Intermission 2 - Inquisitors
Lord Vader's intention, heading towards the Senate, experienced an unexpected disruption when news of an attack on the Blas-Tech production plant came over comms and soon after through the news, as well.
The Grand Inquisitor waited patiently at Vader's side while the Sith Lord received information and relayed orders. As of yet, no known malcontents claimed responsibility, but it would only be a matter of time. For the moment, though, they could only prepare to counter the attack and reclaim the assembly plant. As a vital source of weapons for the Empire, it could hardly be ignored.
Kshhhhhh
"Summon Tenth," Lord Vader demanded without turning to face the Pau'un. "You will both join me in this mission, as will Black Squadron."
For the first time, the Inquisitor felt the waves of rage pouring off the Emperor. Despite initial suspicions, he realized that Lord Vader wasn't puppeteering something behind the scenes. This was a real attack on Imperial supply and infrastructure.
Within only a few minutes, the two highest ranking Inquisitors were in a transport along with Vader and Black Squadron. The Imperial Guard, normally at Vader's side, were instead given to Tarkin's command as he secured the Senate. It couldn't be said that Lord Vader lacked caution. The Grand Inquisitor was keenly aware that many in the Senate were coming over to the Emperor's side as Order improved on Coruscant and the few Core Worlds already under Imperial sway.
A distraction and attack against them would certainly set things back. And after the Death Star, Vader was more determined than ever to ensure the unification of many disparate factions across the galaxy into something that could face whatever threat he sensed on the horizon.
Kshhhhhh
"We will take point." Vader said to the pair of Inquisitors. "Black Squadron will act as rearguard."
Lacking the inborn talent to join the Inquisition, Black Squadron became the first part of Vader's reorganized Dark Trooper project. Originally a concept of Palpatine's to use cybernetic enhancements on normal Troopers, Vader repurposed it for Force-sensitives who washed out of Inquisitorial training but had the potential to be more than normal Storm Troopers.
Now the ragtag collection of mercs, independent pilots, and killers-for-hire, became the first Imperial spec-ops unit.
As the transport swung low over the Blas-Tech plant, blaster fire pinged off the armor platting.
"Open the doors," Lord Vader ordered with a growl as his lightsaber ignited. Tenth and the Grand Inquisitor quickly followed suit while the others secured their helmets and readied weapons.
Designed for high-speed operations, the doors slid to the side with explosive force and the Emperor instantly reflected the first shots aimed at them. Despite his lack of eyesight, Tenth was soon doing the same while the Grand Inquisitor took out a few enemies with a well timed Force throw using several bits of debris.
"Orders, my lord?" the Pau'un asked.
Kshhhhhh
"Forward."
Peppering the area with cannon fire, the armed transport covered them as they dropped out of the ship.
Blocking incoming fire, Vader keyed into the Imperial secure channel and demanded, "Report."
"No contacts, Lord Vader," Ceezee's response came over everyone's headsets. The combat droid, left under Tarkin's command was armed with both the blaster it carried and a slug thrower in case of Jedi. The Grand Moff, back at the Senate, was more than happy for the extra backup.
Using elegant footwork, the Grand Inquisitor deftly sidestepped a clumsy enemy and skewered them through the heart before continuing onward. "Tenth?"
The High Inquisitor deftly cut down a few terrorists, slow to retreat, with his shoto sabers. Then he took cover behind a delivery crate awaiting transport into the building. "They seem to have planned this out," the blind Inquisitor commented.
Vader, already moving on ahead of everyone else, gave orders before any could follow. "I will engage them directly. Inquisitors, get inside and deal with the leaders. Black Squadron will secure the outer perimeter."
Cutting comms, everyone, including those watching at home via news feeds, watched Vader march directly into enemy fire in the same slow, unstoppable march as always.
"It seems we have our orders," the Grand inquisitor said and he took Tenth in a wide circle around the loading docks, looking for a way inside."
###
The Pau'Un dashed across the open ground between supply crates and outbuildings, Tenth on his heels. A few subtle manipulations with the Force and they could distract the enemy. In the middle of an assault everyone jumped at shifting containers and every other noise.
They could still hear the sound of blaster fire in the distance and shouts of terror. Vader's work, no doubt. The occasional shriek of rending steel told them the Sith Lord was busy using the environment against them. "How much stronger has he become?" Tenth asked.
"Strong enough to do as he pleases, I would wager. Side door," The Grand Inquisitor added, pointing with his deactivated saber towards a pair of double doors in an out of the way alcove. Sensing no other presence, the pair made their way to the doors. Once there, Tenth used one of his shorter blades to melt through the lock and get inside. Therein, the two knelt and felt the world around them through the Force.
"The managers office directly over the plant floor," the Grand Inquisitor said, pointing to a room suspended overhead with only a staircase leading to it.
As they made their approach, several of the rebels, focused on the frontal assault led by Vader, spotted them.
"Intruders!" one screamed and all blasters turned on the two Dark Siders.
Tenth dashed off to the side, aiming or cover and a flanking maneuver. Meanwhile the Pau'Un fell back on the First Form combined with Makashi footwork, a fencers style he'd grown to prefer over the last year. As he deftly dodged and reflected every shot sent his way, the Inquisitor watched Tenth move around the side behind the machinery and pallets crowding the factory floor. As good as this building was for defense, filled as it was with blasters and ammo, once inside it became a death trap for the occupying force.
"You'll need more than that to take us down, gentlemen," the Grand Inquisitor mocked as he sent another laser flying back the way it came. "I'm not so wet behind the ears you can win with these numbers."
As he spoke, taunting and gathering attention, Tenth hit from the left flank and killed two before the others realized and then vanished once more into the labyrinth of crates and supplies.
"Retreat!" a voice rang out. "Get back to the office! We can hold them off there! Long live the republic!"
Before the voice could issue more orders, a red blade sprouted from her chest.
Kshhhhhh
"No. You will surrender or you will die."
The assailants scattered, screaming as Vader cast the woman aside. The Grand Inquisitor and Tenth watched his hand stretch out towards the manager's office. The only answer to Vader's demand was a hail of blaster fire.
"So be it," the Emperor said and his finger slowly curled into a fist, the metal of the hanging room crumpling in response. Screams rang out as it crushed everyone inside. The cries of fear suddenly cut off. "Black Squadron," Vader said over comms. "Ensure these vermin do not escape."
Tenth and the Grand Inquisitor prepared to deal with the survivors, but froze when they realized every one of their foes was on the ground, writhing and grasping at their throats. They stared at the imposing figure of the Sith Lord and wondered how deep he'd delved into the Dark Side.