Malastare
"You okay Tank?"
All Mayday heard was static from one of the first troopers who volunteered to go down looking for their brothers. They may not be the same company or battalion but they were brothers all the same. It had become ominously quiet with none of the banter or instructions between brother troopers.
"Tank!" He yelled down his bucket's com again, although the level of volume would make no difference. There was silence again.
"Here sir! We've found some. Master Windu is here now. I'm pressing on."
Mayday let out a sigh of relief, "We'll follow you!"
The rest of his squad lifted off with their jetpacks and dropped cautiously into the sinkhole, the lights on their helmets piercing the dust and darkness. They quickly found Tank and the injured troopers. Master Windu stood staring outwards with that expression that Mayday now realised was an indication that the Force was being used.
"Something odd is happening down here." He declared.
"Sir?" Ponds asked.
"Trapper, Ponds and Hawkeye come with me. Organise the rest for medevac." he ordered Mayday, "Then join us." They watched their comrades walk off, as the gunship appeared to take their brothers, one of whom was rambling about there being something down here.
"Stay alert," advised Mayday, "Let's make sure they get help."
It took only a few minutes for the medics to load the injured and take off. He watched as they safely rose and flew away from the sink hole.
"Let's make one more sweep before we return." He ordered, "Check every space. Scan for lifesigns. We leave no one behind."
The General and the rescue party were still here. Mayday flicked down his view finder and searched for them. He found the rest of the rescue party walking up a mound of rocks, as Skywalker's personal fighter dove into the sinkhole. He watched them closely,
"Did you see that?" Tank declared, "The rocks moved. It's another quake."
"No!" Shouted Mayday, as he saw the head of the beast, "It's an animal. A kriffing big one. Retreat now."
They jetted out of the sinkhole.
"Veetch! We need a gunship now! To the sinkhole."
Seconds later one appeared in front of them, the doors opened and they alighted, quickly igniting.
"That was quick."
"Already airborne sir." Wings replied.
"Down there. In the sinkhole!"
Wings steered the gunship down and lowered ropes. There were only three returned as he pulled away from the beast now attacking Skywalker.
.
Mayday and Rex stood and observed as the Dugs bombarded the beast in its sinkhole; It's roars, shaking the ground after each hit.
"I don't think he's very happy." Commented Rex.
"Would you be?"
"No and neither is General Windu. The Dugs are adamant it is to be destroyed and the General's are looking for another way, especially General Windu, according to Ponds. They're discussing it with the Chancellor as we speak."
Rex tilted his head, he was receiving further orders.
"We've got to get tanks set up ready with stun cannons. Skywalker has had an idea."
"Does it involve throwing you?"
Rex snorted. "He's had the idea that we could stun the Beast, put it to sleep and make the Dugs think it's dead. So they sign the Treaty and then we take it off world."
"Just like that?" Replied Mayday.
"Yeah. Just like that."
.
Coruscant.
Mayday and his squad, stood with Ponds and his troops and watched, as the imprisoned Zillo Beast rolled down the ramp on its transport. The ground shook as it rumbled on its way, despite being on the largest repulsor lift transport Mayday had ever seen.
"Nobody but the Chancellor seems to think this is a good idea. General Windu is not happy."
"I can see that."
Mace Windu had a look on his face that would turn you to stone, if you were caught by it.
Ponds smiled, "It is obvious isn't it. But he's a good General who looks after his men."
"Then we're both lucky." Commented Mayday.
"I know what you mean. I've heard rumours regarding some Generals."
"Me too."
"Krell?"
"Yes. Taken in a few transfers from his Command. When they first come, the brothers are wary of everyone, until they settle down. It shouldn't be like that."
"It shouldn't be but good for you."
"We do what we can."
"Someone has to. There are not many who would help us otherwise."
Mayday looked over to the Chancellor talking to the Jedi and suddenly felt the Chancellor's eyes upon him. He couldn't know, he was looking at him. His helmet was pointed in the opposite direction. He blinked and switched channels.
"Let's report in. Dismiss lads. We aren't needed here."
He and his troop turned away.
"Any chance of some RNR, sir."
"Just let me report back to the General and the Commander, then I'll let you know. The boys here seem to have everything under control."
The scraping of claws and low growls made them turn around; the Beast appeared to be awakening. The clones guarding him became more alert, Mayday noticed Doctor Boll was keeping a close eye on the Beast.
"Rather them than me." Muttered Veetch, as they watched their brothers contain the creature before the Doctor took it away to her facility. She nodded to Mayday before she turned her attention back to the beast.
.
"Paying someone a visit tonight?" Asked Veetch, as they walked to their barracks; Mayday setting a ferocious pace.
"Hoping, but like this?" he gestured to his armour, still with some Malastare dust on it, "You must be joking."
"I don't think she'd mind."
"I would. I don't intend to track Malastare dust into her home. I want her to be as far away from the action as possible."
I don't want to think about the war when I'm with her and when did I start thinking like that?
"So I'm going to have a shower, eat and make my reports, then go. And I suggest you do the same."
"Yes sir." Veetch grinned. That RNR was looking promising.
.
Mayday stepped out of the shower, as his Comm beeped urgently, he sighed.
"Sir?"
It was Commander Cody.
"Sorry but you're needed as back up with the Beast. It's with Doctor Boll. You've worked with her before. Take your squad to her facility, let's make sure it stays there. She trusts you. A word of warning. She's conducting experiments on it."
"Yes sir!"
Another day, perhaps.
He was tempted to call Hela just to hear her voice but he couldn't guarantee on seeing her that night and he wasn't sure where she was, probably rehearsing. It was anyone's guess how long this would last. He jammed his bucket on.
"Hela. Back on Corrie. Can't get to see you yet. Got to go and deal with this Beast. I'll contact you later." A text message. It was the best he could do at the moment.
"Veetch. RNR is cancelled. Report to the landing area. We need a gunship as well."
He stomped down the corridor and quickly made it to the landing area; he could see Tank running to catch him up.
"Running late Lieutenant?"
"Stocked up on more rations. Thought we may need them."
"Let's get going Ladies. We're reporting to the good doctor again. She needs help with the beast."
"Oh great!" muttered Hexx, as he jumped aboard. "More babysitting, although I suppose it's better than walking an Akk dog."
"It should be under control now." Veetch added, "Did you have anything better to do?"
"I thought I might visit 79's." Hexx replied.
"That will have to wait." Mayday said in his Commander's voice, brooking no argument.
"Yes sir!"
"No booty call, tonight then!" Hexx whispered to Tank on their private channel.
Tank snorted.
.
Galactic Opera House
Director Creese tapped his stick against the table several times; the noise reverberated through the empty auditorium. He was a perfectionist.
"Again!" His voice boomed through the hall, "And with feeling this time!" The chorus players scuttled to their places and started again, as Hela and Frey stood in the wings waiting to do their own section. It was the first time they had sung together in the auditorium and Hela was beginning to feel nervous, more nervous than she ever thought she would be.
"His bark is worse than his bite." Whispered Frey.
"Good because I'm nervous."
"I didn't think you were the nervous type."
"This is the first time I've done something like this."
"You mean lowbrow?"
"No! But I rarely do modern comedies."
"It's easy. You just have to take it seriously."
She smiled.
"A serious comedy?"
"If you don't take it seriously, it doesn't work. You have to believe in it." He continued, "If you didn't think you could do it or didn't want to do it, then why?"
"My agent."
"Ah! Don't tell me — small human with black hair. Severe haircut. Eyeglasses and a voice that can cut you in half at ten paces."
"Exactly! How did you know? I've tried not to use her but the Opera House has insisted now."
"Editta. I use her as well. She's been on to me to do this for months. I only agreed because she said you wanted me."
"She contacted me and said you would only do it, if I did it and they needed you on board."
He grinned; he was very handsome in a blond way, "Looks like she's been playing us both against each other."
"And making more money off both of us in the process." This would be a long run and profitable for the Opera House and everyone concerned.
They waited, the chorus were having to start yet again as the Director still wasn't happy.
"She wants us to appear together on The Holonet Tonight Show. She messaged me." He continued. "Yours is probably on its way. What do you think?"
"I've not seen that one. I try not to watch them." Hela watched the chorus, they seemed to be getting it this time. The Director, whilst still not looking pleased, didn't look angry.
"I know what you mean but you just have to play a part with them. Give them what they think they want. Then forget it. It's all a game."
"I'm not very good at those sorts of games."
"Just act a part then."
"I'm still not sure. I don't normally give interviews."
"It would look odd if it was just me."
Hela watched his face for a few seconds.
"Is there something else?"
"No, no! I just have to keep up certain appearances."
"Ah." That made sense now, she had checked up on him on the Holonet and there was a series of stories about him and his leading ladies. He seemed to have bedded each one in turn then dropped them.
"I have no intention of becoming your latest conquest."
"And I have no intention of conquering you. One - it's not my style and two - I already have a partner."
"Good. So do I."
"Good. So we are agreed. It's a game?"
"Okay! But your partner. They're okay with this game?"
She wondered what Mayday would say but it wasn't as if they had been together for a long time. They hadn't talked about being exclusive.
"Oh yes. She trusts me. It was her idea. Without it I wouldn't have gotten most of my jobs. She'll be around later. She wants to meet you."
Hela pondered on that for a while.
"I don't normally give interviews because I had a stalker. It got a bit hairy. I try to keep a low profile."
"I heard about that. Nasty."
"It made me wary."
"And then there's the Chancellor." He added.
"Yes. They always want to know about him and his policies, as if I would know what he's thinking or planning."
"I can understand that. So we play them."
"Play them— yes."
"Give them what they think they want."
They listened to the Director, he was giving out further instructions for the chorus and then they heard.
"Ready when you are!"
"Ready?" Frey asked.
"Ready."
He took her hand and they danced out onto the stage singing.
.
Wings pulled the gunship in low over the facility and banked before coming to land. There were some troopers from the 212th already there patrolling the grounds; they jumped out to join them.
"Corporal Kosmos!" Mayday addressed a trooper, "It's been a while."
"Sir!"
"Sitrep!"
"The Beast has awoken and is pissed off with us sir."
"Very technical."
"Do my best sir. The Doctors liaising with the Chancellor. Not sure what he wants."
"Are any of us?"
Mayday looked over to where the beast was housed; then zoomed in where Dr Boll was located. The Chancellor's shuttle and guards were there.
"Kriff!" He muttered to himself.
"Best behaviour lads our Commander in Chief is here somewhere. Looks like he's with the good Doctor."
He patched through to the Doctor, "Is the Chancellor with you?"
"Commander, good to hear from you —yes."
"We'll check the perimeter and the housing so the other lads can concentrate on keeping the Chancellor safe."
"Thank you Commander. It's appreciated."
He closed the com.
"Jet packs ladies. We can use them to see what the beast is up to."
He patched through to the Doctor, "Doctor Boll. We're going to check if the housing is secure."
"Thank you Commander. We need to continue to keep it secure. I'll wait for your report."
She didn't mention what the Chancellor had ordered her to do.
"Tank, Hexx, with me! Veetch and the rest to do a perimeter sweep. I don't like this."
"Sir!" Veetch confirmed.
He activated his jet pack. He liked using it as much as Tank did. Well perhaps not quite as much. He leapt upwards; it was exhilarating.
They kept a safe distance, although people were still working with the beast inside and they heard its low growl, changing to a howl, as it became more agitated.
"Sitrep!" He barked into his com.
"It's being tested and its not happy."
Mayday could appreciate that sentiment as a clone growing up on Kamino.
"Be careful lads."
He signalled Tank to take another circuit of the building checking its structure; Tank zoomed across the other side.
The beast screeched in pain again.
Mayday wasn't sure what the Doctor was doing to the Beast but it did not sound happy and he knew what it was capable of when angered. A few clones wouldn't be able to stop it.
He hovered above the building that housed the beast; it looked reasonably secure.
"We'll do periodic checks on the building. The doctor's looking after the beast. She'll let us know if she needs anything."
.
Hela sat in her dressing room and checked her com, there was a message from Mayday. He was back. She smiled to herself, as she started to remove the makeup. It felt good to get out of the rehearsal clothes and into something more comfortable. The same with the makeup.
She reflected on the rehearsal, it had gone well; better than she expected. Then she felt it and her water bottle fell over. She shook her head thinking that she had imagined the dizzy feeling. She picked up her bottle and took a drink. It had been a long rehearsal, with new, more energetic routines and she was tired, although long rehearsals were usual.
She shook her head, she was simply tired.
She checked her com, nothing more from Mayday. He was probably still baby sitting the Beast, that urgent mission, which was probably the one causing all the problems for the Chancellor. She had seen some soldiers return with that Beast, fascinated by it and she had hoped for a call but the message would have to suffice.
She felt the movement again and held onto her makeup table to steady herself; she closed her eyes feeling faint, dizzy. Her door crashed open.
"Hela! Are you okay?" Zur rushed in.
"Feeling a bit dizzy. Why?"
"It's not that. It's the beast. It's is on the loose."
"Beast?" She asked.
She sat there, understanding his words but unable to grasp his meaning.
He grabbed her and pulled her up, "We need to get out now. Come on! Come and look at the Holonet."
He dragged her out, pulling her along the corridors and down into the underground passages of the old building. They were cold and damp with moisture running down the walls; it was years since she had been down here.
Everyone was standing around there, some were in tears. Frey stood with a Twi'lek woman and two Twi'lek children. He had his arms around them. Looking at them,she realised the woman was the partner he spoke of; she pulled Zur towards them.
"Frey?" He nodded.
She turned to the Twi'lek, "I thought I'd introduce myself. I'm Hela. Not the best circumstances to meet."
"I know who you are." The reply was in the famous lilting Ryl basic, "My husband described you to me. I am Aola. These are my daughters."
There was no hint of malice or sarcasm in her tone and from the way Frey looked at her, she had no need to worry about anyone else.
"Do we know what's happening?" She asked.
Zur pulled up his datapad. "This!"
They gathered around and stared in horror at the images of the large beast striding through Coruscant, climbing some of its tallest buildings, its tail thrashing about demolishing others. Shots fired at it by the clones seemed to bounce off.
Aola tried not to let the children see the chaos.
"It's heading towards the Senate building."
Hela looked at the young children and around at the other members of the company. Some of the chorus were younger than she was and she was scared, so must they be.
"Then it's heading towards us." She whispered to Zur, "We're directly in its path and we need to get these people out of here."
She tried not to think about Mayday.
"We've been advised to stay here."
"By who?"
"The Coruscant Guard—Commander Thorn. He's up in the main building. Trying to keep track of everything.
Hela stood there thinking, dragging something from her memory, "What about the underground tunnels?"
"What tunnels?"
"There are tunnels. Old. Used to be used as shelters if the City was attacked. I did it in my architecture classes. They must still be there and they lead away from here."
Zur stared at her in amazement.
"I had to do other subjects, not just music. I studied Maths and Architecture."
"How do we get to them?"
"Find Thorn. See if he can access the schematics of the building.
.
"It's escaped." The shout went up. Mayday wasn't sure who from.
He and Tank swooped around the beast. It was very angry now and had escaped its restraints, demolishing the building; Mayday saw several fallen troopers.
Despite their highest setting, their blasters had no effect on the beast, unable to penetrate its skin.
"Time to get out of there, Sir!" Veetch's voice came through his com.
"Where's the Chancellor?" He wasn't going to lose him on his watch, especially thinking how close Hela was to him.
"Gone—left!"
One problem less to worry about.
Mayday punched the fuel through to his jet pack, and surged forward but his jet pack was still not fast enough to evade the beast's tail which sent him flying into the demolished building. He imagined it was like being hit by a Venator. He fell like a stone to the ground and watched, helpless as rubble rained on him.
"Mayday! Mayday! You still with us?"
Someone was shouting.
"Boss, stay with us?"
He blinked, viewing the sky through cracked slits in his bucket.
"Tank can you move it?" a far off voice asked.
Tank muttered and grunted as he tried to lift the piece of rubble on his Commander's leg
"Boss! Are you with us?"
"Here. Just my leg." He slurred.
"Think it's more than that boss but Medics are on their way."
He needed to call Hela; he'd promised.
"Can you…..can you …" then the world went dark and the voices were so very far away.
.
Hela followed Commander Thorn through the old underground tunnels, holdng onto his belt; he had found the schematics somehow and now they were heading away from the path of the Beast and the partially destroyed Opera House.
Zur was bringing up the rear; Frey was looking after his family. It was dark apart from Thorn's helmet lamp, so they were holding onto each other, so as not to get separated. She tried to look at her com for the time. They seemed to be have been walking for ages and it smelt terrible down here. They stopped for a short rest; the air was not good here. She yelped and jumped, as she felt something crawl over her feet.
"You okay, ma'am?" Asked Thorn. She had an urge to put her arms around him; In the dark she could imagine he was Mayday.
"Yes. Sorry. Just a bit jumpy."
"According to the schematics we should be out soon." He stopped.
"Problem?" Asked Hela, stopping just behind him.
"No. Good news. The Beast has been killed." he stopped, as if there was more to say.
"But?"
"There has been alot of damage and loss of life."
"Clones?"
"All those guarding the Beast are dead."
Hela grabbed his arm to hold herself up.