Star Wars: The RPG ~ Episode VII: Dawn of the New Republic IC Thread

[Carnage27]

"Vondar!" the Sergeant yells from behind me. "Just got word that their ships are jumping to hyperspace! They're retreating!"

I nod, but something doesn't feel right. They came here to hit hard and leave? That just doesn't seem like something the Empire would do. They don't go for the quick strike. They go for the jugular and don't stop attacking until their target bleeds out. Something just doesn't feel right.

"Well, let's make sure it's a full retreat!" I yell to the troops behind me, motioning towards the stormtroopers. They pour over the barricades and join me in chasing down the retreating enemies.

But I'm not going in to route out or kill our enemies. I'm going to find some information.

As the troopers approach one of their carriers, we catch up with them, and a small firefight ensues. I corner a trooper, who tries to gun me down. I quickly deflect a few blaster bolts before slicing his rifle in half. Using the Force I slam him against the ground and hold my saber in front of him, "Who's you're commanding officer, soldier?"

"Eat bantha poodoo, Jedi!" he responds.

I focus on his mind and lace my words with the power of the Force, "Who is your commanding officer!?"

"Grand Moff Zsinj is my commanding officer," he responds in a trance like state.

"Thank you," I say, turning and heading behind the wall of Corellian soldiers firing towards the troopers, knowing the name of the man who was foolish enough to attack my planet.
​

 

[wiegeabo]

I nod to Master Skywalker to head back into Coronet, but not before saying, "Take care of yourself. I don't know if I can learn to be a Jedi by myself."

I'm about to shout out "If I can do it, so can you!" but I don't get the chance as they run off. The charging rancor is also a bit of a distraction.

I try to use the Force to quell the beast's rage. I've killed a rancor before, and it's not a pleasant thing to do. I hate taking a life unless I have to. Even that of a mindless beast. But there isn't time to worry about that. Besides, I don't think it's worrying much about killing me either.

I backflip away from its fist and throw my lightsaber at it. It cuts across its shoulder before I call it back to my hand. All this does is infurate the monster further, and it rushes at me again. I reach out, grabbing a large boulder with the Force, and fling it at the rancor. It strikes it firmly on its head.

The rancor staggers momentarily, and I grip my lightsaber tighter, ready to take the distraction to finish the fight. But the rancor actually takes a step back, ducking its head, and...whimpering?

...

...yeah, I'm confused.

I take a step towards it, and the rancor takes a step back.

...

...what in the name of the Force?

I decide to take a chance. I close down my lightsaber. The rancor looks at me, and takes a cautionary step forward. I reach my hand out, and raise another rock off the ground. The rancor steps back and whimpers again.

"You can't be serious." Stretching out with my feelings, I touch the rancor's mind, and receive a wash of fear coming from it. Fear...and obedience?

Clipping my lightsaber on my belt, I reach out my hand, palm up, in what could be the biggest mistake of my life. The rancor looks at me curiously, then slowly steps forward. It inhales deeply several times, and I finally realize it's sniffing me. I hold my breath, for several obvious reasons.

The rancor sniffs me one last time and then settles itself down on its knees.

"...Oh, Han's just going to love this..."


***

As the troopers approach one of their carriers, we catch up with them, and a small firefight ensues. I corner a trooper, who tries to gun me down. I quickly deflect a few blaster bolts before slicing his rifle in half. Using the Force I slam him against the ground and hold my saber in front of him, "Who's you're commanding officer, soldier?"

"Eat bantha poodoo, Jedi!" he responds.

I focus on his mind and lace my words with the power of the Force, "Who is your commanding officer!?"

"Grand Moff Zsinj is my commanding officer," he responds in a trance like state.

"Thank you," I say, turning and heading behind the wall of Corellian soldiers firing towards the troopers, knowing the name of the man who was foolish enough to attack my planet.
​

The stormtroopers and Corellian forces engage in a heavy firefight. But a few of the troopers get distracted when they hear something in the forest. Snapping branches and a ever louder thump on the ground.

And then the tree line breaks open and all the troopers shout in surprise and fear for two reasons. First; the giant bull rancor that's just appeared behind their lines, roaring in rage, knocking the two closest troopers away with its fists. Second; the robed man riding atop the rancor, deflecting blaster bolts with his bright green lightsaber...

 

[Carnage27]

The stormtroopers and Corellian forces engage in a heavy firefight. But a few of the troopers get distracted when they hear something in the forest. Snapping branches and a ever louder thump on the ground.

And then the tree line breaks open and all the troopers shout in surprise and fear for two reasons. First; the giant bull rancor that's just appeared behind their lines, roaring in rage, knocking the two closest troopers away with its fists. Second; the robed man riding atop the rancor, deflecting blaster bolts with his bright green lightsaber...

Fear rips through the Stormtrooper ranks as Luke bursts forth riding a rancor. I would probably be afraid too, if it wasn't so dang funny looking.

I reflect a few more blaster bolts back towards the retreating troopers, now probably soiling themselves along with running. The troopers finish boarding their drop ship, and they take off, retreating towards their ships in the space above Corellia, but not before a few more are crushed beneath the feet of the angry rancor.

As the final troopers retreat, and the beast seems to calm down, I approach Master Skywalker and the creature, deactivating my lightsaber just in case. Approaching slowly, I project an aura of calm through the Force, "So! Do we have a new pet for the academy!?"

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"No, I'd say they wanted it, but they wanted us to not have it more. They fried the entire system with that EMP, Centerpoint is essentially dead in orbit." Then I feel something in the Force...fear, panic...I've long heard rumors about a settlement inside this station, and judging by the presences I feel here, I 'd say my suspicions were correct and we've been fighting right in the middle of it.

I look to Joren who is already moving toward the retreating Imperial troopers.

"No, let the Centerpoint Security deal with them. We have to get these colonists to safety."

"Of course. Dono, Mission, get out there and try and round up as many as you can find. We need to round as many up as we can and get them to the ships. Without that artificial sun, they won't survive here, we have to get them out of here as soon as possible."

While Centerpoint Security was busy neutralizing the remaining Imperial troops, Joren and the others were busy locating the residents of Hollowtown and gathering them up for evacuation lf the station.

They were huddled in every nook and cranny inside Hollowtown, hiding from the outsiders who had destroyed the only existance they have ever known. It took some convincing, but eventually they did come out.

Several Hundred in all, they followed Joren and the others as they approached Han and Leia who were standing in the center of Hollowtown. As Joren walks up to Leia, the residents gather around them, all exuding fear and uncertainty into the Force.

"We'll need a larger transport than we thought, can you contact the Errant Venture and see if Booster would be willing to help relocate these people?" he says to Leia, who just shakes her head.

"I've already tried, whatever that was that the Imperials used shorted out our comlinks as well. Our best bet is to get back to the ships and try to reach Booster from the Falcon."

Joren nods.

"Let's get going then. We'll follow you."

 

[Byrd Man]

"We'll need a larger transport than we thought, can you contact the Errant Venture and see if Booster would be willing to help relocate these people?" he says to Leia, who just shakes her head.

"I've already tried, whatever that was that the Imperials used shorted out our comlinks as well. Our best bet is to get back to the ships and try to reach Booster from the Falcon."

Joren nods.

"Let's get going then. We'll follow you."

"Alright, then. You ready to go, Chewie?"

Chewie growls his acknowledgement and slings his bowcaster from his shoulder. I nod and pull my blaster back out of its holster. "C'mon, I'll lead the way."

The journey back to the docking bay passes uneventful. Well, uneventful as you can expect when you have no light save for a few beams. The Falcon comes back into view and I breath a sigh of relief. "Whew, she's still in one piece. Okay, we'll try to get in contact with Booster and relay the message and find out how the fight is going on out there."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

After switching off the comm, Leia takes a moment to lean back in the copilot seat of the Falcon and take a deep breath.

Her conversation with Booster brought good news, not only did Booster agree to lend the Errant Venture in the process of relocating the residents of Hollowtown, but she also learned that the battle had mostly come to an end with the Imperials leaving the system, leaving only light mop up operations.

Leia gets up from the copilot seat and makes her way back down the ramp to where Han and Chewie are standing with Joren and the others. She reaches around and puts her arm around Han's waist and lets a weary smile cross her face.

"Good news, Booster is going to help relocate the colonists to Drall, where the Corellian government is already working to help establish a temporary settlement for them, until they can take care of themselves."

"That's excellent news. When will they begin relocating them?"

"Well, that's the other good news. The Imperials have withdrawn from the system. There is just small scale fighting now as they round up the remaining Imperials left behind. Booster expects to be able to start moving the refugees within the hour."

"We can help, if we're needed."

"That won't be necessary Joren, Booster and the Corellians are handling this one themselves, and for what Booster is getting paid, I don't think he's going to be looking for any help. Besides, I think it's about time that we headed down to Coronet to regroup with the others."

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Lowenstein asks Barrett, "What's our next move General?"

Barrett replies, "We're on our way to the heart of the city specifically the main plaza building where the seat of the Government is and protect the Prefect and the cabinet."

Johnson asks, "What's the rationale there sir? They will probably be underground by now."

Barrett replies, "That's what the Empire is exepecting as well, but the Empire is not expecting a functioning Government to be in place. If the people see that the Government is in hiding the Empire can use that to demoralize the people by saying 'The Government has abandonned you give up now and save yourselves.' and things of that nature. But if they see Government holding their ground that is a different story."

 

[Byrd Man]

After switching off the comm, Leia takes a moment to lean back in the copilot seat of the Falcon and take a deep breath.

Her conversation with Booster brought good news, not only did Booster agree to lend the Errant Venture in the process of relocating the residents of Hollowtown, but she also learned that the battle had mostly come to an end with the Imperials leaving the system, leaving only light mop up operations.

Leia gets up from the copilot seat and makes her way back down the ramp to where Han and Chewie are standing with Joren and the others. She reaches around and puts her arm around Han's waist and lets a weary smile cross her face.

"Good news, Booster is going to help relocate the colonists to Drall, where the Corellian government is already working to help establish a temporary settlement for them, until they can take care of themselves."

"That's excellent news. When will they begin relocating them?"

"Well, that's the other good news. The Imperials have withdrawn from the system. There is just small scale fighting now as they round up the remaining Imperials left behind. Booster expects to be able to start moving the refugees within the hour."

"We can help, if we're needed."

"That won't be necessary Joren, Booster and the Corellians are handling this one themselves, and for what Booster is getting paid, I don't think he's going to be looking for any help. Besides, I think it's about time that we headed down to Coronet to regroup with the others."

"Alright, we'll start the Falcon up and get in touch with Luke and the others to see what's going on. Joren, you're free to come along unless you want to regroup with your crew and the Mandos and hold down the fort here."

 

[wiegeabo]

Fear rips through the Stormtrooper ranks as Luke bursts forth riding a rancor. I would probably be afraid too, if it wasn't so dang funny looking.

I reflect a few more blaster bolts back towards the retreating troopers, now probably soiling themselves along with running. The troopers finish boarding their drop ship, and they take off, retreating towards their ships in the space above Corellia, but not before a few more are crushed beneath the feet of the angry rancor.

As the final troopers retreat, and the beast seems to calm down, I approach Master Skywalker and the creature, deactivating my lightsaber just in case. Approaching slowly, I project an aura of calm through the Force, "So! Do we have a new pet for the academy!?"

I hop off the rancor, landing softly. I look up at my new friend, and he tilts his head at me. I pat him on the arm, and whines happily.

"I call him Fluffy."

 

[Carnage27]

I hop off the rancor, landing softly. I look up at my new friend, and he tilts his head at me. I pat him on the arm, and whines happily.

"I call him Fluffy."

"I like it," I laugh. The beast seems to revere Luke like a god the way it stands next to him. I look back at the Jedi teacher, "What next, master Skywalker? It looks like they're in full retreat."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"Alright, we'll start the Falcon up and get in touch with Luke and the others to see what's going on. Joren, you're free to come along unless you want to regroup with your crew and the Mandos and hold down the fort here."

"I'll come along, Dono and the others can help the Centerpoint security hold the fort here, I think Master Skywalker would want a full briefing of went on here." Joren says as he starts walking toward the Falcon.

 

[Byrd Man]

"I'll come along, Dono and the others can help the Centerpoint security hold the fort here, I think Master Skywalker would want a full briefing of went on here." Joren says as he starts walking toward the Falcon.

Chewie fires up the Falcon's engines and we blast out of Centerpoint's docking bay and off into space. I connect with Luke's commlink as soon as we're out of Centerpoint's shadow.

"Han to Luke, Han to Luke. Things seem to be windind down on Centerpoint. How are things with you?"

 

[Carnage27]

"You are not mere soldiers in a ragtag army," I say to the men and women standing at attention before me. "You are Mandalorians. You are tasked with upholding the honor and traditions of the greatest warriors the galaxy has ever seen. You, the select few will help protect your people, as others have for thousands of years. You will be the most feared and respected fighting force in the stars, and you will never forget the honor that binds you. Do you understand!?"

"Yes, Mandalore!" they all respond in unison.

"Good," I respond as I uncover the suites of armor that line a table behind me. "This armor is your new identity. In the army of Mandalore personal accomplishment pales in comparison to serving your duty. You are not here for glory. You are here to protect our people. This armor is made of duraplast. But if you serve your system with conviction, one day you will receive a beskar armor."

They all pick up their armor and put it on. Once that is done, and they are back in formation, I deliver my final words, "Our people have a saying for this. Cin vhetin. It means that once you take up this armor your past does not matter. No matter where you came from, no matter what your race or sex, you are now Mandalorian. Remember that always."

 

[Carnage27]

As I sleep in my cell, visions of rebellion rush through my head. I see Corellia, and the enemies of Emperor Palpatine gathered before me. They speak of open aggression against the Empire, and that with Kota and me leading them, they will have the power of the Force on their side. PROXY is disguised as Bail Organa's daughter, not much younger then I.

But then the meeting is attack, and Vader enters, thrashing me about the room with the Force, before trowing me through a wall. He goes for the killing stroke with his saber, but PROXY intervenes, and I fall of a ledge.

"AH!" I scream, sitting upright as quick as lightening.

A guard quickly comes by me cell, "What's your problem, scum?"

"Senator Organa. I need to speak with Senator Organa."

 

[wiegeabo]

My communicator sparks to life and Artoo comes on the line. "Han's trying to contact me?" The little droid confirms. "Patch him through."

Chewie fires up the Falcon's engines and we blast out of Centerpoint's docking bay and off into space. I connect with Luke's commlink as soon as we're out of Centerpoint's shadow.

"Han to Luke, Han to Luke. Things seem to be windind down on Centerpoint. How are things with you?"

I wave over at Huc and point in a direction. He gives me a thumbs up and heads off with a group of Corellians. I start moving in the opposite direction with my group and new friend.

"Han, come in. Huc and I are herding a stray pack of Imperials towards a CorSec squad. We've heard that cleanup's been going good down here, we're just working on the stragglers. Everything go well up there?"

 

[wiegeabo]

"Why are you here?"

"I'm doing well, thank you for asking. And yourself?"

C'baoth rolls his eyes in annoyance and immediately starts walking away from the shuttles. "You left."

I sigh slightly, following C'baoth, and indicating for my guards to do the same. "I did. And I said I would return."

"You said you would bring me a Jedi. The Skywalker you had mentioned. And his sister."

"Yes, technically. I said I would deliver them to you. But I did not tell when or where."

"Do not play games with me, Thrawn. I am in no mood for them. It is a heavy responsibility to maintain order on this world. You promise much for my help, but provide nothing in return."

"If you need troops to keep order here, I can supply you with them."

"Under your command."

I stare at him. "They are my troops, after all."

C'baoth grunts. "I can keep my people in line without your help."

"Obviously," I say with no trace of sarcasm.

C'baoth stops and spins around to face me. "Why are you here?"

"I have news. And I believe I may need your help sooner than expected."

"You have not heard a word I said." He turns and stomps away furiously, dismissing me completely.

"Leia Organa is going to have twins."
​

C'baoth stops in his tracks. He stands motionless for several long moments. "You are certain of this?"

"I received the information from an impeccable source. Two newborn Jedi for you to train from birth. Think of it, C'baoth."

He still does not move to face me. "...What do you need of me?"

"Join me on my ship. I will be heading into several engagements soon. Your abilities will be essential."

"And then you will bring me Skywalker and Organa."

"I will make it so that Skywalker delivers himself to you."

C'baoth seems to mull this over for a minute. "And the sister?"

"Because of her condition, she will be well protected and difficult to separate from her companions. But, if you can convince her brother to reach out to her..."

"She will join us of her own free will." C'baoth turns to face me. "I agree. There is no need to deceive them. They will naturally seek out my superior guidance."

"Indeed they will."

C'baoth nods emphatically, his mind whirring with ideas. "When do we leave?"

I smile. "Immediately..."

I glance up from the data pad. "Why are you fidgeting, Captain?"

Pellaeon visibly gets control of himself. "Admiral?"

I set the pad down on my lap and lean back in my chair. "What's bothering you, Captain?"

Pellaeon takes a breath. "It's the report, sir."

I hold up the pad. "This report? From our spies at the battle?"

"Yes, sir. I'm...concerned about what happened."

"Indeed. How so? It appears to be a successful mission. Zsinj was able to create havoc on Corellia, disrupt the Rebels, and hurt their diplomatic dealings with neutral and traitorous systems."

"It's not the outcome of the mission, Admirial. It's Zsinj's methods." I motion him to continue. "Well, his tactics were...unorthodox at best. At worst...they were subversive."

"Subversive?"

Pellaeon's confidence grows as he starts speaking his thoughts and work through them. "Yes. First, his diversionary attack on other targets in the system."

"A tactic that minimized his losses, and pulled Corellia's defensive forces off their lines."

"Granted. But you did not order him to do so. I know you appreciate outside the box thinking, Admiral. But there's outside the box thinking...and then there's using rancors."

I say nothing, letting the Captain continue. "But the most worrisome was the attack on Centerpoint."

"Disabling such a potential weapon..."

"Wasn't necessary. The Rebels had no intention of using Centerpoint, or they already would have done so. No, I believe they are too afraid to use such a power. Which means the only reason Zsinj attacked the station was to claim it for himself."

"Not for the Empire?"

"You've read his profile as well, sir. Zsinj believes too highly of himself to ever give such a weapon over to someone else. He's purposely kept himself below the attention of both the Empire and the Rebels. And he spent that time creating advanced technologies, even beyond what we have."

I contemplate this for a moment. "And you're conclusion?"

Pellaeon takes a breath. "That Zsinj cannot be trusted. He knew that Corellia was a test of his loyalties. And likely knew it was a mission designed to reveal and drain his resources. The only reasons he accepted the mission was to make it appear he was still loyal to the empire, and to acquire Centerpoint, shifting the balance of power to his favor."

I give the Captain a stare. To his credit, he does not waver. "Just the conclusion I came to while reading this. Very well done, Captain. You're learning." Pellaeon visibly beams with pride.

"So what should our next action be?"

The question catches him off guard. But only for a moment. "We accelerate our own plans. The sooner we defeat the rebels, the less damage Zsinj can do to us."

"...agreed. It is time to put our Jedi master to the test..."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

As Han relays the events that transpired on Centerpoint Station to Luke, Joren and Leia move about the Falcon, checking the status of the various systems on the ship ans it prepares to enter the atmosphere above Coronet.

"Once we land, we'll have to keep an eye out for any Imperial stragglers. You never know what they're capable of when they're cornered."

"You don't have to tell me, I've seen what they're capable of."

 

[Byrd Man]

I wave over at Huc and point in a direction. He gives me a thumbs up and heads off with a group of Corellians. I start moving in the opposite direction with my group and new friend.

"Han, come in. Huc and I are herding a stray pack of Imperials towards a CorSec squad. We've heard that cleanup's been going good down here, we're just working on the stragglers. Everything go well up there?"

"As well as can be expected. We fought the Empire off, but they cut the power for some odd reason. Anyway, the mandos are back at the station with Joren's crew while we're heading out to help where we can. Any news on the fight down on the planet?"

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Barrett and his troops approach the city. He is almost surprised to see that the fighting has pretty well settled, and the reports over the com-link of the Governement up and running on another colony.

Lowestein asks, "What now sir?"

Barrett replies, "You see where you can help go do so. All of you. Keep your comm lines open and be ready to meet up on a moment's notice."

The troops move among the people re-establishing communications, doing medical aid, computer work and helping battle back the few pockets of resistance.

Barrett lights a cigar and takes a long drag.

This is almost too easy it can't be that simple.

He spots Luke Skywalker.

Well well if it isn't the Golden Child of the Rebellion himself. A bit too naive and arrogant at times for me, but he has got a heart and a spirit that won't allow him to lose.

He approaches from behind and says, "If you think that this is the end of the battle you really are as naive as I always believed."

He takes a long drag and lets it out and says, "If history taught the Rebellion anything it's that the Empire always has got a bigger goal in mind. When the Death Star was destroyed they knew that the Rebellion was vunerlable and tierd from that battle and took advantage of the situation. They pressed the attack and drove the Rebellion away from Yavin in a matter of days. They don't just have a card up their sleve they got at least five and they deal from the bottom of the deck too."

He takes another drag and says, "What that bigger goal is yet I don't know. Leia is tapped into the Internal Imperial Communications Network maybe she caught something."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

After doing a quick flyover, and landing the Falcon just on the outskirts of Coronet, Han, Leia, Chewie and Joren make their way into the city to find Luke and the others. As they walk through what had been a busy farmer's market now lay in cinders, the evidence that anything had been here is the burning foundations of the various stands that vegetables and other goods had been showcased...as well as the bodies that litter the area.

Strewn about the former marketplace, there are bodies everywhere. Men, women, and children representing numerous species all slain when the Imperials made groundfall. Some suffering from multiple blaster bolts, and to their horror, some of the bodies have been mutilated, as if something had actually chewed on them.

"So, the rumors were true." Joren says as he shakes his head, looking at the carnage all around him.

"What rumors?" Leia asked.

"Excuse me Mistress Leia, but I do believe he is referring to the reports that the Imperials employed...rancors to attack the city. We intercepted the reports while you and Captain Solo were arranging transport for the refugees from Hollowtown."

Leia nods as they continue their trek. After walking for several more minutes, they are able to make out the familiar forms of Luke and Huc, and another human who Joren doesn't recognize...and to Joren's amazement, a massive rancor who appears to have taken a liking to Luke.

"You have got to be kidding me." Joren says in amazement to no one in particular.

As they get into ear shot of Luke and the others, Joren hears what the third man is saying.

"What that bigger goal is yet I don't know. Leia is tapped into the Internal Imperial Communications Network maybe she caught something."

"They already got what they wanted, Barrett. They disabled Centerpoint Station. It's dead." Leia says, stepping toward her brother and the others, as they turn to her, expressions of shock and surprise on their faces.

 

[Carnage27]

I fold my arms as the man with the cigar talks. I don't like him. I can already tell. He's arrogant and condesending. But hey, it's not my job to like everyone on our side. Just to protect the people of the galaxy.

Before Master Skywalker has a chance to respond, the Millenium Falcon sets down next to us, and Joren, Leia, Han, and Chewy exit, bad news weighing heavily on their faces.

Leia drops the bomb, "They already got what they wanted, Barrett. They disabled Centerpoint Station. It's dead."

I shake my head in surprise and disgust, "Has everyone been evacuated out of Hollowtown?"

 

[MST3K 4ever]

"They already got what they wanted, Barrett. They disabled Centerpoint Station. It's dead." Leia says, stepping toward her brother and the others, as they turn to her, expressions of shock and surprise on their faces.

Barrett blows a smoke ring and says, "Point to you Leia that being said why just disable the station? Why not blow it out of the stars? Why leave it intact?The Empire, inspite of the station being dead, has always had the mentality of 'if we can't have it no one will' and they have killed many people including their own troops to practice that belief. Not to mention if this planet was so important why did they allow the Governement and the people to escape? If this was a major operation they would've blockaded the entire system. "

He takes a drag and says, "They always have an endgame prize that no one sees until it's usually too late. There are a lot of questions and each answer generates more quesitons, and inspite of my analytical nature I hate mysteries."

 

[Byrd Man]

He takes a drag and says, "They always have an endgame prize that no one sees until it's usually too late. There are a lot of questions and each answer generates more quesitons, and inspite of my analytical nature I hate mysteries."

"And you think we enjoy them, Barrett? If they come back after Centerpoint, we have a retrofitted Star Destroyer waiting for them and two squads of Mandos waiting for them. But as to why they did it, who knows? With the way they pulled out, it was either a test to see how we responded, or some sleight of hand to get us looking at Corellia while the real action was happening somewhere else. "

 

[NiteMare Shape]

I fold my arms as the man with the cigar talks. I don't like him. I can already tell. He's arrogant and condesending. But hey, it's not my job to like everyone on our side. Just to protect the people of the galaxy.

Before Master Skywalker has a chance to respond, the Millenium Falcon sets down next to us, and Joren, Leia, Han, and Chewy exit, bad news weighing heavily on their faces.

Leia drops the bomb, "They already got what they wanted, Barrett. They disabled Centerpoint Station. It's dead."

I shake my head in surprise and disgust, "Has everyone been evacuated out of Hollowtown?"

I look to my brother's young apprentice and nod, doing my best to reassure him.

"As far as we can tell. The Imperials detonated a device that killed the artificial sun inside. The residents of Hollowtown are being sent to the Errant Venture, where they'll be transported to a temporary settlement on Drall, until better accomodations can be made for them.

Barrett blows a smoke ring and says, "Point to you Leia that being said why just disable the station? Why not blow it out of the stars? Why leave it intact?The Empire, inspite of the station being dead, has always had the mentality of 'if we can't have it no one will' and they have killed many people including their own troops to practice that belief. Not to mention if this planet was so important why did they allow the Governement and the people to escape? If this was a major operation they would've blockaded the entire system. "

He takes a drag and says, "They always have an endgame prize that no one sees until it's usually too late. There are a lot of questions and each answer generates more quesitons, and inspite of my analytical nature I hate mysteries."

Before I can respond, Han jumps in. His dislike for Barrett is equal to my own, however, I have to admit that his methods to have their merrits. The ground battle may not have gone as well as it had if it weren't for him and his team.

"And you think we enjoy them, Barrett? If they come back after Centerpoint, we have a retrofitted Star Destroyer waiting for them and two squads of Mandos waiting for them. But as to why they did it, who knows? With the way they pulled out, it was either a test to see how we responded, or some sleight of hand to get us looking at Corellia while the real action was happening somewhere else. "

"Han's right. Though, I believe that Centerpoint itself was the target. From what we learned from the Centerpoint Security forces, everything indicates that they were trying to take the station for their own. I think disabling it was a contingency plan. They may have a way to undue the damage they did and might come back for the station. I'm going to contact Mon Mothma and Admiral Ackbar and suggest we leave a fleet in the system. I do agree with Barrett on one thing, this was too easy. I don't know what the game is, but I think we need to keep an eye on things here for the forseeable future."

 

[Rain Dog]

“Yuvo…”

“Uggghh….”

“Yuvo.”

“Ggnnnn?”

“Yuvo.”

Yuvo’s head was throbbing with pain. He carefully lifted his head up from his chest, feeling warm blood trickle down his temple and onto his already soaked shirt. His vision was still blurry and blood had gotten into his eyes but he managed to make out a massive, olive-colored, blob in front of him. It was this blob that had been grumbling his name and firing clouds of smoke into his face which, when combined with the blob’s foul, greasy stench, burned his nostrils and throat.

“Wh-who—”

“You’re probably wondering why you were brought here.”

“Who is this? I swear, if you’re working with Talamak, I’ll—“

“You have direct contact with some important people, Yuvo. Important people I’d like to meet.”

“Who the hell—“

Yuvo was sent into a coughing fit as another thick stream of smoke was blown directly into his face. As the smoke cleared and Yuvo regained his composure, he noticed his vision had finally begun clearing. And he did not like what he saw.

“I am Rotta Desilijic Tiure. And as of now, your life is in my hands.”

* * *​

With a loud THWACK the blunt end of a Gand findsman’s staff smashed against a Nikto guard’s jaw. The alien thugs was immediately sent to the floor as his partners were torn apart by heavy blaster fire from a rogue protocol droid.

“We must hurry. The security systems have been disabled but Zuckuss believes Grubba the Hutt is still suspicious. We encounter more and more guards with each passing minutes.”

"Understood. This is where we are to place the fifth charge," 4-LOM said, gesturing towards a nearby power generator. Zuckuss nodded and pulled another explosive charge out from his robes. He knelt beside the generator, carefully attaching the charge to the machine.

“It is done. All that remains is for 4-LOM to execute the final procedures.”

The droid slid open his forearm, revealing a hidden assortment of buttons and dials. The droid tapped a few buttons on the secret control panel and slid his forearm shut.

"Link with the Mist Hunter has been established. Throne room camera feed is now being sent to and recorded by the ship. I also had the Hunter send the message to our associates"

“Excellent, excellent. Now Zuckuss and 4-LOM are to take leave. Quickly.”

"It is a shame. I would have liked to see the worm die in person."

* * *​

Jakk slept soundly in his large, elegant bed. His silk sheets were twisted and tangled, soiled with scraps of food and wine stains. His clothes, belt, and holsters were draped over a nearby table and chair, kept within arm’s reach just in case things went awry. As Jakk snored, a clunky communications device at his belt began to beep, crackle, and chirp. The incessant noise stirred the mercenary from his slumber, prompting him to push off the Twi’lek courtesan that had been sleeping on his chest and roll over to grab the device. He pressed a button on the device and he heard a familiar mechanical voice speak. The message was in Jakk’s native Clantaani language, to ensure that only he and a few of his men could decipher it.

"MESSAGE FROM MIST HUNTER: We have completed our objective. Be prepared to receive your special delivery soon."

Jakk clicked off the device and called out to his men.

“Boys!” he shouted, angrily awakening his thugs, still groggy from the previous night’s activities.

“Look alive. Our guy’s coming through.”

Zuckuss and 4-LOM stood aboard the Mist Hunter, watching the live camera feed of Grubba the Hutt’s throne room. Guards frantically ran back and forth, trying to find the intruders that had wiped out half of their forces. The majordomo was desperately trying to calm the panicking Grubba, who was too busy roaring at and beating his underlings to listen to his lieutenant’s pleas.

"Detonating charges..."

The rogue droid watched with perverse glee as the throne room delved into sheer chaos.

"...now."

The droid’s metallic finger clacked against a bright yellow button and soon, the throne room erupted in flames. The impact of the blast flung guards in every direction and quite literally blew a screaming Grubba into smithereens. The camera feed quickly cut to static and 4-LOM halted the recording.

"And there we have it. Grubba Desilijic Aarrpo has been destroyed and we have it on holovid."

“Most excellent. Send the video to Ephant Mon. He’ll have it delivered to the swoop gang.”

"Sending...hologram sent. All objectives are complete."

“Now we await payment.”

* * *​

“Mistress Anachro would like me to inform you that an associate of yours has arrived at the palace. The one who holds the evidence of Rotta’s disposal, I assume?” the Nimbanel servant inquired.

“Wonderful,” Jakk grunted before downing a half-empty bottle of Chadian rum.

“…With all due respect, Mistress Anachro asks that you present the evidence immediately.”

“Why so pushy? It’s here ‘innit? Why can’t I take my time?”

“Mistress Anachro feels you have indulged in enough—“

“—Enough?! Ha! And what happened to ‘doing anything to make our stay a pleasurable one’, eh?”

“Please cooperate. It would be very unwise to upset Mistress Anachro.”

Jakk leered at the Nimbanel for a moment before tossing his bottle aside.

“Fine. I’ll go to the throne room and get things straightened out with my buddy then give Anachro what she wants. But you’re wrong as hell about us having indulged ‘enough’. As a matter of fact…”

The Nimbanel frowned.

“…It’s my understandin’ that Her Highness has quite a collection of boherks…”

“Yes, what of it?”

“The boys and I are real sticklers for boherk fights. I’ll go talk with Anachro but could you at least treat the boys to a good boherk match?”

“That takes time to arrange. I cannot—“

“--Fine, fine ,fine ,fine,” the gunslinger sighed, “Can you at least take them to see the pens? They appreciate a fine boherk beast, fightin’ or not.”

“…I suppose that can be arranged.”

“’Atta girl,” Jakk chuckled, shoving his way past the Nimbanel at his doorway and out into the hall.

* * *​

“From Uscru to the Works is a spice trafficking ring that you happen to be a major part of, Yuvo,” I say to the quivering human as I open a holo-screen displaying a map of the two districts and a series a red vein-like lines superimposed over the map displaying the spice trade’s routes.

“The Sun’s smugglers deliver pure spice to you. You and your men cut the product and then distribute it to various underbosses in these areas who then pass it along to the dealers, and so on and so forth…”

“What the hell do you want with me?”

“The Black Sun has been quite the nuisance to me. Since I settled down on this fine world, all I wanted to do was open up some legitimate businesses and make some honest money. But apparently the Sun took issue with that and began to harass me and interfere with my designs.”

“You haven’t answered my question! Why am I here?!”

“The underbosses you ship your product to—we want their names, locations, rackets—”

“—Birthdays, favorite holovids, shoe sizes. Anything and everything you know.”

“Listen, I just give them the spice, I don’t—“

“You deal with these people on a regular basis and you’re about to tell me you don’t know so much as a single name? I’m sorry, Yuvo, but that doesn’t strike me as very likely. It is in your best interest to cooperate, Yuvo. As I said before, your life rests in my hands. Tell us what we want to know and you go free, keep quiet, and well…”

Rotugg cracked his bulky green knuckles. Vorssk unsheathed his gargantuan hunting knife and twirled it around his claws. Sweat and blood trickled down the corpulent crimelord’s neck.

“…N-No...I talk, you guys’ll just whack me after you’ve gotten what you wanted. I know this routine.”

Not as stupid as he looks.

“Well, all I can give you is my word, Yuvo. Remember, you don’t have to talk. Just keep in mind that there are consequences for that.”

“…If you let me go, they’d find out you had me. They’d find out I squealed. Then, I’m just as dead as I am now!”

“You’re not dead yet. Tell us what we want and consider yourself under the protection of the Desilijic clan.”

“…R-Really?”

“All I can give you now is my word, Yuvo. Now...will you talk?”