Bumi and Kya were standing with Bossk when Colonel Peltigar arrived on the planet. He was an engineer sent to Aldhani to expand the base. The colonel wasn't sure what to think of the Benders but he was respectful of the guests at the base. He was somewhat more reserved toward Bossk, until he realized the Trandoshan was decorated for heroism by the Emperor himself. This, and other things they'd seen both on this trip and before rescuing Iroh, led Bumi and Kya to realize there was a trend of tension between humans and other species. They'd have to ask their reptilian friend about this, in the future. Thoughts of that were interrupted, however, when Commandant Beehaz started talking about current operations.
"The Dhanis are a sad, simple people with a collection of traits making them exceptionally vulnerable to social engineering," the officer began. "They have a difficult time in considering multiple ideas, to the point that when given several options, they fail to notice none of it is what they asked for in the first place. In addition, their culture worships hardship, making them too proud to try for more, which is hilarious given how they've never challenged any of our projects or decrees. Thankfully, we are improving the lives of the natives, even if many fail to realize it."
"How many do we expect to be here, tonight?" asked the colonel.
"Perhaps sixty," Lt. Gorn revealed after being looked to. "There could be more coming in from the mountains, but we think that most of the attendants will be here."
"Thankfully, most of them understand they can watch the Eye just as easily from the homes we've built for them," Beehaz noted. "The Eye is quite something to see, colonel." After the meeting, Kya and her brother were bothered by the dismissive attitude the Imperials had for the locals whose ways traditions they'd disrespected. Such arrogance usually led to bloody conquest of those who didn't want to accept the 'improvements' the outside world offered. After the colonel left, Kya was further displeased when she saw Beehaz berate his son for something which didn't seem to be the boy's fault. Still, Srinivasa had befriended the boy and was starting to come out of the shell he'd hidden within after the death of his family.
"Will you be joining us, Colonel Beifong?" Beehaz asked Baatar.
"I'm going to be putting on a show for you," Baatar answered. "I will fly a TIE through the Eye."
"I can't authorize that," Beehaz said. "It's impossible."
"Nothing is impossible with the Force," Baatar said, tapping his lightsaber. "Lord Vader has done similar feats of flying, himself."
"If you were to die, I would be held responsible for it," the commandant stated. "As entertaining as it would be, I can't risk a VIP such as yourself." At that, Baatar looked angry at having been told no, and stormed off. Kya knew the look and went after him.
"I think you've already proven yourself," the Waterbender said. "There's no need to do such a dangerous stunt."
"There are times for a soldier to be brave, and times to be smart," Bumi added. "There's no reason to be brave, here."
"Don't predict something that won't happen," Baatar replied. "Besides, there might be a time where I need to fly through something like this. Might as well practice."
"I'm guessing that you can force your way onto a starfighter regardless of what Commandant Beehaz wants," Kya said. "Still, this is nothing but a dangerous stunt for your own ego. What of Kuvira and the rest of your family back home? They could lose you if you do this."
"They could lose me to a terrorist attack, a car accident, or any number of things," Baatar dismissed before heading out. Kya just hoped that Suyin Beifong's eldest son wouldn't be arrested or hurt himself doing this stunt but knew she couldn't stop it.
"I'm getting a feeling other species don't always get along with humans," Bumi brought up to Bossk.
"When you travel the stars, trouble with other races is inevitable," the Trandoshan commented. "When one is more common than the rest, trouble with them depends on the situation."
"Well, Boba said that Nar Shaddaa was filled with nonhumans who hated humanity," Kya remembered.
"There's problems on both sides," Bossk replied. "Hard to know who did what first, though. Many humans like to act like galactic civilization was a human creation, while ignoring the ones that came before it and races like the Duros and Caamasi which helped create the Galactic Republic. Then there are the Hutts, who resent how Humanity has greater power and reach than them, and frequently make trouble, both out of paranoia and spite. There are races that feel mistreated by humans for more...legitimate reasons, like the Nosaurians. Ten thousand years ago, the Republic was really just a human-centered cult waging bloody conquests against everyone else. And then were the Clone Wars. On one side, most Republic leaders were human and their most visible soldiers were human clones. On the other, all but one Separatist leaders of note was a nonhuman, usually one that humans considered ugly, as were most of their organic soldiers. And there were a few times where Humans were targeted specifically, whether it was a predominantly human city planet bombed to slag or a hundred worlds hit with a plague altered to only target humans." Bumi and Kya nodded in understanding, as their parents and family often talked about how conflict fueled hatred.
"Where do Trandoshans fit into this?" asked Bumi sympathetically. "Who did they side with in the Clone Wars?"
"Many outsiders misunderstand our ways, or only meet bad Trandoshans, I'm guessing Peltigar is one of those," Bossk answered. "As for Hsskhor itself, the government declared neutrality. Many Trandoshans, however, resented the Republic and wound up fighting it."
"What about you?" asked Kya.
"I was...lost at that point in my life," Bossk answered vaguely. "I met Boba around that time, and he was just as lost. We got scammed, chasing vengeance for his father, and things were a bit...complicated for a while. I didn't care enough to choose sides in the Clone Wars, and I never had the chance to." Bumi understood there was more to the story but that it would take some time for the bounty hunter to open up about it. The siblings and their friend headed down to the mound at the center of the valley where the celebration would take place, joined by the EUA soldiers.
Cassian marched in the second row of the fake squad that the Aldhani heist crew made up. Spotting the Trandoshan and the two Bender siblings, Cassian looked to the side so they wouldn't see his face as he walked past. They were joined by Lt. Gorn, who accompanied them and the Aldhani pilgrims to a mound where the commander and his family were waiting. Said commander had the arrogance typical of many Imperials and was barely hiding his contempt as he partook in the local tradition of exchanging furs. Cassian noticed the Bender siblings standing close by, and while he was nervous they would spot him, he noticed that Bumi and Kya seemed to disapprove of his disdainful attitude. In addition, there was a small Togruta child standing beside Kya, looking like a lost puppy she'd taken in. It made him wonder why they were working with the Empire. Thankfully, neither saw him, and his squad continued on the mission, following the commander back to the base. They passed by two of the Bender soldiers, and Cassian noticed how their helmets resembled Darth Vader. The Benders were a conundrum, indeed.
After the door closed, the robbers disguised as soldiers revealed themselves and demanded the Imperials help them into the vault. Cassian was twice surprised, first that the local commandant rushed in front of the wife and son he'd seemed to be bickering with earlier, and by the VIP guest drawing his own blaster and holding it firm. Cassian was further surprised that this offworld engineer didn't demand they surrender but that they let the young boy go. Such thoughts were interrupted, however, when Vel shot him as she entered the room, joined by Cinta. Soon, they went into the formal dining room and took more Imperials hostage.
"I don't control the vault," the commandant protested as they dragged him away.
"We can, you just need to get us inside," Taramyn said.
"Why?" the commandant asked. "You'll kill my family any-""Because that is what you'd do?" interrupted Vel. "We're not like you, now lead us there!" As they got on the elevator, Cassian saw Cinta stay behind with the hostages. Judging by the look on her face, Cassian wondered if Vel's claim was true.
Baatar, having gotten to the Alkenzi air base, quickly made his way to the TIE hanger in his fighter pilot suit.
"There are no flights scheduled for today," the local officer said. "And given the Eye is about to start, going on patrol is suicide."
"Well, Lord Vader always believes in challenging yourself," the younger man said.
"Lord Vader isn't here," the local officer said smugly. "What you do on your own time is your concern, Colonel Beifong, but not with my fighters." Baatar had seen this sort of man many times, a tiny cog who lorded what little authority he actually had. The Apostle of Darth Vader was about to mind trick this fool into acquiescing when his comlink started beeping.
"Colonel Beifong," he answered.
"Sir, it's Corporal Kimzi," the voice on the other side revealed. "Colonel, I've just detected a strange signal. The unlock code for the credit cylinders in the vault has just been received." With that, the local officer spoke up.
"No maintenance or deliveries to the vault have been scheduled," he said. "Check your sensors, again."
"Sir, I've done so twice, the cylinders are unlocked!" Kimzi yelled. "And I'm not hearing anything from the vault itself! Protocol requires that the TIEs be scrambled!"
"Yes, of course, but you investigate yourself," the local officer said, looking somewhat fearful. "I should be getting into my fighter. But you already have your flight suit on, colonel. You should take my TIE, it will be quicker."
"Glad to see you recognize a better pilot," Baatar quipped, recognizing that this man was afraid of flying in the meteor shower which was about to start.
As the vault crew and base commandant were being forced to load the ship with credit cylinders, Cassian was still working on getting the Rono working when he heard Lieutenant Gorn speak. "This is a top secret operation, and you aren't at your post corporal," Gorn said, acting the part of the typical Imperial officer to an enlisted man who'd showed up unannounced. Said corporal wasn't interested and immediately shot the heist crew's inside man, sparking a firefight. Cassian shot the suspicious corporal in the shoulder, knocking him down, while the rest of the new squad opened fire on the heist crew. Covered by the others, Cassian rushed into the cockpit and began the takeoff procedure. While Vel and Nemik were already inside, Skeen and Taramyn rushed under fire toward the shuttle. Before he could make it, though, Taramyn was shot through the ear by the same corporal who killed Gorn, as he was wounded, not dead.
"Get us out of here!" yelled Vel. Cassian launched the ship, just as he saw Kya and Bossk charge into the room, blasting out of the tunnel before the ship could be stopped. He heard a scream from back in the cargo area. Nemik's leg was crushed between two heavy credit cylinders, breaking it at the very least.
"I need a flight path!" Cassian yelled, spotting several TIEs approaching on their scanners even as he sped toward the Eye.
"I'm okay!" Nemik obviously lied as he held up his guidance unit. "Climb now!" he yelled. Cassian initially doubted, but he followed Nemik's instructions after seeing a green laser from one of the TIEs flash past his face.
Baatar had taken charge of the two TIEs flying behind him. Upon seeing the Eye of Aldhani, Baatar could sense hesitation from the other pilots to fly into it. Knowing they didn't have Force-Sensitivity like him to guide them through the storm, he opened a channel to them.
"Fall back, I'll continue the pursuit," Baatar ordered.
"Sir, we haven't received permission from command," the other pilots replied.
"You have from me, I'll handle it, return to base until the Eye has passed," Baatar commanded. With that, the two TIEs turned back as Baatar continued the pursuit. Reaching out with the Force, he sensed the various debris flying around, and banked right, avoiding a meteor from hitting him. Baatar noticed how the cockpit windshield was cracking from all the tiny micrometeors that were also in the storm. Flying through, he saw the horizon clear of the storm, and that the stolen freighter had already exited. Sensing danger, he banked left at the last moment to avoid a meteor impact and roared into space. Firing his lasers, he made a glancing hit on the ship. But before he could make another, it sped up and made an emergency jump into hyperspace. Unfortunately, TIEs didn't have hyperdrives, so Baatar could do nothing. Hopefully, his allies on the ground were doing better.
Bumi and Kya were smiling at the local celebration of the Dhanis dancing and chanting at the sacred festival. Unfortunately, the Dhanis looked at the siblings with the same suspicion they had for Imperials. The EUA soldiers were a bit more relaxed than their Imperial instructors but were still fairly reserved. Everyone, regardless of clothing or affiliation, smiled as the first of the meteors entered the atmosphere. They were interrupted, however, when someone came up to them. It was an EUA member, albeit an Airbender who felt more loyal to her homeland by birth than the Air Nation that Tenzin had tried forcing her into.
"The vault's cylinders have been unlocked, and communication with the base interior is out!" she revealed to the sergeant present. "Corporal Kimzi has taken a squad to investigate and sent me to call for reinforcements."
"You three, watch this crowd with me," the sergeant ordered two EUA and one garrison trooper before turning to the rest. "You five, go back up Kimzi. Everyone else, go to the Commandant's office! Move out!" After a moment's hesitation, Bumi rushed with the rest toward where the commandant was last seen. Kya told Srinivasa to stay with the sergeant while she and Bossk ran with Kimzi's reinforcements.
"Is this place a bank?" Kya asked Bossk as they followed the squad of reinforcements.
"Military payroll station," the Trandoshan revealed as they charged inside the base. "Where a soldier's wages are kept and doled out. Specifically for the soldiers of two dozen worlds."
"Has anyone tried to rob one, before?" Kya asked as they came to the sealed door.
"Never successfully," Bossk said. "The transport for the money is a flying box which can't outrun a TIE." As the door opened, they heard blaster fire from within and the squad charged in to aid their comrades. Just as Kya got through the door, the freighter on the train-like tracks launched, sending those closest to it flying backward. Deciding to aid whoever was injured, Kya looked about the room and saw Commandant Beehaz clutching his chest. Rushing up to the commander, Kya saw he was soaked with sweat and breathing erratically. She started chest compressions, knowing a heart attack was a real risk.
"They have my family in the meeting room," he answered with labored breathing. Kya reassured him as she focused on his condition, revealing that Bumi was going to save them.
The heist crew had been shocked a TIE had made it through the storm after them, and Cassian made an emergency jump to hyperspace. After they'd shaken pursuit, Skeen brought up the doctor Vel had on call for them to take Nemik to. After arriving, Cassian and Skeen were standing in the room where Nemik's broken leg was being looked over by the doctor Vel had arranged in case anyone was injured. "It could have been much worse," the doctor said to his patient. "If that weight had landed higher up, you would be dead. Unfortunately, gas decay has set in, so we'll have to amputate." As Vel and Skeen started helping the doctor, Cassian dropped the crystal which had been a down payment for him to take the job and began filling crate with credits.
"What are you doing?" asked Vel.
"Taking my payment and getting out of here," Cassian said, holding his blaster toward her and Skeen.
"After all that, you don't want to-""Rebellion is suicide," Cassian dismissed. "I'm taking my money and getting out."
"We can't just let you walk aw-"Skeen was interrupted when Cassian Waterbent a large amount of water over him and froze him in place. Everyone was surprised by the display. Even Cassian didn't expect his demonstration to be that powerful.
"I'm taking my money, not all of it," Cassian reiterated. As he headed for the ship he'd take, he heard Nemik call him.
"Take my journal, you should read it," he pleaded but Cassian ignored him and left. Vel focused on getting Skeen out of the iceblock he was now in, so they could help the doctor save Nemik. As they prepared for the operation, all of them wondered how Cassian could be a Bender. Vel was also worried about how Cinta was doing.
Kya was standing beside Commandant Beehaz, looking him over. He was just relieved his wife and son were alright. "So, Commandant Beehaz, you'll be fine but you should take some steps to avoid overexertion like this for a while, as well as some living choices to mitigate this risk," Kya told her patient as he got up.
"Well, the least I could do is listen to you," he said, seeming a bit distracted.
"You should take this chance to fix things with your family," Kya said. "And with the Dhanis."
"I'll try," he said. "Though I wasn't the first officer in charge of this garrison and their grudges with the Empire extend beyond me." He then looked at the restrained intruder who'd been holding his family hostage. "And after losing Colonel Peltigar, Lt. Gorn's betrayal, and the first successful theft of a military payroll, I'll be lucky if I'm still in command of this base." Kya assured him that his superiors would be more understanding, knowing her patient needed good words even if you weren't sure they were true.
"How could Lt. Gorn betray us like this?" a shocked trooper asked to himself.
"It's rather typical," Bossk replied. "He felt entitled to the money he was guarding and took the first offer to steal it which might actually succeed."
"You know nothing!" yelled the restrained robber. "We aren't in this for money, we care about the whole galaxy. Everywhere, people are fed up with the Empire, our cause is growing, yours is shrinking! Gorn came to hate the oppression you practice and jumped at the chance to-"she was cut off by Bumi who punched her in the face, knocking her out.
"I've heard too much crap like that," the Airbender said. "I wasn't interested in hearing another rant about the evils of authority." Like her brother, Kya was similarly displeased with the woman's rant. It sounded too much like the demagoguery they'd heard from the Equalists and the Red Lotus. And just like the Red Lotus, this woman had taken a child hostage to force someone who loved him to obey, with said someone almost dying as a result. They had their problems with the Empire, but they would never work with terrorists such as these.
"The Emperor is quite displeased by this, Lord Vader," Tarkin said over the hologram Korra, Vader, and their party was standing in front of inside their shuttle. "Rebels have been getting bolder, recently."
"You're assuming it is Rebels," Korra spoke up. "A couple weeks after I handled Amon, there was a bank robbery. The guys were nonbenders in Equalist garb, ranting about their cause. I caught them, and they were just normal thieves who thought playing the part of revolutionaries would point us in the wrong direction. There was one true believer, though. His throat was slit and he was dumped in a ditch as soon as he outlived his usefulness. Whatever ranting some robber makes, money is usually the end goal."
"Korra raises an important point," Vader said, clearly disinterested in the matter as well. "And a simple robbery is not a concern."
"The captured robber will be questioned, thoroughly," Tarkin stated. "Regardless, this is a loss of face to the Empire. We must respond to it." Mako, like Korra, was also unconvinced that this was an Anti-Imperial group as opposed to simple thieves, though Korra had already said what he was going to. Kuvira was a bit more considerate of the possibility Tarkin raised but didn't see it as a priority. Krennic, for his part, didn't see how it affected the Death Star and as such didn't care. A short time afterward, Baatar appeared in front of them.
"I'm sorry, master," he said to Vader. "I couldn't stop them from escaping."
"A failure of the standard TIE, not of you," Vader said to the only apostle offworld. "The fact you could fly through a storm like that is impressive. A feat worthy of me."
"Thank you, Master," Baatar replied. "I'll be returning with the detachment, in a few days." He then turned to Kuvira. "I think it's time we let Mom know about how we are handling the Sandbenders."
"We couldn't keep it secret, forever," Kuvira replied to her boyfriend. "See you soon," she smiled as the transmission ended. Korra and Mako would soon be back in Republic City, after dropping off the four Imperial benders back at the Western Air Temple. All in all, it had been a good day.
Wing was jogging outside Zaofu, close to the wilderness he loved. These new legs were really something, as he could run faster than he ever could before. As he came into the forest, he was surprised to see his brother Huan was there.
"I needed some inspiration, so I decided to look, here," the artistic brother said. "Also, I'm hoping the aliens our brother and sisters invited into our house can't hear us."
"You're still angry at Baatar and Kuvira?" Wing asked, before registering that Huan had said 'sisters.' This was perhaps the first time he'd known Huan to have acknowledged Kuvira as family as opposed to just a student of their mother. Before they could continue talking, Wing felt something through his seismic sense, as did Huan.
"Who's there?!" yelled Huan.
"A friend who needs help," a frightened voice said from behind some bushes.
"You're not our friend if we don't know you," Wing said back, readying for a fight.
"Well then, a relative," the voice said, before the figure stepped out of the darkness. Wing and Huan were on guard but were surprised to see who it was. They'd never met one before, but their father had told them stories of his youth in a Si Wong Desert Tribe, most of them bad. And standing in front of them, in full garb, was a tribesman. Better known as a Sandbender.
The Rebels will be rather obsessed with finding Cassian, as a result of him being a Bender. Bossk's circumstances in the Clone Wars were briefly shown in the show, but much of it will be original. The Alien-Hating Cult was called the Pius Dea in the timeline. Without Force-Sensitivity, Baatar would have failed to navigate the Eye. After their experiences with the Equalists and Red Lotus, Bumi and his sister are rather unsympathetic to rebellion. I also figured I'd give a reason for why Korra and the others would be skeptical this was a Rebel attack as opposed to simple theft. I'd been planning to include the Sandbender side of the family for a while. Hope you all enjoyed.