Ch1 - The Admiral's Return
Kom'rk-Class Transport Blackjack, Coruscant System, Galactic Core, 19 BBY
"Unidentified Kom'rk Class Transport, this is Imperial Patrol 208-Alpha. You have submitted a flight path towards a restricted area. Transmit clearance codes now, or submit to Imperial Detainment."
Percy shook his head in amusement, deciding not to test the Clone pilots as he had initially been planning to. Of course, he had set his course towards his own personal landing strip, atop the former Galactic Naval Admiralty, now renamed the Imperial Naval Admiralty following the end of the Clone Wars.
In any case, he recognised the Clone Detachment on duty today. They had been stationed here to wait for him over his break, after all. He could afford to have some fun.
"Patrol 208-Alpha, this is Admiral Perseus Jackson of the 5th Fleet, awaiting clearance to land."
The Clone Pilot paused a moment, his radio crackling out briefly as the man fumbled over his words.
"Do I have to ask you for clearance codes, Sir?" the lad asked in a small voice, and Percy laughed.
"Easy there, soldier," he placated, realising that this was a newer trooper than those he had commanded. "But since you asked, transmitting now." He plugged the code cylinder into the port on his right, and with a twist, he locked it in, sending off the codes.
"Thank you Sir," the youngster replied, "I'll get an escort to accompany you down."
"Good meeting you, soldier," Percy replied, "What's the name?"
"CT-30-406, sir," the Clone told him over the comm, "Ensign Snipes. I served on Tempest so you wouldn't have met me."
"Came in after Shadow stole half our staff, I remember," Percy noted as the man fell into formation off his right wing. "Jason always said you were a solid officer, Snipes, keep it up."
"Thanks Admiral," the Clone replied with a salute through his cockpit.
He fell silent afterwards, the comm crackling out again, and Percy smiled to himself. He remembered being a Junior Officer, for however short that period had been, with all the nerves and confusion that the role had come with. He could sympathise for the youngster, however amusing it was at the same time.
Hopefully, this particular Junior Officer wouldn't have to deal with the kinds of horrors that Percy had faced as a young man. Accelerated promotions right from the outset of the Clone Wars, as well as a deliberate placement to his current position by a man who was now the Emperor?
There were certainly better situations to have been in as a 23-year old, and yet here he was - a veteran of the bloodiest war in living memory, with nothing more to show for it than a few coloured squares on a rank tab on his uniform.
And, of course, then there were the more pressing issues caused by idiots who couldn't help but make his life hard.
He sighed as he landed, preparing himself mentally for the crushing pain of Galactic Politics.
Less than a day ago he had sworn his oaths to the love of his life, ready to begin a new life together.
It was going to be a long, long day.
Monument Plaza, Coruscant, Core Worlds, 19 BBY
It was on a walk through the city that Percy's decided avoidance of all political matters came to an end. He had found himself on Monument Plaza, taking some time to appreciate some of the sights that he had never been able to see from his early times on the ecumenopolis world that formed the centre of the Galaxy's administration and governance.
"Admiral?" Bail Organa asked, eyebrows raised in surprise, "I was not aware that you had returned to Coruscant. How was your time away? I insist that we share a meal before I return to Alderaan."
"It's a bad business, I'm afraid, Senator," he explained with a grimace. "Kamino," he clarified.
Organa nodded, a darkness passing over his face. "This entire business is a mess, I tell you Perseus. Talk of decommissioning the clones, of instating a volunteer military. One would expect that it is no longer needed, would we not?"
"In an ideal world, Bail, yes. Unfortunately, we're in a galaxy of criminals and we need a central force to keep our people safe. I'm here to bollock the idiot who thought that it's a good idea to destroy the source of our victory."
"Then you may wish to join me in my senatorial pod, Perseus," Organa told the Mandalorian with a small smile. "A nice way to think of old times while you get a push on your agenda."
Percy paused, a frown on his face, but he agreed easily enough.
"You're a tricky bastard, Organa," he told the quietly chuckling Alderaanian Senator, before the pair shook hands.
There was some planning to be done.
On the bright side, it appeared that there were allies in this business, should he know where to look.
Galaxies Opera House, Coruscant, Core Worlds, 19 BBY
"Hello all," Organa greeted, spreading his arms in welcome.
Percy took a cursory glance around the room, observing the group of people who had assembled at the Alderaanian's call. Many were familiar from Padme Amidala's meetings towards the end of the war as she had constantly petitioned Percy to bring about the idea of de-escalation.
He had heard very little about the fate of the beloved Senator, and even less about the children that she had so obviously been carrying towards the end of her life.
He swallowed a lump in his throat.
The galaxy had lost a good servant, and a damn good person when she had died.
"We are assembled here with regards to the tragedy on Kamino, and the subsequent proposals regarding the decommissioning of the Clone Troopers. Joining us in our cause is Fleet Admiral Jackson who we all know well enough."
A polite round of applause, which Percy took with a nod and a few handshakes to those closest to him.
"If you get bored, Admiral, I'm sure my guard staff would be happy enough to keep you entertained. They get bored easily enough, and complex politics is hardly your own forte."
Percy scowled.
Galaxies Opera House, Coruscant, Core Worlds, 19 BBY
The discussion continued as the play began, and winded along as the actors left for the intermission. Percy kept up where he could, filing away pieces of information in his mind, both relevant and not to the task at hand as the politicians picked apart the various possibilities that they had come up with for the battle that they hoped would ensue in the senate in a few days' time when they had information.
Of course, Bail Organa, observant man that he was, picked up on his silence as soon as there was a lull in the conversation.
"Perseus, you've been awfully quiet, old friend," he noted to the room at large, "a man as sharp as yourself has surely picked up an idea or two in all that thinking you've done."
Percy nodded at the man, pondering what he was about to say for a moment before he addressed the room.
"You all know that I'm hardly the most politically astute of people," he began, lacing his fingers together and sitting back in his chair. "That doesn't mean that I don't have a solution."
"And what's that, Admiral?" Riyo Chuchi pressed, "remember, violence isn't an answer here."
"And ideally, it shouldn't occur here Ma'am," he replied shortly. "We are looking at the destruction of the Clones' home - a place that they fought tooth and nail to defend. I should know; I oversaw that battle, albeit from my office on Anaxes. I say we ask them for their aid."
"And how do we do that, Jackson?" another senator asked, "they're all tied up in their duties, or terrified of that sniper to the point that they'd avoid conversation to stay alive."
"Not all the clones are in the Empire's service, Senator," Percy pointed out with a smirk. "Ignoring the obvious Clone Force 99, there are the likes of former Commander Rex, elevated from Captain during the Siege of Mandalore that was overseen by the fugitive Ahsoka Tano and fought by my own people. There are also the likes of Gregor, an elite trooper in his own right, and other such dissenters and deserters. They carry the same love for Kamino, and a disregard for Imperial Authority to boot. Immaculately skilled, and capable of doing what none of us could do."
"I… I think that might just be enough, Perseus," Organa told him, a furrow in his brow. "You can run off and play soldiers with my guard staff now - I'd expect that my Major would be happy enough to meet you again."
Percy rose from his seat, drained the drink in his hand and, with a final nod, left the room.
Galaxies Opera House, Coruscant, Core Worlds, 19 BBY
"So I was told to speak to you guys," Percy said to the room at large, though he knew that the pair of Alderaanian Defence Force Officers knew that it was them he meant to speak to. They were stood guard on the door with their DC-series blasters, chatting amicably as they loosely surveyed the hallway for any risks to the VIPs inside.
"Surprised you didn't come and say hi earlier, really," the Major said back, the female voice familiar from beneath the uniquely styled Alderaanian helmet, "We were quite sad, really."
He paused a moment, before it clicked.
"Annabeth?"
"The one and only," the former Naval Commander smirked, "how have you been then, Perce?"
"Can't get away with that, Chase, I know you're trying to spring Malcolm on me - take those damned helmets off, the both of you."
With a barely suppressed groan, Malcolm revealed himself, earning a clap on the shoulder and a shake of the hand from his former Commanding Officer.
"Defence Force Officers? A good move by all means, though I'd have preferred the pair of you in the Navy - we could kriffing well have done with some more decent officers on my side of things."
"Opportunity came knocking, Perce," Annabeth replied simply, "don't pretend that you wouldn't jump at a posting in the Mandalore Sector."
"Yeah, that's fair," he acknowledged with a nod. "So how's life been since that shit a few months back, then?"
"Nothing, really," Annabeth shrugged noncommittally, "No threats as of yet, though the little Princess is a right handful when she wants to be."
"Damn right," Malcolm chortled, "Leia's taken a liking to just about everyone but Annabeth. Remember that time Clarisse came by?"
"Don't remind me," Annabeth sighed, shaking her head in exasperation. "Percy, a piece of advice - kids ain't worth it."
"Ah, they're nice enough," Percy shrugged back, fighting back the grin that was tugging at the corners of his lips. "Poseidon and Amphitrite just had little Rhode - absolute ray of sunshine, that one."
This time, Malcolm gave up, snickering quietly behind Annabeth's back. "Face it Annie, kids just don't like you."
"Oh, shove off, you big pile of Bantha Shite," Annabeth retorted, giving her longtime colleague and compatriot a friendly shove.
Senate Chambers, Coruscant, Galactic Core, 19 BBY
"Order!" the speaker called over the din, "ORDER!"
The thousands present within the halls of the Galactic Senate fell to a hush, and, at the strike of a gavel, they were in session.
"I begin this session by opening the floor to any announcements. If there is anything to be said, it shall be said now"
Organa raised his hand.
"Senator Organa?"
"I wish to make known that I have in my delegation today, and indeed, for as long as this issue persists, Admiral Perseus Jackson of the 5th Fleet of the Imperial Navy, in regards to the destruction of Kamino's facilities, and indeed the subsequent Military Bill proposed."
"This announcement is recognised, Senator, and the Admiral's words shall be attributed to the delegation of the Planet of Alderaan."
Organa sat down with a nod.
"The Chair recognises the Delegation of Kuat," the speaker said, speaking once more after a moment.
"Thank you, Mister Speaker," the Kuati Senator replied, and Percy found himself craning his neck to spot the pod as it moved out towards the centre of the room from his seat behind Organa. "I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the Fleet Admiral for his heroic deeds not only throughout the course of the war but also at the final siege of the Jedi Temple."
The chamber rang out with agreements, from the murmured assent of some, to the jubilant cheers of others. A shove in the back from Annabeth behind him had him rising out of his seat to thunderous applause.
The Kuati Senator looked him dead in the eye as he pulled off his ceremonial hood.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to publicly call him a magnificent bastard."
The senate broke out in laughter.
The smirking face of Jason Grace stared across at Percy, and the Mandalorian couldn't help but laugh, applauding his former colleague's audacity as he retook his seat.
"That was an interesting change," Annabeth informed him. "His father decided a month or so back that his big impressive war hero son was the right person to take over as senator, and so it was handed over without a fuss."
Percy nodded thoughtfully.
"He's a decent choice, really," he mused aloud, "always been more charismatic than he needed to be, and he definitely didn't want to stick around in the Navy after the war finished. Got married and all, didn't he?"
Annabeth nodded. "I'm surprised you didn't speak at the wedding."
Percy chuckled softly. "He wouldn't have enjoyed that at all. Poor Piper - so many dumb stories about that man to tell."
Annabeth laughed beside him, and Bail Organa sent the pair of them a dirty look, though the mirth in his eyes was obvious.
By now, the conversation of the Senate had wound its way to the matter that its occupants found most pressing - the decommissioning and subsequent rebuilding of the largest military force in the galaxy.
"I invite the honourable senator Riyo Chuchi to speak," Bail announced, his pod withdrawing.
Chuchi, ever the fair speaker, pleaded her case with passion and urgency, appealing to the planets who had benefited from Clone Service, and to those who wished to see an end to large-scale aggression. Murmurs of assent began spreading around the chamber, hushed whispers taking place between the delegations of the planets not yet committed to one side or another of the debate.
"And what will happen to the rest of us, Senator?" a voice asked, "What of the businesses that you would collapse by attempting to scale back, or even kill off the Galactic Arms Manufacturing industries?"
It was Jason who had spoken, and as much as Percy respected the Kuati Senator, the man had chosen the wrong point to pick up on here.
Even if he intervened, those who did understand what Chuchi was gunning for here would have sufficient ammunition to shoot down the proposition without even allowing himself or Organa to make use of their own arguments regarding the true crux of what they had come here to argue.
If there was any time to save their argument, however, it was now.
"With respect, Senator," Percy placated, standing up and looking Jason in the eye, "that is not what Senator Chuchi wished to say. Those who listened without profit in mind would have noticed that the honourable delegate of Pantora had referred to the responsible evolution from a Clone Military Force to one manned by civilians, as the Emperor has mandated that there be. Even if there were undertones of scaling back Imperial Forces in her speech, I find myself shocked that so many would even consider profit over the military service of their citizens. I will also reiterate that the Clones, along whom you yourself served, Senator, are just as human as the rest of us. That is why we recruited them, is it not?"
"They are. My apologies, Admiral," Jason replied, sufficiently chastened. His pod withdrew.
Percy sat down, a small smirk on his face. The session could continue as planned.
Imperial Naval Admiralty, Coruscant, 19 BBY
Percy sat down at his desk, a cup of steaming caf in hand and breathed a sigh.
It had been a long day, taken up by arguments and politics, and the Mandalorian had come away from it the recipient of a significant amount of information which could potentially narrow down the list of those responsible for the destruction wrought upon Tipoca City.
His presence had also caused quite the stir among the Mandalorian delegation, the Clan Saxon Imperial puppet instated as representative choosing to challenge Percy at all possible opportunities and generally making a nuisance of himself, though at the cost of
He had sent out his metaphorical feelers into the Coruscanti undercity, demanding reports on any information that they found regarding the case.
What he didn't expect, however, was to find his answer on the first day.
A hologram of a Mandalorian warrior sprung to life on the holodisk that he kept at the far corner of his table.
"Rampart, Sir, it was Rampart."
"Evidence?" he asked, the caf now an afterthought in his mind.
"His men have just tried to assassinate Riyo Chuchi, sir."
"Remain where you are, Soldier," he instructed sharply, "The rest of us will be with you shortly."
"Transmitting coordinates now, Sir," the spy informed, and Percy cut off the comm.
Undercity, Coruscant, 19 BBY
The team of Mandalorians converged around their leader's adoptive son quickly and quietly, their objective a mere few hundred metres away from them.
"The Senator and her guards are inside the warehouse, Perseus," the warrior said, "She encountered a Clone, who informed her that it was in fact Rampart, before the Clone and the majority of her guard were picked off by a sniper."
"Has that threat been dealt with?"
"I have tracked the sniper to a marked position, sir, but was not confident to take him on without being seen."
"Well reasoned," Percy praised. "By no means must we be seen, and if we are, being identified and traced back would mean inconceivable consequences for the clan."
The group of Mandalorians nodded, and at their commander's signal, they took off.
"Three of you, find the senator," Percy instructed as he flew, "I authorise the use of whatever force you deem necessary to keep her and her guards safe."
"Two more, counter the sniper. The rest of us will move to secure a perimeter. I want eyes on at all times. We are capturing this assassin."
As one, the Mandalorians peeled away, and Percy set himself down on a balcony, overlooking the entrance to the warehouse.
"Perseus, we have made contact with the Sniper," one of his comrades informed him, "Identified as a Clone Assassin. Retreat confirmed and tracked to Imperial zone of control."
"Were you seen?" he demanded sharply, pulling himself into a shadowed doorway and taking a knee. A sign for a shop of some description flickered briefly across the pitch-black street from him, and he found himself illuminated with its purple light.
"Negative, Sir," came the response, "he scarpered the moment he was fired upon. His line of sight was confirmed to be tracking where the Senator was."
"Well done. Do not pursue. Retrieve the Kom'rk and prepare to launch our withdrawal."
"Understood, Perseus, we shall see you in the ship."
Moving back out of cover, Percy flicked his viewfinder over his right eye, granting himself a view of the warehouse which they were surrounding.
Then, as suddenly as the fight had started, it finished.
"Senator secured, Perseus," his lieutenant informed him, "we weren't the only ones here, though - Clone Captain Rex on the scene. Both Assassin and Captain Identified and detained for questioning, Sir."
"Release the Captain, Alor'ad," Percy instructed. "The Kom'rk will arrive imminently to remove us from the undercity. The prisoner can be questioned in more secure facilities."
Throne Room, Imperial Palace, Coruscant, Galactic Core, 19 BBY
"Perseus, what a surprise!" The Emperor mused aloud, an eyebrow raised, "I did not hear news of your arrival."
"It was forced, Emperor," Percy admitted. "House Tritonis was happy to have me, and I have been informed that they are happy to comply with your new mandate as Emperor. The first cohort of Wren warriors and Tritonis Pilots will join the Mandalorian Legions at the first available instance, so long as our clans are permitted to bear their own arms. We of Kyr'tsad are a proud people, and we will not forego the right for which we have fought for decades against Satine Kryze's government."
"Your message from Duke Poseidon is noted, Perseus, and acknowledged. I will allow you and your clan this right, so long as you, Admiral, are able to convince the Mandalorian Protectors of Concord Dawn to pledge their loyalty to my Empire."
"It shall be done, my lord."
"Now, Perseus, the matter for which you returned? I see that you have something on your mind."
"Yes, Sir," Percy sighed. "The destruction on Kamino; I have found the man responsible for it."
"Oh?" The Emperor questioned, "And who was it, Admiral?"
"Admiral Rampart, My Lord," Percy replied, "As much as the Clone Army is growing past its effectiveness, to throw them away like toys is wrong. Rampart's move has accelerated the process behind such a decision. After all, it is now expensive to aid them - the Politicians will not stand by it. His attempt to assassinate Riyo Chuchi was not appreciated in the least either, especially when said Senator was en route to meet with me. It is most fortunate, I feel, that some bounty hunters were caught up in the attack, and dealt with the assassin." The threat was bold, but Percy knew that he had the metaphorical high ground here. The Emperor knew that if Percy could track the evidence back to him, the politicians of the Senate could do the same.
"Very well, Perseus," The Emperor said to him. "You can rest assured that he will be punished severely. He will not have such an ability in the future."
Percy bowed, and left the room.
"Summon Rampart," Palpatine instructed Mas Amedda, and the Vizier nodded.
"It shall be done immediately, my lord."
Rampart walked in no less than five minutes later, and the red in his cheeks showed the Emperor that he had run to reach the throne room as quickly as he had.
A flick of his hand had his guards leaving the room, melding into the shadows and leaving the Emperor and the Admiral alone.
"You fool!" Palpatine seethed, voice barely above a hiss. "Jackson was able to find your identity, even the ships involved in the attack, within a day of his arrival!"
"My Lord…" Rampart protested weakly.
"SILENCE!" The Emperor raged. "Your failure is intolerable. There was sufficient evidence that you left, Rampart, for Jackson to stride into this room and threaten me. To flaunt the presence of his own spy network, crawling around Coruscant and interfering in my business at their merest whim."
"Punish him, then," Rampart retorted stubbornly. Mas Amedda scoffed quietly behind the Emperor.
"He, Rampart, is the youngest Fleet Admiral in the galaxy, and the most promising commander that his galaxy has seen in living memory. You, meanwhile, are a bungling fool who cannot keep a misdeed quiet. You will face a tribunal, and you will lose your General commission. You will not show your face in this room again."
Rampart hung his head in shame.
If the two men met any time soon, Jackson would suffer.
Concord Dawn, Mandalore Sector, 19 BBY
"Rau," Percy greeted. "Have you considered my offer?"
"It is a tempting one, Perseus," The Protector admitted. "Even more so if the Mando'ade are able to bear arms openly once more."
"Then take it, Fenn," Percy urged. "Secure Concord Dawn against the Empire. If there is such a time that the interests of the Mando'ade conflict with the interests of the Empire, then I shall be the first man to the front line, the first to take up arms against them."
"Pretences shall need to be kept, Perseus," Rau warned. "I cannot be seen on Kyr'tsad ground of my own volition, and I will not be seen to be cavorting with your men. Our alliance shall be a discreet one."
"Agreed, Rau. Give Coruscant the words they wish to hear. Mandalore will strengthen while they rest on their laurels."
Rau nodded, and they clasped forearms in a mark of respect between warriors.
"Go well, Perseus," Rau wished.
"And you, Rau."
A/N
So, Chapter 1 posted.
It may not have been the Battle of Umbara or anything like that, but it's very necessary. Shows where some of our old characters are in this new world, and how stuff has changed since the formation of the Empire.
We're going to be doing a little bit of jumping forwards in time early on; we're going to find ourselves at SW Rebels S3 by Chapter 7 or 8, for context, and so this is going to be a set of episodes leading up to the main body of the Galactic Civil War. Not too much to cover on the Bad Batch front, if that's what people were hoping for; a lot of that stuff is far, far away from what Percy's dealing with at the moment.
Chapter 2 is written and waiting until I have Chapter 3 done - that's not a million miles off either, by the way, so there's that going on.
I felt like I needed to cover that transition between the Sundari that we saw in the Clone Wars and the one we saw in Rebels onwards - some of the later stuff going on in this chapter covers that. Generally a load of little details that I wanted to have in the storyline that I'm gradually building.
The customary thanks to Dudududhehe, who's been helping me write this fic with all the lore and factfinding that it's been taking, he just updated his own SW/PJO Crossover 'The Wolf's Head' - give it a read. If you've enjoyed this, you're sure to enjoy that.
I'd also just like to take a very selfish moment to thank the early support that this story's got thus far, long may it continue.
Until next time, then,
Sol
(I don't own PJO, Star Wars or any related media)