Disclaimer: I own nothing and make no money off this story. All rights go to Lucasfilms. Hope you enjoy my twist on this story.
Cykron, Motok
Rahm Kota had been sent on a secret mission by the Jedi Council. His recruitment effort had gone well. Many people around the galaxy saw the tyranny that Palpatine had planned and they were coming to Polis Massa in droves. Even with Maul's help and their new recruits, they needed everyone they could get. He was sent to find a particular pirate. After Hondo Onaka had gotten kicked off his planet by Grievous, he set up shop on Cykron. Cykron was a central hub for criminals and piracy. He soon built up his business and was able to restore his empire to its former glory. Kota landed and began the search for Onaka, he first began in the bars. There were many seedy patrons in these bars but none knew where Onaka was. After a few days of searching Kota was becoming frustrated. He was leaving another bar when a few individuals wrapped in cloaks walked up to him. Kota could tell that these were Weequayan males, the force told him these men could lead him to Honda. The first male introduced himself as Noel Hasho. He shook the hand of the Jedi and said, "I hear you've been looking for a specific pirate." Kota smirked and replied, "Yes, I am looking for Hondo Onaka. Would you know where I can find him?" Noel smiled and said, "Indeed I would. Follow me, Jedi, and remember to mind your manners." Kota smiled at the rough tone of the pirates, he always appreciated honesty. He discreetly clicked on his tracker and followed the men.
Abafar, Inner Orbit
The New Galactic Republic had to start going on the offensive in this war with the Empire. It had been several months since Order 66 and the emperor was capturing key planets. Abafar had been a strange one. Mace and Yoda had been wondering why Palpatine had wanted Abafar, they got their answer when Rex was asked to consult. Rex had told them the story of a lost clone commando named Gregor. He had read the report of his discovery on Abafar and subsequent loss. The two Jedi asked if there was any sort of resource that could be considered important and Rex told them of the Rhydonium. It was a very powerful fuel and could be used to great effect. They decided that Rex's team, Embo, and two platoons from the 501st would be sent to investigate Palpatine's plan. They sent everyone on a new ship they had built especially for large troop transportation through hyperspace. It was built by the Corellian Engineering Corporation and appropriately named the Intersystem Transport Ship or the I-TS for short. Currently, Breakthrough and Cody are in the pilot and co-pilot seats respectively. Most of the other men were either resting or making sure their equipment was ready for a battle. Embo had just finished topping off his ammo for his bowcaster and was meditating. Rex was intrigued by the bounty hunter, he had met a few during his time and they always presented themselves as greedy mercenaries. They always seemed dishonorable and untrustworthy. Embo was apparently different, he had heard the mission reports and General Windu spoke highly of his character. He decided to try and figure out why this bounty hunter was so different. He sat down next to the meditating individual and Embo silently clicked the translating communicator on his neck to basic. He breathed in a large breath and asked, "Can I help you with something?" Rex looked shocked, he knew he was silent when he sat down. He looked at the bounty hunter and asked, "How did you know I was sitting here? You aren't a force user, are you?" Embo opened his eyes and looked at Rex before he let out a small chuckle. He cleared his throat and said, "No, I am not blessed with the force. I am a skilled hunter and bounty hunter, however. I have to have keen senses and be extremely aware of my surroundings." Rex looked skeptical but asked, "Why are you so different?" Embo smirked at that question and replied with one of his own, "I assume you mean, why am I not acting like some lowlife greedy mercenary?" Rex nodded and Embo took another deep breath.
He looked at Rex and said, "My story begins like most other hunters. I grew up in a small village and became fascinated with the art of hunting. I learned everything I could and as I grew older, I became the village's top hunter. I eventually settled down and married. Soon after my wife gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. I loved my family more than anything but I still liked to go on hunting trips with the other men of the village. Not all stories have a happy ending, however. I had returned from a week-long hunting trip and came home to find my village burned to the ground. I searched my home and found my wife and child dead. All of our valuables had been stolen and I instantly knew what happened. Pirates had come and destroyed my family. Me and the other hunters searched the wreckage for days but, there were no survivors. Those monsters had slaughtered my entire village. The other men wanted to rebuild their lives but I became consumed by grief. I vowed to hunt them down. I ran down every lead and after two weeks I found the scum who destroyed my home. I demanded that they surrender but they laughed. I was willing to let them lay down their arms but they insisted on fighting. I made a promise to only kill those who came at me with lethal force. I ended up killing them all. The planet's local government thanked me and told me the pirates had been causing chaos and there was a massive bounty on their heads. I was paid a large sum of credits and my current ship. I realized something that day. I couldn't go back to my life as a simple hunter. A bounty hunter is the only thing that made sense to me. I could still engage in the art of the hunt, get paid well, and on occasion bring criminals to justice. I knew the life of a bounty hunter would occasionally have me do some unsavory things but it's the life I choose. I may have done some terrible things but I like to think I still have a strong moral compass. Aside from being one of the best bounty hunters, I have a reputation for staying loyal to a client. I give my word to complete the mission I am assigned and I never break my word. Ever since I became a bounty hunter, my word is my bond."
Rex contemplated Embo's story for several minutes and eventually, he smiled. He stuck out his hand and Embo shook it. Rex looked at Embo and said, "We all have dark sides Embo, I am glad to have you on the team." Rex stood up and handed Embo an extra pair of DC-17 pistols, along with four full clips and an electro knife. Embo took the extra armaments but looked at Rex with a confused expression. He said, "My weapon of choice is the same weapon I used to hunt with." Rex smirked and said, "We're fighting a war, these are backup." Embo thanked Rex and organized his new equipment. Rex walked toward the bridge and saw the looming planet of Abafar. He smirked at Cody and said, "It's showtime." Cody chuckled and Breakthrough started the ship's descent.
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