MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Had a family emergency come up this week, as such, all fics are postponed until it's been resolved.
War on the Horizon
- Thread starter MarkWarrior
- Start date
-
- Tags
- battletech star wars
Good luck. Don't worry about us.
Take care of family. Hope all turns out well.
I hope,that God would be with you and your family.Take your time.
Chapter 38
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 38
The Messenger dropped out of hyperspace, a handful of barely lit ships filling the viewport.
"Looks like we found something," Colonel Hull muttered from his seat. "What are we picking up on our scanners?"
"Sensor traces are coming back with positive IDs. Scans confirm them as refitted Consular class escorts that were supposed to have been attached to the Katana Fleet."
"Anything else in the immediate area?" Hull asked.
"It'll take some time, but we may have just found what we were looking for."
"Let me know when we've fully scanned the sector," Hull stroked his beard. "And have some of our people check on these escorts. If possible, I want them slaved to our ships so we can bring them back with us. Captain, I believe this is your show," Hull stepped off of the bridge to allow the captain of the Messenger and the commander of the fleet to do his job.
"Bring us about to heading 160, and angle us down forty-five degrees. I want our sensors to pick up everything we can about this area of space."
Ferus Olin barely deflected the strike from Master Dooku, his small Soresu stance doing little to dissuade the older man from striking hard.
"You must learn to adjust as is needed," Dooku barked. "Do not let your fear over your master consume you or it will be your undoing!" the Count of Serenno disarmed the younger padawan with a flick of his wrist as the training saber flew across the room.
"You are talented with both a blade and with the Force," Dooku recalled the other training saber to himself. "But you are too consumed with emotion at the moment to learn anything."
"I felt something happen to Master Siri," Ferus sighed. "There was something dark facing her."
"Regardless of what happens to others, it is you that must master your own emotions, no one else can do it for you. Anger, hate, jealousy, the things that we are told lead to the Dark Side as younglings will come and go, it is how we respond as Jedi that dictates how and what we become. There is not a being across the galaxy that does not feel anger when a known criminal gets away with his crimes."
"You are young," Dooku sighed and helped the young man to his feet. "And have much to learn about yourself and how to manage the more base impulses that come with existence."
–
–
"Head of State, the council has asked for a meeting to determine how the spacelanes are to be divided up and protected from pirates and the like," a Twi'Lek with a datapad walked up beside the Count.
"Did we not already cover this during the first meeting?" Dooku asked.
"Unfortunately, aside from the notes that were taken at the meeting, there was no firm foundation for the patrols set."
"I see," Dooku paused. "Call for the meeting at their earliest convenience, we will need to begin drafting our response to any Republic overtures."
"Yes sir," she nodded as she jotted down a note. "Is there anything else you need?"
"Yes," Dooku nodded. "Please ask Master Yaddle and Major Sheppard to join me in the meeting, they may be needed to assist with soothing bruised egos over the patrols."
"I'll get right on that," she hurried off.
"Why did I ever agree to this," Dooku reached out to the Force, allowing it to soothe the headache that formed from the stress of leading a stellar nation. "I should have refused this position."
"One at a time!" Sheppard barked at the planetary representatives. "If you'll each stop trying to speak over each other then we'll be able to get this done much faster. Now, I believe the Chair was speaking."
"Yes, thank you," the older representative nodded. "We've already gotten most of the patrols sorted out, the problem is that we lack the forces to cover all of the hyperlanes that we are supposed to protect at the moment, which leaves us with a potentially disastrous hole in our protection plans."
"The Marksman have a plan that may suit your purposes for now until we can heavily patrol the sectors and hyperlanes," Sheppard explained, stepping forward. "We've been exploring doctrine over the last few years, and have landed on a plan that will work, at least temporarily."
"Where is Colonel Hull?" someone cut him off. "Why are we not speaking to the leader of the Head of State's pet Mercenaries?"
"Because Colonel Hull is currently indisposed upon my request," Dooku spoke up. "Now, I believe that Major Sheppard was about to explain how we would rectify the holes in our sectors."
"Yes, thank you," Sheppard made a gesture and a handful of Corellian light freighters appeared via hologram to his side along with a half-squadron of hyperspace capable fighters. "We believe that light freighters modified with good sensors and supplemented by fighters will be capable of handling most individual pirates," Another gesture brought up the hyperlanes with some specific planets highlighted. "For everything else, we have what we call QRFs on standby."
"QRFs?" A woman asked.
"Quick reaction forces," Sheppard explained. "They'll likely be small battlegroups on standby able to jump into any action if given the word, this will allow us to patrol a larger section of space without compromising the security."
"What if one of said patrols is overrun?" another representative asked. "What will we do then?"
"That's why every patrol will be equipped with a 'Black box'," Sheppard shrugged. "There's no such thing as a perfect system, but this will allow us to use the resources we have available to us in the most efficient manner. And we can always add more patrols or even reinforce the ones that we have as we build up the military that we'll use for this."
"The central military force is in the process of being trained," the Chairman explained. "But it takes time, and even with volunteers from various Planetary Defence fleets, it will take credits and time."
"Now," Dooku stepped forward. "I am having the exact plans for the patrols and the forces that each planet is expected to contribute for now drawn up, we will hold the final vote on the subject tomorrow with the option to review it as things change."
"Now, we can move onto the next item that we were to go over," the Chair pushed a button, causing new legislation to appear. "We're to go over the taxes and how we are to establish a precedent here."
"If I may have the floor?" the Representative of the Regency Worlds stepped forward, the older gentleman leaning on a cane.
"Of course," the Chairman allowed him to speak.
"While there are some worlds that are wealthy, such as the one that my family hails from," the old man started. "There are just as many worlds that have struggled under the burden of the Republic's taxes, I believe that we must establish ourselves in a different manner, I call for a motion of a flat tax of a world's total earnings, and it may be paid in either credits, or in aid rendered to the patrols that we maintain."
"Seconded," a man from one of those poorer worlds stood up. "What we lack in credits, we will contribute in fuel and in food for the patrols that keep us safe, and one day, we may be able to stand with those such as Arkanis and contribute our own credits and soldiers in the defense of this Confederacy of Independent Systems!"
"Colonel Hull, Knight Tachi, please report to the bridge, we have found the Katana Fleet, I repeat, we have found the Katana Fleet!"
The Messenger dropped out of hyperspace, a handful of barely lit ships filling the viewport.
"Looks like we found something," Colonel Hull muttered from his seat. "What are we picking up on our scanners?"
"Sensor traces are coming back with positive IDs. Scans confirm them as refitted Consular class escorts that were supposed to have been attached to the Katana Fleet."
"Anything else in the immediate area?" Hull asked.
"It'll take some time, but we may have just found what we were looking for."
"Let me know when we've fully scanned the sector," Hull stroked his beard. "And have some of our people check on these escorts. If possible, I want them slaved to our ships so we can bring them back with us. Captain, I believe this is your show," Hull stepped off of the bridge to allow the captain of the Messenger and the commander of the fleet to do his job.
"Bring us about to heading 160, and angle us down forty-five degrees. I want our sensors to pick up everything we can about this area of space."
Ferus Olin barely deflected the strike from Master Dooku, his small Soresu stance doing little to dissuade the older man from striking hard.
"You must learn to adjust as is needed," Dooku barked. "Do not let your fear over your master consume you or it will be your undoing!" the Count of Serenno disarmed the younger padawan with a flick of his wrist as the training saber flew across the room.
"You are talented with both a blade and with the Force," Dooku recalled the other training saber to himself. "But you are too consumed with emotion at the moment to learn anything."
"I felt something happen to Master Siri," Ferus sighed. "There was something dark facing her."
"Regardless of what happens to others, it is you that must master your own emotions, no one else can do it for you. Anger, hate, jealousy, the things that we are told lead to the Dark Side as younglings will come and go, it is how we respond as Jedi that dictates how and what we become. There is not a being across the galaxy that does not feel anger when a known criminal gets away with his crimes."
"You are young," Dooku sighed and helped the young man to his feet. "And have much to learn about yourself and how to manage the more base impulses that come with existence."
–
–
"Head of State, the council has asked for a meeting to determine how the spacelanes are to be divided up and protected from pirates and the like," a Twi'Lek with a datapad walked up beside the Count.
"Did we not already cover this during the first meeting?" Dooku asked.
"Unfortunately, aside from the notes that were taken at the meeting, there was no firm foundation for the patrols set."
"I see," Dooku paused. "Call for the meeting at their earliest convenience, we will need to begin drafting our response to any Republic overtures."
"Yes sir," she nodded as she jotted down a note. "Is there anything else you need?"
"Yes," Dooku nodded. "Please ask Master Yaddle and Major Sheppard to join me in the meeting, they may be needed to assist with soothing bruised egos over the patrols."
"I'll get right on that," she hurried off.
"Why did I ever agree to this," Dooku reached out to the Force, allowing it to soothe the headache that formed from the stress of leading a stellar nation. "I should have refused this position."
"One at a time!" Sheppard barked at the planetary representatives. "If you'll each stop trying to speak over each other then we'll be able to get this done much faster. Now, I believe the Chair was speaking."
"Yes, thank you," the older representative nodded. "We've already gotten most of the patrols sorted out, the problem is that we lack the forces to cover all of the hyperlanes that we are supposed to protect at the moment, which leaves us with a potentially disastrous hole in our protection plans."
"The Marksman have a plan that may suit your purposes for now until we can heavily patrol the sectors and hyperlanes," Sheppard explained, stepping forward. "We've been exploring doctrine over the last few years, and have landed on a plan that will work, at least temporarily."
"Where is Colonel Hull?" someone cut him off. "Why are we not speaking to the leader of the Head of State's pet Mercenaries?"
"Because Colonel Hull is currently indisposed upon my request," Dooku spoke up. "Now, I believe that Major Sheppard was about to explain how we would rectify the holes in our sectors."
"Yes, thank you," Sheppard made a gesture and a handful of Corellian light freighters appeared via hologram to his side along with a half-squadron of hyperspace capable fighters. "We believe that light freighters modified with good sensors and supplemented by fighters will be capable of handling most individual pirates," Another gesture brought up the hyperlanes with some specific planets highlighted. "For everything else, we have what we call QRFs on standby."
"QRFs?" A woman asked.
"Quick reaction forces," Sheppard explained. "They'll likely be small battlegroups on standby able to jump into any action if given the word, this will allow us to patrol a larger section of space without compromising the security."
"What if one of said patrols is overrun?" another representative asked. "What will we do then?"
"That's why every patrol will be equipped with a 'Black box'," Sheppard shrugged. "There's no such thing as a perfect system, but this will allow us to use the resources we have available to us in the most efficient manner. And we can always add more patrols or even reinforce the ones that we have as we build up the military that we'll use for this."
"The central military force is in the process of being trained," the Chairman explained. "But it takes time, and even with volunteers from various Planetary Defence fleets, it will take credits and time."
"Now," Dooku stepped forward. "I am having the exact plans for the patrols and the forces that each planet is expected to contribute for now drawn up, we will hold the final vote on the subject tomorrow with the option to review it as things change."
"Now, we can move onto the next item that we were to go over," the Chair pushed a button, causing new legislation to appear. "We're to go over the taxes and how we are to establish a precedent here."
"If I may have the floor?" the Representative of the Regency Worlds stepped forward, the older gentleman leaning on a cane.
"Of course," the Chairman allowed him to speak.
"While there are some worlds that are wealthy, such as the one that my family hails from," the old man started. "There are just as many worlds that have struggled under the burden of the Republic's taxes, I believe that we must establish ourselves in a different manner, I call for a motion of a flat tax of a world's total earnings, and it may be paid in either credits, or in aid rendered to the patrols that we maintain."
"Seconded," a man from one of those poorer worlds stood up. "What we lack in credits, we will contribute in fuel and in food for the patrols that keep us safe, and one day, we may be able to stand with those such as Arkanis and contribute our own credits and soldiers in the defense of this Confederacy of Independent Systems!"
"Colonel Hull, Knight Tachi, please report to the bridge, we have found the Katana Fleet, I repeat, we have found the Katana Fleet!"
The Formation of the Confederacy of Independent Systems by Lee Desyk
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
The Formation of the Confederacy of Independent Systems by Lee Desyk
While there are many who like to claim the formation of the Confederacy began with the Raxus Proclamation, the scholars heavily disagree, with the commonly agreed-upon date being a few months later when Serenno withdrew entirely from the Republic, leaving merely a token embassy and the amount of back-taxes that were owed to the Republic behind.
However, the difficulties arose shortly after following Serenno's withdrawal from the Republic, with hundreds of systems now temporarily vulnerable to pirates and those who would seek to exploit them.
With the Trade Federation and what was left of the Intergalactic Banking Clans pushing to make deals with the worlds that were no longer even somewhat protected by Republic Law.
It is in this turmoil that a group of individuals called for a Council, with representatives from all of the seceded worlds and sectors meeting on Raxus Prime in order to hammer out a provisional government.
Drawing from the failings of the Republic as well as the success of several smaller Sector and Planetary governments, the beginnings of what would be called the Founding Charter of the Confederacy of Independent Systems.
Established in this Charter were what would nowadays be considered the basic Sentients rights. With an outright ban on Slavery and piracy, and establishing the universal laws that every System and Planetary body would be required to enforce locally.
While not a comprehensive document, this basic Charter was able to grant all of the worlds and systems a place of agreement on which to begin discussions on what kind of government they wanted.
They knew that they didn't want to get bogged down with the same bureaucracy and red tape that hamstrung the Republic. Still, there was no agreement on the form of government until a few months after the Charter of the Confederacy had been signed by all of the participating worlds.
What was decided on was at first a loose coalition, bound together by a shared tax percentage and a donation of either food, credits, manpower, or ships to protect the hyperlanes, but as things progressed, the fledgling Confederacy realized that they would need to establish a more firm federal government if they were to ensure that the Corporations and other nations respected their borders and laws.
This of course led to many arguments, and they ended up with a hybrid system that satisfied no one, which of course meant that it was a more efficient system than they had originally intended by sheer accident.
And so, the Confederacy of Independent Systems flag was flown in the Outer Rim, and while their troubles did not disappear overnight, there was now hope for a future that would allow them to be more than they had been under the Republic.
Citations
A History of the Time Before the Galactic Civil War by A'vent T'cha
The Charter of Sentient Rights and other important documents by Rena Minnau
An essay by a middle or high school kid.
While there are many who like to claim the formation of the Confederacy began with the Raxus Proclamation, the scholars heavily disagree, with the commonly agreed-upon date being a few months later when Serenno withdrew entirely from the Republic, leaving merely a token embassy and the amount of back-taxes that were owed to the Republic behind.
However, the difficulties arose shortly after following Serenno's withdrawal from the Republic, with hundreds of systems now temporarily vulnerable to pirates and those who would seek to exploit them.
With the Trade Federation and what was left of the Intergalactic Banking Clans pushing to make deals with the worlds that were no longer even somewhat protected by Republic Law.
It is in this turmoil that a group of individuals called for a Council, with representatives from all of the seceded worlds and sectors meeting on Raxus Prime in order to hammer out a provisional government.
Drawing from the failings of the Republic as well as the success of several smaller Sector and Planetary governments, the beginnings of what would be called the Founding Charter of the Confederacy of Independent Systems.
Established in this Charter were what would nowadays be considered the basic Sentients rights. With an outright ban on Slavery and piracy, and establishing the universal laws that every System and Planetary body would be required to enforce locally.
While not a comprehensive document, this basic Charter was able to grant all of the worlds and systems a place of agreement on which to begin discussions on what kind of government they wanted.
They knew that they didn't want to get bogged down with the same bureaucracy and red tape that hamstrung the Republic. Still, there was no agreement on the form of government until a few months after the Charter of the Confederacy had been signed by all of the participating worlds.
What was decided on was at first a loose coalition, bound together by a shared tax percentage and a donation of either food, credits, manpower, or ships to protect the hyperlanes, but as things progressed, the fledgling Confederacy realized that they would need to establish a more firm federal government if they were to ensure that the Corporations and other nations respected their borders and laws.
This of course led to many arguments, and they ended up with a hybrid system that satisfied no one, which of course meant that it was a more efficient system than they had originally intended by sheer accident.
And so, the Confederacy of Independent Systems flag was flown in the Outer Rim, and while their troubles did not disappear overnight, there was now hope for a future that would allow them to be more than they had been under the Republic.
Citations
A History of the Time Before the Galactic Civil War by A'vent T'cha
The Charter of Sentient Rights and other important documents by Rena Minnau
An essay by a middle or high school kid.
Chapter 39
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 39
"Records and markings ID that as the Katana," the sensors officer reported. "What are your orders, Colonel?"
"Have our Marines suit up, I want us prepped for full NBC warfare," the Colonel glanced at the Jedi Knight that had limped onto the bridge. "I'd recommend you stay in the med bay until the Corpsman releases you. But I recognize that you're not technically a part of my Chain of Command."
"I would like to watch the proceedings from the Bridge," Siri stated. "I will not ask for more than that as I am not yet recovered enough."
"I own the ship," Colonel Hull shrugged. "But I'm not her captain."
"If the Corpsman clears it, I will allow it," the captain finally sighed after a moment's thought. "And Colonel, I don't think that you should be going onto the Katana until it has been cleared."
"Looks like you're going to have two guests on the bridge then," Hull shrugged. "I'm perfectly willing to let Paisley's experts do their job."
"Then we get to monitor everything else," the captain sat in his chair and strapped himself in. "Archon's Favor, I want you to get close, see if we can get the bay doors open and those marines deployed."
"Aye, sir!" Hober's cheery voice replied. "Moving to engage in salvage operations."
"Sting, I want you to start patrolling the area, there's no telling what kind of scavengers might be in the area."
"We'll light up the void if there are any orcs around," the pilot chuckled. "Beginning patrol, Messenger."
"And now we wait," Colonel Hull leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes for a minute. "The worst part of being the CO of any operation. Waiting to see if it's a success."
Count Dooku's Palace, Serenno
"Master Yoda," Dooku greeted his old Master as the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order descended down the ramp of a Consular Class cruiser. "What a pleasant surprise."
"Hmm," Yoda grunted. "Disgruntled you have become in your old age."
"Disgruntled," Dooku chuckled. "Master, I haven't become disgruntled. I've merely decided to do what needs to be done. I am tired of the state of things in the Republic, the corruption has gone on long enough."
"So become a Jedi Lord you have, Hmm?" Yoda asked his gimmer stick at the ready.
"Jedi Lord," Dooku full-on laughed. "I didn't even want to be elected to this position. Much less have to fill this seat. But now that I am here, I will see it through."
"Come to inspect the Jedi that has come to you, I have," Yoda finally said, his gimmer stick easing back. "Learnt much, it seems you have."
"There comes a time when one must look back on the legacy that they are leaving behind," Dooku sighed, seemingly aging as he somewhat lost his regal bearing for a moment. "I am honoring Qui-Gon in this. No matter how much we disagreed, we both were aware of the faults of the Republic. I would be dishonoring him if I did nothing. Just as his padawan would be dishonoring him if he did not honor his request to train young Skywalker."
"Refused to meet them, I heard," Yoda sat down on a nearby stool as Dooku settled into a chair.
"I did no such thing," the Count shook his head. "I had duties and responsibilities and told the two of them that it would take time for me to take care of such things before speaking with them."
"Stubborn, Kenobi is," Yoda smirked. "Remind me of another youngling, he does."
"I have looked over Kenobi's records," Dooku's eyes narrowed. "He has always been a promising Jedi. That Qui-Gon was willing to throw him to the side shamed me in many ways. Had I been present I would have taken him on to be my own apprentice."
"Know this, he does not," Yoda mused. "Think you consider Qui-gon and he failures, he does."
"I disagreed with my padawan," the taller man sighed. "I never considered him a failure, no matter our disagreements."
"Brought the two of them, I did," Yoda closed his eyes and stretched out in the force to sense the others. "Reconnect, you should. Speak of what we have spoken of to Obi-Wan, you must."
"And where will you be going?" The Count asked.
"Changing, the Galaxy is," Yoda smirked. "Long time, it has been since I journeyed to the Outer Rim. Speak with Yaddle and Faye, I must."
"Just don't let her rope you into those sessions she has," Dooku chuckled. "You'll be shackled to a table for hours."
"Go now," Yoda closed his eyes. "Meditate I must. While you speak with other younglings, yes?"
I suppose that my schedule is free enough to spend some time sparring with the two of them," Dooku stroked his beard. "But our conversations are not yet over, master."
"Speak later, we will rest now, we must."
"Insufferable gremlin," Dooku muttered after the door slid shut. "Now I have to clear my schedule, otherwise he will find a way to make me regret it."
"Bay seems kinda messed up," the fireteam leader said, the comms package sending his helmet cam footage directly to the Messenger's comms station. "It looks like some of the people went a bit crazy here."
"Does any of our intel actually tell us what happened to the people?" One Marine asked as he poked a corpse.
"Negative, you're going to want to keep your helmets sealed and let the Corpsmen take a look at anything before we lift the NBC procedures."
"Copy that, Messenger," the NCO responded. "You hear that, Hober? You don't get to come adventuring with us this time."
"Fine by me," the pilot chuckled. "I'd rather not get bitten by a zombie or anything, I've seen that vid."
"Zombie Kerensky isn't real," a marine snarked. "We all know that the old man died."
"Sure, but I wasn't talking about those B-flick vids," Hober sighed. "Never mind, just let me know when it's all clear."
"Wilco. Fireteam Alpha, I want you to move to the reactor, and make sure that it's secure, Fireteam Bravo, you make sure that we've got secure corridors between the bridge and engine room. Charlie, we're taking the bridge. Which is conveniently located in the fuckin' middle of the ship."
"You mean some people actually can build and design something without an exposed CIC?" a voice asked sarcastically.
"Well, there had to be someone sane in the galaxy," the NCO laughed. "But not too many of them, otherwise we'd be out of work."
–
–
Knight Tachi looked around the bridge of the Messenger as the different screens showed different fireteam views.
"Are they always like this?" She asked the Colonel.
"No, sometimes they're worse," Hull laughed. "They're nervous, and it's a ghost ship. If they're laughing and messing with each other then they're alert enough to fight anything that shows up."
"They are your men," Tachi shrugged. "I merely do not understand why they speak to their comrades in this way."
"You and a couple of Knights that you trained with are willing to joke with each other, right?" Hull asked. "This is the same, only we don't get some space magic to cool our nerves, so we do it the old-fashioned way. With good-natured teasing and messing with each other."
Siri nodded and turned her gaze to the screens, the squads had found something interesting…
"Records and markings ID that as the Katana," the sensors officer reported. "What are your orders, Colonel?"
"Have our Marines suit up, I want us prepped for full NBC warfare," the Colonel glanced at the Jedi Knight that had limped onto the bridge. "I'd recommend you stay in the med bay until the Corpsman releases you. But I recognize that you're not technically a part of my Chain of Command."
"I would like to watch the proceedings from the Bridge," Siri stated. "I will not ask for more than that as I am not yet recovered enough."
"I own the ship," Colonel Hull shrugged. "But I'm not her captain."
"If the Corpsman clears it, I will allow it," the captain finally sighed after a moment's thought. "And Colonel, I don't think that you should be going onto the Katana until it has been cleared."
"Looks like you're going to have two guests on the bridge then," Hull shrugged. "I'm perfectly willing to let Paisley's experts do their job."
"Then we get to monitor everything else," the captain sat in his chair and strapped himself in. "Archon's Favor, I want you to get close, see if we can get the bay doors open and those marines deployed."
"Aye, sir!" Hober's cheery voice replied. "Moving to engage in salvage operations."
"Sting, I want you to start patrolling the area, there's no telling what kind of scavengers might be in the area."
"We'll light up the void if there are any orcs around," the pilot chuckled. "Beginning patrol, Messenger."
"And now we wait," Colonel Hull leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes for a minute. "The worst part of being the CO of any operation. Waiting to see if it's a success."
Count Dooku's Palace, Serenno
"Master Yoda," Dooku greeted his old Master as the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order descended down the ramp of a Consular Class cruiser. "What a pleasant surprise."
"Hmm," Yoda grunted. "Disgruntled you have become in your old age."
"Disgruntled," Dooku chuckled. "Master, I haven't become disgruntled. I've merely decided to do what needs to be done. I am tired of the state of things in the Republic, the corruption has gone on long enough."
"So become a Jedi Lord you have, Hmm?" Yoda asked his gimmer stick at the ready.
"Jedi Lord," Dooku full-on laughed. "I didn't even want to be elected to this position. Much less have to fill this seat. But now that I am here, I will see it through."
"Come to inspect the Jedi that has come to you, I have," Yoda finally said, his gimmer stick easing back. "Learnt much, it seems you have."
"There comes a time when one must look back on the legacy that they are leaving behind," Dooku sighed, seemingly aging as he somewhat lost his regal bearing for a moment. "I am honoring Qui-Gon in this. No matter how much we disagreed, we both were aware of the faults of the Republic. I would be dishonoring him if I did nothing. Just as his padawan would be dishonoring him if he did not honor his request to train young Skywalker."
"Refused to meet them, I heard," Yoda sat down on a nearby stool as Dooku settled into a chair.
"I did no such thing," the Count shook his head. "I had duties and responsibilities and told the two of them that it would take time for me to take care of such things before speaking with them."
"Stubborn, Kenobi is," Yoda smirked. "Remind me of another youngling, he does."
"I have looked over Kenobi's records," Dooku's eyes narrowed. "He has always been a promising Jedi. That Qui-Gon was willing to throw him to the side shamed me in many ways. Had I been present I would have taken him on to be my own apprentice."
"Know this, he does not," Yoda mused. "Think you consider Qui-gon and he failures, he does."
"I disagreed with my padawan," the taller man sighed. "I never considered him a failure, no matter our disagreements."
"Brought the two of them, I did," Yoda closed his eyes and stretched out in the force to sense the others. "Reconnect, you should. Speak of what we have spoken of to Obi-Wan, you must."
"And where will you be going?" The Count asked.
"Changing, the Galaxy is," Yoda smirked. "Long time, it has been since I journeyed to the Outer Rim. Speak with Yaddle and Faye, I must."
"Just don't let her rope you into those sessions she has," Dooku chuckled. "You'll be shackled to a table for hours."
"Go now," Yoda closed his eyes. "Meditate I must. While you speak with other younglings, yes?"
I suppose that my schedule is free enough to spend some time sparring with the two of them," Dooku stroked his beard. "But our conversations are not yet over, master."
"Speak later, we will rest now, we must."
"Insufferable gremlin," Dooku muttered after the door slid shut. "Now I have to clear my schedule, otherwise he will find a way to make me regret it."
"Bay seems kinda messed up," the fireteam leader said, the comms package sending his helmet cam footage directly to the Messenger's comms station. "It looks like some of the people went a bit crazy here."
"Does any of our intel actually tell us what happened to the people?" One Marine asked as he poked a corpse.
"Negative, you're going to want to keep your helmets sealed and let the Corpsmen take a look at anything before we lift the NBC procedures."
"Copy that, Messenger," the NCO responded. "You hear that, Hober? You don't get to come adventuring with us this time."
"Fine by me," the pilot chuckled. "I'd rather not get bitten by a zombie or anything, I've seen that vid."
"Zombie Kerensky isn't real," a marine snarked. "We all know that the old man died."
"Sure, but I wasn't talking about those B-flick vids," Hober sighed. "Never mind, just let me know when it's all clear."
"Wilco. Fireteam Alpha, I want you to move to the reactor, and make sure that it's secure, Fireteam Bravo, you make sure that we've got secure corridors between the bridge and engine room. Charlie, we're taking the bridge. Which is conveniently located in the fuckin' middle of the ship."
"You mean some people actually can build and design something without an exposed CIC?" a voice asked sarcastically.
"Well, there had to be someone sane in the galaxy," the NCO laughed. "But not too many of them, otherwise we'd be out of work."
–
–
Knight Tachi looked around the bridge of the Messenger as the different screens showed different fireteam views.
"Are they always like this?" She asked the Colonel.
"No, sometimes they're worse," Hull laughed. "They're nervous, and it's a ghost ship. If they're laughing and messing with each other then they're alert enough to fight anything that shows up."
"They are your men," Tachi shrugged. "I merely do not understand why they speak to their comrades in this way."
"You and a couple of Knights that you trained with are willing to joke with each other, right?" Hull asked. "This is the same, only we don't get some space magic to cool our nerves, so we do it the old-fashioned way. With good-natured teasing and messing with each other."
Siri nodded and turned her gaze to the screens, the squads had found something interesting…
Exposed CIC - i laughed like hyena when imperial superdestroyer died in Return of Yedi when rebel fighters rammed it CIC.
exposed CIC was logical in naval warware as long as you used binoculars,not good radar,but later?
Well,it look cool.
And Siri could not undarstandt marines - but one good marine would certainly undarstand her!
exposed CIC was logical in naval warware as long as you used binoculars,not good radar,but later?
Well,it look cool.
And Siri could not undarstandt marines - but one good marine would certainly undarstand her!
Those left behind.
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Those Left Behind
August 25, 3007
"After much review and investigation, we find the Wolf's Dragoons were not at fault in the disappearance of the Marksman mercenary company and as such are not liable for any damages," A reporter from CNN (Comstar News Network) read off of her teleprompter. "With the Capellans denying any involvement in the disappearance of the unit that shattered a third of their premier Mercenary unit, Maccarron's Armored Cavalry."
"So, did we have anything to do with this?" Ian muted the Tri-vid before glancing at Michael Hasek-Davion.
"Not that I'm aware of," his brother-in-law shrugged. "But there's always something that passes us by."
"I knew that they had worked with the Taurians before," Ian slid an intel brief over. "But the brief didn't give how closely tied to them they were."
"The Taurians are shifting forces away from our border with them for the first time in a hundred years. We should move to strike now."
"Negative," Ian shook his head. "They're positioning their troops along the Capellan border, and it looks like they're getting ready to launch some raiding parties. I want us to 'leak' some information to the Taurians about where known Capellan strong points are, maybe they can divert some of Max's forces so we can push them further back."
"I'll get on it," Hasek-Davion nodded. "We ever get any details on that strange Powered armor they were using?"
"We've got full samples, but until we can replicate the power source, we're only able to use the ones that they sold to us."
"Damn, are they of any use to us then?"
"Turns out we can recharge them using kit we can replicate," Ian smirked. "So we've at least got them for some of our high tier units."
"Well, it's something," Michael shrugged. "Anything else I need to be made aware of?"
"Yeah, I'm pushing the Wolf's Dragoons further up," Ian stated. "I want the Big Mac gone for good while they're already hurting."
"I can't believe I'm about to say this, but you might want to see about deploying some units to the Combine, ensure that they don't decide that now is the time to move while we seem distracted."
"Agreed," Ian wrote something down. "I'm assigning Hanse to New Aragorn. He'll make a decent military governor for now. Then we can start working on the rest of the problems at hand."
"Sir, these suits are clearly not inspired by the Elemental suit," an engineer informed the Wolf brothers and Natasha Kerensky. "And, while there are some signs of this being partly an old SLDF think tank project, there's enough differences that I think they found two different technologies and put them together to get this."
"So, it's smaller and less capable than an elemental," Jaime repeated.
"I wouldn't say less capable," the engineer shook his head. "Just different purposes. The Clans focus heavily on one on one combat, but if you put a double squad of these together in the formations that the Marksman fielded before they vanished off the face of the earth, I give good odds that the Elementals would be outmaneuvered."
"I know we were exonerated in the investigation," Kerensky glanced at the lightweight powered armor. "But what happened to them?"
"We may never find out," Jaime shrugged. "There is simply too much that we do not know about the universe."
"I know we normally blame the Davions for shit like this," Zarantha looked around at her inner council, pausing to stare at Thomas Calderon. "But even they're not crazy enough to frag a unit that just handed them a victory on a silver platter. So that leaves the Capellans."
"With the Toro's that were brought on his dropships, we were able to outfit another two battalions of light 'mechs," Thomas Calderon stood up and flipped on a Tri-vid viewer with a picture of said 'mech. "And with the unfrozen scientists along with the salvaged equipment, we're going to be able to restart production of spare parts within a month, and by the end of next year, will be producing the 'mech in its entirety again," another image popped up on the viewer. "The scientists also possessed the schematics for a Talos refit, that fixes some of its problems, and gives us an easily built medium trooper that will be able to be built out of industrialmech parts to begin with. And don't even get me started on the infantry armor and Drost IIB refits that we have the intel on."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the man who provided us with all of this is dead," Zarantha glared. "A man who nearly refused both a landhold and a noble title, I might add. And I'm not going to allow the murderers of those who have done the Concordat a service to live. We're going to build up, and in the next five years, we are going to liberate the worlds that the Capellans took from us," She held up a hand. "The Davions might hold worlds that were once ours, but at least the people there are relatively free. The Capellans are little more than slaves, and I believe that it is time we stood against that."
"Our plan is to begin resurrecting old and destroyed units," Thomas took his place again. "Most factory production from the local heavy 'mechs will be going to us instead of the mercs. From there, we're going to be training hard, we're going to sweat and bleed here in the Concordat so that we don't bleed against the Capellans later."
"You have your orders," Zarantha stood up. "Let's get to work, people."
August 25, 3007
"After much review and investigation, we find the Wolf's Dragoons were not at fault in the disappearance of the Marksman mercenary company and as such are not liable for any damages," A reporter from CNN (Comstar News Network) read off of her teleprompter. "With the Capellans denying any involvement in the disappearance of the unit that shattered a third of their premier Mercenary unit, Maccarron's Armored Cavalry."
"So, did we have anything to do with this?" Ian muted the Tri-vid before glancing at Michael Hasek-Davion.
"Not that I'm aware of," his brother-in-law shrugged. "But there's always something that passes us by."
"I knew that they had worked with the Taurians before," Ian slid an intel brief over. "But the brief didn't give how closely tied to them they were."
"The Taurians are shifting forces away from our border with them for the first time in a hundred years. We should move to strike now."
"Negative," Ian shook his head. "They're positioning their troops along the Capellan border, and it looks like they're getting ready to launch some raiding parties. I want us to 'leak' some information to the Taurians about where known Capellan strong points are, maybe they can divert some of Max's forces so we can push them further back."
"I'll get on it," Hasek-Davion nodded. "We ever get any details on that strange Powered armor they were using?"
"We've got full samples, but until we can replicate the power source, we're only able to use the ones that they sold to us."
"Damn, are they of any use to us then?"
"Turns out we can recharge them using kit we can replicate," Ian smirked. "So we've at least got them for some of our high tier units."
"Well, it's something," Michael shrugged. "Anything else I need to be made aware of?"
"Yeah, I'm pushing the Wolf's Dragoons further up," Ian stated. "I want the Big Mac gone for good while they're already hurting."
"I can't believe I'm about to say this, but you might want to see about deploying some units to the Combine, ensure that they don't decide that now is the time to move while we seem distracted."
"Agreed," Ian wrote something down. "I'm assigning Hanse to New Aragorn. He'll make a decent military governor for now. Then we can start working on the rest of the problems at hand."
"Sir, these suits are clearly not inspired by the Elemental suit," an engineer informed the Wolf brothers and Natasha Kerensky. "And, while there are some signs of this being partly an old SLDF think tank project, there's enough differences that I think they found two different technologies and put them together to get this."
"So, it's smaller and less capable than an elemental," Jaime repeated.
"I wouldn't say less capable," the engineer shook his head. "Just different purposes. The Clans focus heavily on one on one combat, but if you put a double squad of these together in the formations that the Marksman fielded before they vanished off the face of the earth, I give good odds that the Elementals would be outmaneuvered."
"I know we were exonerated in the investigation," Kerensky glanced at the lightweight powered armor. "But what happened to them?"
"We may never find out," Jaime shrugged. "There is simply too much that we do not know about the universe."
"I know we normally blame the Davions for shit like this," Zarantha looked around at her inner council, pausing to stare at Thomas Calderon. "But even they're not crazy enough to frag a unit that just handed them a victory on a silver platter. So that leaves the Capellans."
"With the Toro's that were brought on his dropships, we were able to outfit another two battalions of light 'mechs," Thomas Calderon stood up and flipped on a Tri-vid viewer with a picture of said 'mech. "And with the unfrozen scientists along with the salvaged equipment, we're going to be able to restart production of spare parts within a month, and by the end of next year, will be producing the 'mech in its entirety again," another image popped up on the viewer. "The scientists also possessed the schematics for a Talos refit, that fixes some of its problems, and gives us an easily built medium trooper that will be able to be built out of industrialmech parts to begin with. And don't even get me started on the infantry armor and Drost IIB refits that we have the intel on."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the man who provided us with all of this is dead," Zarantha glared. "A man who nearly refused both a landhold and a noble title, I might add. And I'm not going to allow the murderers of those who have done the Concordat a service to live. We're going to build up, and in the next five years, we are going to liberate the worlds that the Capellans took from us," She held up a hand. "The Davions might hold worlds that were once ours, but at least the people there are relatively free. The Capellans are little more than slaves, and I believe that it is time we stood against that."
"Our plan is to begin resurrecting old and destroyed units," Thomas took his place again. "Most factory production from the local heavy 'mechs will be going to us instead of the mercs. From there, we're going to be training hard, we're going to sweat and bleed here in the Concordat so that we don't bleed against the Capellans later."
"You have your orders," Zarantha stood up. "Let's get to work, people."
Headlines/News Interlude 2
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Headlines/News interlude 2 (I said I wouldn't do this, but here I am…)
"Breaking! Confederacy of Independent Systems finds the lost Katana Fleet begins refitting them for patrolling the hyperlanes! Republic scrambles to respond!" –Holonet News Network
"Republic Senate attempts to send Judicial Forces to reclaim the Fleet, claiming 'It was built for the Republic, and so it still belongs to them.'" –Coruscant Information Network
"Mercenary leader Colonel Hull is summoned to speak before the Senate!" –HNN
"Rendili Stardrive offers to assist in repairing any damages the Katana fleet suffered," –Business Insiders
"The Honorable Colonel Hull is attacked by assassins, no word on his survival as of yet. When asked questions, his Second in Command had this to say. 'We're currently conducting our own investigation. Rest assured that the Marksman will continue to hold to any contracts they've signed." –Outer Rim Publications
Confederacy of Independent Systems begins patrolling hyperlanes at unprecedented levels, Bringing Piracy in many sectors of the Outer Rim to a low not seen in centuries! Governor Tarkin is working with them to ensure coverage continues." –Eriadu General News
"Republic Senate is at a deadlock as the Trade Corporation increases rates among the Core!" –Business Insiders
"Core Worlds begin rearming programs, with Planetary Defense fleets increasing due to the CIS threat," –Coruscant Information Network
"Jedi Order refuses to comment on Jedi leaving Coruscant for the Outer Rim!" –HNN
"Colonel Hull speaks at the Senate, causing more Mid Rim worlds hang in the balance between the CIS and the Republic!" –Outer Rim Publications.
"Ryloth unlawfully votes to secede from the Republic despite protests from their Senator!" –Coruscant Information Network
"Kuat, Rendili and other ship manufacturers begin increasing production, skilled worker pool diminishes as shipyards take on more employees." – Business Insiders
"Tensions rise between the Outer and Core worlds. The galaxy stands on the verge of war!" –Eriadu General News
"Breaking! Confederacy of Independent Systems finds the lost Katana Fleet begins refitting them for patrolling the hyperlanes! Republic scrambles to respond!" –Holonet News Network
"Republic Senate attempts to send Judicial Forces to reclaim the Fleet, claiming 'It was built for the Republic, and so it still belongs to them.'" –Coruscant Information Network
"Mercenary leader Colonel Hull is summoned to speak before the Senate!" –HNN
"Rendili Stardrive offers to assist in repairing any damages the Katana fleet suffered," –Business Insiders
"The Honorable Colonel Hull is attacked by assassins, no word on his survival as of yet. When asked questions, his Second in Command had this to say. 'We're currently conducting our own investigation. Rest assured that the Marksman will continue to hold to any contracts they've signed." –Outer Rim Publications
Confederacy of Independent Systems begins patrolling hyperlanes at unprecedented levels, Bringing Piracy in many sectors of the Outer Rim to a low not seen in centuries! Governor Tarkin is working with them to ensure coverage continues." –Eriadu General News
"Republic Senate is at a deadlock as the Trade Corporation increases rates among the Core!" –Business Insiders
"Core Worlds begin rearming programs, with Planetary Defense fleets increasing due to the CIS threat," –Coruscant Information Network
"Jedi Order refuses to comment on Jedi leaving Coruscant for the Outer Rim!" –HNN
"Colonel Hull speaks at the Senate, causing more Mid Rim worlds hang in the balance between the CIS and the Republic!" –Outer Rim Publications.
"Ryloth unlawfully votes to secede from the Republic despite protests from their Senator!" –Coruscant Information Network
"Kuat, Rendili and other ship manufacturers begin increasing production, skilled worker pool diminishes as shipyards take on more employees." – Business Insiders
"Tensions rise between the Outer and Core worlds. The galaxy stands on the verge of war!" –Eriadu General News
Chapter 40
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 40
Author's Note: A bit of a step back, but an important one
"Count Dooku," I greeted the Count as he stepped into the starfighter bay of the Katana. "Welcome aboard the Katana, Flagship of the Dark Force."
"You found the entire fleet," Dooku observed. "I admit, I did not expect for you to have such success."
"It took a bit, but we've got all two hundred ships plus their escorts slaved to the Katana. So, your Confederacy of Independent Systems now has the capability to secure the hyperlanes that you promised to."
"After some refits are made, yes," Dooku looked at the dark painted ship. "Colonel, I believe that you and your people should be compensated fairly. Name your price, and I will see to it that you are rewarded."
"I want the Flagship and the other ten ships we were promised," I shrugged. "That's what was in my contract, and I'll stick with that. Although, some of the refitted Consulars wouldn't be amiss. Escorts are just as important as the dreadnaughts after all."
"You shall have your escorts," the Count promised with a smile. "And we'll ensure that whatever refits you need done are paid for in full."
"I've got to get the crews trained up for these behemoths first," I chuckled. "Now, who are the two gentlemen that escorted you aboard my fine craft?"
"Colonel Hull, this is Jedi Knight Obi Wan Kenobi and his apprentice Anakin Skywalker," Count Dooku introduced us.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Colonel," Kenobi smiled behind his beard. "We've heard a great deal about you."
"All good things I hope," I smiled. "Anyway, I'm not sure if any of y'all have been aboard a Rendili Star Dreadnaught before but this one's layout is a touch different due to the modifications that were made before the fleet was lost."
"How so?" Skywalker stepped forward, clear interest in his blue gaze.
"Well, for one thing, this ship requires a fraction of what the typical cruiser does, with many of those jobs taken up by droid brains, it means that the crew is able to focus on different aspects of combat. Now, I won't call the design perfect by any means, but it's a significant improvement over the usual manpower requirements."
Anakin began chattering rapidly about the virtues of droids and different planning languages as I glanced at Obi Wan and Dooku. Both of whom had vanished from sight and left me with the chatterbox of a teenager.
"Great," I muttered as I facepalmed. "Real mature guys. Real mature."
"Siri," Obi Wan nodded at his fellow Knight. "I'm glad to see that you're in good health."
"Good health," Siri began to laugh. "Obi Wan, I'm still recovering from combat with a Shade. And I am now indebted twice to your mercenary unit, Count."
"I am not so certain that Colonel Hull or his troops will see it that way," Dooku stroked his beard. "They will simply see it as a part of their duties while under contract if I have read them correctly."
"All the same," Siri replied. "I will repay that debt."
"Where did you encounter a shade?" Kenobi changed the subject. "And how were you able to cleanse the taint of the Dark side so thoroughly?"
"There was a derelict deep in the void," Siri sighed and sat down in her chair. "I have no idea how old it was, but there was minimal power and the Dark Side was entrenched in the place where the Shade had made its home," Siri glanced at the ground before inhaling deeply and exhaling her worries.
"After your combat with the Sith that slew your master, I delved deeply into the archives, hoping to find something that would enabled me to fight against the Dark Side if the worst of my visions had come to pass."
"So you fought the Shade and overcame it," Dooku nodded in affirmation. "It is good that you were able to overcome it, even if you do retain some injuries. Tell me, how did Colonel Hull and his soldiers react."
"It was strange," she noted. "They seemed more upset that I attempted to fight it alone than that I tried to defend them. In fact Colonel Hull is in possession of a lightsaber and believes that he could have dispelled or banished the Shade."
"Did he inform you of how he came to possess said saber?" Obi Wan asked. "That is a dangerous weapon in the hands of someone who is not a Jedi."
"The man owns warships," Siri palmed her face. "A lightsaber pales in comparison to the damage that one of his vessels can do when combined with the rest of his soldiers."
"And I would wager that the good Colonel does not see that lightsaber as anything other than a top to be used in combination with the rest of his soldiers weaponry," the Count added. "I caution against attempting to reclaim said lightsaber. He and his people take salvage rights very seriously."
"Surely not that seriously," Kenobi arched an eyebrow.
"Obi Wan, they found an ancient derelict, boarded it, allowed me to kill a dark side shade, and then decided they were going to take it back to get modernized," Siri sighed. "Trust me, they take salvage more seriously than any species I've ever encountered. And they've spread it to their new recruits as well. They have dedicated teams that are trained to pull enemy vehicles and equipment off of the field while under fire to drag back for repair and use."
"Surely you are joking," Obi Wan leaned forward.
"She is not," Dooku spoke up in a quiet voice. "I was able to oversee some of the training that they gave to the militia on Serenno, and they indeed train people on how to pull salvage off of the battlefield while under fire. They are skilled engineers and talented at picking apart what may be used in a short period of time. Their training seems to be oriented on the basis that they will always have limited resources and that they must make do with the what they can recover from the field. They have equipped their teams accordingly, and are always ensuring that they have ample supplies of food and other stuffs. They are strangely concerned with starvation more than with the potential of running out of munitions."
Dooku then paused and held up a hand as the door slid open, revealing a still chattering padawan and a harried looking Mercenary commander.
"Thank God," Colonel Hull sagged in relief. "Dooku, I leave the padawan in y'all's hands. I.. have an inspection to go perform."
"Of course," Dooku smirked. "An Inspection, you say. Perhaps you can give me a tour of the ship as well?"
"Absolutely," Hull noted the look in Dooku's eye. "Knight Tachi, you are familiar with the Katana, surely you can have your own apprentice board so that you may show him around."
Siri glared at the Colonel for a minute before sighing heavily with a nod of assent.
"Yes Colonel, I'm certain that Ferus will be ecstatic to see one of his fellow Padawans," Siri turned to Obi Wan. "In fact, I believe our padawans should spend some time reconnecting, yes?"
"Yes, Anakin, you will wait in the starfighter bay for Padawan Olin, while I continue to speak with Siri and the good Colonel, here."
"Yes, master," Anakin rolled his eyes as he could clearly see what was going on. "I'll be waiting in the hanger bay."
Author's Note: A bit of a step back, but an important one
"Count Dooku," I greeted the Count as he stepped into the starfighter bay of the Katana. "Welcome aboard the Katana, Flagship of the Dark Force."
"You found the entire fleet," Dooku observed. "I admit, I did not expect for you to have such success."
"It took a bit, but we've got all two hundred ships plus their escorts slaved to the Katana. So, your Confederacy of Independent Systems now has the capability to secure the hyperlanes that you promised to."
"After some refits are made, yes," Dooku looked at the dark painted ship. "Colonel, I believe that you and your people should be compensated fairly. Name your price, and I will see to it that you are rewarded."
"I want the Flagship and the other ten ships we were promised," I shrugged. "That's what was in my contract, and I'll stick with that. Although, some of the refitted Consulars wouldn't be amiss. Escorts are just as important as the dreadnaughts after all."
"You shall have your escorts," the Count promised with a smile. "And we'll ensure that whatever refits you need done are paid for in full."
"I've got to get the crews trained up for these behemoths first," I chuckled. "Now, who are the two gentlemen that escorted you aboard my fine craft?"
"Colonel Hull, this is Jedi Knight Obi Wan Kenobi and his apprentice Anakin Skywalker," Count Dooku introduced us.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Colonel," Kenobi smiled behind his beard. "We've heard a great deal about you."
"All good things I hope," I smiled. "Anyway, I'm not sure if any of y'all have been aboard a Rendili Star Dreadnaught before but this one's layout is a touch different due to the modifications that were made before the fleet was lost."
"How so?" Skywalker stepped forward, clear interest in his blue gaze.
"Well, for one thing, this ship requires a fraction of what the typical cruiser does, with many of those jobs taken up by droid brains, it means that the crew is able to focus on different aspects of combat. Now, I won't call the design perfect by any means, but it's a significant improvement over the usual manpower requirements."
Anakin began chattering rapidly about the virtues of droids and different planning languages as I glanced at Obi Wan and Dooku. Both of whom had vanished from sight and left me with the chatterbox of a teenager.
"Great," I muttered as I facepalmed. "Real mature guys. Real mature."
"Siri," Obi Wan nodded at his fellow Knight. "I'm glad to see that you're in good health."
"Good health," Siri began to laugh. "Obi Wan, I'm still recovering from combat with a Shade. And I am now indebted twice to your mercenary unit, Count."
"I am not so certain that Colonel Hull or his troops will see it that way," Dooku stroked his beard. "They will simply see it as a part of their duties while under contract if I have read them correctly."
"All the same," Siri replied. "I will repay that debt."
"Where did you encounter a shade?" Kenobi changed the subject. "And how were you able to cleanse the taint of the Dark side so thoroughly?"
"There was a derelict deep in the void," Siri sighed and sat down in her chair. "I have no idea how old it was, but there was minimal power and the Dark Side was entrenched in the place where the Shade had made its home," Siri glanced at the ground before inhaling deeply and exhaling her worries.
"After your combat with the Sith that slew your master, I delved deeply into the archives, hoping to find something that would enabled me to fight against the Dark Side if the worst of my visions had come to pass."
"So you fought the Shade and overcame it," Dooku nodded in affirmation. "It is good that you were able to overcome it, even if you do retain some injuries. Tell me, how did Colonel Hull and his soldiers react."
"It was strange," she noted. "They seemed more upset that I attempted to fight it alone than that I tried to defend them. In fact Colonel Hull is in possession of a lightsaber and believes that he could have dispelled or banished the Shade."
"Did he inform you of how he came to possess said saber?" Obi Wan asked. "That is a dangerous weapon in the hands of someone who is not a Jedi."
"The man owns warships," Siri palmed her face. "A lightsaber pales in comparison to the damage that one of his vessels can do when combined with the rest of his soldiers."
"And I would wager that the good Colonel does not see that lightsaber as anything other than a top to be used in combination with the rest of his soldiers weaponry," the Count added. "I caution against attempting to reclaim said lightsaber. He and his people take salvage rights very seriously."
"Surely not that seriously," Kenobi arched an eyebrow.
"Obi Wan, they found an ancient derelict, boarded it, allowed me to kill a dark side shade, and then decided they were going to take it back to get modernized," Siri sighed. "Trust me, they take salvage more seriously than any species I've ever encountered. And they've spread it to their new recruits as well. They have dedicated teams that are trained to pull enemy vehicles and equipment off of the field while under fire to drag back for repair and use."
"Surely you are joking," Obi Wan leaned forward.
"She is not," Dooku spoke up in a quiet voice. "I was able to oversee some of the training that they gave to the militia on Serenno, and they indeed train people on how to pull salvage off of the battlefield while under fire. They are skilled engineers and talented at picking apart what may be used in a short period of time. Their training seems to be oriented on the basis that they will always have limited resources and that they must make do with the what they can recover from the field. They have equipped their teams accordingly, and are always ensuring that they have ample supplies of food and other stuffs. They are strangely concerned with starvation more than with the potential of running out of munitions."
Dooku then paused and held up a hand as the door slid open, revealing a still chattering padawan and a harried looking Mercenary commander.
"Thank God," Colonel Hull sagged in relief. "Dooku, I leave the padawan in y'all's hands. I.. have an inspection to go perform."
"Of course," Dooku smirked. "An Inspection, you say. Perhaps you can give me a tour of the ship as well?"
"Absolutely," Hull noted the look in Dooku's eye. "Knight Tachi, you are familiar with the Katana, surely you can have your own apprentice board so that you may show him around."
Siri glared at the Colonel for a minute before sighing heavily with a nod of assent.
"Yes Colonel, I'm certain that Ferus will be ecstatic to see one of his fellow Padawans," Siri turned to Obi Wan. "In fact, I believe our padawans should spend some time reconnecting, yes?"
"Yes, Anakin, you will wait in the starfighter bay for Padawan Olin, while I continue to speak with Siri and the good Colonel, here."
"Yes, master," Anakin rolled his eyes as he could clearly see what was going on. "I'll be waiting in the hanger bay."
"Go outside and play kids!"
Well,they are kids.And they should not hear secrets,at least not always.
Salvage teams - very good idea.They had probably field engineers making repairs on spot,too.
P.S Since Siri is indepted to Hull,she probably would not have chance to fall for Obi-wan Kenobi.
Good,all he need is mandalorian gurl.
Chapter 41
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 41
"You've got your fleet," I said to Count Dooku once it was just the Head of State, Knight Tachi and myself alone on the bridge. "What's the next step?"
"Your Executive Officer had several ideas that we are going to be implementing in the whole of the Confederacy," Dooku moved to a holographic table that was centered on the bridge of the Katana. "Given that it will take time to refit the Dreadnaughts to what we need, we are going to go with another plan in the meantime, and adjust as necessary."
"What'd Sheppard come up with?" I asked. "We went comms silent until we got back and I haven't had time to catch up on my paperwork yet."
"This, is a CR-90 Corellian Corvette," a ship appeared. "We have negotiated with Corellia for them to produce a variant capable of storing a full squadron of Starfighters and with a Class 1 Hyperdrive." Dooku waved a hand and a generic snubfighter appeared. "We will be purchasing as many of them as we can afford, they'll be our primary antipiracy forces along the Hyperlanes."
"I can see where he was going with this," I stroked my beard. "Enough firepower to take on most pirate forces, or at least hold them off until something big enough has arrived."
"I agree," Siri nodded. "This seems to be a good plan. But how will the Dreadnaughts be refitted to assist in this mission?"
"The Katana Fleet shall be the spine of our fleet," Dooku explained. "With Rendili offering to see to both refits and repairs at cost, we will be making some changes now that we are not limited by the Republic's laws for warships. We are modernizing both the power plants, the deflectors, and adding a few extra starfighter bays. While also ensuring that the Dreadnaughts can keep up with their escorting forces."
"Class 1 Hyperdrives to every ship?" I whistled. "That's gotta be pricey, and will be a bit harder to maintain."
"Yes, yes it will," Siri agreed. "Rendili doing the modifications at cost will help, but that still leaves two hundred capital ships to refit along with the escorts that we slaved and brought back with us."
"The CR-70 and Consular class ships that were used as escorts will have a quick run in the yard and then will be shifted to the duties that will be filled by the CR-90s," Dooku replied. "Once we possess ships in the numbers we need, we'll be reassigning those ships back to escort roles."
"Still leaves you with a capital ship gap," I pointed out.
"We'll have to live with substitutions from planetary defense forces for large engagements until our ships are done with the refits," Dooku shrugged. "There are risks no matter what direction we decide to move in, this is the most feasible path for us to accomplish what we have set out to do as a nation. And to have it done in the most efficient and economically way possible."
"And what is the Order planning to do?" I asked, clearly indicating Obi Wan and his apprentice.
"They are waiting and observing for now," Siri replied. "I expect that should the Republic come into conflict that they will attempt to remain neutral."
"We'll see," I shrugged.
"They were asking about your saber," Siri said. "And I realized when they asked, that I am not aware of how you came into possession of that weapon."
"Oh," I chuckled. "It's not a big deal, it's not like I killed a Jedi for it or anything. In fact, it's kinda dumb really. Pirate captain of the first band we dealt with had it."
"I take it he was dealt with swiftly?" Dooku asked.
"Of course," I reply. "He was a slaver. We don't let those sorts of people live."
"And the one who possessed the lightsaber before the pirate?" Siri glanced between me and Dooku.
"When we seized his records we only found out that he had bought it on the Black market," I laughed. "He talked it up as if he had killed a Jedi, and that's why he was in charge. In reality, he simply had enough money to buy it on the market."
"May I?" Dooku asked, holding out his hand.
"Sure," I placed it in his hand.
"This is an old saber," Dooku ignited the violet blade. "At least five hundred years old, if not from before the Ruusan Reformation."
"How can you tell?" Siri asked.
"The markings along the hilt," he explained. "And the slight curve. The one who wielded this was likely a master of Soresu with a secondary specialization in Makeshi given the slight curve of the handle here."
"Meh," I shrugged. "It's just a tool to me," I accepted the hilt back and hooked it to my belt.
"While you are not a force user, you may still benefit from training," the Count commented. "Should you be willing to learn, let me know and I will clear some time to ensure that you are at least adequate with the saber at your belt."
"I'll think about it," I shrugged. "We're both pretty busy right now, after all."
"Just keep it in mind," Dooku seemed to look off into the future. "There may come a time when it saves your life."
November 4, 3014/7953CRC Beloria System, Seswenna Sector, Outer Rim Territories
"So, I see you've been busy," I glared at my XO from my full desk.
"We figured you'd enjoy the mess we left you," Sheppard smirked, unphased by my anger. "You got to have your fun, now you get to do your job."
I sighed. "Go be free and enjoy your vacation, I'll make sure that you get the time off barring an emergency."
"Thanks," he stood up and stretched. "I'll be back in a month."
I waited until he left before glancing down at the paperwork and standing up myself.
"I can do this tomorrow," I walked out. "I'm not doing paperwork on my first day back."
As I drove off, a flaming snub fighter flew overhead, smoke trailing from the engines as a Stuka streaked by and a cluster of PPCs and Autocannon shredded it to pieces.
As I watched this happen, I nodded as the Stuka's wingman killed the pilot that had attempted to deploy his a jetpack and escape.
"Good work," I muttered to myself as I turned to climb into my car as a small object that I missed fell from the sky and impacted one of the buildings, an explosion throwing me into my vehicle and setting small fires across the settlement as the emergency services began to respond.
"What the hell is going on?" I grabbed my comms device and tried to hear over the ringing in my ears.
"Colonel Hull, we had a light freighter and a handful of escorts try to breach our perimeter!"
"No shit, Sherlock," I deadpanned. "How'd they get as far as they did?"
"Pushed engines to max and we had to play catch-up," Blaze reported. "That last one was probably their best pilot, he evaded until he hit atmosphere and held his ship together long enough to enter our airspace."
"We're going to have to layer our system so that this doesn't happen again," I glared at the sky. "Odds are they were trying to hit me." I climbed into my truck and shifted into gear to head to the bombed site. "Let me know when you're on the ground, Blaze. We're going to have to have a command staff meeting. We're going to have to retaliate, and I want all of us in on this one."
"Yes sir," Blaze's voice was nearly lost in the static. "We'll make 'em bleed."
"You've got your fleet," I said to Count Dooku once it was just the Head of State, Knight Tachi and myself alone on the bridge. "What's the next step?"
"Your Executive Officer had several ideas that we are going to be implementing in the whole of the Confederacy," Dooku moved to a holographic table that was centered on the bridge of the Katana. "Given that it will take time to refit the Dreadnaughts to what we need, we are going to go with another plan in the meantime, and adjust as necessary."
"What'd Sheppard come up with?" I asked. "We went comms silent until we got back and I haven't had time to catch up on my paperwork yet."
"This, is a CR-90 Corellian Corvette," a ship appeared. "We have negotiated with Corellia for them to produce a variant capable of storing a full squadron of Starfighters and with a Class 1 Hyperdrive." Dooku waved a hand and a generic snubfighter appeared. "We will be purchasing as many of them as we can afford, they'll be our primary antipiracy forces along the Hyperlanes."
"I can see where he was going with this," I stroked my beard. "Enough firepower to take on most pirate forces, or at least hold them off until something big enough has arrived."
"I agree," Siri nodded. "This seems to be a good plan. But how will the Dreadnaughts be refitted to assist in this mission?"
"The Katana Fleet shall be the spine of our fleet," Dooku explained. "With Rendili offering to see to both refits and repairs at cost, we will be making some changes now that we are not limited by the Republic's laws for warships. We are modernizing both the power plants, the deflectors, and adding a few extra starfighter bays. While also ensuring that the Dreadnaughts can keep up with their escorting forces."
"Class 1 Hyperdrives to every ship?" I whistled. "That's gotta be pricey, and will be a bit harder to maintain."
"Yes, yes it will," Siri agreed. "Rendili doing the modifications at cost will help, but that still leaves two hundred capital ships to refit along with the escorts that we slaved and brought back with us."
"The CR-70 and Consular class ships that were used as escorts will have a quick run in the yard and then will be shifted to the duties that will be filled by the CR-90s," Dooku replied. "Once we possess ships in the numbers we need, we'll be reassigning those ships back to escort roles."
"Still leaves you with a capital ship gap," I pointed out.
"We'll have to live with substitutions from planetary defense forces for large engagements until our ships are done with the refits," Dooku shrugged. "There are risks no matter what direction we decide to move in, this is the most feasible path for us to accomplish what we have set out to do as a nation. And to have it done in the most efficient and economically way possible."
"And what is the Order planning to do?" I asked, clearly indicating Obi Wan and his apprentice.
"They are waiting and observing for now," Siri replied. "I expect that should the Republic come into conflict that they will attempt to remain neutral."
"We'll see," I shrugged.
"They were asking about your saber," Siri said. "And I realized when they asked, that I am not aware of how you came into possession of that weapon."
"Oh," I chuckled. "It's not a big deal, it's not like I killed a Jedi for it or anything. In fact, it's kinda dumb really. Pirate captain of the first band we dealt with had it."
"I take it he was dealt with swiftly?" Dooku asked.
"Of course," I reply. "He was a slaver. We don't let those sorts of people live."
"And the one who possessed the lightsaber before the pirate?" Siri glanced between me and Dooku.
"When we seized his records we only found out that he had bought it on the Black market," I laughed. "He talked it up as if he had killed a Jedi, and that's why he was in charge. In reality, he simply had enough money to buy it on the market."
"May I?" Dooku asked, holding out his hand.
"Sure," I placed it in his hand.
"This is an old saber," Dooku ignited the violet blade. "At least five hundred years old, if not from before the Ruusan Reformation."
"How can you tell?" Siri asked.
"The markings along the hilt," he explained. "And the slight curve. The one who wielded this was likely a master of Soresu with a secondary specialization in Makeshi given the slight curve of the handle here."
"Meh," I shrugged. "It's just a tool to me," I accepted the hilt back and hooked it to my belt.
"While you are not a force user, you may still benefit from training," the Count commented. "Should you be willing to learn, let me know and I will clear some time to ensure that you are at least adequate with the saber at your belt."
"I'll think about it," I shrugged. "We're both pretty busy right now, after all."
"Just keep it in mind," Dooku seemed to look off into the future. "There may come a time when it saves your life."
November 4, 3014/7953CRC Beloria System, Seswenna Sector, Outer Rim Territories
"So, I see you've been busy," I glared at my XO from my full desk.
"We figured you'd enjoy the mess we left you," Sheppard smirked, unphased by my anger. "You got to have your fun, now you get to do your job."
I sighed. "Go be free and enjoy your vacation, I'll make sure that you get the time off barring an emergency."
"Thanks," he stood up and stretched. "I'll be back in a month."
I waited until he left before glancing down at the paperwork and standing up myself.
"I can do this tomorrow," I walked out. "I'm not doing paperwork on my first day back."
As I drove off, a flaming snub fighter flew overhead, smoke trailing from the engines as a Stuka streaked by and a cluster of PPCs and Autocannon shredded it to pieces.
As I watched this happen, I nodded as the Stuka's wingman killed the pilot that had attempted to deploy his a jetpack and escape.
"Good work," I muttered to myself as I turned to climb into my car as a small object that I missed fell from the sky and impacted one of the buildings, an explosion throwing me into my vehicle and setting small fires across the settlement as the emergency services began to respond.
"What the hell is going on?" I grabbed my comms device and tried to hear over the ringing in my ears.
"Colonel Hull, we had a light freighter and a handful of escorts try to breach our perimeter!"
"No shit, Sherlock," I deadpanned. "How'd they get as far as they did?"
"Pushed engines to max and we had to play catch-up," Blaze reported. "That last one was probably their best pilot, he evaded until he hit atmosphere and held his ship together long enough to enter our airspace."
"We're going to have to layer our system so that this doesn't happen again," I glared at the sky. "Odds are they were trying to hit me." I climbed into my truck and shifted into gear to head to the bombed site. "Let me know when you're on the ground, Blaze. We're going to have to have a command staff meeting. We're going to have to retaliate, and I want all of us in on this one."
"Yes sir," Blaze's voice was nearly lost in the static. "We'll make 'em bleed."
Chapter 42
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 42
Date: December 14, 3014/14.12.7953CRC
Location: Unknown
"Y'know, dad wouldn't exactly approve of all this," the man sighed as his sister tossed some extra belongings into a duffle bag.
"Dad wanted us to retire, Jacen. But we both know that if we stay in retirement that we'll end up just wasting away here," she paused at the mask hanging over a lamp before running her fingers over it and setting it down gently in the top of her bag.
"He wouldn't have wanted us to get involved in the first place, Satele," Jacen kneaded his temples. "If the Order finds out that we're alive, it'll cause all sorts of problems."
"The time of the Jedi Lords is past, little brother," Satele Shan (The Second) ruffled her little brother's head. "But we both know that it's time to come out of hiding."
"Look sis," he helped her pack some things away, a spare lightsaber tossed casually into a hidden compartment along with a handful of holdout blasters and a small slugthrower. "I'm not the one that spent time exploring all of the old sites and communing with our ancestors. I've just done the adventuring along the Outer Rim."
"Exactly," Satele grinned. "And that's why we're both needed for this. You know the Outer Rim better than I do. And I know the Dark Side and how it influences more than you do. We both know that the CIS is the best thing to happen to this section of the galaxy in a long time. They're going to need our help."
"They've got billions of sentients," Jacen slung his pack over his shoulder. "They don't need two washed-up, has-been Jedi descendents."
"Look," Satele paused on her way out the door. "If you wanna stay in retirement, then be my guest. But I'm taking the spare gear."
"I do want to stay in retirement," Jacen replied. "But I don't want you to leave without anyone to watch my back."
"I've got T3," Satele shrugged. "I should be fine."
"Look, I still disagree with having given him the HK subroutines in the first place," Jacen locked the door to the hut behind him, a small force field descending over it. "You know that."
"So you're coming with, then?" Satele tapped her thumb and a small ship began its descent from where it had been waiting.
"Yeah, I'm coming with," Jacen fiddled with the death stick in his hands. "Force knows you need someone to watch your back."
"Good," Satele turned and stuck her tongue out before grabbing the mask out of her bag and tugging it down over her face before pulling the hood up.
"You're not Revan, sis," Jacen sighed and shook his head. "I don't know why you obsess over the mask like that."
"It's cool," she shrugged. "Besides, it's not like you ever use it."
Date: December 20, 3014/20.12.7953 CRC
Location: Republica 500, Coruscant, Coruscant System, Corusca Sector, Galactic Republic
"What few reports we have indicate that the Colonel was injured by one of the assassins and bounty hunters that were after him," Mas Amedda slid the report over to Darth Sidious. "It seems to have mobilized his mercenary unit into a frenzy as they look to retaliate against whoever ordered the hit."
"Good," the Sith Lord smirked. "It will set the Republic against the Confederacy even more, and push us onward in this path. I have foreseen it."
"And if it gets traced back to the Republic and to us?" Amedda asked.
"It will not," Sidious replied. "I have ensured that the trail ends with certain pacifist movements if they should manage to get that far."
"And what of the Jedi? What will their response be?" Amedda raised what passed for an eyebrow.
"There have been arrangements made to weaken them and ensure that there is no trust between the public and their order," he smirked. "All will come to fruition in time, and nothing shall stand in our way."
–
–
"Spent time with Dooku we have," Yoda sat on his seat in the Council chambers while Obi-Wan and Anakin stood before the assembled Jedi Council. "Assured that he has not fallen to the Dark Side, I am."
"And what of his stance against the Republic?" Windu raised his eyebrow at Obi-Wan.
"It is well reasoned and logical," Kenobi stroked his beard. "Once the Confederacy has firmly established itself he intends on stepping down from his elected position and returning to Serenno to live out the remainder of his days."
"I believed he was intending to reestablish the Jedi Lords," Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi stated. "It is a relief to hear that he is not."
"And what of the mercenaries that he hires and makes use of? They concern me in other ways," Shaak Ti leaned forward in her chair. "These mercenaries seem content to utilize Twi'leks and Torguta to further their agenda."
"The ones we encountered were there of their own volition," Anakin was finally allowed to speak up. "And many seemed to enjoy their work."
"We will investigate these Marksman further," Windu finally stated. "Master Ti, you will head a small unit to begin this, see to it that they are indeed what they say they are."
"Now, onto other matters," Windu changed the subject. "Where do we now stand on the Separatist systems?"
"If I may," Obi-Wan Kenobi spoke up. "We must remain neutral, if we take a side, then war will soon follow."
Location: Beloria
"I'm home!" Kit Sturn called out as he entered the door.
"Dad!" two of his kids rushed him at the door and began holding onto his legs as his wife rounded the corner with a toddler in hand.
"Well, it seems that someone's glad to see me," Kit picked up his daughter and threw her over his shoulder while pulling his son up to his chest.
"Now, I'm not sure what this "Christmas" holiday is," Kit grinned as he carried two-thirds of his family around. "But we're going to enjoy every minute of it."
–
–
"Why did they let you come home early?" Sara asked once the children were in bed.
"I'm being deployed," the Mandalorian sighed. "A lot of us are being pulled for this op."
"They're going after the ones responsible for the attack, aren't they?" Sara asked.
"Yeah," Kit laid his head on his pillow and stared up at the ceiling. "If they let something like this slide then we'll see more attacks like this, and that could put you and the children in danger."
"Just make sure you come home," Sara pulled her husband around to face her, her voice heavy with emotion. "Otherwise, you'll miss baby number five."
"Five?" Kit questioned. "We only have three though."
"I'm pregnant with twins," Sara rolled on top of her husband. "And you've got a lot of babysitting to make up for."
"I'll take as much leave as I can once this deployment is up," Kit grinned. "I can't believe we're having twins!"
"Well, we both wanted a large family," Sara's face stretched to match her husband's smile. "I just didn't know that we were heading towards a full Clan."
"Nah," Kit shook his head. "We're just a bit larger than average. From the stories we've heard about the Colonel, he grew up with a full clan."
"Whatever stories there are, they can wait," Sara began kissing her husband. "Right now you have other duties, Mandalorian."
Date: December 14, 3014/14.12.7953CRC
Location: Unknown
"Y'know, dad wouldn't exactly approve of all this," the man sighed as his sister tossed some extra belongings into a duffle bag.
"Dad wanted us to retire, Jacen. But we both know that if we stay in retirement that we'll end up just wasting away here," she paused at the mask hanging over a lamp before running her fingers over it and setting it down gently in the top of her bag.
"He wouldn't have wanted us to get involved in the first place, Satele," Jacen kneaded his temples. "If the Order finds out that we're alive, it'll cause all sorts of problems."
"The time of the Jedi Lords is past, little brother," Satele Shan (The Second) ruffled her little brother's head. "But we both know that it's time to come out of hiding."
"Look sis," he helped her pack some things away, a spare lightsaber tossed casually into a hidden compartment along with a handful of holdout blasters and a small slugthrower. "I'm not the one that spent time exploring all of the old sites and communing with our ancestors. I've just done the adventuring along the Outer Rim."
"Exactly," Satele grinned. "And that's why we're both needed for this. You know the Outer Rim better than I do. And I know the Dark Side and how it influences more than you do. We both know that the CIS is the best thing to happen to this section of the galaxy in a long time. They're going to need our help."
"They've got billions of sentients," Jacen slung his pack over his shoulder. "They don't need two washed-up, has-been Jedi descendents."
"Look," Satele paused on her way out the door. "If you wanna stay in retirement, then be my guest. But I'm taking the spare gear."
"I do want to stay in retirement," Jacen replied. "But I don't want you to leave without anyone to watch my back."
"I've got T3," Satele shrugged. "I should be fine."
"Look, I still disagree with having given him the HK subroutines in the first place," Jacen locked the door to the hut behind him, a small force field descending over it. "You know that."
"So you're coming with, then?" Satele tapped her thumb and a small ship began its descent from where it had been waiting.
"Yeah, I'm coming with," Jacen fiddled with the death stick in his hands. "Force knows you need someone to watch your back."
"Good," Satele turned and stuck her tongue out before grabbing the mask out of her bag and tugging it down over her face before pulling the hood up.
"You're not Revan, sis," Jacen sighed and shook his head. "I don't know why you obsess over the mask like that."
"It's cool," she shrugged. "Besides, it's not like you ever use it."
Date: December 20, 3014/20.12.7953 CRC
Location: Republica 500, Coruscant, Coruscant System, Corusca Sector, Galactic Republic
"What few reports we have indicate that the Colonel was injured by one of the assassins and bounty hunters that were after him," Mas Amedda slid the report over to Darth Sidious. "It seems to have mobilized his mercenary unit into a frenzy as they look to retaliate against whoever ordered the hit."
"Good," the Sith Lord smirked. "It will set the Republic against the Confederacy even more, and push us onward in this path. I have foreseen it."
"And if it gets traced back to the Republic and to us?" Amedda asked.
"It will not," Sidious replied. "I have ensured that the trail ends with certain pacifist movements if they should manage to get that far."
"And what of the Jedi? What will their response be?" Amedda raised what passed for an eyebrow.
"There have been arrangements made to weaken them and ensure that there is no trust between the public and their order," he smirked. "All will come to fruition in time, and nothing shall stand in our way."
–
–
"Spent time with Dooku we have," Yoda sat on his seat in the Council chambers while Obi-Wan and Anakin stood before the assembled Jedi Council. "Assured that he has not fallen to the Dark Side, I am."
"And what of his stance against the Republic?" Windu raised his eyebrow at Obi-Wan.
"It is well reasoned and logical," Kenobi stroked his beard. "Once the Confederacy has firmly established itself he intends on stepping down from his elected position and returning to Serenno to live out the remainder of his days."
"I believed he was intending to reestablish the Jedi Lords," Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi stated. "It is a relief to hear that he is not."
"And what of the mercenaries that he hires and makes use of? They concern me in other ways," Shaak Ti leaned forward in her chair. "These mercenaries seem content to utilize Twi'leks and Torguta to further their agenda."
"The ones we encountered were there of their own volition," Anakin was finally allowed to speak up. "And many seemed to enjoy their work."
"We will investigate these Marksman further," Windu finally stated. "Master Ti, you will head a small unit to begin this, see to it that they are indeed what they say they are."
"Now, onto other matters," Windu changed the subject. "Where do we now stand on the Separatist systems?"
"If I may," Obi-Wan Kenobi spoke up. "We must remain neutral, if we take a side, then war will soon follow."
Location: Beloria
"I'm home!" Kit Sturn called out as he entered the door.
"Dad!" two of his kids rushed him at the door and began holding onto his legs as his wife rounded the corner with a toddler in hand.
"Well, it seems that someone's glad to see me," Kit picked up his daughter and threw her over his shoulder while pulling his son up to his chest.
"Now, I'm not sure what this "Christmas" holiday is," Kit grinned as he carried two-thirds of his family around. "But we're going to enjoy every minute of it."
–
–
"Why did they let you come home early?" Sara asked once the children were in bed.
"I'm being deployed," the Mandalorian sighed. "A lot of us are being pulled for this op."
"They're going after the ones responsible for the attack, aren't they?" Sara asked.
"Yeah," Kit laid his head on his pillow and stared up at the ceiling. "If they let something like this slide then we'll see more attacks like this, and that could put you and the children in danger."
"Just make sure you come home," Sara pulled her husband around to face her, her voice heavy with emotion. "Otherwise, you'll miss baby number five."
"Five?" Kit questioned. "We only have three though."
"I'm pregnant with twins," Sara rolled on top of her husband. "And you've got a lot of babysitting to make up for."
"I'll take as much leave as I can once this deployment is up," Kit grinned. "I can't believe we're having twins!"
"Well, we both wanted a large family," Sara's face stretched to match her husband's smile. "I just didn't know that we were heading towards a full Clan."
"Nah," Kit shook his head. "We're just a bit larger than average. From the stories we've heard about the Colonel, he grew up with a full clan."
"Whatever stories there are, they can wait," Sara began kissing her husband. "Right now you have other duties, Mandalorian."
@Markwarrior - are Satele and Jacen characters from canon,or your own? and,are they normal Sith,or something else?
And,old Palpy seems to be full himself,as usual. Husbands promising to return - i see death flags here.
And,old Palpy seems to be full himself,as usual. Husbands promising to return - i see death flags here.