Location: Chimera, Inner Rim
Date: 5 ABY
Lord Vader stood on the bridge of the Chimera, alongside Grand Admiral Thrawn, Captain Eli Vanto, and Baylan Skoll. The hum of the starship was familiar, a calm before the storm as they reviewed their latest intel.
"The Bounty Guild's recent reports have confirmed it," Vader said, his voice steady. "The Vong have taken control of Darlyn Boda."
Thrawn nodded. "Darlyn Boda—the planet's known for its humid jungles and lawless, mud-choked cities. Not a particularly pleasant environment for us, but fertile ground for the Vong."
Captain Vanto glanced at his data pad, pulling up details on the planet. "The main city, also called Darlyn Boda, has always attracted the galaxy's worst criminals. It's no surprise the Vong found allies here."
Thrawn folded his hands behind his back, his gaze unyielding. "The Black Sun's influence there has only grown, pressuring the Bounty Guild into reliance on their assignments. There's even been word of Vong ships appearing in the atmosphere."
"They're hiding in plain sight," Skoll added, his tone practical.
Vader turned to Thrawn. "I'll need a disguise. Something that blends in on the surface. My face or helmet might attract unwanted attention."
Thrawn's gaze moved to Vader's armor, noting the beskar and cortosis enhancements. "We'll supply a standard bounty hunter helmet," he suggested. "It should complement your armor without drawing suspicion."
Vader nodded. "Good."
"And you'll have a guest meeting you at the hangar." Thrawn's expression barely changed, but there was a glint in his eye. "An old acquaintance. Cad Bane has docked the Justifier and will assist in the mission."
"Cad Bane," Vader said thoughtfully. The name was as familiar as the smuggler's swagger. The last time they'd crossed paths was on Tatooine, freeing it from the grip of the Hutt Clan. "I trust he's still… as resourceful as ever?"
"Oh, absolutely." Thrawn gave a slight, approving nod. "The Chimera will stay in a nearby system, ready to engage when you signal. In the meantime, Captain Vanto," he added, glancing at Eli, "alert the fleet. Our aim is to pin down enemy defenses, not to engage recklessly. We need every advantage to test their capabilities."
"Yes, Grand Admiral." Vanto's tone was calm, carrying Thrawn's orders with practiced ease.
Thrawn inclined his head. "Then, we're ready. May the Force serve you well, Lord Vader."
XX
Location: Hangar Bay - Chimera
The wide hangar bay bustled with activity, hums of preparation echoing as Vader and Skoll approached the sleek frame of the Justifier. Cad Bane leaned casually against his ship, tipping his hat as he spotted them.
"Master Jedi," Bane greeted Skoll, a slight grin twisting at his lips. His sharp eyes then lingered on Vader's new helmet. "And Lord Vader… I see you've had a bit of an upgrade. Beskar, cortosis—quite the remodel."
"Good to see you, Cad Bane." Vader's tone was impassive, but his gaze was focused. "Still keeping busy?"
Bane's grin widened. "You know me, Lord Vader. Got a reputation to uphold. Speaking of which," he said, crossing his arms, "I take it we're meeting a contact in Darlyn Boda?"
Skoll nodded. "You know them?"
"She knows of me, let's put it that way. That should get us what we need." Bane gave a satisfied nod, then gestured to the interior of the Justifier. "I'll give you both a quick tour before we head down."
The Justifier hummed as they entered, its corridors narrower than those of the Chimera but packed with practical touches. The ship had clearly seen its share of rough runs, and Bane pointed out a few quirks as they moved through the cabin.
As they settled in, Bane turned to the two Jedi. "The Chimera will hang back, waiting for our signal. Once we have what we came for, we'll bring 'em in to handle the heavy lifting."
"Understood," Vader replied, already focused on the mission ahead.
XX
A Few Rotations Later...
Location: Darlyn Boda
The Justifier slipped into the Darlyn Boda system, the starlit void giving way to the steamy, shadowed expanse of the planet's surface below. They could already see Vong ships dotting the atmosphere, each crafted from strange organic materials and surrounded by pirate ships and frigates.
"Quite a welcoming party," Bane muttered, adjusting the ship's course.
They landed with minimal trouble, making their way through the crowded spaceport as Bane settled their docking fee. Dark clouds loomed overhead, dripping rain that mingled with the mud caked on the walkways. It was a world layered in grit, humid air thick with the scent of decay and industry.
The streets around them buzzed with all manner of lowlifes—bounty hunters, smugglers, thieves, and narcotics dealers, their faces shadowed in the dim light of the urban sprawl. It was the kind of place where money ruled and violence lingered beneath every interaction.
"The place we're headed to is down that way," Bane said, leading them toward a narrow, muddy alley. "Pepper's Pax. A joint that doubles as a restaurant and tavern."
The alley finally gave way to the tavern, a seedy-looking place squished between a jewelry shop and a mortuary. The neon lights glowed in faded shades of red and purple, throwing an eerie, lurid glow over the entrance. They could see Pepper's signature bouncers stationed by the door, spiny quills giving them a menacing appearance.
As they approached, one of the bouncers squinted at the trio, his eyes lingering on Bane before recognition sparked. "Well, well… if it isn't the legendary Cad Bane."
"Yeah, it's me." Bane's voice held a casual confidence. "Got a contact to meet inside. These two are with me."
The bouncer raised a brow at Vader, noting the gleam of beskar under the faint light. "Careful with that armor, friend. 'Round here, it might just make you a target."
Vader's response was calm and resolute. "I'll handle it if the need arises."
The bouncer nodded, stepping aside as the door creaked open, spilling the trio into the dimly lit interior. The inside of the tavern was a chaotic mix of lights and shadows, filled with smoke and the murmurs of hushed conversations. It reminded Vader of a few covert missions he'd conducted in his past life as a Jedi, navigating Coruscant's hidden underworld.
As they weaved through the crowd, Bane's gaze scanned the room with a practiced eye, assessing each face, each corner of the room with quick precision. He leaned close to Skoll and Vader. "Let me do the talking. My contact's got a knack for picking up new jobs—she'll know what the Vong are up to if anyone does."
They reached a table near the back of the room, where a figure waited, shrouded in the dim light. Bane took the lead, slipping into a seat with an easy, confident air.
"Been a while," Bane drawled, glancing at his contact. "I hear you've got news that could help us."
The contact nodded, her voice low. "Depends on what you're after, Bane."
"Info on the fleet," he replied smoothly. "Particularly their hold on this planet."
She chuckled, glancing sidelong at Vader and Skoll. "Well, they're not shy. They've set up camp out in the jungles, and their ships hover over the main trade routes. The Black Sun's been playing nice, supplying them with… whatever they need."
"What about the remains of the Bounty Guild?" Skoll asked.
She shrugged. "They've been reduced to errand runners for Black Sun. Most of the Guild doesn't dare touch the Vong directly."
Bane looked satisfied. "That's exactly what we needed to know."
XX
The rain poured down in heavy sheets, each drop striking the muddy streets with a relentless rhythm as Bane, Vader and Master Skoll stepped out of Pepper's Pax. Their meeting had wrapped up with barely a word spoken to anyone else. Just a few exchanged glances, and they were gone, slipping through the misty dark streets with purpose. They moved through the Red Light District, where flashing lights—red, purple, and sky-blue—illuminated the faces behind glass doors. Women, mostly Twi'leks and Theelins, posed under the lights, enticing passersby with subtle gestures, eyes scanning for potential customers. Credits were all that mattered here.
The decay and corruption of the world were all too evident. This place was miles away—philosophically and morally—from neighboring systems like Ertegas, where life held some dignity, tied to the rhythms of the land and a tight-knit agricultural life. Skoll's gaze shifted, picking up the faint, almost tangible essence of the city's decline.
"We've entered the gutter..." Skoll muttered, casting a disapproving look down the row of neon-lit windows.
"The decay of society is... palpable here," Vader replied, his voice low, barely more than a rumble beneath his helmet. His mask gleamed under the dim lights, a sharp contrast against the dull, greasy sheen of the streets.
They continued down the narrow, winding road that led to the spaceport. The rain was a persistent hum in the background, creating a murky, hypnotic beat. They were nearly there, close enough to catch a faint glimpse of the Justifier, when Vader stopped. His gaze fixed on a group of figures near the entrance to the spaceport, barely visible in the mist and shadows.
Vong warriors.
"It must be no coincidence they're here," Bane observed, his voice edged with suspicion. "It's possible they know we are hostile. We may have been compromised."
Vader's fist clenched, but he was calm. "It would seem so."
"Summon Thrawn's fleet. I sense... resistance approaching. And soon." Baylan warns.
Without hesitation, Vader raised his wrist, activating his holo-watch. The image flickered to life, and he tapped the signal that would call in Thrawn's fleet. The figures at the port were moving closer, more Vong stepping into view as they caught sight of Vader and Skoll.
"Thrawn will be here soon," Vader said, voice calm, steady.
The rain continued to pour, a heavy, constant drumbeat that masked the sounds of the approaching Vong warriors. Skoll and Vader crouched in silence, tucked behind two corners of a nearby building, watching the armored figures close in. Beside them, Cad Bane readied a pair of grenades, eyes narrowing as he tracked their movement through the hazy downpour.
"Well, let's see how they like this," Bane muttered, triggering the grenades. They arced through the rain and exploded just as they hit the warriors' ranks, the blast sending debris and smoke everywhere. But when the dust settled, the Vong were still standing, their organic armor barely scratched. They simply shook off the impact, the rain washing over them as they stood unfazed.
Vader raised an eyebrow under his helmet, surprised at their resilience. "Impressive," he said, a hint of admiration in his voice.
The Vong didn't waste any time. They retaliated with several blast bugs, organic projectiles that hissed as they cut through the rain. Vader reacted instantly, feeling the threat deep in his chest—a reflex that guided his hand as he used the Force to deflect the bugs back toward the Vong. The blast bugs hit their mark, burning through armor and leaving blackened patches on the warriors' skins, but it only seemed to provoke them further.
With a low growl, Skoll extended his arm, a surge of blue lightning crackling from his fingers. The bolts arced through the misty air, striking the nearest Vong and forcing them to the ground, twitching as the current surged through them. Vader saw an opening, stepping out of cover to finish them off. He moved with precision, his lightsaber cutting through the gaps in their armor with expert strikes, ending the fight before it even had a chance to escalate.
A fresh volley of blaster fire broke the quiet. Black Sun associates had gathered on a rooftop across the street, spotting Vader as he stepped out. They aimed and fired, laser bolts cutting through the rain-soaked air. Most of the shots deflected off Vader's saber, but one struck his shoulder, leaving burn marks on his beskar.
Vader's head turned toward them, his anger flaring. He raised his hand, focusing the Force on the rooftop. With a sharp gesture, he sent a shockwave through the structure, the rooftop collapsing under the associates. They hit the ground hard, their bodies snapping under the impact, necks twisted at unnatural angles.
For a moment, the world felt still again, Vader's breathing loud in the silence. The rain washed over him, cooling his simmering anger, grounding him as he stared down at the fallen Black Sun thugs. Beside him, Bane and Baylan took care of the stragglers, their movements swift and methodical.
Bane holstered his blaster, glancing over at Vader. "I got the coordinates for that Vong base."
Vader nodded, breathing back to the present. "Very well, we need to retrieve their bodies," he said, gesturing to the fallen Vong warriors. "Thrawn needs samples if we're to find an effective bioweapon against them."
Bane scoffed, giving the warriors a wary look. "Yeah, sure. But these things should go in Thrawn's cargo hold, not mine. And they better be dead."
Vader gave a nod, accepting the condition. "We shall see..."
The three made their way toward the spaceport, the lights strangely dark and silent. Bane used his infrared vision, scanning the area. He frowned, spotting figures moving in the shadows.
"We've got company," he muttered.
Before Vader and Skoll could respond, the Vong warriors threw small, insect-like bombs at them. The devices burst open, releasing swarms of beetles that scuttled toward them, fangs bared. Bane reacted instantly, triggering his wrist flamethrower, and a jet of fire burst out, incinerating the beetles as they closed in.
The Vong launched their next attack, venomous amphistaffs flying toward them. One of the snake-like weapons hit Vader's armor, slithering up his chest, fangs bared as it tried to pierce through the beskar. But Vader's fingers crackled with purple lightning, and he pressed his hand against the creature. The amphistaff screeched in agony, writhing as the energy coursed through it until it fell limp, lifeless.
Skoll moved forward, focusing on one of the warriors with the Force. He tightened his grip, attempting to choke the life out of the creature, but it resisted, straining against the invisible hold. Skoll's eyes narrowed, and he called upon the deep power within him, sending a stronger burst of lightning that arced into the warrior, burning through its armor and ripping into its body. The Vong staggered, collapsing with a final groan.
Vader looked over at the scene, nodding to Skoll. "Effective."
Skoll smirked. "Just efficient."
"Let's collect these bodies and go," Vader said, deactivating his lightsaber. They each took one of the fallen warriors, making sure they were fully incapacitated. Vader had no interest in bringing a live Vong aboard their ship. These corpses should be useful to Thrawn, but if they stayed dead.
"Hold on," Bane said as they approached the Justifier. "We're not putting these things on my ship without some containment. We need to make sure they're dead, and no more of those bugs crawling around."
"Agreed," Vader replied. They used their lightsabers as temporary torches, the red and orange glow lighting the way through the dark hangar. It was late, and the rain had slowed to a drizzle, giving the whole scene an eerie, quiet tension.
They reached the ship, hauling the Vong bodies into the cargo hold and sealing them in a reinforced compartment. With one last check to ensure everything was secure, they boarded the Justifier. The engines hummed to life, and the ship lifted off, cutting through the darkness of the hangar and heading for the Vongs jungle base on the outskirts. To do more reconnaissance.
XX
The Justifier hummed quietly as it cruised above the jungle canopy, barely skimming the treetops. The night was thick, broken only by an occasional glint of starlight through the leaves. Inside the cockpit, Vader stood, staring intently through the glass as they neared the Vong base coordinates. Cad Bane adjusted his hat, tapping his blaster idly, while Baylan Skoll, standing behind Vader, seemed quietly focused.
As if on cue, a familiar voice crackled through the comm. Thrawn had a timing that bordered on the uncanny.
"Lord Vader, I trust you've managed to obtain samples?" Thrawn's tone was calm, unhurried.
Vader inclined his head slightly. "We have Vong warrior corpses in the cargo hold. Will this suffice for the contingency?"
"Yes, assuming they are intact." Thrawn sounded faintly amused, or perhaps just curious. "Though if the researchers require live ones, I'll be sure to inform you."
"We'll keep that in mind." Vader glanced at Bane and Skoll, who were listening in with attentive expressions. "We're prepared to do reconnaissance on the Vong's camp."
"Excellent. Meanwhile, my fleet is starting engagement. Testing the Vong in both arenas will allow us a broader assessment. Do you require additional support from Sloane's Phase-IV Dark Troopers?"
Bane relaxed slightly, looking almost relieved at the prospect of backup.
"Yes, Grand Admiral," Vader said. "If we get any artifacts, we'll have them sent to you."
Thrawn's face appeared on the display, a small smile breaking his usually stoic expression. "Lord Vader, as always, I appreciate your anticipation. Test their strengths; analyze their responses. And, of course, if any cultural artifacts present themselves, they will indeed be a valuable addition."
The line cut, leaving the three in silence as they processed Thrawn's instructions.
Minutes later, the Justifier dropped to a whisper above the treetops, its lights switched off, the power dimmed. Finally, they settled in a small clearing. Vader removed the dark, bounty-hunter helmet, feeling the weight loosen as he detached from it. Now, he breathed freely.
From his holowatch, he noted the approach of the Dark Troopers. Dozens of them had dropped from the Chimera in the upper atmosphere, descending in a controlled formation to rendezvous with their commander. Their silent, metallic figures emerged from the shadows, forming an imposing force.
Vader nodded, turning to the Dark Trooper captain. "Did you scan the camp's heat signatures?"
The lead Trooper, with a small beep, replied, "Yes, Lord Vader. Approximately ninety life forms, all identical."
"Good." Vader's voice was firm. "I want two dozen of you to quietly surround their camp, remaining hidden until my signal. One dozen with us. They need to believe that we're a small squad at first. Once we engage, I'll signal you to surround them fully."
The Troopers beeped in unison, confirming the orders.
"Remember," Vader continued, "we're not here for victory. The Grand Admiral wants an analysis of their ways. If you see any pieces of their art or culture, make note of them." The Troopers acknowledged him again and split off into groups, disappearing into the trees to encircle the camp.
XX
The night settled heavy over the jungle, thick and quiet, only the faint hum of the Justifier's engines breaking the silence as it hovered low above the treetops. Inside, Vader, Baylan, and Cad Bane exchanged glances. The camp was down there, hidden among the trees, with only a handful of faint lights marking its perimeter.
"We move in quietly, take down their sentries first," Vader said, his voice a low, commanding rumble. "Bane, you handle the guards on the corners. Baylan and I will target their main watch points."
Bane nodded, tipping his hat with a sly grin. "Quiet takedowns are my specialty."
With a barely perceptible nod, Vader gestured to the holowatch on his wrist, signaling the Dark Troopers to fan out and surround the camp. The thrum of jetpacks faded into the distance as the troopers took up their positions, stealthily positioning themselves around the perimeter.
Baylan adjusted his grip on his lightsaber, his gaze following Vader's as they surveyed the camp below. "Keep it stealth," he said, quietly confident.
The two Force-users moved in, slipping through the dense foliage with ease. In the shadows, Vader's dark remodeled armor seemed to absorb the darkness, while Baylan moved like a shadow himself. Ahead, two Vong warriors stood on guard near a small fire, their backs turned.
Vader and Baylan moved like shadows, closing in on the two Vong sentries by the camp's edge. The warriors, clad in their organic armor, shifted slightly, sensing something just out of reach. Vader extended a hand, and Baylan mirrored him, locking the sentries in place with a combined Force hold. The Vong warriors struggled, their muscles straining against the invisible bind, but their efforts were in vain.
With a swift, synchronized motion, Vader and Baylan raised their lightsabers. The red and amber blades glinted for a brief second before slicing clean through the exposed necks of the warriors. Both bodies went slack, collapsing to the ground as the lightsabers extinguished.
Vader tapped his holowatch, sending a quick command to the Dark Troopers to create a small distraction. A low thud echoed from the edge of the camp, like a firework popping off in the distance. A nearby Vong guard perked up, frowning as he squinted into the darkness, and slowly began to walk toward the sound.
In a swift, coordinated move, two Dark Troopers emerged from the shadows, swooping in silently to intercept him. They moved like phantoms, one grabbing the guard from behind, while the other extended a sleek beskar blade from its wrist. One quick slice, and the Vong's body slumped to the ground, pulled back into the bushes with barely a rustle.
Around the camp, the remaining Dark Troopers took up positions at key choke points, lying in wait for any Vong who'd investigate the disturbance.
Vader and Baylan continued moving along the perimeter, spotting small groups of Vong huddled around fires, speaking in low tones. With calculated precision, they took out isolated warriors, thinning the camp's numbers and subtly unraveling its structure.
Once a decent chunk of the Vong warriors were lured away from the main camp, Vader gave the final signal. The Dark Troopers sprung from their positions, flanking the camp on two sides, trapping the Vong in a crossfire. Red blaster bolts streaked through the night, the sound of impact blending with the guttural shouts of surprised Vong.
"Move in! Take them out!" Vader's voice cut through the chaos as he ignited his lightsaber, its red blade casting an eerie glow on his black armor. He and Baylan stepped into the fray, lightsabers flashing as they advanced through the Vong lines, cutting down any who dared to close the distance.
The Vong fought back fiercely, their amphistaffs slashing through the air, but they were outmatched. The Dark Troopers kept them pinned, coordinated blasterfire and flames forcing the Vong into narrow spaces where they couldn't swing their weapons freely.
The Vong quickly tried to regroup, shouting orders in their guttural language. But Vader and Baylan were waiting for this, their lightsabers striking with surgical precision. They targeted the weak points in the Vong's crab armor, slicing at exposed joints and vulnerable spots. Every strike was deliberate, designed to disrupt the Vong's formations and prevent any organized counterattack.
Baylan unleashed a quick burst of Force lightning, scattering a group of Vong warriors and sending them stumbling back, their armor crackling under the electric onslaught. Vader followed suit, his own lightning arcing out to catch the nearest warriors, forcing them to retreat in a flash of blinding light.
Meanwhile, high above, Bane took advantage of the chaos. Perched on a tree branch, he fired at any Vong who slipped through the cracks, disorienting them one by one. His shock blasters rang out in the night, each shot precise. When a larger group tried to rally and push toward him, he raised his flamethrower, sending a stream of fire that forced them back, incinerating a few who couldn't dodge fast enough.
"Gettin' a little crowded down there, eh?" Bane muttered into his comm with a smirk, firing another shot at a Vong warrior who'd strayed too far from his group.
"Keep them off us," Vader replied, barely sparing a glance upward as he blocked a blow from an amphistaff, twisting his saber to cleave through the Vong's exposed neck.
The Dark Troopers, nearly invisible in the night except for the occasional glint of armor, continued their assault with mechanical precision. Moving as a unit, they advanced from one end of the camp to the other, herding the Vong like livestock, keeping them on the defensive and preventing any chance for a counterattack. When a group of warriors tried to break free, two Dark Troopers would step forward, forcing them back with a wall of suppressive blaster fire.
The Vong fought viciously, their amphistaffs writhing like living serpents in their hands, striking out at anything within reach. But their numbers were dwindling, and they were growing desperate. A few of the warriors attempted to throw handfuls of bugs and biots, but Bane's flamethrower cut them down, turning the organic projectiles to ash before they could reach the Dark Troopers.
Vader saw an opportunity as the Vong began to falter. He raised a hand, using the Force to yank a warrior forward, the Vong stumbling into range of his lightsaber. In one smooth motion, he plunged the blade through the warrior's upper chest, then turned to deflect an amphistaff strike aimed at his back.
"Let them think they can regroup," Vader said, his voice cool and measured. "Then crush them."
Baylan grinned, enjoying the thrill of the fight. "Will do." He swung his saber in a wide arc, carving through two more Vong who'd charged forward. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a wave of Force energy at the last handful of warriors, knocking them off balance.
As the last pockets of resistance fell, Vader called for a halt, gesturing to the remaining Dark Troopers to cease fire. Smoke hung heavy in the air, mingling with the metallic tang of ozone and the burnt stench of the Vong's failed bioweapons.
The few surviving Vong warriors had fallen back, huddling together as they realized they were completely outmatched. They looked between each other, clearly debating their next move, but there was no escape. Vader and Baylan stood on either side, lightsabers humming softly, while the Dark Troopers closed in from all directions, blasters trained on the remaining Vong.
Bane jumped down from his vantage point, dusting off his coat as he approached the clearing. "Well, that wasn't so bad," he drawled, holstering his blasters. "Almost makes me think we're gettin' good at this."
Vader glanced at him, expression unreadable behind his beskar helmet. "This is only the beginning," he replied, his tone flat but laced with an edge of warning.
Baylan extinguished his lightsaber, giving the scattered bodies a once-over. "Thrawn's going to be pleased. We've got plenty of samples for his little 'cultural analysis'."
Vader nodded, his attention shifting to the nearest Dark Trooper. "Secure as many remaining corpses and bring them aboard. Thrawn's scientists will want to examine them."
The troopers moved in, hauling the bodies with cold efficiency, while Vader, Baylan, and Bane watched in silence. The night was settling around them once more, the jungle returning to its quiet, undisturbed state.
As they turned to leave, Bane threw a last glance at the smoldering remains of the Vong camp. "You know," he said with a wry grin, "if this is what it takes to keep those Vong in line, I might need to renegotiate my contract."
Vader didn't reply, but the faintest glint in his eyes hinted at some dark amusement.
With the last of the bodies loaded onto the Justifier, the group boarded, leaving the ravaged camp behind. The Dark Troopers took up formation around them as the ship rose, carrying them back into the stars, the jungle fading into the darkness below.
The campfire embers died out one by one, leaving no sign of the skirmish except the echoes of blaster fire and the faint, lingering scent of ozone.