Chapter 11: The Collapse
July 4, 2228.
Getting out of Nal Hutta was indeed a bumpy ride, but it took only hours to realize that the entire hierarchy inside Hutt Space was folding like a house of cards.
The main proof was that nobody actually tried to chase Ezra, Jaral and Luke outside Nal Hutta, as the Splintered Horn flew back toward New Republic space and reached Junkfort Station, so far the border between the galactic nation and the lawless Hutt Space.
"We really made it." Luke commented as he saw the station, still unable to process everything that had happened just a few rotations before.
"You can say that again, boy." Vizago commented. "You brought down a criminal empire that had lasted as much as the old Republic. I can't even imagine what's going to happen now in the Underworld."
"The important part is that we got out of there alive, and ready for the next plunder!" Hondo said with his seemingly inextinguishable optimism.
"All thanks to you guys." Jaral said with a grateful smile. "We would've never got in or out of Nal Hutta without your help."
"Ah, don't mention it. It's not like we had good relations with the Hutts." Vizago replied merrily. "With their planets in complete anarchy, there will be now plenty of opportunities for people like us."
"That's right. Speaking of which, we should start pondering on our new...adventure?" Hondo said, but his tone shifted from enthusiast to mildly worried.
"What is it?" Ezra asked and quickly noticed that the Weequay was pointing toward Junkfort Station.
Everybody stared and quickly realized what was that surprised the old pirate: a full Republic Navy battle group already pointed toward the hyperlane the Horn had just come out from.
"That doesn't look like a simple patrol." Luke commented.
"It's not." Jaral somberly replied.
Soon enough, they were hailed by the Nebula Destroyer that sat in the middle of the formation. Hondo turned around to ask if he should pick it up and Jaral made a reassuring nod, so the old pirate pushed the button.
"Hello?"
"Unknown freighter, this is General Hetzer of the New Republic. Identify yourself or prepare to be boarded." the voice of a man intimated.
Jaral leaned in between the seats and replied herself. "Greetings, General. This is Jaral Bridger of the Jedi Order. We only wish to dock at the station. Transmitting my chain code and that of my brother Ezra."
No words came from the other side, perhaps out of pure stupor, or out of suspect. Nonetheless, after nearly thirty seconds, the voice of the Admiral replied with a much more deferential tone.
"Identity confirmed, Masters Jedi. On behalf of the Republic, I'm glad that you managed to get back in one piece."
"Thank you, General. Now, we would like to dock at the station to resupply before going back home. Is there any danger?"
"Not really. We are on our way to Hutt Space. The New Republic has decided that we have the duty to pacify the region."
The three Jedi looked at each other. It's wasn't like they hadn't imagined that the great powers would make a move in case the Hutt Cartel disappeared from the picture, but they hadn't imagined for them to act so quickly, especially considering that nobody knew about the mission on Nal Hutta.
"Understood. May we pass, now?"
"You're clear, ma'am. And good job out there. The Hutts have been doing their bidding for way too long."
"There will be billions of being that will be caught in the crossfire in that region, General. Please, if you find any gratification in our doing, take care of the civilians when you'll god in. We will arrange some of our forces to help, too."
"Roger that. We will be honored to serve at your side, Master Bridger. Safe travels." the General concluded.
The Splintered Horn was thus allowed to pass through the fleet and, after receiving permission from the station, docked at one of the civilian docking bays. Then they had to wait as the port authority still had to check the ship for any possible smuggling, though this time Hondo and Vizago had had the good sense of not trying anything that might end up compromising their Jedi friends.
After the enforcers cleared the scene, the officer apologized for taking their time and welcomed them on Junkfort Station again. The group then headed inside the station and reached the large commercial area, entering a tavern where none other than Qi'ra was waiting for the Jedi. The trio sat on the opposite side of the half-circled couch while Hondo, Vizago and Melch went to the counter to grab drinks for everyone.
"You can consider me thoroughly impressed." Qi'ra started with an admired and friendly expression. "First you persuade me and my group that the Hutts can be defeated...and then you go and actually do that. Where countless warlords with armies of millions failed; where even the Old Republic and the Jedi didn't dare to go, you just went and done it."
"It was either us or them, at this point." Ezra replied humbly. "Also, that fleet outside reminded us that there will be many who will suffer as a consequence of this action."
"You did what you had to in order to survive. You can't blame yourselves for everything that will happen next, rather you should focus on what you can do next." the woman replied with serenity, just as the three aliens arrived with several tankards and slid some of them on the table.
"Ahhhh, what's with those herd-like faces? We won! That calls for some celebration!" Hondo enthusiastically said.
The Jedi smiled, despite everything. That much was true: they had accomplished something that had changed the course of galactic politics for a very long time, and most of all they had destroyed the largest slaver organization around. Even if that couldn't come with a fairy tale finale, they had earned the right to a drink.
After the first cheer, Luke asked "What's our next move, then?" to his Masters.
The two finished their sipping and put down the tankards. "For now, we head back to Lothal and pick up the training of the younglings." Jaral said first. "We can't let Huyang doing everything on his own, after all."
"Qi'ra, do you have any interesting news from the front?" Ezra asked.
"Same old. The situation on Eriadu hasn't changed much, with the Coalition still bogged down in trying to find the Governor. On the other fronts, it seems the allies are slowly but steadily grinding away planets from the Mid Rim Forces. They just attack wherever Grand Admiral Tanis isn't, and with the imperials constantly short of supplies and, consequently, manpower that they can field, the other Admirals have little choice but to fall back every time."
"Before you contacted us for this little stunt, we have been quite busy carrying supplies for your Order." Vizago added. "From what I can tell, your Jedi never run out of wounded to evacuate...or dead people to bury."
"I see." Ezra replied somberly before taking another large sip.
"Well, without the Hutts around, at least Darvos and the others should be free to operate." Jaral said with some optimism, but the thought of the appalling body count of the war also weighted on her heart.
"But this war will never end until we eliminate the Emperor." Luke commented. "We should contact Jordan and see if they have any news regarding him."
"I can provide that much." Qi'ra interjected calmly. "My sources on Coruscant recently confirmed that the Emperor has officially transferred aboard the new Death Star."
The Jedi were startled. That was big news! It meant that the Emperor was already confident enough to try and lure them into his 'trap'. If that was the case, all that was left for the Coalition to launch the final offensive...were the Death Star's plans.
For the moment, they finished their drinks and then it was time to say goodbye to Qi'ra before starting the trip back to Lothal.
"Thank you for everything, Qi'ra. We couldn't do this without you." Jaral said.
"As you said, I had quite the debt with you. But if you feel like you need to thank me anyway...then just promise me that you will stop the Sith." the woman replied with a tone that was sincere, yet seemed partially frustrated at the fact that she could only entrust her greatest wish to someone else, since she knew she would never have the strength to realize it.
The siblings straightened their expressions. "Trust us. Those two are already dead. They just don't know it." Ezra declared.
July 7, 2228.
Vader's castle. That single thought was harrying Jordan's mind even as he tried his best to entertain his grandchildren. In particular, Caleb and Ursa were holding onto him, impeding both his sides, at the same time, Samira was taking some unbalanced steps around the carpet to go and dive on the sofa.
"Be careful in doing that, honey." he warned affectionately.
"She is as sturdy as you, anyway." Mira quipped from the open kitchen next to the living room, where she was preparing the kids' meal.
"Doesn't mean she can't get injured." Jordan replied, though he knew that there was no real danger. And as proof of that, Samira quite nimbly climbed onto the sofa and dropped on her back while giggling.
Not long after, Mira finished preparing the milk and meals, so Jordan brought the twins in their high chairs and Samira sitting with him as he grabbed the spoon and started feeding her with a playful mood.
After nourishing the babies, the two adults took them and went outside to get all of them some fresh air. They reached the Academy's general courtyard, where there was a grand total of 32 younglings, with Petro and Katooni conducting that day's training. Also, Ge'sst was participating as an observer and to share some basic knowledge about espionage to the kids. Since they were all waiting on the planet, he decided to come and visit the Jedi, of which he had heard so much.
"But you don't just defeat a bad guy with spying." one of the more fiery younglings said at one point.
Ge'sst calmly stood and chuckled beneath his helmet as he answered. "If you know everything about your foe, it means that you know when he is stronger and when he is completely undefended. Information alone may not win the battle, but it's still half of it. If you guys want to solve problems without fighting, then knowing everything about your opponent it's as important as your training with a lightsaber."
"You might want to listen to him, younglings." Huyang spoke as he walked on the side of the class group. "A Jedi never resorts to violence unless it's forced to."
"Which is something you should start understanding, Tolrok." Petro quipped to the youngling who had made the initial question.
"Yeah, yeah." the kid replied.
"Not to mention, you will more than not find yourself at a numerical disadvantage." Jordan intervened as he had reached the group. "Going into a fight while knowing the terrain and your opponent will severely increase your chances of survival."
Everyone listened with interest right before they all heard the rumble of a skycar passing past the gate. They were even more surprised, in a pleasant way, when they realized who that car belonged to. Jordan and Mira were the first to walk toward the landing spot, carrying their grandchildren with them and with the rest of the Academy following shortly after. The car opened and revealed Ezra driving, Jaral and Luke.
The siblings immediately smiled and went to hug their parents and their respective kids, showering the latter in particular with kisses as they realized just how much they had missed them. After letting them spoil the kids for a little, Jordan gained their attention again.
"So, have you already planned your next galaxy-shaking mission?"
"Nice job taking out the slugs." Petro added. "Though I must admit, I never thought I would see the galaxy finally free of their grip."
"It's not like they have gone extinct." Jaral warned slightly. "But they have certainly lost a lot of power. And with the Republic sweeping in...well, I feel confident that things will be much better now."
"It's still incredible." Katooni replied. "You know, we were born in an era where the Hutts were a taken presence in the galaxy. And the three of you brought them down in just a few weeks."
"A testament to their skills, if anything." Ge'sst added in the end, finally showing himself to the Jedi, who were certainly weirded out of seeing an armored man with his face covered walking around the academy's courtyard.
"Guys, this is Commander Ge'sst Fey'lya of the Bothan Feygeri unit. I brought him here because we have an urgent matter to discuss with you."
Sensing that their father was not exaggerating, the siblings nodded and, while Luke stayed with the younglings to satisfy their curiosity on their most recent adventure, the Bridgers went back to Jordan and Mira's house. The latter, not wanting to hear what kind of danger her family was about to dive this time, took the babies and brought them in the room prepared for them to put them into their afternoon sleep.
"Once again, Masters, allow me to congratulate you for your recent success." Ge'sst started. "Living on the edge of Hutt Space, we Bothan have known their oppressive influence for far too long. Now we can finally be free of their threats."
"Thank you, Commander." Ezra replied gently. "So, what does bring you here?"
"As your father said, this is a vital matter. My unit recently discovered that the plans of the new Death Star are held inside Vader's personal fortress on Mustafar."
The siblings barred their eyes even if briefly before regaining their footing.
"How sure is this intel?" Jaral asked.
"We already sent probes monitoring the radio traffic around the planet and we can confirm: there is the entire First Legion on the ground." Jordan replied. "It's clear they are protecting something valuable. However, we couldn't determine if Vader is there, as well."
"And you want our help in case he will." Ezra understood.
Jordan made an almost silent grunt with his throat. "If you ask me, this entire thing is a setup. I do believe we will find the plans there, but I don't know if this is a trick to slaughter us, or if this just serves their objective of luring us on Endor.
"I intended to ask before, Major Bridger, but why do you think the Imperials are luring us there?" Ge'sst asked slightly confused.
"Because we have been aware for some time that the Emperor wants to deal a significant blow to the Coalition on Endor." Ezra replied firmly. "It's not just a matter of strategy: that's how he is. Remember that in the last war he fought, he was playing both sides. And he still thinks that nobody can see through his schemes."
Under the helmet, the Bothan hummed in thought. "Are you really sure of this?"
"Trust me, Commander." Jordan intervened. "My kids are the only people in the galaxy who fought both Vader and the Emperor and lived to tell the tale. No one else understands our top enemies as them."
Fey'lya couldn't help but acknowledge that fact. "So what do you suggest? Do we take the gamble or not?"
"We do." Jaral replied, with neither of the siblings even looking at each other, their solid expressions indicated that they were on the same page. "A trap is not that effective when you know is there."
"And making the enemy's tricks backfire is our specialty." Ezra added with confidence, then asked to his father "What's the plan of attack?"
"We could send an invasion force to the planet, since we control the Hydian Way below Eriadu, but that would be quite easy for the imperials to detect." the Major explained. "Admiral Shepard is right now proposing to His Majesty that we use all our stealth cruisers to hit Mustafar by surprise with several N7 companies and assault brigades. The idea is to get in, find the plans and escape as fast as we can."
"And the Republic?"
"We will inform them, of course, but we have been planning under the assumption that they cannot spare many forces. Especially now that you have made Hutt Space some free real estate."
"Against a single legion, even if the best in the galaxy, if you have enough Legionnaires, we should be fine." Jaral analyzed.
"Shepard and her crew will also participate, so you can count Chief in." Jordan reassured.
"The Bothan Union is also willing to lend some of our saboteurs for additional combat power." Ge'sst added.
"Very nice and all, but Dad, there's something you should know." Ezra warned. As Jordan gave him his full attention, he continued: "Remember Shira Brie? Well, she was collaborating with the Hutts, and she had brought a special device that locked our armors completely."
Jordan looked unsettled. "What do you mean?"
"It was quite a large device." Jaral explained. "They had to lure us into a quite large room, but when we had our armors on, that force field literally turned us into statues. The systems wouldn't respond no matter what we did."
"But...then how did you get out?" Jordan asked sincerely surprised.
"Uh…" the kids hummed in unison.
Starting to realize the truth, Jordan's surprise turned into a frustrated frown. "Don't tell me…"
"We had to blow them up from the inside with the Force." Ezra innocently replied.
Jordan let out a long sigh as if he had had enough of everything.
"Look, we didn't have a choice…" Jaral tried to defend, but Jordan rose a hand in front of them.
"No, No, I understand and the most important thing is that you are alive and well...I just don't look forward reporting the destruction of two billion-credit armors to the logistical office."
"We're really, really sorry." Ezra replied with a sincere voice. "We know you took so much effort to give us those second sets."
"As I said, all I care about is that you are back safe and sound. I don't think I can get you some others, however."
"It won't be a problem, Dad." Jaral reassured. "We have decided that those armors served us long enough, but we will never become true Jedi if we keep relying on them rather than the Force."
"Then I guess all that's left is to wait, train, and spend some time with our families while we can." Ezra concluded with a smile.
July 8, 2228.
"Captain, we're approaching the atmosphere of Nar Bo Sholla." Commander Smitz reported.
"Make a scan of the surface and let's see what we have down there." Octis calmly instructed as he watched out of the viewport. The Abednedo officer nodded and passed down the order.
He quickly glimpsed down to the two command pits. Besides Smitz, there were three other non-Humans there. They were all minor operators, but the fact that they had reached a post on the command bridge of a Star Destroyer was a testament to the change unraveling in the Mid Rim. Now, the non-Humans were allowed to reach every position in the Armed Forces or the civil service, should they prove their skill and reliability.
"According to our intel, the Hutts had a garrison on this planet." Yagler explained, walking up next to him as they waited for the scan to be completed. "I wouldn't be surprised if they established themselves as the new rulers of the system."
"So not the kind of people who will be happy to see us." Octis commented.
"Do you believe that we can find support from the population?"
"They're mostly slaves. I don't think they are used to have an opinion. Still, they might be more inclined to side with us once we set them free."
"Captain, we found the main city on the surface." Reylo, the radar officer, notified.
"On screen."
The central viewport was suddenly covered by a bird-eye view of the largest city on the surface: Borga. It became clear that the local garrison was still there and that it had a small fleet of fighters and corvettes. Nothing that could unhinge Octis' Task Force 89, but that number of ships suggested that clearing all the pirates out without civilian casualties might have been very difficult.
"Captain, they're hailing us." Smitz alerted.
"Let's hear them." the officer replied smartly. "DARIL, translate if they're speaking Huttese." he said to the brand new AI of the ship.
"Yes, Captain."
A moment later, the screen on the viewport showed a Weequay male, with the combat gear typical of the Hutt forces and the braids that that species generally wore in that part of the galaxy.
"Imperial ships. This is Captain Tassisk Johnta. You are violating our space. State your business."
"Greetings, Captain. I am Captain Vinicio Octis of the Imperial Navy. Some ten rotations ago, a ship that we tracked back here has illegally entered Imperial space and kidnapped at least two hundred of our citizens. Now, I truly hope you will cooperate. I'm sure none of us wants this occurrence to end with a bloodshed, right?" he said, not hiding a smug note.
The Weequay at first grunted, then replied without hesitation: "Whoever you're talking about, aside from us there are only slaves here. They are our property, and we will not give any away!"
"I see. Then I suggest to ponder whether you value your properties or your life more. Because we are coming down." Octis replied before closing the transmission. Then he turned around and ordered his stormtrooper battalion be prepared for an immediate landing operation.
While he headed to the hangar to speak with the stormtroopers, Yagler checked her gear, and Octis couldn't help but feel slightly bothered: even if he knew that Yagler was perfectly fit for her role, a part of him felt a sting in letting the woman he liked go into battle while he stood relatively safe aboard the ship.
"You know you don't really have to go, right?" he whispered to her.
"And who's going to keep your testosterone-loaded soldiers from burning down every useful piece of intel on the surface?" she teased, and he knew full well that she was purposefully exaggerating.
"You can still go down with the second wave. Would be less risky."
"Says the guy who never hesitates to jump on the first shuttle for a ground assault, when he can." she replied with a quipping confidence.
Vinicio made a faint grunt. They were almost at the door with the hangar and bickering would have only hindered the image of both of them.
"I can take care of myself. Isn't that why you invited me to dance?" she replied, then made a quick, alluring wink to him before putting the helmet on and entered the hangar, heading straight for the first platoon of the 310th Stormtrooper Battalion.
Octis made a resigned smile. Indeed, that part of her made him always dizzy, but now he needed to focus on the operation at hand. He also entered the hangar to go and brief his men.
"Atten-tion!" the Commander of the battalion, RT-121 Aurer Tassen, ordered as he spotted the Captain getting close. The troopers, all dyed with different patterns of green on their armors, quickly formed up ranks and saluted the officer.
"At ease." Octis replied as he made a salute during his approach. Once the troopers were done, he started "All right, I assume you all read the briefings before we departed, but just in case: your task right now is to storm the main city on the surface so that Commander Karashk and the Stormcommandos take over the main asset on Sholla: the proton fuel refinery right outside the city."
"Yes, sir." Tassen replied. "What do we know about the conformation of the city?"
"The main point of interest is the fortress built on the hill at the center. It's where the mercenaries are mostly gathered, but right now, expect resistance all over the city."
"What do we do with the civilians?" Sergeant Yashcka Vest asked.
"As long as they don't shoot you, do everything you can to keep them safe. Remember: we are here to integrate them into the Empire, and most of them are probably workers at the refinery. The better we treat them, the more productive they will be once they go back to work. And you all know how desperate we are for fuel, these days."
"Aye, Captain." the Commander replied, then turned toward his men. "All right, get ready to drop, troopers!"
The soldiers grabbed their weapons and headed inside the Sentinel-class landing craft that was already warming up its engines. Since they were going to launch from orbit, that craft was preferable to the smaller gunships. Octis exchanged one last glance with Yagler, who smiled at him and reached the shuttle. The Captain then turned around, spotted Flight Officer Feor and gestured him to get the fighter escort ready.
Octis hurried back to the bridge and called the Escort Carrier floating not far from the Revenant.
"Octis to Dagger. My troops are about to launch. Keep yourself ready."
"Copy that, Captain. Ready on your mark." the Zabrak replied on the other side.
Octis then linked to the camera on the cockpit of the Sentinel, in order to follow the first phase of the action. First order of business, a squadron of TIE Avengers and Interceptors rushed toward the courtyard of the fortress, managing to destroy several mercenary fighters still on the ground and quickly taking care of the few that managed to take off. After that, the TIE Bombers started an attack run.
However, they were not carrying explosives: they released a large payload of white smoke all around the city, especially targeting the squares and the large areas. That way, the mercenaries on the ground were completely blind and couldn't tell with precision where the shuttle would land.
In the meantime, Smitz was in the communication room. After the IT team had hacked inside the city's communication network, he was sending out a message to the whole population to stay in their houses and that liberation was coming. The gamble was that him being a non-Human, the oppressed slaves would be more lenient to believe an Imperial communique.
Then, the shuttle landed at the edge of the city, in a place where the scanners had noticed that the mercenaries had forgot to properly cover, leaving Yagler and the First Platoon free to disembark and fan out. The shuttle immediately started returning toward the Revenant to pick reinforcements while the first wave moved in and started tearing a few isolated outposts apart, making sure not to bring the fight inside the houses.
For now, it seemed like the population had listened to the warning and was keeping the streets clear.
"Dagger, commence your attack."
July 10, 2228.
"We received confirmation, Iulius: Nar Bo Sholla has been freed from any organized Hutt resistance. Civilian casualties only came down to a few shocked people, but aside from that they are alive and grateful to our troops." Sekta reported in her son's office on Naboo.
"And the refinery?" Iulius asked with a set tone.
"Safe and already operating. Since the overseers are dead or captured, a squad of engineers of the 89th is supervising the work there. For the moment, Octis is encouraging the families of former slaves to gather and elect a leader to speak with Imperial authorities."
"Good." Iulius replied, satisfied but with his mind elsewhere. "Make sure the troops receive the necessary recognition and dispatch some of your bureaucrats to start integrating the planet."
"Sure." Sekta replied, then turned off her datapad and put it down on the desk. "So perhaps you would like to tell me why are you sulking so much?" she then asked out of the blue.
Caught a bit off-guard, Iulius straightened up and replied "I'm just...tired."
"Uh-uh." Sekta replied sarcastically. "That might work on most people, but not me."
The Lord-Protector exhaled slightly annoyed.
"Come on, Iulius. What's bothering you?"
He rubbed his eyes. Talking about this felt slightly embarrassing and weak, but in the end, he blurted it out: "I haven't received news from either Nam nor Qath in a month, now. Moff Gideon lets me intend that they are fine but...I don't know, something doesn't feel right."
He sighed again and stood up, walking up to the large windows to take a look outside. He pointed his arm on them and leaned in, feeling somewhat tired.
Sekta looked at the miserable state of her son and, all of a sudden, felt a fire burning in her chest. The impetus of a person who has had enough and has decided to do something about what they perceive as wrong. She made a few decisive steps toward the young man, walked next to him and, as she put a hand on his shoulder, she declared: "Don't worry. I'll go to Coruscant tomorrow."
Suddenly thrown back to reality, Iulius jolted and looked at his mother thinking that she was joking, but her expression remained unfazed.
"Wait! It's too dangerous: you would become a target." he said.
"I'm not afraid." Sekta replied firmly. "And I already have an idea of what's going on in the capital."
"But if you just show up, there's no telling if they will even allow you on the planet."
"Why would they deny it?" she replied with even more confidence. "I'm just a dutiful clerk coming to report things to the Ministry of Internal Affairs; and I'm also a conscientious mother who will take the chance to visit her daughter-in-law."
Iulius twisted his mouth. Part of him felt like his mother knew what she was doing, but there was no guarantee that she would be allowed to return back to Naboo if she went to Coruscant. Whoever was scheming against him may even decide to kill her in order to send him a message.
"Mother, I…"
"Don't underestimate my influence, Iulius. I have my contacts on Coruscant that will allow me to move as I please. I will be fine. I will find Namedra and then return with news."
The idea of endangering her as well was nerve-wracking, and Sekta, with the usual mother's sixth sense, understood it immediately. She gently put her hands around her son's cheeks and smiled to reassure him.
Knowing that he couldn't simply lock her up, Iulius decided that it was useless to oppose, so he reached her neck and hugged her quite tightly, as if he was worried that it might be the last time they saw each other.
"Be careful." he whispered.
"Leave this to me." she replied in a tender tone. Then she kissed him on the left cheek, gave another smile and left the room after retaking her datapad.
Iulius sighed in frustration and turned again toward the window. As he was left alone, he murmured.
"Force...if you happen to be listening...please protect them."