AN: I hope everyone is ready for the next chapter! As always thanks for all the support, and thanks to FractionalSith, Tracyn, and Dragomi125 for helping to beta the story.
MaySail199 - Happy Thanksgiving! Glad you enjoyed the title and continue to enjoy the story. Ha, I will say I have an extensive spreadsheet to help me remember characters, though yes, I'm pretty good with the "extended family." Glad you enjoy the prelude to Anakin and Padme. I'm hoping to develop their relationship much better than canon did, and Anakin of course is growing and still has friends to banter with, creating a healthier life. Hopefully you'll continue to enjoy what I do!
Chapter 67 - Rising Stakes
"You've come a long way to die, Jedi," a female voice echoed ominously through the destroyed apartment.
Taria Damsin glanced around, reaching out with her senses, but whoever this assailant was, she was well trained in concealment.
"And for what reason do you plan to kill me?" Taria asked lightly.
"Being a Jedi would be reason enough," the female voice crooned derisively, "but you've been sticking your nose into business best left alone."
"Well, that would imply that you were involved in the death of Lady Jenza Dooku," Taria observed. "Considering the whole Republic Intelligence team perished as well, then I guess I can assume you aren't from the Republic. Though, I did wonder at first, considering the Republic worked hard to cover up their little illegal operation."
"Yes, the Republic is as arrogant and corrupt as your Order," the woman remarked scornfully. "It's little wonder you get along so well."
"I won't deny that the Order has its problems," Taria agreed pleasantly, "but if the word hasn't made it to you yet, then you should be aware that we're going through a lot of changes and we are trying to be better."
"Oh really?" the voice asked mockingly. "The Jedi are allowed to commit to their loved ones now and you expect me to see that as them fixing their issues? HA! That was the least of your problems."
"Well, I've got a few friends who would probably disagree with you on that," Taria said seriously. "So, since I'm about to die, and all that, would you confirm the events that happened for me? You know, fulfill my professional curiosity before I die?"
"What's there to tell?" the voice replied, sounding almost bored. "The Republic kidnapped Lady Jenza to try and use her against her brother. However, when they couldn't turn her, they decided to kill her and frame her family."
"I'm sure Count Dooku was devastated to learn his sister had been killed and he'd been framed for it," Taria easily continued for her adversary.
"Oh, he was," the voice agreed with a hint of humor. "Yes, he tasked several bounty hunters to bring his sister back to him, but they were too late to save Lady Jenza . . . but not too late to avenge her."
"In that case, I would really like to meet these bounty hunters," Taria said. "Perhaps they can help clear up the last of my confusion."
"What makes you think they have any answers?" the voice asked, amused.
"Well, they were the ones that tracked Raz Fellidrone down," Taria said, and she finally felt some emotion from her assailant at the name. "They tortured a Crolute whose name was Glute in order to find Fellidrone. I'm quite interested in them because they used a lightsaber to do so."
Taria felt the pause, and she knew she'd focused on something this adversary had not considered.
"Perhaps you are mistaken," the voice said, a bite in her tone.
"Or perhaps the bounty hunter is the infamous Aurra Sing," Taria said idly. "Or perhaps it's someone new . . . someone different. Aurra was certainly capable of what happened, but she likes the brag. I doubt she'd kill three Republic Intelligence Agents and not tell the whole galaxy about it."
"Perhaps she was paid to stay quiet," the voice offered up dangerously.
"Or perhaps she wasn't involved at all," Taria returned. "Perhaps the agents didn't kill Lady Jenza, and perhaps this was all an elaborate plot to remove the one person who was closest to the Confederacy leader."
"Your judgment is askew, your vision clouded," the voice said tersely.
"No, I don't think so," Taria said in amusement. "Your emotions reveal it all. They give you away."
Taria rolled out of the way as a shrouded figure dropped down, slashing with two red lightsabers. Taria drew her own lightsaber, the yellow blade glowing brightly in the dark and she moved forward and met the assassin's strikes, getting a feel of her style.
"You're quite good with a lightsaber, young one," Taria remarked, jumping back. "Your skill gives you away."
"Is that so?" the cloaked woman replied dangerously, yet sounding pleased at the same time.
"You favor Form II and have a rather interesting approach to it," Taria said, striking and blocking, keeping the fight light to better study her opponent. "Almost a hybridization between it and Form V with your aggressive and forceful strikes. I will freely admit that it could be quite the problem for many Jedi. However, with your rage-fueled strikes, you have lost out on the elegance and refined finesse that your master has. Then again, few ever could pull off his elegance."
"You think you're so clever, do you, Jedi filth?" the woman nearly hissed, striking at Taria recklessly. Taria jumped over the woman.
"Clever? Me? Oh no," Taria disagreed with a light smile. "I leave cleverness to my brother. He can handle all of that cleverness."
"And yet you managed to find your way to this place," the assassin said, a hint of grudging respect in her voice. "Here I thought I covered my tracks well."
The assassin leapt forward, blades slashing swiftly and relentlessly. Taria bobbed and weaved, using Form IV and relying heavily on the Force to enhance her speed.
Taria saw an opening and kicked her assailant back before using the Force to jump lightly away.
"Oh you did," Taria assured the assassin. "Covered your tracks quite well. If you'd just been patient and reserved, my investigation would have gone nowhere."
The assassin nearly snarled in frustration. "And yet you made it this far, bitch!"
"Oh, I had help," Taria said with a smile and Quinlan dropped down behind the assassin, his green lightsaber igniting.
This time, the assassin openly snarled before roaring in defiance as she leaped toward her enemies.
Taria and Quinlan both moved forward in a coordinated attack, and the assassin was put on the defensive, struggling to keep up with them. Taria's blade connected with one of the assassin's, and Taria twirled her blade disarming the woman. Quinlan raised his hand and blasted her back, forcing the cowl to reveal a young bald woman with white skin; trademarks of a Rattataki.
"Well, hello beautiful," Quinlan said with a roguish smile. "I say we end this fight and you let me buy you a drink."
The Rattataki native glared and leapt into the air, doing a flip which allowed her the time to retrieve her dropped lightsaber. Taria and Quinlan both jumped to engage her, their blades meeting hers as she did a commendable job of holding off the two powerful Jedi.
"You're an impressive warrior," Quinlan complimented, "but you must have realized by now that you can't beat us both."
"Perhaps not yet," the woman agreed angrily, "but I will only grow more powerful! Soon, I will be strong enough to crush you both."
The woman jumped away again, throwing two small explosives at Quinlan and Taria, who both jumped away to avoid the devices. The woman threw two smoke grenades, and Taria swiftly used the Force to push the smoke away, but she wasn't fast enough.
Their mysterious assailant was gone.
"Well, there goes our proof," Quinlan said in mild frustration. "Too bad. I didn't even catch her name for our next rendezvous."
Taria snorted, and shook her head at her friend.
"You're incorrigible, Quin," Taria said, before glancing towards where the woman had disappeared. "She might have taken proof of Dooku's crime with her, but this still helps us paint a picture of what Dooku has become. That will help remove many of our own Order's dissidents, those who would still support Dooku, thinking him an idealist."
"It answers some questions," Quinlan agreed, "though it raises a million more. Dooku is clearly training acolytes but . . ."
"Where did she come from?" Taria finished in agreement. "Is she from the Sith Empire, working under Dooku, or is Dooku building his own Order of Force users to help combat either the Jedi, the Sith, or both?"
"All good questions," Quinlan said. "Guess we'll just have to wait and see."
Taria nodded in agreement. "You mind informing the Council?"
Quinlan snorted. "I assume you're going to call Kastor?"
"Or Fay, Rhys, or Asuna, if I can't reach him," Taria agreed. She shrugged at the amused look he gave her. "He'll want to know."
"It's like you have two bosses," Quinlan said in mock horror. "The High Council and Kastor Shan."
"I admire him greatly," Taria admitted easily. "He's done much for our Order, our brothers and sisters, and even myself. If he needs my help, then he has it."
"You and many others," Quinlan said with a snort.
"You can't claim that you don't help him when he asks," Taria said with a grin.
"I won't deny it," Quinlan agreed. "Though, I do it because Rhys and Kas will pay for drinks for a night afterwards!"
Taria laughed. "Well, let's go make our reports. I doubt I'll get Kas, but Fay is on her way to talk to Domru and I can probably get her or Asuna, who should still be back at Antar IV."
"And I get the stuffy Council," Quinlan grumbled goodnaturedly.
"It might be Allara," Taria said with a sly grin.
"Good point!" Quinlan agreed, brightening. "Another chance to woo the lovely Allara Shan."
"Ha, you and many others," Taria returned mockingly, as they made their way out of the ruined building.
*The Will of the Force*
"I sense agitation, anxiety, and outright hostility," Obi-Wan said, as the group made their way toward the municipal hall of the city of Cuipernam.
They were set to formally meet with the deputies of the Unity of Community, which loosely represented the scattered city-states of Ansion. It was the closest thing to a planetary government that Ansion had.
Luminara nodded. "In other words, a bunch of nervous politicians." She glanced over at Barriss. "There are certain constants that remain the same throughout the galaxy, my dear. The speed of light, the motion of muons, and the unwillingness of politicians to commit to anything that requires a leap of personal responsibility."
As always, the Padawan listened thoughtfully before responding. "Then how do we persuade them that the galactic government's ways are justified, and that it's in their best interests to remain a part of the Republic?"
"Sometimes it seems as if money works best." Obi-Wan's tone was quietly sardonic. "But regardless of what goes on in the Senate these days, that is not the way of the Jedi. Unlike politicians, we cannot offer to buy the loyalty of these people with promises of financial aid and elaborate development projects. Instead, we are restricted to the use of reason and common sense. If all goes well, they will respond to these as enthusiastically as they do to ready cash."
"Ah, Obi-Wan, I always forget how much I miss your drab pessimism," Finn Ertay replied with a light chuckle. "I guess I'll have to be the optimist among us."
"We do need one," Luminara agreed in amusement.
"My optimism left in that ambush," Trooper Merna Sy remarked darkly.
"I'm optimistic we're going to end up in another fight," Mandalorian Colbert Varad added.
"I'm not betting against Varad," Mandalorian Vodth Mohl said dryly.
The other three Troopers, Ranger Elarel, Trooper Bracco, and Trooper Vanac, all grimaced, figuring that if the two Mandalorians felt a fight was coming, then a fight was coming.
Conversation halted as they reached the municipal hall, which was impressive by Cuipernam standards: long and high, the upper reaches of the second story lined with scenes of Ansionian life rendered effectively in stained quartz. They entered and were soon met by a female who extended a formal greeting and guided them back to a long table cut from a single piece of xellwood. There, they found seven delegates awaiting them: two humans, four Ansionian, and one Armalat.
The Ansionian who rose from behind the table gestured a formal local greeting. The other delegates did not rise. That was noted by all the Jedi, while the Force Troopers took up protective positions, but doing their best to seem relaxed and unthreatening.
"I am Ranjiyn. Like my colleagues, a representative of the Unity, of Ansion's city and town dwellers." The Jedi listened as the other delegates were introduced, and noted the wariness among the delegates. "We of the towns and cities welcome you, the representatives of the Jedi Council, to Ansion and extend to you all the hospitality and cooperation of which we are capable."
"On behalf of the Jedi Council, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Finn Ertay, and I, Luminara Unduli, thank you for ourselves and my Padawan, Barriss Offee." Luminara then introduced the Force Troopers with them, who only nodded before focusing back on security for the talks. The four Jedi took their seats on the other side of the beautiful table, opposite their hosts. "As you know, we are here to try to mediate this dispute between the urban inhabitants of your world and the Alwari nomads."
"Please." A tall, dignified older man waved one hand diffidently. "None of your Jedi subterfuges. We all know you are here to do anything and everything in your power to keep Ansion from voting to join the secessionist movement. Local quarrels of the kind to which you allude are not the purview of the Jedi Council." He smiled confidently. "In any event, they would not send four representatives and a squad of soldiers to deal with what is essentially a minor internal problem."
"No conflict is minor to the Council," Obi-Wan responded firmly. "We hope to see all citizens of the Republic living together in peace and harmony, wherever they may be, whatever species they may represent, whatever their local customs and lifestyles."
"Harmony!" Reaching under the table, one of the other Ansionians, a female with long vertical lines in her face and one clouded brown eye, pulled out a stack of data disks the size of a building stone and dropped them onto the highly polished surface. They landed with a dull boom. "Lifestyles! Do you know what this is, Jedi?" Before any of them could reply, she told them. "It's the latest bimonthly policy update from the Republic Senate. The latest only!" She gestured at the enormous stack as if it were some obscene sea creature that had suddenly expired on her desk and already begun to rot. "The yearly indices alone carry more data than the city library. Compliance, adherence, obedience: those are what the Senate is interested in these days. That, and preferential treatment for themselves and those they represent in matters of trade and commerce. The once-great Galactic Republic has fallen under the sway of petty bureaucrats and self-seeking button pushers who seek only personal aggrandizement and advancement, not justice and fair dealing."
"The Senate's clear bias toward the Alwari proves this," declared the female Ansionian seated next to her. "Senator Mousul has kept us well informed."
"The Senate favors no social or ethnic group above another," Finn countered. "That basic principle is enshrined in the founding law of the Republic."
"While Knight Ertay is correct, I cannot disagree with your words, delegate," Obi-Wan declared quietly.
Surprised and even a little startled, the room's occupants shifted their attention to the other Jedi. Even Luminara was taken aback, though Finn just tilted her head slightly, eyeing Obi-Wan before she settled back and waited.
"Pardon my eyes," Ranjiyn murmured, "but did you say you agreed with Kandah?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "To deny that there are problems within the Senate and the bureaucracy would be to deny the existence of pulsating stars. Certainly there is confusion and disagreement. Certainly there is bureaucratic infighting and conflict." His voice rose slightly as he continued after a short pause, "but the law of the Republic stands, pure and inviolate. So long as all participating sentients adhere to that, all will be well within the galaxy." His gaze fixed on Kandah. "And, most importantly, on Ansion."
Tolut the Armalat finally rose to point one of his three thick fingers at Obi-Wan.
"Jedi obfuscation!" He glared out of small red eyes at his fellow delegates. "See not where this is leading or what is being attempted? They try to fool us with clever words. Think all Ansionians are backworld dust riders, I wager!" Leaning forward over the table, he rested the knuckles of his powerful hands on the smooth purplish wood. The table creaked under his weight. "Masters of the Force, are you? Masters of scheming and sneaky phrases, say I. Jedi mischief!"
Three of the Troopers eyed the Armalot with disapproval, but they did nothing, knowing the Jedi could handle themselves.
"Please, Tolut." Ranjiyn tried to calm his far larger, highly agitated colleague. "Show some respect for the Force, if not for our visitors. Though we may disagree, we still —"
"Pagh! 'The Force.' You all bemused and intimidated by this Force nonsense." Green fingers stabbed at the silent visitors. "These are humanoids, like yourself. Sentients, like me. They bleed and die like any creatures of flesh and blood. Why should we continue to suffer beneath their burdensome rules? Their officials are corrupt, or ignorant of the needs of different species, or both. When a government becomes like an old sea creature, it should be treated like one." Thick, chisel-like teeth flashed. "Taken out and buried."
Reaching across the table, he picked up in one hand the massive stack Kandah had brought forth and threw it across the room, where it slammed against a wall, disks scattering everywhere.
Neither the Jedi or Force Troopers so much as flinched, letting the agitated Armalot finish.
"Regulations! Restrictions! What can be done by peoples and what cannot. All words — words we of Ansion not write. This movement to leave the Republic we should join, say I and those who think like me. Free Ansion! And if the Alwari will not join us in this, we should deal with them as we have in the past."
"The Force is nothing to be so casually disparaged, my large friend," Luminara informed the Armalat. "Especially by one who has no understanding of it."
Once again showing his huge, flat white teeth in a broad grin, Tolut started around the table. Barriss, along with several of the Troopers tensed, but Obi-Wan and Finn sat indifferent to the approach. A small smile played across his face. Luminara rose and stepped away from her chair.
"Think you, only Jedi know the Force?" Tolut snorted at his fellow delegates. "Anyone can know it. It only takes practice."
Extending a huge hand, he gestured at the table. One of the several crystal carafes of water that had been placed there to slake the thirst of the participants trembled slightly, then rose half a meter off the surface. Sweat starting to seep from his cheeks in large, glossy beads, Tolut smiled triumphantly at his friends.
"See! With exercise and will, anyone can do what Jedi can do. Hardly reason for awe!"
"On the contrary," Luminara told him, "knowledge is always reason for awe."
What she was about to do would never be viewed as acceptable in the Senate or the Jedi Order at large (not before the recent changes caused standards to be less rigid, in any case) but on a world like Ansion with its assorted special cultures?
Well.
She did not raise her hand. The carafe stopped trembling, steadied. As Luminara focused on it, it rose slowly until it reached the ceiling. Fascinated, the delegates could not take their eyes off it. Living as they did in a border world, none of them had previously had the opportunity to observe Jedi manipulation of the Force.
Like a bulbous crystal bird, the carafe drifted along the ceiling until it was poised directly above the Armalat. Grim-faced, he began to make ponderous, then frantic gestures in the hovering container's direction. These had absolutely no effect on the floating object. He might as well have been gesticulating in front of a mirror.
As smoothly as if manipulated by an experienced waiter, the carafe abruptly turned upside down and dumped its ice-cold contents on the increasingly frustrated alien. Glaring, he wiped water from his eyes and took a step toward the serene Jedi. Barriss reached for her lightsaber, only to be stilled by her Master. Finn raised a hand to her mouth to hide a smile.
One by one, the remaining carafes leapt off the table to dash their contents in Tolut's face. Laughter began to rise from the remaining seated, and still dry, delegates, the humans chortling softly, the Ansionians emitting boisterous bellows that belied their wiry frames. The tension that had enveloped the summit like a smothering spiderweb promptly vanished.
"I hope," Luminara murmured as she turned away and resumed her seat, "that no one is particularly thirsty."
Sputtering and soaked, the big alien growled dangerously — and then a change washed over him. Dripping water from face, teeth, and now glistening leather attire, he stomped back to his chair and sat down in a somewhat soggy frump. Folding arms the size of a human's torso across his massive chest, he nodded slowly in the direction of the woman responsible for his aqueous humiliation.
"Tolut is big among his people. Don't always speak so good. But big doesn't always mean stupid. Tolut knows when he wrong. I defer to greater power. Was wrong about Jedi abilities."
Relieved her gamble had paid off and not destroyed the negotiations entirely, Luminara favored him with a kindly smile. "There is no shame in admitting one does not know everything. It shows wisdom. That is a much more valued talent than physical strength — or even the ability to influence the Force. You are to be commended, not condemned." She bowed her head slightly. "I congratulate you on the acuteness of your perception."
Tolut hesitated, at first uncertain if the Jedi was making fun of him. When he realized that the compliment was meant honestly, and came from the heart, his glower softened and his demeanor changed.
"I think Luminara just earned herself a new friend," Finn whispered to Obi-Wan, whose lips twitched towards a smile.
"Perhaps we of the Unity can work with you." A hint of his earlier belligerence threatened a return despite the lesson that had just been imparted. "But working with the Alwari is something else."
Wiping a last tear of amusement from the corner of one eye, Ranjiyn strove to recapture the serious tone that had preceded the watery demonstration. "It doesn't matter what you do. A thousand tapcaf tricks will not persuade the Alwari to allow us to jointly exploit the prairies. That is the only way we of the Unity will agree to remain bound by Republic law; if we are treated as equals everywhere on the planet, and not like people who are hemmed in forever in our towns. As it stands, the Alwari dominate by far the great bulk of the land, while we control the cities. If they are going to run bleating to the Senate every time we try to expand, then we are better off outside the Republic and free of its endless, pestiferous rules and regulations."
"That would only lead to conflict," Finn said, a hint of sadness in her tone. "Surely you do not wish to throw away the peace you have maintained for over 200 years?"
From his seat, the tall, elder human male gestured resignedly. "Anything is better than being forced to bow beneath oppressive regulations that take a hundred years just to get out of a committee. We have been assured by friends that if we were to announce our secession from the Republic, the kind of aid that we truly need — and that the Senate does not provide — would be readily forthcoming."
"What friends?" Obi-Wan inquired pleasantly. His tone made it sound as if the answer was of no particular consequence, but the Ansionian did not reply, firmly keeping his mouth shut.
And that was answer enough.
Luminara filled the pause that ensued. "In our capacity as representatives of the Jedi Council, we have a proposition for you. If we can get the Alwari to agree to share dominion over half or more of the prairie lands they presently control, and to allow you to develop some of the resources that lie within those lands, will the people of the Unity agree to abide by the Republic law under which they have always lived, and to forget this dangerous talk of secession?"
At this unexpected and extraordinary offer, the delegates fell to murmuring among themselves. Their tone, their expressions, and their repressed excitement showed that they had not considered so sweeping a proposal before.
While they caucused, Obi-Wan leaned over to whisper to his colleague. "You promise much, Luminara."
She adjusted the thrown-back hood of her robe. "I spent a lot of time prior to arriving on this world studying the history of Ansion's peoples. Something extreme has to be done to break this local sociopolitical datajam. It's the only way to get these people thinking about something besides leaving the Republic." She smiled. "I thought laying out the possibility of a whole new, vast commercial opportunity before them would shake them up a little."
Obi-Wan studied the quietly deliberating delegates. The animation in their expressions and gestures was genuine, and not simply a display for the benefit of the four visitors.
"Looks like you've certainly done that," he added with a small, sly smile. "Of course, if they accept, you've put us in the awkward position of having to deliver."
"Master Luminara always fulfills her promises." There was just a touch of sharpness in Barriss's voice.
"I can think of one time she didn't," Finn said with a wide grin, and Luminara sighed as Barriss frowned in confusion
"You still hold that against me?" Luminara asked, eyeing the green Twi'lek. "We were nine years old, Finn."
Finn laughed lightly. "Still counts, my old friend. Still counts."
Further side conversation was interrupted as the delegates concluded their conversation and once more faced the visitors.
"No one doubts that obtaining the agreement of the Alwari to such an accord would radically change the social dynamic that exists here." It was the third Ansionian representative, a female named Induran, who spoke. "And if such a treaty could be achieved, it would certainly tilt the opinion of many of those who are presently inclined to favor secession from the Republic because they believe remaining in it does nothing for them." Her large, convex eyes gazed unflinchingly at the Jedi. "However, the likelihood of obtaining the hand of the Alwari to such an agreement the majority of us find doubtful in the extreme."
It was the formerly bellicose Tolut who rose to the visitors' defense. "For those who can make it rain indoors, even such a thing as rational dialogue with the Alwari may be possible."
Everything now hinged on gaining the full cooperation of these Alwari nomads.
"We will find the Alwari," Finn said, "and we will obtain an agreement."
Ranjiyn did not hesitate. "I wish I could be there to watch you try to talk sense into them. That would be something to see."
"Something to see," Tolut grunted in agreement.
*The Will of the Force*
"Furious!" Nym said with relish as he dropped four proton bombs into two Trade Federation U-boats, causing them both to explode.
All around the Maramere sea, Trade Federation forces were being decimated. The Trade Federation Sensor Station had been well defended . . . Vulture droids, submarines, bombers, laser turrets, tractor towers, mines, and several docks to make deployment of forces quicker.
All of it was inconsequential compared to a fleet like the Jedi had brought.
It rankled Nym a bit, but without the Jedi's forces, he knew that this mission would have been much, much harder.
The only complaint the Feeorin had was that the Jedi had opened communications with the Trade Federation Regional Commander, Harro Ruuk, to force a surrender, which had given their position away.
However, just like last time, it hadn't amounted to much. Who'd have thought it . . .
Ruuk had attempted to deploy his forces, but his efforts had been mostly wasted as the three Jedi cruisers opened up with a turbolaser barrage from high above, decimating the two docks and the majority of the forces that were within as well as many of the laser turret positions.
From there, Nym, along with his men, Adi, Siri, their starfighter squadrons, and their two Crusader Corvettes had swooped in, decimating the remaining defenses.
The Station itself had managed to deploy a squadron of Vulture droids, and they had to contend with the squadron already deployed, along with the six submarines that had been out patrolling.
However, this paltry resistance was nothing.
"Boss, it sure is nice when it's the Trade Federation on the run!" Reti exclaimed cheerfully as he and three Fang starfighters blasted four Vulture droids out of the sky.
"Don't get used to it, Gasgut," Nym responded sharply. "The Jedi are helping us for now. This isn't a permanent arrangement."
"Are you saying I'm not welcome at your base, Nym?" Siri's voice rang through the comms with humor.
"You know you are, Siri," Nym retorted. "That doesn't mean I want your whole blasted Order showing up and getting in my way!"
"This is Sol Sixxa. We're closing in on the base!" Sol Sixxa said, speaking for his Mere demolition boat and the second ship that Orsai was on.
"We've got you covered," Adi said calmly, and Nym saw her and a wingman destroy another two Vulture droids.
Nym continued to provide cover as the two demolition ships made it to the Station.
"This is Sol Sixxa. Charges set and ready. Clear the area if you wanna live!" Sol Sixxa called out after a short moment, and Nym continued to fly overhead as the two demolition ships started to pull away.
"There she goes!" Reti called out as the station started to blow up. "Hah, what a team!"
"Is that it then?" Jinkins asked, observing from his bomber.
"Let's hope so," Nym put forth. "Nothing could have survived that blast."
"You may have spoken too soon," Siri warned from her starfighter.
'Oh great . . . Was she getting a Jedi disturbance?'
"Watch out!" Antoc Merrick called out. "Large crab submarine coming out of the water."
Nym was among the many ships that dodged the missiles and turbolaser bolts that came flying up from the crab-like submarine as it surfaced.
"Hello, Jedi. You should have heeded my warning," Harro Ruuk said coldly. "You and that Feeorin scum will not get away with this. The Trade Federation will get even!"
"Trade Federation Regional Commander, Harro Ruuk, this is your last chance to stand down peacefully." Adi advised coolly.
"It's one more chance than you shall get, Master Jedi, let me assure you," Ruuk asserted menacingly.
"Your toys don't impress, Ruuk," Nym responded boldly before he launched a full volley of proton bombs which broke through the submarine's shields and started a chain reaction of explosions.
"Got an escape pod!" Siri said, intercepting a pod that Nym had apparently missed while watching the crab submarine explode. "It looks like we're all going to end up happy. Nym got to destroy the sensor station, and we got Ruuk. I suspect he'll tell us everything we want to know."
"Good," Nym said. "Now that the station's gone, the Mount Merakan area's our next target."
"Your next target, Nym. I'm afraid this is where we part ways, at least for now," Adi said. "I feel a disturbance in the Force, and we must investigate."
"Oh. Well . . . good luck, Jedi," Nym recovered a touch awkwardly. "You leave just when I'm getting used to having you around."
"Don't worry, Nym," Adi responded with a dry tone. "I suspect this will not be the last time we work together."
"Whatever the case, I won't be holding my breath. You just do what you gotta do, Adi, and I'll be doing the same," Nym retorted good-naturedly before going back to business. "Alright, Revenants, let's move out!"
*The Will of the Force*
Kastor and his team, along with Allara, followed Bant through the city streets towards the lifts that would take them to the Undercity. Yoda had left their group, intending to speak with some of the more powerful Tarisian nobles to gain support for more direct control, and Rig Nema was heading back for the medical labs where she was hoping to find a cure for the disease. The Sith had done so before, so she was confident that almost 4000 years later, she could do so again. That was something Kastor figured they could help with.
They took a lift down to the Undercity, and Kastor tensed along with his team as a cacophony of blasterfire and unnatural screams met their ears as soon as the lifts opened. Kastor glanced at Bant who seemed unsurprised, but the rest of Kastor's team, along with Allara, rushed out to take stock of the situation.
Kastor's eyes widened seeing a warzone. Dozens of Taris security had set up security walls, with which they were behind, firing upon dozens, if not hundreds of rakghouls. The hideous and almost seemingly mindless beasts were screaming horribly as they rushed through the hail of blasterfire to sink their teeth into whatever they could. As Kastor had heard in tales, the rakghouls seemed somewhat resistant to blaster fire, pushing through to try and infect the frontline.
"Kriffing hell!" Koba swore. "Join the line! Hold those creatures back!"
Rhys and the Force Troopers all hastened to follow Koba's command, joining the security forces and adding their firepower to the defense.
"This isn't some outbreak," Kastor said, aghast. "This is a plague that is rapidly becoming its own insurrection!"
"Now you see our frustrations," Bant said sadly. "The security forces can't keep this up forever, and the ones you see are the ones who live down here. The upper levels have mostly pulled their support, choosing to work on their own defenses rather than stop the plague here."
"I had hopes that we could contain this plague while we searched for the source," Kastor said, before he shook his head, "but we can't contain this with what we've got."
"They dislike any aid from the Jedi Order," Bant said with a sigh. "They say history is repeating itself, and the last time there were Jedi and rakghouls on this planet, they were orbital bombarded."
"They think we're going to orbital bombard them?" Allara asked in shock.
"I tried to explain that we would never take that approach, nor would the Senate ever approve it," Bant replied wearily, "but they still didn't go for it."
Further conversation was cut off as Bant's comlink went off.
"We've got a new problem," Rig's voice came through grimly. "The Tarisians decided that we were right and they needed help . . . but they didn't approach us for help."
Kastor, Allara, and Bant all exchanged startled looks.
"The Outland Regions Security Force has arrived on scene and has a fleet in space," Rig continued. "They are taking control with the Tarisians' support."
Kastor swore.
"We need to figure out what their plan is," Allara said tersely. "Taris might very well face an orbital bombardment, one of their own choosing."
"Boss, we'll stay down here and assist the security forces," Rhys called over. "We can observe these rakghouls and form some possible theories."
Kastor nodded. "Try to gather a few rakghoul bodies and have them delivered to Master Nema."
"I'll stay and observe as well," Allara said. "Perhaps the Force will help me find where our source is."
Kastor nodded, and then he and Bant hurried off back to the lifts and then were soon racing through the streets of Taris back to the government central facility. Kastor's eyes widened seeing a half dozen dropships had already landed, deploying hundreds of ORSF soldiers.
"They're making a statement," Bant said thoughtfully.
"They want to prove that they are a better alternative than the Jedi Order and our coalition," Kastor agreed, "and unfortunately, we have to help them, even if it would prove them right."
They entered the government facility and found four men wearing the uniform of the ORSF, Yoda, and another man in a posh, formal suit typical of the Tarisian nobility.
"Lord Sanronn Blatwar," Bant whispered to Kastor. "He's the current head of the Noble's Council."
He nodded
Kastor and Bant approached the group, and he could feel the unease in Yoda, a far cry from the master's usual serenity.
"Knight Eerin," Sanronn greeted, a look of displeasure on his face. "As you can see, the Jedi are no longer needed. We have professional soldiers here who will sweep out those abominations in short order."
"Perhaps you are right," Kastor said, "However, I highly doubt soldiers will be able to handle the source of the plague. If the cause is what we believe, then only Jedi will be able to end this plague once and for all."
"That implies you know what has caused this outbreak," one of the ORSF officers said in a refined, but disdainful voice.
Kastor glanced at him, noting his strong build, bald head, and dark almost malevolent eyes.
"I'm sorry, what was your name, sir?" Kastor asked politely.
"Major Merillono Tarko," the man replied in the same tone. "I'm in charge of this operation. Now, do you know what has caused this plague?"
"We have a theory," Kastor answered. "The original plague came from an old amulet of the Sith and –"
"Bah, so it all comes back to you Jedi," Sanronn said with a glare.
"What does this amulet do?" one of the other ORSF personnel asked, frowning.
"What does it matter, Captain Argus?" Tarko asked. "Some ancient trinket won't stop us."
"I'm interested in what it does as well," the third ORSF man, a middle-aged man with striking blue eyes and white hair.
"Of course you would, Captain Korda," Tarko responded with an eye roll.
"The amulet is like a leech," Kastor answered the two men. "It finds a host and takes control of them. This host is able to turn others into rakghouls."
"Interesting," Korda said, and Kastor didn't like the gleam in the man's eyes. He was glad he 'forgot' to mention that the host could supposedly control and direct the rakghouls.
"Seems like a simple solution," a younger man, the last unknown ORSF personnel said. "We just need to kill the host and then wipe out the rest of the abominable creatures. If there are as many of them as Lord Sanronn is claiming, then we just need to pinpoint where they are coming from and bomb the sector into oblivion."
"Die, many innocents might, Lieutenant Commander Rampart," Yoda cautioned.
"A couple for the billions on this planet," Rampart said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "That's an easy decision to make."
Kastor, Bant, and Yoda exchanged grim looks, seeing that most of the ORSF and Lord Sanronn were in agreement. It was only Captain Argus that didn't seem to care one way or another yet on what path they chose. Kastor sensed it had more to do with him not yet having a full grasp of the situation and less on the man's lack of willingness to decimate the Undercity.
"Surely you can understand why we'd prefer to put a stop to the virus without such extreme measures," Bant offered up tentatively. "Can you give us time to neutralize the host?"
"We are working to secure the Lower City to prevent any possible spread," Tarko said firmly. "From there, we will push to the Undercity and assess the situation. If you cannot put an end to this by the end of our assessment, you will stay out of our way for whatever we decide."
Kastor nodded slowly, knowing that they only had a few days, at most, to find the Murr Talisman . . . or else history might very well repeat itself on Taris.