Episode 11 – Familiar Faces
In an effort to secure new parts and materials to restore and upgrade their ships and vehicles for the Mandalorians of Ve'vut Bral, a proposal has been brought before the Four Houses to seek the aid of the Mandalorians of House Skirata on Mandalore!
In the Ve'vut Bral Cantina…
It was early into the morning, and the Cantina's crowd was small. The holographic band was deactivated, and Manui was off duty as the bouncer, having breakfast at the bar. At one of the larger tables however, sharing a morning meal was Gio, Jayna, Krios, Jil, and Cyril. Kaden was just arriving along with the members of Jenth Squad sans Ailyn.
"Ah, and here they are. Kaden, have a seat." Giordo said as Kaden joined the rest of the table while the three Jenth Squad members stood before them. Aska was present but she was sat nearby, observing.
"Alright so Giordo tells us you have a proposal on where to find some parts we could use." Cyril said as Jacki stepped forward.
"That's right alor. I believe we do. And we wouldn't have to go far either. My proposal is we travel to my home on Mandalore, to Kyrimorut." Jacki explained.
"Kyrimorut is nothing but wild lands. Nothing much there but thatched houses and settlements. Not disrespecting your kinsmen, Wolffe, but how would they have what we need?" Krios asked.
"With respect Alor Geht, but that's not entirely true. Granted, most of the Kyrimorut region is as you described, with lots of vheh'yaim homes scattered throughout, but there is one oasis where the simpler lifestyle common to the region is replaced with the more modern amenities like what we have around us. A valley we call Little Tipoca. It's where a large number of House Skirata's number live. Largely made up of old Grand Army era warships that've been decommissioned and converted into a sort of colony. It's where I grew up." Jacki explained.
"And would they trade with us?" Jil asked.
"I see no reason why not. Either way it wouldn't hurt to at least ask." Jacki replied.
"She's right, there is no harm in asking." Jayna said as Aska stood up.
"Alors forgive my intrusion, but I would like to agree with Jacki." Aska said as she moved to stand next to the Umbaran Mandalorian.
"I suspected when Kyrimorut and House Skirata got brought up, you'd chime in. And I'm glad you have. Any information is welcome. Please, state your case, Aska." Giordo said as Aska gave a nod.
"I don't really have much else to add, alor, save to agree with myo patessa." Aska replied.
"We grew up in Little Tipoca, alors. She knows as well as I what could be gained for the Four Houses. An alliance with House Skirata would be to our benefit, even if it is a simple business relationship." Jacki added as the House Leaders exchanged approving nods.
"House Skirata is one of the larger and more influential Houses on Mandalore. Would one or both of you be willing to accompany a delegation from the Four Houses to aid in negotiations?" Giordo asked as Jacki and Aska both nodded.
"It was my intent from the start, Alor." Jacki replied.
"And I admittedly, for selfish reasons, would not turn down a chance to visit myo bunky dunko." Aska added.
"Very well then. The sooner we can start negotiations, the better. How soon would either of you be ready to leave for Mandalore?" Giordo asked.
"I'm a quick pack, sir. Ten minutes tops." Jacki replied.
"I have some time-off saved up with Doc. I'd just have to clear it with him first. But if he agrees I can leave and be packed in under an hour." Aska said as Giordo nodded.
"Alright then. Kaden, Jan, head home and start packing as well. You're both going along as well." Gio said as Kaden and Jan nodded.
"May I tag along as well, Alor?" Jexxa asked.
"Might as well. No sense separating Jenth Squad. What about your trainee, Vel?" Giordo asked.
"We'll invite her, sure." Jan replied.
"Good. Now then if you'll excuse us, we need to discuss who we'll be sending as our delegate." Giordo said as the younger Mandalorians all gave a nod or bow before turning and dispersing, leaving only the Four House Leaders and Jayna at the table.
"Rather short notice to send a delegation so quickly." Jil commented.
"After Cyril mentioned last night that the Taung is having engine troubles, I want to get the ball rolling to try and address it as soon as possible. The Taung is the largest ship in our fleet at the moment and we'll need her for when the time comes." Gio said as the others nodded.
"If we didn't have the House Conferences today, I'd go along." Krios said, Cyril and Jil both nodding along.
"I know, but these are delicate negotiations so we need our best diplomat. One with experience in these matters." Gio said, turning to Jayna who seemed apprehensive.
"Me?" she asked.
"The first time we met was when you were part of a diplomatic envoy, was it not?" Cyril asked.
"A failed one at that if you recall." Jayna replied.
"But a failure due to extenuating circumstances. Not by any inadequacies on your part." Cyril rebutted.
"You're in a unique position, Jayna. You're Matriarch of our House, you know the score as well as the rest of us. You know what we need and what each of us can offer. It has to be you." Giordo said as Jayna wet her lips with a hint of apprehension. She then leaned in close to him.
"Giordo, you do realize what Little Tipoca is, right? It's where a number of veterans from the Grand Army of the Republic went after they were mustered out of Imperial Service for one reason or another. Deserters, medical discharges, section eights, retirees alike. And they all have a familiar face if you get my meaning. And you forget what I was back then." She said softly.
"That's true, there's a good chance she'd be recognized. Is there someone else we could send?" Krios asked.
"Jayna that's why you're the ideal person to send. You know how the clones think, how they operate. Besides, you're forgetting something. Twenty odd years have passed, your appearance now is different from back then. And besides, you're a Mandalorian now. You have an excuse to keep your helmet on." Giordo said as Jayna took a deep breath.
"You're right. I'm letting my fear get the better of me, and fear is but a path to the Dark Side." Jayna said as Jil let out a soft groan.
"Oh yes, talk like that and you're sure to go unnoticed." She muttered dryly.
"I share Jayna's reservations, but I ultimately believe Giordo is right. Jayna is our best choice. She has House Glebbins' vote." Cyril said. Jil sighed and gave a nod.
"And House Veska's." she said. Krios grunted a little and then gave a nod.
"House Geht as well." He muttered. Giordo then looked to Jayna.
"You can do this, cyare." He said, taking Jayna's hand in his. Jayna took a deep breath and nodded.
"Very well. I accept this commission in the name of the Four Houses. May the Force be with me." She said, smiling at Giordo.
…
A few hours later, the Bastila dropped out of hyperspace over Mandalore, flying towards the planet's surface. Jayna sat in the cockpit in full armor, her helmet hanging from a peg on the back of her seat. Kaden was seated in the copilot's chair while R3 was plugged into the controls behind Jayna. The door to the cockpit was closed behind them.
"R3, make sure that the registry is set to one of the aliases we have setup." Jayna said as R3 beeped an affirmative.
"Is that really necessary?" Kaden asked.
"I don't want to take any chances, Kaden. I used this ship a few times during the war. Some of the clones from my old unit may be down there and may recognize it." Jayna replied as Kaden turned towards her.
"You think they'll know who you are?" he asked.
"Kaden you have no idea how many Jedi died at the hands of the clone army. In a matter of hours, the vast majority of the Jedi Order was vanquished by the very men we led into battle for four years without even a hint of forewarning. I was lucky. I left the Jedi before the war ended so I was spared that fate." Jayna said as Kaden sighed and shook his head.
"I just can't fathom it. Why would they do that?" Kaden asked as Jayna sighed heavily.
"I've been asking that question myself for twenty years, son. Fact is, we may never know what possessed the clones to do something like that. All I can figure is that they were so rigorously trained to follow orders that they didn't even hesitate when the order was given. And yet even then I never sensed a hint of malice or hatred towards me from the men I commanded. Even my own cloned second-in-command and I got along fine. He was even the first person of somewhat Mandalorian persuasion to count me among his vode. So, it baffles me what happened." Jayna said as they entered the northern hemisphere of Mandalore, entering the Kyrimorut region, a mountainous and lush region with wide open plains and rich forests.
"I'm getting a reading. There sure is a large settlement just beyond that ridge. If I didn't know any better, I'd say it fits the classic layout of a military staging ground." Kaden said as the door to the cockpit opened, Aska and Jacki entering. Aska was wearing a suit of dark blue supercommando armor with highlighter green markings. Her lekku were in a pair of black sleeves and her helmet was specially designed to connect in two pieces, a back piece that she wore as part of her neck guard, and the front piece, the two pieces designed to come together with holes for her head-tails to comfortably stick out. She had a scattergun resting on her right hip.
"I recognize those mountains. Bagged some of my first kills in those hills." Jacki said, her helmet tucked under her arm as the freighter came around, entering a large valley. Jayna and Kaden's eyes both widened at what they saw.
"Welcome to Little Tipoca." Aska said with a smile as before them was an assortment of Clone War era Republic vessels. Two Acclamator Assault Ships, an Artquitens Light Cruiser, a Dreadnought Heavy Cruiser, a Pelta-Class frigate, and right in the center, a Venator Star Destroyer. In between the ships were an abundance of smaller buildings, some built out of converted vehicles such as juggernauts and AT-TEs, and even a SPHA-T or two. The ships were all in largely good condition, even the paint was fresh and well maintained, although some of the ships, namely the Acclamators and the Dreadnaught, had platforms built atop them to provide extra housing space, a city literally being built on top of and around them. The Venator's dorsal docking bay doors were wide open, acting as the city's makeshift spaceport.
"Whoa, I feel like I've died and gone to starship heaven, Grand Army edition." Kaden remarked as the comms started beeping. Jayna grabbed her helmet and put it on before answering.
"Civilian freighter, you've entered Little Tipoca airspace. State your business." A man's voice stated.
"Little Tipoca control this is the freighter Rook's Gambit, requesting permission to land." Jayna said as they flew over the valley.
"Affirmative, Rook's Gambit. Transmitting landing instructions now." The controller replied as Jayna brought the Bastila around to start approaching the star destroyer from the front, the freighter flying in and landing in one of the hangar zones on the ship's port side, turning and touching down. There were several other ships in the hangar, some new, such as a few TIE Fighters, and some Clone Wars surplus.
"I'll admit it's nice to see the old hunter standing proud." Jacki commented.
"The old hunter?" Kaden asked, putting on his helmet as they powered down the ship.
"Yeah, the star destroyer. It was named the Hunter. Plus, doesn't Venator mean hunter?" Jacki asked as they headed out of the cockpit and started making their way to the boarding ramp where Jan and Jexxa were already waiting for them.
"Fair point." Kaden replied as they started to disembark. As they did, a human man with greying hair, wearing an old Phase-II Clone flight suit approached with a couple of younger men, all wearing a collection of mismatched clone armor pieces of different types and colors.
"Welcome to Little Tipoca, vode. On behalf of House Skirata, we welcome you to our home." The older man, a clone given his voice, greeted.
"The honor is ours, vod. I am Jayna Rook, matriarch of House Rook of Ve'vut Bral on Concord Dawn. I'm here on behalf of mine and Houses Glebbins, Veska, and Geht. I am here to trade." Jayna said as the clone gave a nod and a polite smile.
"Well alright then. I'm Commander Davijaan, head of Little Tipoca's air patrols. Call me Odd Ball." He introduced.
"I thought I recognized the name. You flew with Flight Squad Seven during the war, didn't you?" Jayna said as Odd Ball smiled a little, straightening up.
"That was my command, yes. But then I guess you'd know." He said, Jayna, Kaden, and Jan each tensing up at this.
"Beg pardon?" Jayna asked. Odd Ball motioned to Jacki and Aska.
"These two. I recognize these to 'deserters' anywhere. They probably told you all about everyone here. Atin, Wolffe, welcome home." Odd Ball greeted with a smile.
"Good to see you too ba'vodu" Jacki greeted. Aska giving a nod.
"Atin?" Jan asked Aska.
"My clan name." Aska replied.
"Didn't you know that?" Kaden asked Jan who shrugged.
"Now then, Alor Rook, what sort of business are you looking for?" Odd Ball asked as Jayna motioned to Kaden.
"A variety of things. The Four Houses I represent are looking to repair and modify some ships and vehicles in our possession. We understand Little Tipoca may be the best source for parts. We have a list of items we'd like to negotiate the sale of." Jayna said as Kaden handed her a datapad, Jayna passing it to Odd Ball. He scanned through it a bit.
"This is quite a list. Dreadnaught engine turbines, starfighter reactors, turbo tank parts…seems like you're kitting out an army." Odd Ball remarked, handing the datapad back.
"We want to make good use of what we have already. Make it more efficient and operational. Much like what you have here, Commander." Jayna said as Odd Ball gave a nod.
"Well, we'll see what we can do. You may find things are a little different here in Little Tipoca than on Concord Dawn or anywhere else in the Sector. We have things a bit regimented here." Odd Ball explained as they started to walk towards the turbolifts. Odd Ball's escorts remained behind, walking away towards another part of the hangar.
"How so?" Jayna asked.
"Well, we've kinda delegated duties. For example, I was a squadron leader during the war. So nowadays I command our air patrols and oversee the spaceport as part of Sector Seven. Commander Fox oversees internal security with the Coruscant Sector while Bacara oversees external patrols with Sector Twenty-One. Neyo oversees our speeder garages with Sector Ninety-One. Bly runs Sector Three-Twenty-Seven handling most of our ranching and farming work. And of course, there's Wolffe who oversees the restoration of some of our heavy ordinance in Sector One-Oh-Four." Odd Ball explained as they walked.
"And by 'heavy ordinance' he means of course old walker tanks." Jacki interjected.
"Interesting. I take it those numbers correlate to your old commands. I recall Wolffe commanded the One-Oh-Fourth Battalion during the war." Jayna said as they stepped into the turbolifts, riding the turbolift down.
"Exactly. We put in some good years for the Republic. Felt it only appropriate we honor the brothers who never made it to retirement somehow. House Skirata gave us that opportunity to start over. To forge our own lives for ourselves. But I guess some of us just can't shake the old life of regimentation and discipline of the GAR." Odd Ball explained before glancing at Jayna.
"I get the feeling you've some experience around clones. You seem fairly knowledgeable about us." Odd Ball said.
"My House had its share of run-ins with the Grand Army and the Separatists alike. Loyal to neither side, yet not really opposed to them either. That's not going to be a problem, is it?" Jayna said as the turbolift stopped at the ventral hangar of the Venator, a long and tall earthen ramp built up to allow seamless transition from the star destroyer and the rest of the city below.
"Nah. If anything it may be beneficial." Odd Ball replied.
"If there's anything these guys enjoy doing the most, its regaling newcomers with their war stories." Jacki said as Odd Ball chuckled, escorting them towards the ramp.
"Wolffe isn't wrong there. Oh, and if you need accommodations, we have rooms for rent on the Hunter or the Acclamators. We keep them in good shape." Odd Ball said.
"I appreciate that but I may stay with my ship, if that's alright." Jayna said as Odd Ball gave a nod and a smile.
"Absolutely. Make yourselves comfortable. And welcome again to Little Tipoca." He said, standing at attention and giving a salute before turning and walking away back towards the turbolifts.
"So, what's first on the docket, mom?" Jan asked as Aska, Jexxa, and Jacki walked on ahead towards the ramp.
"Well, I imagine Jacki and Aska are eager to introduce you to their friends and family. Take some time to visit and look around. I'll be doing the same. I'm feeling a little nostalgic, myself. I want to take a walk, see how the clones have adapted to life outside of the GAR. This is something I wasn't really prepared for. Seeing all this, how life after the Republic has impacted these men. Seeing them with families. It's not something I really ever anticipated. There's a life here I wasn't expecting." Jayna said, looking around at the hangar, noticing a pair of boys playing nearby, both of them boasting the similar dark hair color of the clones.
"Are you going to be alright on your own?" Kaden asked.
"I won't be alone, don't worry. I've got R3 with me." Jayna said, patting the astromech's dome, R3 beeping an affirmative.
"I think I can handle some of the negotiations on my own. I'll call you when I need you." Jayna said as Kaden and Jan both nodded.
"Alright then. We'll keep our comlinks open and tuned to the House frequency just in case." Kaden said as they turned and they started to descend the ramp, Kaden and Jan hurrying ahead to catch up with the others.
"So, Aska, I think I should do the proper thing and meet your family, or do you think that's too soon?" Kaden asked but Aska grinned excitedly.
"I've been hoping to introduce you for a while. Come!" She said, taking Kaden's hand and pulling him along.
"You two go on ahead. Kaden, I'll do a whip 'round for your funeral." Jan called as Kaden shook his head.
"Yeah-yeah." He groaned.
"So uh, is meeting your dad out of the question? I know you two have issues." Jexxa said to Jacki who shrugged.
"Our problems aside, I came all this way. Might as well report in. Come on. I'll introduce you both." Jacki replied.
"I'm kinda surprised Ailyn didn't want to come with us. She seemed rather emphatic about it." Jexxa said.
"Girl's got issues. Probably best we not pry too deeply. Mom says she'll open up when she's ready." Jan replied as they walked along down the ramp.
…
In the shadow of one of the Acclamators was a building made up of a mishmash of scrapped bulk cargo containers, an Omicron-Class Attack Shuttle, and thatched hut made of green wood and vines. A large serving window opened out into a courtyard filled with outdoor dining tables, some made of wood or scrap. A holographic sign over the window "Hard Contact Tapcafe." Cantina Jaz Music was being piped in from some speakers around the area.
Aska and Kaden approached the area. As they did, a rutian twi'lek woman standing at the serving window, stirring a steaming pot happened to glance up and spot the pair entering.
"Atin! Atin it's Aska! She's home!" the Twi'lek exclaimed excitedly into the building before heading for the door. Aska grinned and removed her helmet as the older woman came hurrying out of the building, her arms wide.
"Ma pateessa!" the older woman greeted with an excited smile as she and Aska embraced lovingly. Kaden merely stood patiently to the side. An old clone soon emerged from the building as well, a large scar across his face, his head balding and chin cleanly shaven. He had black armor on around his lower body while he wore a black tank top on his upper body. He smiled widely as he approached the two. Aska noticed the approaching clone and smiled.
"Father." She greeted, hugging him.
"Welcome home, kid. Been a while." The clone greeted, hugging her back and giving one of her lekku a light petting. His voice was different from the other clones.
"How did you get here? The skyhopper from Sundari isn't due to arrive for another three hours." Aska's mother asked. She spoke with a heavy accent. Aska turned and smiled towards Kaden.
"I got a ride. Mother, father, I'd like to introduce you to Kaden Rook. He's my…ma muni." Aska said, Kaden wincing internally.
"Oh~h I wish you hadn't used that particular term." He muttered but Aska's mother just smiled.
"Ah, so you are the boy ma pateessa has been telling us about." She said, approaching him and looking him over, the old clone approaching as well with a serious look on his face, his hands on his hips as he gave Kaden the once over.
"Yes ma'am. Kaden Rook, of Clan and House Rook, Ve'vut Bral, Concord Dawn." Kaden replied, standing at attention and saluting. Aska's father laughed.
"At ease soldier, we know all about you. Aska's been good about sending us letters of her life over there on Concord Dawn. But let's make proper introductions. Atin Skirata, Clan Atin, House Skirata. My wife, Laseema, and of course you know Aska." Aska's father introduced.
"Come, we talk inside where it is comfortable. You look hungry. I will feed you well. Aska! Why haven't you been feeding him?" Laseema asked as she started to lead Kaden into the house.
"Mot~her!" Aska whined as they were ushered into a spacious living space, a matte black Katarn armor helmet resting on the mantlepiece of a makeshift fireplace built into one wall.
"I'm fine, really. We ate on the ride over." Kaden said but Laseema scoffed.
"Bah! Third rate synthesized poodoo not fit for akk dogs! I fix you real food. Sit!" Laseema commanded, stepping back into the tapcafe's kitchen as Atin chuckled and sat down in an easy chair.
"Better do what she says kid. Besides, we've got lots to talk about." Atin said as Kaden sat down on a couch, Aska next to him.
"And an execution scheduled for dawn I imagine too." Kaden said, dryly. Atin though just chuckled and shook his head.
"No, there's no need for that. Aska told us everything. How you weren't ready but she pushed you. I mean unless you'd like to confess to her getting it wrong." Atin said, adjusting his left arm gauntlet where Kaden could see a retractable vibroblade in the knuckle plate.
"I didn't lie, father. It was my fault." Aska argued.
"It was both our faults. But what exactly did she say drove me into it?" Kaden asked.
"Said you'd had a near death experience and wasn't thinking with your head on straight." Atin replied, Kaden breathing a slight sigh of relief as there hadn't been any mention of his near execution by the Empire. Laseema emerged from the kitchen with two steaming bowls of stew and a pair of sporks.
"She did not elaborate but we figured it was none of our business." Laseema said, handing them their bowls and utensils before sitting down on a chair next to her husband.
"I see. I appreciate Aska's discretion. It's not something I'm comfortable talking about." Kaden said as Atin nodded.
"We all have those times we don't want to talk about. For me it was my first ever mission during the Clone Wars. The Battle of Geonosis. Lost my whole squad that day. I was the lone survivor. Took me a long time before I was able to truly open up about it." Atin explained.
"That's rough." Kaden said, taking a sip of stew.
"Mmm, what kind of stew is this?" he asked.
"Root Leaf. You like it?" Laseema asked as Kaden gave a nod.
"Just like Aska makes it." Kaden said with a smile, Aska blushing a little as she ate quietly. She was pleased things were going well with this first meeting.
"What was your specialty in the GAR, alor?" Kaden asked Atin who smiled proudly.
"I was a Commando, specializing in slicing and tech work." Atin replied as Kaden arched a curious eyebrow.
"Really? I'm something of a tech specialist myself." Kaden said as Atin smirked.
"I thought I recognized a fellow tech head. Haven't really kept up myself though. I mostly keep busy patching old machinery around here." He replied, Aska and Laseema exchanging smiles, knowing the men were now lost in shop talk.
…
In another part of the city, Jacki, Jan, and Jexxa were passing through a residential area near the Pelta Frigate. The homes were a mix of scrap metal shanties and traditional Mandalorian vheh'yaim houses randomly mixed in amongst each other.
"This place seems rather run down compared to Ve'vut Bral." Jexxa commented as they walked. Jacki however shook her head.
"You see it as poverty, but I don't and it's likely that most here see it my way as well. We live this way largely by choice. Most here could afford a prefab or better. Or could afford to build a far nicer and luxurious home. But we're on the homeworld of the Mando'ade. It's not a matter of means, but of choice." Jacki said as they approached a small hydroponic farm. Standing near it, tending to the plants, was a human girl roughly seventeen years of age. She had a head of long blonde hair and wore a simple off-white spaghetti strap dress made of a rugged material, and a pair of durable black boots. The girl spotted them approaching.
"Jacki Wolffe is that you?" the girl asked with a smile. Jacki chuckled.
"Hey Jess, I thought I'd find you deep in the weeds as usual." Jacki said as the two approached, embracing.
"Oh come off it, vod." The girl giggled as Jacki turned to her squad mates.
"Jess these are my friends form Concord Dawn, my squad mates in Jenth Squad. Jexxa Orar the team medic and heavy, and my C.O. Janie Rook. This is Jess, my friend and neighbor." Jacki introduced.
"Olaram. A pleasure." Jess greeted.
"Likewise. I take it you two know each other well?" Jan asked as Jess nodded.
"Our dads are brothers so that kinda makes us cousins. But then that's a common story around these parts. Makes finding husbands kinda hard too." Jess said with a smile.
"Jess and I've been more like sisters though. Neither of us had a mother figure to look up to after all. Hers died when she was young, and my dad just adopted me on his own. So, we both came from single parent homes." Jacki added.
"So, are you here to visit your father?" Jess asked.
"Partially. I'm here to help out with some negotiations for the Houses back on Concord Dawn. Jan's mother's here as the negotiator." Jacki replied.
"Well, I know you've got issues with your old man, but it'll still make him happy to know you're home for a while." Jess said as Jacki nodded.
"I know. How's your dad by the way?" Jacki asked.
"He's good. He's working on his tanks like usual. That's one thing that our dads have in common. They both work on restoring old tanks. Hers works on the walkers and mine works on the juggernauts. It's partly how we know each other since our dads work so closely together a lot." Jess explained.
"And what do you do around here exactly?" Jan asked as Jess smiled and motioned to the garden.
"Farming mostly. I prefer it. I can shoot and hunt as well as the next mando'ad but I've always liked the farm life. Less killing, less violence. Farming tends to life, to the Living Force around us. What could be better?" Jess explained, running her fingers along one of the plant stems.
"You know about the Force?" Jan asked, mildly startled.
"Yeah. But not many here acknowledge it's existence. Still, some of the uncles here believe in it. My dad does. As do I." she replied.
"What do you know about it?" Jan asked.
"Well, not much. Finding reading material about the Force is hard to come by. Most of what I know is from what my dad and some of the others have told me. But I won't bore you with the details. Jacki's heard it all before." Jess said as Jacki shrugged.
"I'm ambivalent. Besides, I don't want to keep my dad waiting." Jacki said as Jess nodded.
"We should meet up for caf sometime when you're not busy." Jess said as she and Jacki bumped fists.
"You're on, vod." She said.
"Pleasure meeting you all." Jess replied.
"Likewise…and may the Force be with you." Jan said as they started to walk away. Jess smiled and nodded.
"And you." She replied.
"That was unexpected." Jan muttered as they moved on.
"Surprised you know about that old sorcery." Jexxa said as they started to approach the back of an old AT-TE that'd had its legs removed and tail guns removed and converted into an open porch with a door. The walker was facing away from the street and its dorsal turret had been removed as well. A simple metal fence surrounded the walker and a small yard. A grey banner with a white wolf's head insignia matching the one Jacki had on her armor flew from a flagpole hanging off the top of the walker.
"Here we are." Jacki muttered as she started to approach the door. As she approached, the door opened, a grizzled old clone emerging. He had a scar over his atrophied right eye and his hair had turned white. He was carrying out a barrel of rubbish but paused when he spotted Jacki. The two stared at one another for a moment.
"Hey dad." Jacki said, finally.
"Jacki." Commander Wolffe greeted, taking a deep breath, exhaling through his nose.
"We'll uh…we'll linger a bit. Let you two catch up." Jan said, sensing the tension.
"No need for that." Wolffe said as he approached, setting the barrel down near the gate into the property.
"I take it you two are Jenth Squad. Jacki's told me about you." Wolffe said as both women nodded.
"Yes sir. Your daughter's one of the finest huntresses I've ever served with. A crack shot, and a good friend to boot." Jan said as Wolffe smiled.
"Come on inside. Sorry in advance if it's a little dark in there. I keep the lights low for Jacki's sake." Wolffe said as he led them inside.
"I know what that's like. I'm her roommate. Luckily my toes are pretty sturdy." Jexxa said as Wolffe chuckled.
"I started wearing combat boots to bed myself." Wolffe said as they stepped inside the converted tank. It was small but comfortable, with two bunks on opposite sides near the cockpit. The control stations for the four forward ball turrets had been dismantled. One of the bunks had a heavy curtain drawn over it while the other was opened, Wolffe's Phase II helmet on a shelf above it. As forewarned, the interior of the old walker was dark and dim but still with enough light to see clearly. Jacki immediately removed her helmet, the darkness easy on her umbaran eyes.
"Sorry for not writing you. Our trip here was kinda last minute. A whim." Jacki said as they sat down on some crates that had been converted into a makeshift couch.
"I'm not complaining. So, you look well. Everything alright over on Concord Dawn?" he asked.
"We're returning her for the forty-day warranty. Defective model." Jexxa said, causing Jacki to snort and Wolffe to smile in amusement.
"I tried my best." Wolffe commented. An awkward silence followed.
"So um…" Jacki said, struggling to try and make conversation.
"So…" Wolffe replied, similarly trying to do the same. There was another awkward silence.
"Well, if you're not going to talk, then I will. I understand you led the Wolfpack Squadron during the Clone Wars." Jan said as Wolffe sat back, a twinkle in his remaining eye as he smiled.
"Sure did. The One-Oh-Fourth Battalion. Fine bunch of soldiers. Most of them are gone now." He said as Jan removed her helmet, resting it on her leg.
"Do you mind my asking about your service? There's something that's bugging me." Jan said as Wolffe shrugged.
"You'll find most of us old clones are proud to talk about our service. Even if…" he said, glancing away briefly with a hint of sadness and frustration. He then looked back at Jan.
"What did you want to know?" Wolffe asked.
"I wanted to ask about someone I've heard mentioned whenever the One-Oh-Fourth was referenced. Someone named Plo Koon." Jan said as Wolffe blinked but then frowned sadly.
"The General." He said, running a hand over the side of his head where a small and faded surgical scar could be seen.
"Who was he?" Jan asked. Wolffe sighed and sat back.
"A man I wish was still around today. He was Kel Dorian so he looked like something that came out of a bantha's behind. But he was one of the greatest men I ever served under. Smart, brave…an inspiration to me and my men. Last I saw him was during our campaign on Cato Neimodia when he…" Wolffe said, briefly losing himself in a sad memory.
"When he died?" Jan asked but Wolffe closed his eyes and shook his head, a snarl forming on his lips.
"Yeah. I don't like talking about the General." Wolffe replied as Jan gave an understanding nod.
"I understand." She said but Wolffe gave her a look.
"Actually, I don't think you rightly do. We don't hate the General or any of our Generals here. Most of us still greatly respect and admire them. It's just…we have a hard time talking about how they died." Wolffe explained.
"Why though?" Jan asked but Wolffe sighed.
"I…I'd really rather not discuss it. I know you're Jacki's friends and squad mates, and I greatly appreciate the chance to meet you, but there's just some things old soldiers like me have a hard time discussing. Too many ghosts that haunt us." Wolffe said as Jan nodded and put her helmet back on.
"I understand and I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable." Jan said but Wolffe gave her a smile.
"Don't apologize. It's okay, kid. Come back some other time. Let me and Jacki have a moment to talk." Wolffe said as Jexxa stood up.
"We're gonna go grab some grub. You, spend some time with your buir. That's an order." Jan said to Jacki who smiled a little.
"Yes ma'am." She replied as Jan and Jexxa headed for the door, walking out and back out onto the street.
"What do you suppose that was about, Jan?" Jexxa asked.
"I was curious." Jan replied.
"No, I mean Jacki and her old man." Jexxa replied as they passed the farm.
"If you're wondering about the Wolffe clan's drama, it's no secret around here." Jess said as she looked their way.
"We didn't want to pry into a personal matter." Jan replied but Jess gave a sad smile and approached them.
"It's no secret. The whole city knows about it. You see, before Wolffe retired, he and the Wolfpack served the Empire for a couple more years after the Clone Wars ended. Well, one day they're sent to raid what they were told was a resistance cell on Umbara. But when the guns went quiet and they surveyed the damage, they discovered they'd slaughtered a refugee camp of unarmed Umbaran citizens. Jacki's parents were among them." Jess explained as both Jan and Jexxa exchanged saddened looks.
"Oh." Jan muttered.
"Wolffe found Jacki still being shielded by the bodies of her parents and he adopted her on the spot while also tendering his resignation from the Empire. Then about a couple years ago, Jacki starts wondering about her birth parents and Wolffe tells her the truth. They had a falling out after that and Jacki left to go try and find herself." Jess explained.
"And she eventually ended up on Concord Dawn where we met her." Jexxa said as Jess nodded.
"Yes. Jacki's story's not entirely unique either. There are a few kids like her that are here. A lot of clones adopted kids that they had unintentionally orphaned, and many of the clones that stuck around as part of the Empire all have similar stories where they were made to do terrible things. Even my own dad has a story like that." Jess explained.
"My sympathies." Jan said as Jess smiled.
"Regret and shame are constant companions to many of the old clones here. They're proud of their service to the Republic, but they aren't proud of how their service ended. There's not much zeal for the Empire here. Nobody would ever disobey or oppose them, although some of the younger generation like mine have a few dissidents among them." Jess said as Jan glanced back towards the Wolffe home and then at Jess.
"I want to ask you something that Wolffe wasn't willing to answer. What happened to the Generals they served?" Jan asked as Jess glanced away with a sad smile.
"Ah, Lost General Syndrome. It's the colloquial term we use to describe the deepest of regrets shared by most of the clones." Jess replied.
"I take it that it has to do with how the Generals died. I know the clones betrayed them. I'm trying to figure out how and why." Jan said as Jexxa looked at her.
"So that's why you were asking Wolffe about it. But why are you so interested in that?" Jexxa asked.
"You could say I have something of a personal interest in it." Jan replied as Jess took a breath.
"Then there's something you should see. Come." She said, motioning for them to follow as she picked up a basket of flowers and started leading them back towards the Star Destroyer.
…
Elsewhere in town, Jayna and R3 were leaving the dreadnaught, walking side by side with another old clone. This Clone wore Phase II armor with teal blue markings but with his helmet under one arm.
"I appreciate your assistance Captain Howzer, the replacement turbines will be a large help for the Houses we represent." Jayna said as they walked towards the street.
"Happy to be of help. If it helps keep those pirates off your backs, we're glad to assist, and I'm glad we had the parts to spare. You really seem to have done your homework though, recognizing me as a Captain. Although I mustered out as a Commander." The clone replied.
"It wasn't so much homework as it was experience. I did some freelance logistical work delivering food and medical supplies on behalf of Alderaan during the Clone Wars. I was a crewman on one of the freighters. I was stopped by one of your men on Ryloth after the siege for some bogus reason." Jayna lied but Howzer laughed.
"Ah so that's how you know who I was. Alderaan sure got around. Horrible what happened to it. They seemed like good people." Howzer replied as Jayna gave a nod.
"I'm from Coruscant personally but I agree, the Alderaani were good people. I won't keep you any longer. On behalf of the Four Houses, thank you again for your assistance." Jayna said as she bowed, Howzer saluting.
"Happy to be of service, ma'am." He replied before they went their separate ways, Jayna checking her datapad, crossing out some items on the list.
"We're doing good so far, R3. About half the list finished." She said as R3 beeped something.
"It's doubtful Howzer would've known me, R3. He would've dealt with my Master, not me." Jayna replied as they approached a small diner with an outdoor dining area.
"Let's stop for a while R3, its past lunchtime." Jayna said as R3 beeped a response.
"You've been using that joke for fifteen years and it still isn't funny." She replied, R3 booping a retort.
"Oh, what do you mean I'm the straight man? Switch off!" she quipped as R3 chortled over towards the fencing surrounding the seating area, waiting outside as Jayna walked through the gate. The diner was busy, and not a single table was vacant. As Jayna looked around, she drew the attention of a Mandalorian man in Supercommando armor. His armor was predominantly green colored.
"If you're looking for a seat, vod, this one's unoccupied if you don't mind sharing." He said, Jayna looking towards him.
"Much appreciated, thank you." She said as she sat down.
"You seem new to Little Tipoca. I can tell a stranger at a glance even if they're in armor. So, whom do I have the pleasure of this afternoon?" the man asked.
"Jayna Rook, matriarch of House Rook of Ve'vut Bral, Concord Dawn. And you?" she asked.
"Gotab of House Skirata." He said as a reprogrammed B1 Battle Droid approached. The droid was covered in carbon scoring and a sign was welded to its chest plate reading "Do not blast the droid. Repair & Replacement costs will be added to your bill. – Management."
"Greetings, may I take your order?" the droid asked, Jayna briefly startled by the droid.
"Uh, yes, a cup of the topato soup, please." Jayna said, staring at the droid.
"I'll have the same." Gotab replied.
"Roger-roger. You are orders sixty-five and sixty-seven." The droid replied before walking off, Jayna watching it depart. Gotab chuckled.
"Kinda strange, isn't it? Seeing a clanker taking orders for bantha burgers and a side of fritzel fries." Gotab said but Jayna chuckled.
"I can top that actually. Try a B2 Super Battle Droid, one of the flying models with the built-in jetpacks, modified to be a protocol droid, tasked as a nanny droid." Jayna said as Gotab laughed.
"Does it wear an apron too?" he asked.
"It took a lot of getting used to but she's a faithful and reliable droid. Salvaged her from a scrapyard and she was in excellent condition." Jayna said as Gotab gave an approving nod.
"Glad to hear some good coming of those old Seppie droids. So, what brings a vod from Concord Dawn all the way here to Little Tipoca?" he asked, sitting back in his chair.
"Business. Little Tipoca's a veritable Nal Hutta Buffet of surplus equipment and parts. We're in the market to repair and upgrade some ships and vehicles we've got and these Grand Army machines are just the right type." She replied.
"Good taste if you ask me. These machines are quite reliable. But then I suspect you might know that from experience." He said, Jayna looking towards him.
"What makes you say that?" she asked.
"I dunno. Something about you seems…familiar. And you've not taken off your helmet yet." He said.
"Neither have you. And you don't strike me as a Child of the Watch." She said.
"Neither do you. But I won't pry. I get the feeling such questioning wouldn't be welcome." He said, subtly gesturing to a stormtrooper patrol walking by on the other side of the street.
"Would you mind my wagering a guess? I suspect you keep your helmet on for the same reason I do. If I had to guess, it's because you've a face that could be recognized by some of the locals. If so, be mindful. Being discovered here may endanger more than just yourself." Gotab said as Jayna gave a nod.
"Appreciated." She said as the droid returned.
"Here are orders sixty-five and sixty-seven. Enjoy." The droid said, depositing a couple of plastoid drinking cups of steaming soup and a couple of sporks.
"Wait a minute, isn't there a number missing?" she asked, giving the droid her payment, Gotab paying as well. The droid didn't respond but instead walked away.
"You don't know the significance of that missing number?" Gotab asked.
"You sound surprised, almost. Should I recognize the number?" she asked. She was playing dumb. She knew it was a reference to Order 66 but wanted to see what she could learn from Gotab. Gotab paused, seeming thoughtful. He briefly lifted his helmet just enough to uncover his mouth, a greying blond goatee underneath his helmet, drinking some of the soup before lowering his helmet back down.
"It's a bit of a taboo number around here." He said, finally.
"Like the superstition around the numbers of seven and thirteen being lucky or unlucky? I for one say there's no such thing as luck." Jayna replied.
"As do I but this isn't a superstition. That number evokes a visceral and vivid memory in most of the clones. It's directly connected to an event at the end of the Clone Wars that most clones deeply regret. It has to do with what we've come to call Lost General Syndrome." Gotab explained, Jayna looking at him, her eyes wide beneath her helmet.
"That so?" she muttered, lifting her helmet enough to take a drink of her soup, drinking it down swiftly.
"I think its time I moved on. I've other matters to attend to. Thank you for the conversation. It's been most enlightening." Jayna said as she rose to her feet.
"Like wise, friend. Ret'urcye mhi." He said as she gave a nod.
"Ret'urcye mhi." She replied as she walked away. As she did, she passed another Mandalorian on his way in. He wore a set of mismatched armor including a Katarn armor helmet.
"Venku, where've you been?" Gotab asked as the Mandalorian sat down.
"Securing the package as I said I was. I'm not sure I'm too keen on keeping it around. Draws too much unwanted attention." The Mandalorian said, glancing towards Jayna as she departed. She was talking with R3, the droid giving her some playful grief.
"Yet you don't seem to have any regrets." Gotab said as Venku let out a huff.
"It's as my mother would've done, agreed?" he asked as Gotab gave a nod.
"You'd be making her and your old man proud right now, boy." Gotab said as Venku took another look towards Jayna.
"Who was that, Gotab?" he asked as he sat down with Gotab.
"That, Venku, is someone worth watching." Gotab said, watching as Jayna walked away from the diner, R3 following after her.
…
Back on the Hunter, Jan, Jexxa, and Jess were riding up on a turbolift in the old star destroyer.
"So, what exactly is this you're showing us? What's it have to do with this Lost General Syndrome?" Jan asked but Jess just smiled. Finally, the turbolift stopped and opened into a long corridor. It was one of the main access corridors on the ship but it was dimly lit, only a few of the lights active. However, it seemed this was deliberate as, along the lining the walls of the corridor were a number of shrines, lit by candles on the floor, decorated with flowers. On the walls were old holostills, wanted posters, and more, all depicting a variety of men and women of different species. There were a few clones passing solemnly through the room, some would stop, salute one of the walls, and then move on. The entire atmosphere of the corridor was sober.
"What is this place?" Jan asked, she and Jexxa removing their helmets.
"We call it Dar'yaim Hall. It's a memorial of sorts." Jess explained softly as they walked through, looking at the posters and pictures.
"Windu, Secura, Mundi, Fisto, Nu, Allee, Unduli? Who were these people?" Jexxa asked but Jan quickly realized it. The pictures and posters were of Jedi, the ones killed during the Clone Wars.
"The Generals. The Lost Generals of the Clone Wars." Jess explained, looking at the posters as they passed.
"Then why call it Dar'yaim Hall? Dar'yaim means betrayal. So why dedicate a memorial to traitors?" Jexxa asked, Jan glancing at her.
"That's not why they named it that. It was the Generals that were betrayed, not the other way around. These were the victims of betrayal, not the betrayers themselves." Jan said as Jess gave a nod, coming to a stop at a section.
"Not these Generals here though. No, they were casualties, legit casualties during the war. These are the Fallen Generals. Most of this hall is dedicated to the Dar'Yaim, the ones betrayed at the end of the war. But these here were the ones killed by the Separatists." Jess said as she laid some of the flowers from her basket down at the ground in front of this wall. Jan noticed this.
"You're leaving flowers here but not at the others?" Jan asked as Jess smiled and nodded.
"My dad is one of the lucky few. He never betrayed the Generals he served. He'd tell me stories about the Generals he served under. Even named me after one of them." She said, pointing to a holostill of a human woman with greying hair and brown robes, standing casually while accompanied by two figures. One was a clone in Phase-I armor with a yellow Commander's stripe down the center. The other was partly cut out from the picture for some reason.
"Here, this was one of my dad's Generals. General Rho. She died a little over a year before the war ended. Killed by a Separatist General named Grievous." Jess explained as Jan felt a chill run down her spine. The name was familiar.
"Rho…wait, you mean Jessali Rho?" she asked as Jess nodded.
"Yes. My full first name is Jessali. Named in honor of dad's first General." Jess explained, turning around to face the other wall behind her. This wall had a sparce few images and stills on it. Stenciled across the top of the wall in aurabesh was the words "May they live to forgive us." Most of the pictures here were wanted posters.
"And these, these are the Missing Generals. The ones whose fate remains unknown. The ones who may still live." Jess explained.
"Kenobi, Yoda, Kota, K'Kruhk, Jusik, Brood, Skywalker…" Jan muttered as she read some of the posters under her breath. She was looking for one in particular. Jess then pointed to one she hadn't seen yet.
"This is the one I hope is still alive. My dad's last General." Jess said as Jan spotted it and her heart turned to water.
"Ana-Jy Lys." Jexxa said, leaning in closer to the poster, a curious look on her face. It was a wanted poster of a much younger Jayna Rook, her hair long and straight. The poster was old and worn though, dated to at least fifteen years ago.
"She was my dad's last General. He said she resigned her commission a month or so before the end of the War and then disappeared." Jess explained as Jexxa glanced towards Jan.
"Hey, Jan, you know who this looks like? She looks kinda like your mom." Jexxa said as Jan shrugged.
"I don't see the resemblance myself." Jan lied. She could see her mother's face clearly staring back at her.
"It's doubtful General Lys is alive. But I hope she is. The way my dad talks about her and General Rho makes them seem like amazing women. The only other woman my dad spoke so highly of was mom but she died when I was little. But I'd like to think General Lys is alive. I'd love to meet and get to know the woman my dad followed into battle for four years." Jess said as Jan smiled.
"She sounds like she's a remarkable woman." Jan said as Jess placed the last of her flowers at the base of this shrine.
"So, this doesn't exactly explain why the clones murdered these Generals." Jan said as they turned to leave.
"You're right it doesn't. But I think my dad can explain it to you. Come, I'll introduce you. He's probably still at work though but he wouldn't object to my dropping by." She said as they headed for the turbolift.
"What does he do now? You said he works on tanks with your dad?" Jexxa asked.
"Yeah, fixing up juggernauts. He's in charge of Sector Four-Twenty-One." Jess said as Jan suddenly paused.
"And we're here to negotiate for some juggernaut parts among other things." Jan said as Jess nodded.
"Yeah, so you'll need to meet my dad either way." Jess replied as Jan put her helmet back on and stepped into the turbolift.
"That's what I thought." She said, turning on her helmet comlink.
…
Back at the Hard Contact Tapcaf, Kaden was just stepping out of the living quarters into the tapcaf's outdoor dining area, Aska, Atin, and Laseema lingering near the door.
"I can honestly say it's been an enjoyable first meeting." Kaden said as he carried his helmet under one arm.
"The feeling is mutual, kid. I hope you come back soon for a visit." Atin said as Kaden gave a nod.
"I will. I'd like to take you up on that offer to squeeze off a few rounds from your DC-17 sometime, sir." Kaden said as Atin smirked.
"She's got some kick to it but the recoil's not as bad as it could be. It takes some getting used to though, swapping out clips instead of just letting the blaster vent." Atin replied.
"I use a sniper modified bowcaster. It uses quarrels so it's almost the same thing." Kaden said.
"I'm going to stick around and visit with my parents for a while. You'll call me when I need to return to the ship, okay?" Aska asked as Kaden nodded.
"Absolutely." He said as his comlink started beeping.
"Excuse me." He said, putting on his helmet and flipping on the comlink.
"Yeah sis, what's up?" he asked into the comlink.
"Where are you? Is mom with you?" Jan asked.
"No, I'm with Aska at her parents' place, why?" Kaden asked.
"Find her. She may be headed for the juggernaut yards, Sector Four-Twenty-One." Jan replied.
"Trouble?" he asked.
"Can't say. But the clone in charge of that area served under one General Ana-Jy Lys." Jan replied as Kaden froze, realizing what she meant.
"Got it, on my way." Kaden replied, switching off his comlink and looking back towards the Atin Clan, the three not having noticed his conversation.
"What's the fastest route to Sector Four-Twenty-One?" Kaden asked. Atin just shrugged and pointed towards the east.
"Jetpack." He said with a coy smile.
"Perfect. Thanks." Kaden replied before taking off on his jetpack.
…
Back in the hangar aboard the Hunter, an Imperial Lambda-class shuttle touched down in the hangar, a Journeyman in yellow Rally Master armor disembarking flanked by a pair of regular Journeymen. Odd Ball and a pair of other clone officers, Bacara and Neyo, both approached.
"Welcome to Little Tipoca, Rally Master. To what do we owe the pleasure?" Odd Ball asked, although it was clear he was a little reluctant to greet the Imperial.
"Commander, we have reason to believe a wanted terrorist is in the area. Possibly one with Rebel affiliations. We tracked her here from another part of the sector and we've reason to believe she's gone to ground here." The Rally Master replied.
"If this terrorist is here, they won't find safe harbor amongst us." Bacara said as Neyo gave a nod.
"Is she Mandalorian?" Neyo asked.
"She may wear beskar armor, but in acting against the Empire she is Dar'manda. One of significant influence. We believe she and her band of insurgents, along with a flight of Rebel Starfighters, are responsible for the destruction of an Imperial Space Station and Star Destroyer recently. Recovered sensor logs confirmed a Mandalorian shuttle and fighter escort were involved in the destruction of both." The Rally Master said.
"There hasn't been any unusual activity that we've noticed." Neyo replied but Odd Ball glanced towards the landed Bastila.
"Actually, that freighter arrived here just this morning. I count seven Mandalorians and an astromech droid. Two of the Mandalorians are locals though, and I can point you to their families. But their leader was an adult female. She never removed her helmet." Odd Ball said as the Rally Master looked at the freighter.
"Have that freighter run through the database keep a tractor beam lock on that freighter to prevent escape. Lockdown the spaceport while we're at it. Let the Dar'manda return and when she attempts to leave, we will arrest her then." The Rally Master ordered as the three former Commanders nodded.
"For what it's worth, this woman seemed rather knowledgeable about some of us. She knew some of my service history from during the Clone Wars." Odd Ball said.
"This would not be surprising as this particular terrorist was active during the Clone Wars." The Rally Master said as Neyo looked thoughtful.
"You think this terrorist could be a General?" he asked.
"General? Ah your quaint little codeword for those mythical sorcerers, the Jetii. It's doubtful any of them even exist." The Rally Master replied.
"The Jedi weren't myths. They were real, we all saw them firsthand." Bacara argued, the Rally Master staring at him.
"And you all killed them…firsthand. So really now, just how great could they have been if even you clones could bring them down with such ease." The Rally Master said, Odd Ball and the other two clones scowling at him from beneath their helmets.
"You have your orders, now carry them out." The Rally Master said, the three clones saluting and turning to depart. At the same time, a Mandalorian working among the deck crews, slipped into the shadows and pulled out an imagecaster, activating it. The hologram of a Mandalorian Mythosaur Skull appeared.
"What is it?" a scrambled voice asked.
"We've got company. Three Imperials, all Journeymen, just landed and have ordered a spaceport lockdown." The Mandalorian said.
"This has no impact on our plans as they stand. But thank you for the warning." The voice said.
"One other thing, I overheard Odd Ball, Bacara, and Neyo mentioning something. They think the person the Imperials are looking for may be a General." The Mandalorian reported.
"The Commanders and many of the clones have been hoping a Commander would come for well over a decade. Still, it may prove interesting. Perhaps this could be used to our advantage as well. Keep watch at the spaceport. Notify me if anything happens." The voice ordered.
"It will be done, al'verde." The Mandalorian replied, pocketing the imagecaster, watching as the Imperials disappeared into the turbolifts.
…
At the same time, Jayna and R3 were approaching the juggernaut yard, several Clone War era juggernauts lined up. Some were in good condition while others were in deteriorating condition awaiting restoration. Jayna was preoccupied, looking at her datapad as she passed the sign marking the area as Sector Four-Twenty-One. She looked ahead finally and saw a clone partially dressed in phase-II armor, working on one of the juggernauts, tinkering with something between two of the large wheels on one side of the juggernaut.
"Pardon me, I was wondering if you could assist me." Jayna said to the clone. The clone stood up, cracking his back.
"Sure thing. How can I help?" The clone asked, turning towards her. He had a jagged scar along the left side of his head, and his hair, although white, was a well-kept and well-groomed military style cut, although he had a stubble beard on his face. Jayna froze when she saw the scar as well as the black with highlighter yellow markings on his armor. He had a pair of black pauldrons on both shoulders, the same highlights running around the edges of the pauldrons. He also had a black kama around his waist.
"Are you in charge here?" she asked as he gave a nod, picking up a Phase-II helmet with a range finder. The helmet had a skull-like pattern to it across the face of the helmet in the same black and yellow colors. The clone gave a nod.
"Sure am. CC-1977, but you can call me-…" "Dervish?" Jayna interrupted.
"Yeah, that's me." The clone said with a smile and a shrug.
"Commander of the Four-Twenty-First Company during the Clone Wars." Jayna said as Dervish looked at her curiously, tucking his helmet under his arm.
"You sure seem to know who I am." He said as he approached as R3 rolled to a stop next to Jayna but briefly slid back with a beep of alarm upon seeing and recognizing the clone. Dervish noticed the droid.
"Hey, that droid looks kinda familiar. I knew someone with an R3 unit just like it. She-…" he said as a thought occurred to him and he looked at Jayna suspiciously.
"Wait a minute, who are you?" he asked, a hand near his blaster. Jayna noticed his hand and took a deep breath.
"You…look good, Commander." Jayna said softly, Dervish's eyes widening. Jayna took another breath and reached for her helmet, slowly bowing her head forward to remove it, looking at him from over the top of it as she slowly lowered the helmet and raised her head. Dervish's face turned pale and his mouth dropped open in shock as if he'd seen a ghost. Jayna looked at him with an apprehensive smile.
"It's been a long time, Dervish." Jayna said softly as Jedi General and Clone Commander came face to face for the first time in nearly twenty years with Jayna not knowing what the Commander would do next.
To Be Continued...
End Episode 11
And so concludes part one of Season 1's Mid-Season Finale.
I own Jessali Dervish and Commander Dervish (CC-1977).
Atin, Laseema, Gotab, and Venku are all from Karen Traviss's Republic Commando novels. Hard Contact is the first book in the series.
Commander Wolffe (CC-3636) is the same from the Clone Wars series. He has his Rebels appearance but his backstory is different here.