Emperor just contacted me," Leia said. "He wants mine, and Captain Lasky's presence at a ball this weekend on Coruscant at the Imperial Palace."

"Very troubling," Mon Mothma said, her expression noticeably reserved. "This is grave news." Turning to Lasky, she asked, "What is your opinion, Captain?"

Lasky pursed his lips in thought. Not a trap, but a play, he thought, though to what end he couldn't presently discern.

"We'll likely accept, after we consider the invite. Quite the play he's made. We can't refuse without worsening our standing." Melody, interceded.

"I'll go," Lasky finally said, face hard and resolute.

"Very well. Thank you captain, though I must warn you of the political ramifications of whatever we all do, from your ship's arrival to your final departure." Leia advised.

"Noted. Standard diplomacy will get us through. Thank you for informing us Senator," Lasky replied. Turning to Mon as Leia's holo faded on her nod, he said, "We'll have to cut this short. Thanks again for your assistance."

"Of course," Mon Mothma replied. "It was a pleasure speaking with you captain."

"The same to you too," Lasky replied as he turned to leave the room. "Before I go, I'd advise you to improve your rank system and uniforms. They were too ambiguous as to who was in charge of what."

Mon Mothma nodded. "I see. I shall speak with the others to find a solution. Thank you for bringing this to my attention."

"You're welcome." Keying his COM earpiece, Lasky said, "Extract Jordan, expedite any blocks."

Once outside, he found Jordan and the others entering the Pelican. Embarking himself, he pondered on how future events would unfold.

. . .

Back on the Infinity, Halsey scrutinized the Death Star's schematics with rapt focus. A mug of coffee sat in her hand.

Orson Krennic, the only other person present, busied himself at his assigned work station, escorts beside him. She disliked the man; spineless, egotistic, unhinged. He'd have been great friends with Ackerson, she ruefully thought. Though his intelligence was not to be downplayed.

"Roland, what can you note about the Death Star's reactor?" Halsey queried.

"Looks experimental; sixty one redundancies, annihilation pattern, no idea what hypermatter is though, large coolant systems and what appear to be four reactant shunt systems." The AI replied.

"Indeed," Halsey noted. "I wonder if Infinity may be outfitted to these standards."

"Can't say ma'am," Roland admitted. "It'll be quite the project."

"Very true," Halsey agreed. "Add it to my personal log, Nine-Euler-Eight." Facing Krennic, she asked, "I don't suppose you have any news?"

"Not yet," he replied. "I must admit, hypermatter reactors would do well on your ship. Not sure why you stuck with this underpowered fusion for so long."

"Indeed. We have our charms," Halsey said, her voice cold and harsh. "Now, return to work. You are useful to me, but only if you remain useful."

Krennic shuddered slightly. Halsey was one person on the ship that truly intimidated him. A primal fear of being both scolded by one's mother and locked in an empty box for all time welled in him. "O-ehm... of course," he said a moment later.

"Good." With that, Halsey turned back to her work. "Roland, add this to my personal log, same entry. Hypermatter reactor's possibly more efficient than current fusion reactors. Study of energy collection systems required to determine for sure. Consider for possible refit of the Infinity when time permits. End log."