Chapter 22: The Greenhouse
July 23, 2227.
As the last rebel in the room was gunned down, Iulius followed the mass of troopers that was advancing down the hallway.
"Come on! The control room is right in front of us!" he incited.
"Lord Tanis, wait!" the voice of Morit urged. "The rebels have a heavy turret and a barricade, there."
"Halt!" Iulius promptly ordered.
The troopers simply occupied that workshop, but didn't peek beyond the next corridor.
"All right, how bad is it?" he asked to the twins.
"We couldn't find a chance to sabotage that, and there are at least thirty men defending that room, plus those who managed to retreat now." Aiolin explained.
"And the only approach is straight through that hallway?" Kavener asked, aware that it would result in a costly matter.
"Welcome to Ringo Vinda, sir." Morit replied half ironic and half resigned.
"Have a squad prepare the grenade launchers and other explosives, because we're gonna need them." Iulius instructed.
"We have a few portable covers that we could set up along the corridor, if we manage to advance." Colonel Doreen said.
"Then we will provide all the cover fire we can. Major-General, prepare the grenadiers."
The officer nodded and gave the order. Inside that tight space, without the support of the vehicles, the only chance to provide a barrage was with the grenade launchers firing all at once.
"Take position." Doreen ordered.
Two ranks circled around the large generator in the room that just so happened to hide them from the hallway and reached the edges of the threshold. A group of four grenadiers, two on one side and two on the other one, prepared their weapons, looked at each other and then quickly extended their arms to point the guns into the hallway and fired the first salvo of grenades.
The explosion resonated in a deafening way and the first squad moved in.
A wall of bullets came without any warning from the rebel side. The crackle of guns included the turret, which clearly had not been hit. Instead, most of the first squad was cut down in the span of five seconds.
Among the blood and the limbs torn away, Iulius noticed that the turret was a model of the System Alliance. A fixed turret with a frontal shield, that the Republic probably bought, and that would be extremely difficult to dislodge.
The grenadiers fired another salvo, but one of them tried to peek over, in order to take a better shot, and was instead hit in the face by a blaster bolt. He fell down with his visage erased into a charred coal.
"Lay down some smoke!" Iulius ordered. "Suppressive fire!"
While two troopers threw smoke grenades, others peeked over and fired, trying at least to hit the rebel riflemen that were firing from the barricade. The turret was precise and its gunner skilled, as he mowed three more troopers.
"Use those crates! Don't stay in one point!" the Grand Admiral insisted as he dashed behind a few crates that offered some more cover in the room.
"Twins. Close up and overload that turret!" he then ordered.
The Astartes, who were waiting at the sides, nodded and looked at each other. They gathered on the left side of the threshold while Iulius quickly organized a firing team with two heavy repeaters and several rifles.
"Cover! Cover!" he ordered once everyone was in position and the smoke screen was at its greater density. The 43rd Division was one of the best equipped divisions of the Army, and all the soldiers had the helmets with integrated night and thermal visors, much like the stormtroopers. The troopers could thus fire with a bit of cognition, but the rebels were also equipped with similar helmets.
Still, as the two sides shot at each other, the twins could engage their cloaking devices and sprinted into the hallway, making up the 30-or-so meters that was separating them from the barricade.
With the adrenaline and the tension, what were actually a few seconds felt like an eternity as Iulius kept firing and tried to avoid the blaster bolts coming his way, ducking back into the cover for just a second before firing again with his E-11, the weapon he had decided to use in that tight space.
Just as the screen was starting to be absorbed by the ventilation shafts, Iulius noticed the rebel turret, and then that it was enveloped by an electrical discharge before Morit slashed the two barrels with his plasma saber.
"Now!" Iulius screamed, immediately climbing over his cover. "Charge!" and he ignited the Darksaber in his left hand.
Galvanized by the example of their supreme commander, the soldiers yelled and rushed the barricade, where the twins were distracting at least a part of the rebel troopers. Some of those fired back at the imperials, probably without noticing immediately that the Lord-Protector was an easy target, instead firing at other troopers. Iulius saw at least two of his men, with the tail of his eye, fall down, but they quickly reached the barricade and the fight became a heated close-quarter.
In the chaos, Iulius was only focused on the enemies that appeared in front of him. A rebel soldier noticed who he was and tried to turn around, but Iulius' E-11 was much easier to handle and he was quicker to shoot down his foe. He found himself in front of an officer and slashed him with the Darksaber, only at that point the twins found him and closed in to protect him. All around the soldiers of the 43rd fought and fell, but their indisputable superiority in numbers eventually won the day.
With the immediate surroundings secured, and the access to the next section still locked, the division regrouped and started picking up the wounded and counting the dead.
A count that revealed the death of 528 men and women since the start of this assault, twenty minutes before.
Seeing the corpses of both sides lying around, Iulius couldn't help but notice some of the faces, whenever those bodies had lost their helmets, for some reason.
He noticed that most of the rebels were non-humans. There were Nosaurians, Devaronians, Rodians...and Iulius knew enough about their biology to notice that most of them were very young, like most of the imperial soldiers lying around.
For a moment, Iulius mind lingered. Who would be left to live in the galaxy, after this war was over?
He chased away those thoughts. Right now, he needed to give a meaning to those death. They had taken the first line of defense, but they still needed to overcome another one before Operation Manipulum could begin.
July 24, 2227.
The news about the recent battle on Hoth had just arrived and the Bridgers were not having a good time.
They didn't know anything about who survived. Jordan or Luke had not sent any message, but Ezra was positive that his Padawan was alive, and his father as well.
Right now, he needed to focus on the matter at hand: the New Republic was pulling out of Mygeeto, since they didn't feel like wasting more men and resources holding on to a limb of the planet, now that they couldn't focus enough forces to retake the main power plants.
With that, the remaining members of the Order had also to evacuate. Kota had already sent away the non-combatants while he and the others assisted the Republic in the evacuation.
It seemed like Ackbar wanted to focus the defenses in that region on Agamar, which the imperials would be forced to attack if they wanted to continue their offensive in the Fringe, but the planet was already much better fortified and it seemed like the Empire was focused on the massive offensive planned by Iulius: aside from Ringo Vinda, imperial forces were also forcing their way on the Hydian Way and into the territory of the Commonwealth.
On the flip side, while they were steadily advancing, the ICO confirmed that the Mid Rim Forces were also taking heavy casualties. If the Coalition could weather this storm out, there might be a chance for a destructive counterattack.
But in the meantime, the Order was also finding itself with too many tasks at hand: the open fronts were many, and with the hunt for the new Death Star, there were very few Jedi who could supervise the relief missions for the refugees and the wounded of both sides.
Jaral was holding a lesson for the new Padawans that had emerged from the Gathering directed by Lissia two months before, who were going to be assigned to Petro, Katooni, Gungi, Zatt and Ganodi once they came back. Therefore, it was Ezra's time to look at the star map and figure out the next move his faction would have to make.
The fighting on Ringo Vinda was reportedly brutal, and the Republic had confirmed that Starkiller and the Astartes were there. Should the Jedi offer help?
Suddenly, the dark room was partially lit by the light of the hallway as Ezra heard the door hiss open. He turned and saw Sabine, her belly starting to be visibly grown.
"Hey. What's up?" he asked, a little worried that she might have some complications.
She smiled and took the other chair that was in the small office room. "I had a feeling you might need some company."
He huffed amused. "What, are you Force-sensitive, now?"
"Or, maybe, I just know you too well." she replied feigning a smug tone, then she sat down next to him. "So, what's wracking your cute brain?"
"Just wondering what should we do next. We are still low on manpower, and I don't want to give up neither our humanitarian efforts, nor the search for the Death Star. But I'm concerned about Ringo Vinda."
"If it's true that Starkiller and the twins are there, the Republic doesn't stand a chance." Sabine suggested. "Even if it's just you and Jari, I'm sure plenty of mandalorians would be happy to follow you in battle."
Ezra hummed in thought. "That much is true, I guess. And I kinda feel the twins still being around is our responsibility."
"Come on, who would've thought they would just go back to the same Empire that had betrayed them?" Sabine encouraged.
"I'd dare say they were loyal to the Emperor, first, but then they decided to follow a cause. Which makes them much more dangerous."
"How so?"
"When they obeyed the Emperor, they were more or less brainwashed. Their commitment actually went so far. Now, they have found something they truly think is worth fighting for."
"Ah." Sabine murmured in understanding. "So they would be willing to do anything."
"That's what I believe, but I haven't exactly had the time to talk with them." he quipped.
After looking again at the map for a moment, Sabine gave her opinion. "If you ask me, it might be better that you draw the attention of the Empire solely on Ringo Vinda. That would significantly improve the chances for our friends to take Sullust."
Now that was something he hadn't considered yet. That reason alone was all he needed to make the final call.
"You are right. Then me and Jari will take a few volunteers and see if we can help the Republic in defending the ring. I'll send Master Kota and Dhara to set up a haven in the Commonwealth; Cal and the others will keep looking for clues about the Death Star."
Sabine leaned her head on his shoulder. "See? You got this."
"Only with my war lady giving me advice." he joked back and put an arm around her shoulders. Then he suddenly remembered that she had just returned from the hospital, where she had undergone a sonogram session. "Is everything all right? What did they say?"
"Yeah, all is fine." she reassured, then tilted her head. "But, remember that new crib you ordered?"
"Uh, yes."
"We might need a second one."
"A second one? Why in all…"
As he realized the implications, and as he saw Sabine's face turn into a trembling smile, Ezra's jaw first fell, then he stood and picked it up with both hands and let out an emotional sigh.
"Oh, goodness...you...we...are we…?"
"We're having twins."
Ezra couldn't hold back what even he found his most awkward laugh of his life, but he just didn't care. He simply didn't stop laughing for two minutes, lifting up Sabine and kissing her on occasion, with her sharing the joy.
After he regained enough control over his emotions to speak, Ezra asked "Do we know the gender, already?"
Sabine shook her head. "No, it's way too early to distinguish them. Next month, for sure, we will know."
Ezra left out a final laugh and then said "At least we have two names ready."
"Only if they end up being a boy and a girl." Sabine returned with the same tone.
"Well...let's say that I have a good feeling about it."
"Do you even listen to yourself?"
Unable to suppress the joyful mood, the two went on for a little until they decided it was time to get out of the room and return to their duties. While Ezra reached his sister and started to discuss the plan, Sabine contacted her brother and asked to find some volunteers for Ringo Vinda.
It ended up with nearly every single warrior of House Atin and the Tribe to show up. For every one of them still remembered that the Empire, and Iulius specifically, was responsible for the destruction of Mandalore.
July 28, 2227.
The operation had been delayed for a few rotations, given how difficult the Army's advance had been, but now the time had come.
Sitting in his TIE Avenger, Thane had his helmet and gloves off as he rubbed his wedding ring. He looked toward the hangar's threshold and spotted the ship that his wife commanded. However, he was mostly concerned about the status of his pilots.
Right before the start of the operations on Ringo Vinda, most of his wing had been transferred, leaving him with only a handful of veterans to build a new one: the 3rd Advanced Wing, which at least was made up entirely of TIE Avengers, Defenders and the most recent models.
Still, while the new pilots were not exactly greenhorns, they were still rookies compared to his old subordinates, and Thane hoped that they would be able to carry out the task ahead of them.
At least, the first part of the plan would only require his own squadron,Reaper,made up entirely of the pilots he had been flying with for three years, plus Titan squadron that was waiting in the hangar of another Victory cruiser.
"Hey, Boss-man. Weren't we supposed to start a while ago?" a voice talked inside the channel of Reaper squadron.
Such voice was that of Thane's second and wingman: Kendy Idele. A friend of both him and Ciena since the Academy.
Like many others, Thane included, Kendy was one of those that seriously considered leaving the Empire after the destruction of Alderaan, but just like most of those people serving in the 101st, had decided to follow Iulius' dream of making the Empire a state worth fighting for.
"Be patient, Reaper-2." Thane replied lightheartedly. "Perhaps the ground troops encountered a few more obstacles."
"Which is quite incredible." Reaper-3 (aka Lieutenant Commander Rickor Malissini) cut in. "Even with the twins and Starkiller, the rebels can oppose this opposition."
"It just means that we must not underestimate them, 3." Thane calmly replied. "Especially their pilots."
The moment he finished that sentence, the red alert sounded around the cruiser, warning the pilots that their launch was imminent. Thane promptly put on the missing pieces of his suit as the flight officer called the entire squadron.
"Reaper squadron, this is the Insignia's flight command. Operation Manipulum has begun. I repeat, Manipulum has begun. You are clear for takeoff."
"Roger that, Insignia. Reaper-1 to all Reaper units, light the engine, guys."
The four ion engines of each TIE Advanced was opened at full throttle, making a loud bedlam. Thane quickly contacted Titan squadron, who had also received permission. The highly-efficient TIEs quickly reached the push necessary to get out of the hangar, flying in the middle of the small formation of Victory cruiser and Vindicator frigates that were going to defend the several shuttles transporting the stormtroopers.
Those shuttles were inside the only Star Destroyer of the Task Force: the Revenant. And as soon as all the squadrons of the 3rd Wing gathered in formation, the dozen of Lambda shuttles departed from the hangar of the ISD, forming a column that started advancing toward their destination. The Victory cruisers launched a full salvo of missiles aimed at the defensive turrets of the ring, which had been scanned and pinpointed for a while.
The barrage took down 98% of the rebel turrets, leaving it to the 3rd to take care of.
"Reaper-1 to Tannock Squadron. Go forth and eliminate those turrets, so the transports can land safely." Than ordered to the TIE Defenders.
"We read you, Reaper-1. We're starting our attack run."
The Defenders sprinted forward, heading for the objective-area of the ring where there were only three smaller turrets left. These were automatized, but while they scored a few hits, their cannons were not enough to pierce the shields of the fighters in time before these could blow them up with their payload.
"Excellent work, Tannock, regroup and let's…"
"Attention all units!" the voice of Captain Octis suddenly entered into all imperial comms. "Rebel fighters have entered the operation area. Defend the transports."
Thane looked quickly at the radars, and indeed several hostile signals appeared on them.
"Reaper-1 to all units. Form up and move to intercept. Helber squadron, stay back and defend the transports." Thane promptly ordered.
The two formations flew toward each other and opened fire as soon as they could. Green and red laser bolts flew all over the place as the fight broke down to smaller groups of fighters trying to break and pick each other. However, after just a few minutes, the rebels were already retreating.
"Yeah, flee, you rebel scum. Should we follow, Reaper-1?!" Reaper-4 asked excited, but not enough to lose his cool.
"Hold your position." Thane replied firmly. "Something doesn't feel right. They can't be giving up yet."
The radars then made a quick and repeated beep, alerting that something big was coming out of hyperspace. Before Thane could say anything, transmission from the capital ships also arrived, warning that there were rebel ships arriving.
That soon became apparent as an MC80, accompanied by several heavy cruisers and frigates, appeared right outside the operation area, in front of Thane's cockpit. Along with the major vessels, rebel E-Wings and gunships also came out and joined the battle.
"Reaper-1 to all units! The enemy has deployed the best they have. Keep them away from the transports!"
"Incoming!"
As the voice of a stormtrooper yelled that, Iulius and everyone around him tried to duck or take some cover. Then the impact grenade exploded in front of the small fence behind which the imperials had taken cover. Two stormtroopers were sent flying, with shreds of flaming plasteel piercing their armor. One died immediately, the other one fell on the ground and started yelling for the pain.
"Medic!" Iulius ordered behind him before standing up and pointing his rifle. His trained and stressed reflexes immediately spotted two rebel soldiers, one of which had the grenade launcher that had just targeted them.
He pulled the trigger and the bolt went straight for the head of the grenadier. The other rifleman barely had the time to realize where the bolt came from that DT-518 jumped out of cover and blasted him with a shot of his own.
"Keep pressing!"
The stormtroopers resumed their advance, with a large team moving while another one behind provided as much covering fire as possible. The rebels had left many of their own on the ground by then, so they found themselves outgunned. With the situation quickly deteriorating for them, they eventually decided to abandon the last barricade and take refuge inside the reinforced greenhouse.
Iulius sighed of relief and maybe a bit of tiredness. They had been fighting for an hour already, and they were late on schedule, so he couldn't stop right then.
He looked around and spotted the twins. "Morit, call up the reserves. It's time to end this."
As he checked his weapon, Iulius heard the voice of Garrick Versio coming from his comlink.
"Grand Admiral, this is Versio. Come in, over."
He put a finger on the side of his helmet. "Tanis."
"Sir, a rebel fleet just emerged from hyperspace. I'm sending reinforcements to Captain Tanis."
The news surprised Iulius. How come the rebels would attack right now? Then a doubt came to his mind. "Are they attacking the transports?"
"So far, they only attempted that with some fighters, but their capital ships are not moving that much."
"Damn it. They're trying to stop us. They are sending reinforcements on the ring! Admiral, attack them now!"
Versio probably needed a moment, but came to the same conclusion and promptly replied "Yes, sir!"
Iulius grunted in frustration. This attack seemed way too much of a coincidence to be believable. The rebels had to know about the imperial plans with a reasonable foresight. But did they simply guess it, or did they have a spy among imperial ranks?
The engineers were already trying to slice the main door open. There was no time to consider this problem, right then. Iulius checked his rifle's canister, finding it still almost completely operational. His reserve oxygen implant was still at full capacity, since he never had to actually use it. The breaching troopers, with dispersion blasters in front, were preparing to storm in. He turned toward his Death Troopers, who nodded confidently.
When the engineers looked at him, he knew that they had gained access. Iulius lifted three fingers, counted backward with them, then shook his fist.
The engineer at the console clicked a button on his datapad and the door opened.
The stormtroopers barged in, only to be greeted by a hail of blaster bolts that cut down a couple of them, but they fired back and managed to gain a foothold inside. Shouts and screaming orders or indications were heard flying around. Iulius let the first platoon go in, then he moved once he saw a gap in the column he could use to slip in.
Ignoring the bodies on the ground, Iulius took a moment to analyze the environment: on the ground, the hallway was cut in two by large vases in a stretched shape containing new seeds of plants that were barely peeking out of the soil.
On the walls there were instead numerous machines with pods where the plants underwent a treatment for accelerated growing and genetic therapies that would increase their output of fruits and cereals once they were put into the correct space, which was probably a few rooms into the structure.
Then a blaster bolt flew right next to his face. DT-519 immediately pushed the Grand Admiral behind one of the wall machines, forcing him to stay behind cover while the two sides moved toward each other, firing and cutting down soldiers on both ends.
Even with the helmet, and the sound dampeners, on, Iulius for a moment was overwhelmed by the incessant sound of bolts and grenades, which tore apart machines and glass. Soon enough, the hallway was filled with dark smoke, soil and plants created a layer scattered on the dead bodies mixed to different bloods, though mostly red.
With his senses sharper than ever and his mind ever more on the edge, the Grand Admiral found impossible staying completely still. Even behind a cover, his fingers twitched or his heel incessantly beat the ground, just before he dashed out and moved to the next cover while firing, and occasionally hitting, the enemies.
At one point, it became impossible to move without being forced to raise one's legs to avoid a corpse on the floor, yet despite everything, the stormtroopers pushed the rebels back, causing them overall more losses.
"On me, men! Forward!" Iulius yelled as he ignited his Darksaber and surged at the head of his men.
The men in white yelled as well and charged. They chased the rebels on the stairs leading to the main section of the greenhouse.
"Launch some grenades!" Iulius ordered to the man right behind him. His Death Troopers threw their sonic imploders while four stormtroopers launched thermal detonators just in case the rebels had a turret post ready beyond the edge of the stairs.
DT-518 actually tried to stop Iulius from being the first, but the Lord-Protector wasn't exactly holding back and he inadvertently avoided the grasp of his bodyguard, instead launching himself into the fray.
Only the twins were quick enough to precede him inside the greenhouse. That structure was rectangular, much larger than the passageways as it hosted a large quantity of crops inside large raised gardens. The soil and the plants were all from Ringo Vinda, so that they could use the light of the local star that filtered from the shielded roof.
And from said roof, Iulius glimpsed the battle going on outside: imperial ships in the distance were firing somewhere out of the line of sight, and red bolts were coming their way. However a few TIEs and rebel wings passed close enough for him to distinguish them, right before he needed to focus back on his level, where another line of rebels was waiting for the imperials.
In that space, there was even less space to maneuver: going through the crops was just difficult, and the rustling that it would provoke would only alert the enemy of one's position. So the fight devolved to a womp rat shoot down the paved walks that delimited the fields, using the tall crops only as a small cover to confuse the enemy.
Along the way, Iulius received a transmission from Iden, who was part of the landing operation.
"This is Inferno to Tanis. Come in, over."
Iulius ducked behind a few crops, with his bodyguards firing at the enemy and another team of stormtroopers reaching his position. "Tanis, here. What's the situation, Commander?"
"We landed as planned, sir, but the rebels have sent reinforcements on our backs. And they are attacking us from the greenhouse. We're pinned down."
"Just hold on a little longer. We already took half of the greenhouse!" he urged her.
Iulius had wanted to take the greenhouse as intact as possible, so the imperials could also use it and increase their food reserves, but now the need to save the lives of his men took priority and he ordered to use explosives to open a path, if necessary.
The rebels fought to the bitter end. Never surrendering and never giving up ground without making it pay dearly to the attackers. Iulius lost track of time as he shot, dodged and slashed his way through the other end of the structure. As the final rebel resistance was overcome, the Grand Admiral and his troops finally reached the position of the trapped 77th Legion, who had been fighting desperately to hold the line, leaving a battlefield once again littered with bodies and limbs.
Once the Lord-Protector and his troops arrived, the rebels understood that it was useless to keep throwing themselves at the landing forces, and finally withdrew. The first greenhouse had been taken.
"Great work, men!" he said loudly. He should have felt happy, but his tone fell neutral given the exhaustion. "Let's dig in and secure this area. I'll send word for a relief force to take over."
He spent some time walking around, helping carrying the wounded away and to gather the dead on the sides. Until the twins arrived after making a quick inspection and used their implants to count how many troopers were still around.
"So?"
Aiolin sighed. "So far, 392 dead men. Over 500 wounded of various degree."
Iulius just made some faint nods. "Thank you." he said meekly.
He looked around once again. Staring at the lifeless bodies of so many men. More deaths in a campaign and a battle that he had considered useless from the first day.
"See if the rebels have left some traps around." he ordered them with very low inspiration.
The twins clearly heard the know in his tongue, and knew that was just an excuse for him to get some privacy.
"Yes, sir." Morit replied in an understanding tone, and the two walked away.
Without removing his helmet, standing aside from the traffic of people, the Lord-Protector started sulking and dripping tears as silently as he managed.
Versio had agreed to let him aboard the Eviscerator and so Octis was now walking inside the command bridge. The entire crew had already been sent away, except for Yagler, in order to give the two officers the space necessary to talk in secret, as the Captain had asked.
"So, what's the matter, Captain?" the Admiral asked calmly.
"Sir, I believe the rebels might have a listening post in a nearby system." Vinicio replied without hesitation.
The two ISB looked at each other for a moment. That idea didn't sound too abstract.
"Why do you think so?" Garrick asked.
Vinicio reached for his pocket and took out the proof: the relay of a tracking device and a small pad that signaled where the device was transmitting from.
"Right before the rebel fleet pulled out, I managed to get one of my missile cruisers to fire a tracking device on their MC80. And look here."
He put the pad in a position where both Versio and Yagler could look at.
"Where did it stop?" Yagler asked, seeing that the device was inside what seemed like empty space a few light years away from Ringo Vinda.
"That's the point. That isn't a charted system. I believe they might be repeating the same strategy that the Lord-Protector used during the battle of Lantillies."
"Or it could be that the tracking device detached from the rebel ship." Versio suggested as a possibility.
"May I jack this in one of the video feeds?" Octis asked, showing the relay.
"Permission granted." Versio conceded.
They reached the feed at the end of the bridge and Octis put the device into the socket. Soon enough, a camera started to transmit, showing the left wing of the MC80 and, in the distance, the rest of the rebel fleet orbiting around a small orbital dock around a desert planet.
"Well, I stand corrected, Captain. You were right." Versio conceded. "Do you think they have some spying facility on that world?"
"I'm sure of it. That's the only explanation of how they could know about our landing operation. We already know every facility they have on the nearby systems, so there must be something on the surface, and I request permission to lead a scouting mission there."
Versio took a moment to ponder that proposal.
"Maybe we should inform the Lord-Protector, first."
"The Lord-Protector trusted you with controlling the space around this system, sir." Octis replied promptly. "Also, we can't risk the rebels intercepting a transmission. Send a messenger, if you really think it's necessary, but I'm confident that he would approve the operation anyway."
"I usually don't like skimming through the protocol, sir. But I think the Captain is right." Yagler calmly intervened, surprising Octis.
After taking those words into consideration, Versio eventually nodded. "Very well, take your MTC and go take a look. Be careful, though. I need you back here in one piece."
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."
Versio then turned toward Yagler. "Agent Yagler, accompany the Captain. Make sure he doesn't get overzealous."
Yagler didn't hesitate. "Yes, Admiral. Just give me a moment to take my gear, Captain."
Octis acknowledged that and returned back to his shuttle in the hangar. Five minutes later, Yagler was back with her field uniform and her rifle. The two then flew into the hangar of the MTC and headed for the bridge.
"Nassroy, set a course for this coordinates." Octis asked to the commanding officer, who was a personal friend of his.
"You got it, Vin." the Captain of the ship replied and while he reached his helmsman, Octis and Yagler went to the viewport.
"Thanks for supporting me, back there." he said nonchalantly.
"I recognize a good intuition, when I see one." Cordelia simply replied. "I only pray that you will not transform this mission into one of your stunts." she added more coldly.
"We'll see once we get there. Besides, where is the fun without a little improvisation?"
Cordelia rolled her eyes and sighed just as the ship prepared for the jump to hyperspace and the engineers prepared the cloaking device.
The Penumbra Apex seemed to have just vanished. And days upon days of scouring around the Traverse didn't bring anything. For how much Jane felt embittered by that, Jane knew that there was a chance to get back at Balak: liberating Tuìnia and the Protheans.
The Commune had gathered together a fleet with two heavy cruisers at the core, which was going to provide the bulk of the combined force that was getting ready to depart a few jumps away from the planet that Davsha had indicated.
The Normandy docked with the bridge of the Amerigo, the flagship of the Systems Alliance for the upcoming battle. Soon enough, from the access shaft arrived John with Javik and Davsha following. Jane was ready to welcome them on the CIC.
"Admiral." she saluted.
"At ease, Captain." John replied seriously, though a corner of his mouth revealed that he was always proud to have that interaction with his daughter. "Is your crew ready?"
"You know us, sir. We're always eager to kick some bloody slavers in the teeth."
"That's what I like to hear." John replied and went to the galaxy map.
Using the terminal, he keyed the coordinates of Tuìnia
Meanwhile, Jane turned toward the Protheans. "Javik, I had Liara remade your old room. Why don't you and Davsha make yourselves comfortable?"
"We will. Thanks, Jane." the older Prothean replied and led the young one into the elevator.
"We sent a few probes on the planet and took some preliminary data." John started explaining. "Tuìnia is a garden world, and its atmosphere is full of oxygen and close enough to Earth that you won't need breathers down there."
Jane hummed positively. "One problem less. I suppose you are waiting for some more accurate scans from us?"
"You know it. The Normandy is the best recon ship we have. Go make a scan of the planet, we will discuss where you can start infiltrating once we have a better map of the prothean centers."
After polishing out the last details, John returned to the Amerigo and Jane took the opportunity to head down to Deck 4 and see how the Protheans had set themselves in.
"So it's true?" she heard Davsha say a little unsettled. It looked like she had just touched the memory shard that Javik always held close. "Our ancestors...dominated the galaxy with these barbaric methods?"
"They did." Javik said without remorse. "And that was the reason why we fell."
The male Prothean then noticed the Captain. "Jane. Are we ready?"
"EDI and Mazak already set the course. We should reach Tuìnia in two days, then see if we can sneak on the surface and take a look at what the slavers have in store."
Davsha stepped in front of the human with a timid yet fierce determination. "Captain. I lived inside our capital for most of my life. Please, take me with you, and I promise I will put you in contact with the Resistance."
She had already mentioned an underground movement that was fighting to free Tuìnia from Balak's grip, but Jane was still skeptical. "Didn't you say you have no part in it?"
"That's true. I do not. However, one of my siblings and a few of my friends did have contact with them, before I was forced to leave my world. I'm confident that at least some of them are still alive and well."
Whether it was blind faith or hope, Jane could not ignore this chance. Besides, she had the feeling that Davsha might try to do something reckless, if she was denied permission to get on the ground.
"All right, then. You can come, but you will always stick with one of us. No running around on your own, is that clear?"
She nodded vigorously. "Absolutely. Thank you."
"What about you, Javik? You feeling alright?"
Javik walked away from the large water desk he used to frequently wash his hands and joined the conversation from a more active standpoint.
"I spent the last forty years thinking that I was all that was left of my species. Now, I don't know if for some miracle or not, I found out that my people still lives. While the idea that they have been enslaved fill me with anger, I am committed to stopping Balak. I won't make mistakes, Jane. That much I promise."
Jane took it as a promise that he would stick to whatever plan she would come up with according to the situation.
"Then rest while you can, my friends. Because we're about to write a page of history." Jane concluded before leaving the room and return to inspecting the ship.