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Life Aboard the Thunderclap


YoshiRaphElan

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First off, thanks to all the readers of Life of Lieutenant Pierce. Second, thanks to bright_ephemera's Overcoming Adviercity for inspiring me to write a trooper-related story! So: down to business. This is a trooper story that spans post-Ord Mantell to post-Corellia. Like bright_ephemera's mine will have a (very few) scenes from the actual story; so spoilers will be mandatory. Be ye warned! Also, the chapters will likely be shorter than those in Life of Lieutenant Pierce.

 

Chapter 1:

Left Behind at the Fleet

 

T7-O1=bored // Jedi=left T7 behind.”

 

Aric Jorgan looked down at the yellow-and-gray droid, as well as the other two waiting in line for the shuttle to Coruscant. One was a shaggy-haired man with scars over his face and neck. He had a rifle that looked lethal, yet old-fashioned. The other was a Trandoshan with a vibrosword.

 

“I know what you mean, little guy,” the Cathar replied. “The Lieutenant got the pass to the Esseles, but that stupid bouncer wouldn’t let me aboard. ‘No ticket, no pass’ he said.”

 

The shaggy man nodded. “Yeah. I mean, I don’t even know how my boss procured a ticket to the thing!”

 

Jorgan raised an eyebrow. “Huh?”

 

The man seemed nervous. “Ah, nothing. I’m Corso Riggs. You?”

 

Lieutenant–no, “Sergeant Aric Jorgan,” he said, gritting his sharp teeth.

 

“Am Qyzen Fess,” the Trandoshan rumbled. “Was also left to travel on small shuttle while Jedi took big transport.”

 

Jorgan frowned. “Did we somehow become teamed up with the four most famous people in the galaxy?”

 

“Infamous, maybe,” Corso muttered.

 

“What?”

 

“Nothing.”

 

* * *

 

By the time the shuttle landed on Coruscant, Jorgan was highly suspicious of Corso’s boss. Corso had repeatedly deflected questions about his identity, and his occupation.

 

“Where are they?” Jorgan wondered. “Esseles should have gotten here hours before us.”

 

Corso shrugged. “Let’s check the HoloNet.”

 

He pulled out a datapad and keyed in a frequency. T7-O1 and Qyzen Fess came in close.

 

“…Imperials attacked the Republic vessel known as the Esseles in an attempt to capture ambassador Vyn Asara. A lieutenant in the famous Havoc Squad, as well as two Jedi and an unknown quantity, a freelancer, repelled the attack. More to come after…”

 

Corso deactivated the datapad.

 

“Freelancer?” Jorgan asked. “Gunrunner?”

 

Corso nodded. “Sometimes.”

 

Soon, a shuttle from the Esseles landed. Prudii seemed utterly embarrassed to see Jorgan, though he seemed to have come out of the battle for the better. The two Jedi looked like they could be related, but one had far darker hair than the other. And Corso’s boss was a male Mirialan with a brown-orange jacket and a pair of pistols in quick-draw holsters.

 

“Looks like I’m out of here,” Jorgan said. “See you around, Corso.”

 

The other man nodded. “Certainly.”

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Chapter 2:

Get Off My Lawn!

 

Jorgan and Prudii had just returned from the Old Galactic Market when Senate Security captain Dak Alteka called them to a meeting in the Senate plaza’s cantina, just below the tower.

 

“Better not keep a captain waiting,” Jorgan said.

 

Prudii and Jorgan walked into the cantina and Jorgan was surprised to see Corso Riggs leaning on the bar, alongside the Mirialan.

 

“Dankin,” Prudii said. “What’s going on?”

 

Jorgan tilted his head. “You know him?”

 

Prudii nodded. “Yeah, a guy I knew back in the Academy. It’s his brother.”

 

Jorgan nodded to Dankin.

 

“What’s going on?” Dankin asked.

 

“We were asked to meet someone here,” Prudii replied.

 

“Me too,” Dankin said.

 

Captain Alteka walked in, his Senate security armor perfectly polished and his rifle slung over his shoulder.

 

“Gentlemen,” he said. “We’re facing a problem and we figured the heroes of the Esseles would be the ones to fix it.”

 

“What about the Jedi?” Dankin asked.

 

“They’re busy,” Alteka replied. “One is helping with a kidnapping at the spaceport and the other is dealing with a very sick Jedi Master.”

 

“What’s the op?” Prudii asked.

 

“War protestors, a group calling themselves the ‘True Republic,’ are mounting a very large protest in the Senate plaza.”

 

Jorgan shifted his feet awkwardly. Prudii had “helped” one of the True Republic’s members, a girl named Spirakris Zarem; acquire a parcel of Senate documents. Respectful of freedom of speech, Prudii had given her agricultural documents, instead.

 

“What are they doing?” Dankin asked.

 

“Nothing much,” replied Alteka. “But Chancellor Janarus is passing through, and we think they may get to him. Our guards are busy preparing his escort, so we want you four to clear out the plaza.”

 

“We can’t exactly shoot ‘em with heavy blasters, sir,” Prudii noted.

 

“Of course,” Alteka agreed. “Which is why you will be supplied with riot blasters. Push the group back to at least the speeder pad, if not loading them onto taxis away from the plaza, then give me the signal it’s all clear on the comlink.”

 

Prudii nodded. “Will do, sir.”

 

* * *

 

Jorgan finished charging his riot rifle and looked out of the Senate tower’s doors. Prudii and Corso loaded their own rifles, but Dankin armed himself with only a small stun pistol.

 

“Let’s go,” Prudii said.

 

Jorgan followed him out, and as the people saw the familiar white armor of Republic soldiers, roars of cheering and booing simultaneously rose from the crowd.

 

“Senatorial lackeys!” some said.

 

“Heroes!” others called. “Our true patriots!”

 

It almost made Jorgan feel bad about what was going to happen. Prudii hadn’t been able to convince the armory to give them full helmets yet, so he was forced to yell rather than project his voice with a helmet’s speaker.

 

“Listen up!” he said. “We understand your concerns and will gladly take time to listen to them in time! But now is not that time! There is more than one crisis at hand right now, and having the Republic’s own people dissenting is not helpful!”

 

Some people began to leave the crown, and Jorgan gave them a silent salute. They were the ones who truly had the Republic’s best interests at heart.

 

Others surged forward. Prudii nodded, and Jorgan and Corso each fired at a single person, intentionally missing. That sent several more people running, but others only got madder.

 

Prudii opened up his rifle on the ground in front of them. That made them surge forward, so they had to begin stunning people. Jorgan winced as his bolts found target after target. Prudii had a look of equal discomfort on his face, and Corso looked a little queasy. Only Dankin kept his face a mask of neutrality.

 

Finally, the people began to realize that Prudii was not kidding. Slowly, the crowds dispersed, and a few medics ran from the tower to help with the stunned.

 

“Captain Alteka,” Prudii said into his comlink. “Mission accomplished.”

 

“Good job,” Alteka replied.

 

“We’d better report to Garza,” Jorgan said. “She’ll be piping mad we made her wait this long, but hopefully she’ll understand. Let’s hurry.”

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Coruscant Trooper spoilers!

 

Chapter 3:

The Sewers

 

Well, Jorgan thought, I did want a helmet.

 

Only this wasn’t exactly what he had imagined. It was not the full-faced, T-visor helmet of the Republic troops he’d seen on Ord Mantell and in other places. It was an ugly thing, at least twenty years old–the style of Coruscant Security during the beginning of the Great Galactic War.

 

It was more of a hat than helmet; it was black and short-brimmed, with goggles on top and purple trim around the edges that Jorgan had painted orange to match his armor. The purple still showed through, though.

 

Prudii’s was better, but not much. It was at least white, though. Sleek and pointed in the back, it had a large visor that covered the eyes and upper nose, but it was bulky and unwieldy.

 

“Where are the helmets you see in the history vids?” he asked. “The ones heroes like Colonel Jace Malcom or Tavus–pre-betrayal–wore?”

 

“Higher priority squads,” Prudii replied. “Not for a rookie lieutenant and a former lieutenant from a sniper squad trying to rebuild what was once the Republic’s best team.”

 

Jorgan inclined his head. “Good point, I guess. But how does this–” he gestured to his helmet, “–protect me at all?”

 

Prudii shrugged. “I don’t know, but hey. It has a comlink bud, so don’t complain.”

 

“Shh!” Jorgan suddenly said. “I hear voices.”

 

They were in an underground part of Coruscant known as The Works, hunting former Havoc Squad CO Jek Kardan, hoping he could tell them where Tavus and the others were.

 

Prudii drew his pistol and motioned for Jorgan to enter the room. Drawing his rifle, Jorgan nodded and entered, weapon raised. Prudii flashed around the corner, pistol raised. Kardan was speaking to a squad of Imperial troops.

 

“Still alive, huh?” Kardan asked. “You really should’ve gotten out of this while you were ahead, soldier.” He turned. “Now you’re a risk to Tavus and my people. So. Havoc Squad or not, I’m gonna have to kill you.”

 

“Really care about Tavus and the others?” Prudii challenged. “Why’d you let them defect, then?”

 

“I’ve made my choice. Tavus, Wraith, Needles, Gearbox, Fuse…they’re like my children,” Kardan said. “And I abandoned them. I resigned and let them fight alone.” He shook his head. “Just to make a point. They need me now more than ever. I’m not going to abandon them. Not this time.”

 

“The Imperials are the enemy!” shouted Prudii. “You aren’t one of them, Kardan.”

 

“I read your file, Kardan,” Jorgan added. “I saw what you’ve done. You, you were a hero. You have not betrayed the Republic yet. You don’t have to.”

 

“The Republic came just as close to killing me as the Empire ever did,” Kardan replied. Then, he continued sadly, “As far as I’m concerned, everyone’s my enemy.” He backed away a step. “I know you’re trying to get into my head, soldier, and it isn’t going to work.”

 

“No, sir,” Prudii responded. “I’m just talking, one soldier to another.”

 

“What do we have to talk about?” Kardan asked honestly. “Our objectives are completely at odds. I’m trying to keep my people alive, and you’re trying to kill them. That’s all there is to it, soldier.”

 

“I served with them, too. I want to bring them in alive.”

 

“Well, you’ve certainly taken your time trying to kill me.”

 

Jorgan was actually beginning to feel a glimmer of hope that Kardan would surrender.

 

“You’ve already compromised the relay,” said Kardan. “Even if we take you out, it’s only a matter of time before Garza has this place slagged for a klick in every direction.” He stepped forward. “And by now, Garza will know where every one of the defectors’ bases are. They’ll be tethered banthas, cut off from each other and all–”

 

One of the Imperials finally had enough. “Excuse me sir, but shouldn’t we be–”

 

Ignoring him, Kardan continued. “The Imperials might help, but it won’t be much. They’ll all be left to die.”

 

“Tavus and the others, they’ll follow your lead,” said Prudii. “If you turn yourself in…well, maybe they will, too.”

 

“Can’t believe it’s come to this,” Kardan said to himself.

 

The Imperial seemed alarmed now. “Sir?”

 

“All right, soldier, I’ll go along with this,” said Kardan. “But if you harm a single one of my people, you’ll be dead within a day. Understood?”

 

“You’ve got my word on it, Kardan.”

 

Kardan nodded. “Then let’s get on with this.”

 

The Imperial soldier snapped, “I can’t let you go into enemy custody alive, Kardan.”

 

Jorgan retrained his rifle on the soldier.

 

“Are you still here?” Kardan asked. “The op’s over, people. Finished. Mission failed. So get out of here while you’ve still got legs to carry you.”

 

“You leave me no choice, sir.” The Imperial loaded his rifle. “Open fire, men!”

 

“Take-take-take!” Prudii said.

 

“Taking the shot!” Jorgan replied.

 

Jorgan shot the loudmouth Imperial in the chest, while Prudii shot one with his pistol before quickly holstering it and drawing his rifle. The other two Imps, seeing their companions go down, turned to take cover, and Jorgan and Prudii shot them down.

 

“Mission accomplished,” Jorgan said.

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Chapter 4:

The Thunderclap

 

As Jorgan boarded their new, top-of-the-line BT-7 Thunderclap, he felt a little thrill rush through him. A gold protocol model droid walked up to Prudii, but Jorgan paid it no mind as he wandered through the ship.

 

There was a small but well-stocked armory, with enough rifles to stock a full six-man squad and then some, and a few backup suits of armor. No helmets, unfortunately.

 

When Prudii finally pulled himself away from the protocol unit, he activated the holocom and requested permission to leave Coruscant.

 

They were on their way.

 

* * *

 

After the mission to rescue the Senator, Wraith slipped through their grasp. Jorgan kicked himself for that; he could’ve gotten to Wraith while Prudii saved the Senator.

 

But it couldn’t be helped.

 

Now they were sitting docked at Carrick Station, waiting for Garza to decode the info and give them the locations of the traitors.

 

In their time off, Prudii had been summoned to help with an internal crisis, something about a Republic weapon called Hammer. Jorgan didn’t like being left behind, but it had to be a small team, and they had recruited the still-rising stars: the heroes of the Esseles.

 

When Prudii returned, he tossed a large, round object at Jorgan. Jorgan caught it and looked down. It was a Republic soldier’s helmet–a real one, like he’d seen in the vids.

 

“Sir?” he asked.

 

“After my help in the Hammer Station incident, the Republic saw fit to supply us with these,” Prudii replied.

 

Jorgan saw that Prudii was holding a helmet of his own under his arm. Jorgan gave him a feral grin and tossed his stupid hat to the ground, slamming his helmet down over his head and enjoying the feeling of being overwhelmed by the HUD.

 

* * *

 

Jorgan sat in the main hold of the Thunderclap and watched as Prudii conversed with Garza. She had decrypted the info–Taris and Nar Shaddaa were their first targets.

 

“Great,” Jorgan said when Garza closed the line. “Let’s go.”

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Chapter 5:

Slogging Through the Swamps

 

Jorgan was thankful for his new helmet now more than ever. Taris stank–stank bad–and the helmet at least filtered out some of it. Prudii didn’t seem to be affected, but he’d been quiet since they’d met Sergeant Dorne.

 

“So what do you think of Dorne?” he asked.

 

“Trying not to,” Prudii replied.

 

Jorgan grinned under his helmet. Bingo. “Pretty girl,” Jorgan said. “For a human.”

 

Prudii tilted his head. “I prefer women of my own species.”

 

“When was the last time you saw another Zabrak?” Jorgan asked. “Come on, you can’t be picky in the army.”

 

“Odds are we’ll never see her again after we leave Taris,” Prudii said. “I don’t want to get involved.”

 

“Like you didn’t 'get involved' with Jaxo?” Jorgan asked sarcastically.

 

Prudii nodded, deadpan. “Exactly.”

 

So that was what was bothering him. Jorgan guessed he wasn't one for short-term relationships, which was exactly what his fling with Jaxo had been.

 

Out of nowhere leapt three rakghouls, poisoned claws extending. Jorgan fired three times into one’s brain, then whirled and knocked another against the head. Prudii had the third down, and quickly executed it with a blast to the head.

 

“Third attack in five minutes,” Prudii said. “Stay alert.”

 

Jorgan nodded, deciding to drop the subject of Dorne, for now. He knew Prudii would open up when he wanted.

 

They found the location of the final missing recon squad, and it didn’t look pretty. Jorgan frowned and saw a strange purple wave cross his visor.

 

“Stealthed enemy!” he said.

 

He and Prudii swept the area with fire. Several pirates uncloaked and opened fire on them, but their armor absorbed the shots. They quickly killed the rest of the pirates.

 

While Prudii contacted Dorne so she could triangulate the coordinates of Needles’ base, Jorgan swept the area for more pirates. He kept his rifle up, in case rakghouls leapt from the shadows again.

 

“Got it,” Prudii said. “Come on.”

 

He’d already shut down his holocommunicator. Jorgan nodded and followed, but kept his rifle out to keep safe from any more raks.

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Comments and suggestions are welcome! :)

 

Chapter 6:

The New Girl

 

Jorgan welcomed Dorne to the crew with all the congratulation she deserved. He was glad to have someone else in the crew, especially someone of her skills.

 

Though Needles was dead, Havoc Squad was not yet ready to leave Taris. Captain Childress of Taris’ regiment had requested Havoc’s help in finding an old Republic mystery: the Endar Spire. In addition, an emergency had been posted on the HoloNet, stating that Mandalorians had stolen several Republic warheads.

 

That must’ve struck a chord with Prudii like it did with Jorgan, with the memory of the ZR-57 and Ord Mantell still fresh. Prudii had agreed to fight through the Mandalorians.

 

“I know a little about the Mandalorians,” said Jorgan as the three members of Havoc Squad watched the camp below. “They did attack my homeworld three hundred years ago, after all. But I’ve always been curious. Prudii is a Mandalorian name, right?”

 

Prudii nodded hesitantly. “It’s a story for another time, though. For now, we need to get those missiles back.”

 

“Strategy, lieutenant?” asked Dorne. But with her accent, it was ‘leftenant.’

 

“I’ll rush in head-on, while you and Jorgan sweep around from either angle. We take out the guards and recover the missiles, then leave before the Mandalorians call reinforcements.”

 

Jorgan nodded. “I’ll go left, unless you have an argument, Dorne?”

 

Even though she was wearing a helmet, he could see she did not understand his small joke.

 

“Why would direction be a preference?” she asked.

 

Prudii barked out a laugh. “It’ll be good to have you around, Dorne.”

 

Then he charged. Jorgan leapt to his feet and rushed left, firing on the Mandalorian guards on that flank. His rifle caught one in the chest, but his armor deflected it. Jorgan fired again, hitting his throat. That pierced it.

 

Dorne was shooting on the right side, her pistol piercing the men with lethal precision between slits in the armor. Prudii bashed the foremost Mando in the head, knocking him out. Jorgan blasted another in the chin.

 

“Good job,” Prudii said. “Missiles, now.”

 

The three members of Havoc Squad approached the warheads beside a Mandalorian dropship. As Prudii accessed the missiles, Jorgan thought he heard a faint whine. He whirled in time to see a Mandalorian landing. This one was blocky, and he looked like the clan’s warlord.

 

Jorgan shouted a warning, and Prudii and Elara whirled. The three of them opened fire on the warlord as one. The Mando pulled a vibrosword and charged at Prudii. Jorgan raised his rifle to his eye and blasted the Mandalorian, but the armor was better made than his troops’.

 

Prudii got in closer and slammed his rifle into the warlord’s head, while Dorne sprayed him with a carbonite stream. The warlord fell, and Prudii finished him off with a shot to the head.

 

“Good work, Sergeant,” Jorgan said.

 

“Thank you, Sergeant,” replied Dorne.

 

* * *

 

Jorgan charged into the Endar Spire, blasting pirates and guarding the slicers as they hacked the computer. More pirates rappelled from the ducts of the ships, and Prudii caught one before he left his cord.

 

Jorgan watched as Dorne shot one pirate in an artery. The pirate fell and began to bleed out. Jorgan finished him with a clean shot.

 

“We got it,” the slicer said. “We can return to Captain Childress.”

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Chapter 7:

The Smuggler's Moon

 

Jorgan and Prudii left the cantina from meeting with Jonas Balkar, an SIS agent who was going to help them find M1-4X, the prototype war droid that seemed to be Garza’s pet project.

 

Sitting at the back of the cantina, Dorne saw them exit and took her cue. She stood and walked over to meet them.

 

“So?” she asked.

 

“Bank robber,” Jorgan said wryly.

 

Though Dorne was not one hundred percent certain why he found this funny, she figured it had something to do with the seeming commonplace crime on Nar Shaddaa being busted by a group like Havoc Squad.

 

Dorne shrugged and smiled. “Well, then let’s play CorSec.”

 

Surprised, Prudii and Jorgan paused before erupting in laughter. Dorne joined them, glad to finally show them her less strict side.

 

* * *

 

Dorne scowled as she blasted the last of the ex-Republic forces. Prudii’s holocom was already beeping, probably Balkar checking in on them. She wasn’t particularly interested in hearing this, so she walked outside the bank and knelt, seeing a rend in the ground Forex had made in his and Captain Andrik’s escape.

 

It was heading toward the speeder pad.

 

“Blast,” she said.

 

“What?” Jorgan asked.

 

Surprised, Dorne looked up as he exited the bank. She shook her head and motioned to the mechanical footprint.

 

“They’re leaving this sector,” she said.

 

“We’ll find them,” he assured her.

 

“Andrik is good,” Prudii said as he walked out. “But Balkar’s working on it. Come on.”

 

* * *

 

Dorne walked backwards out of the lounge, her pistol still trained on the Imperials inside. They had a location for Andrik, but even so the gray uniform she’d once loved now made her nervous.

 

“You all right?” Prudii asked.

 

“Just gives me bad memories,” she replied. “But I’ll stay focused on the mission.”

 

She holstered her pistol. Jorgan glanced back at the lounge, but the doors slammed shut. Dorne wondered what Jorgan was thinking.

 

“Here we come, Andrik,” said Prudii.

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Chapter 8:

M1-4X

 

 

“A wondrous ship!” Forex exclaimed. “Simply wonderful!”

 

Smiling, Jorgan took off his helmet and threw it over on his bunk. He loved the thing, but he was getting a little tired of being in armor. Taking off his plated suit, he walked into the refresher and took a quick shower.

 

He got dressed again, but not in armor. He put on his orange dress uniform he hadn’t worn since Ord Mantell.

 

As he exited the ‘fresher, Forex approached him and looked him over.

 

“Sergeant,” he said in puzzlement. “You appear to have liquid leaking from your fur.”

 

Jorgan chuckled. “No, Forex, I just showered. It’s just water.”

 

“Ah.” Forex tilted his head. “I, myself, could use and oil bath.”

 

“I don’t think Prudii planned to have a droid in the squad. I’ll talk to him about getting an oil bath installed, though.

 

“What about me?” the protocol droid whined.

 

“Shut up,” Jorgan replied. “You’re not a part of this squad, officially.”

 

“Sorry, Sergeant.”

 

Jorgan walked away as Forex and Seetoo began to chat in binary. He entered the cockpit, where Prudii was sitting at the captain’s chair. Elara was sitting on his right, plotting a course.

 

“Where are we going?” Jorgan asked.

 

“The Republic fleet,” Prudii replied. “We just got a call from command. A clan of Mandalorians captured a Republic vessel called Allusis. They want me to get it back.”

 

“Let me guess: heroes of the Esseles?” asked Jorgan.

 

“I have downloaded records of that battle!” Forex announced. He moved quietly for such a big droid. “You did exemplary work, sir!”

 

“Uh, thanks.” Prudii frowned. “You’re right, Jorgan, they got in contact with Dankin and the Jedi. We’re leaving as soon as we can get to the Fleet.”

 

“What about us?” Jorgan asked.

 

“There’s a lot to do aboard Carrick Station, or Telos or Gav Daragon. The mission shouldn’t take more than a day, total.”

 

Jorgan considered. “All right.”

 

* * *

 

Dorne followed Jorgan and Forex to the viewing terminal aboard Carrick Station. Through Prudii’s armor cam, they could view the mission. Forex was like a child, eager to watch his hero in action. Dorne smiled a little. Other than against him, Forex had not seen Prudii in action.

 

The armor cam showed the group landing on the deck of the Allusis. A squad of Mandalorians and their pets attacked. Prudii executed one of the rabid animals with a shot to the throat, while the Jedi leapt in with their lightsabers to battle the Mandos.

 

Dankin, the smuggler, took cover and fired at intervals when the Mandalorians were focused on the others. It was a somewhat cowardly tactic, but it was efficient.

 

Dorne noticed that a few others had approached. A small astromech droid with a girl in Jedi robes, a Trandoshan and an aristocratic-looking man, and a shaggy-haired man with a Wookiee were now intent on the screen.

 

“Corso,” Jorgan said. “Who’s the Wookiee?”

 

“Oh, Jorgan!” the shaggy man replied. “Well, this here’s Bowdaar. Bowdaar, meet Sergeant Jorgan.”

 

The Wookiee rumbled. The aristocratic man walked up to Dorne and bowed deeply at the waist.

 

“My lady,” he said. “An honor to meet one of our own armed forces.”

 

Sweetly, she replied, “Thank you, and this armed forces lady can dissect you in ten different ways if you even think about making a move.”

 

The man blinked. “Apologies. My name is Theran Cedrax. Yours?”

 

“Sergeant Elara Dorne,” she replied. “Now, if you will excuse me, I am trying to watch my leftenant in combat.”

 

She returned her gaze to the viewscreen. Prudii and the others had advanced through a hangar and were currently sabotaging the missile bay. As they advanced, a team of Imperials landed–a pair of Sith Lords, a bounty hunter, and an Intelligence agent.

 

Prudii engaged the agent in close combat, swiftly defeating him. Meanwhile, Dankin cut down the bounty hunter in a stream of fire while the Jedi dueled the Sith Lords.

 

“Astonishing!” Forex exclaimed. “He took out a known Intelligence operative in shorter time than it took to kill one of the Mandalorians!”

 

Jorgan chuckled.

 

The girl with the droid spoke up. “Come on, Master.”

 

Dorne turned her attention to the girl. “Your Master: the one with the dark hair?”

 

She nodded. “Yes. I’m Kira Carsen, pleased to meet you.”

 

“Elara Dorne. Good to meet you, Padawan.”

 

The strike team entered the chamber where the Mandalorian leader, Mavrix Varad, waited. The darker-haired Jedi leapt in with his lightsaber whirling, and Prudii followed up with a stream of rifle fire. The other Jedi remained behind, using the Force to throw chunks of the ship at Varad, while Dankin blasted at him from under cover.

 

“They got him!” Corso said.

 

Indeed, Varad seemed in retreat, holding a blaster wound in his side. The Jedi leapt at him again, and the Mandalorian landed a massive punch under the man’s chin.

 

Kira gasped.

 

“That=going to leave a mark,” her droid noted.

 

Prudii came behind the Mandalorian and blasted him with an electric bolt from his rifle. Varad shook violently as the volts of electricity passed through his armor.

 

The dark-haired Jedi quickly finished him off with a stab to the blaster wound that had been previously incurred.

 

“They did it!” cheered Kira.

 

Dorne pumped a silent fist in the air, Jorgan gave a quiet congratulation to Prudii, and Forex began shouting loud exultations.

 

“Well done, indeed,” Cedrax said.

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Chapter 9:

Tatooine

 

Jorgan already hated this world, and they’d been here less than an hour. On the bright side, their target here was Fuse, and he seemed more than willing to surrender.

 

First one we’ve captured alive, he thought.

 

He and Prudii left the governor’s office and walked into the blistering heat of Tatooine’s twin suns.

 

“Nice to have an easy op for once,” Jorgan said.

 

“Good point,” Prudii agreed. “You know, maybe it’s speciesism, but Fuse never seemed the traitor type to me, you know?”

 

“True,” Jorgan agreed. “But then, neither did Tavus.”

 

“Maybe he’ll come along quietly, too,” Dorne said, and she sounded hopeful.

 

“It doesn’t matter,” Forex boldly declared. “If he does not, we will still catch him, alive or dead.”

 

“I promised Kardan alive,” Prudii replied.

 

“You promised that for all of them,” Jorgan noted. “Needles is dead. Probably Kardan doesn’t care about Andrik, but Tavus did so you never know.”

 

“Garza said Kardan and Needles never got along anyway,” Prudii replied. “He hasn’t tried to escape or kill himself yet, so we can hope. Plus if we bring in Fuse alive, it’ll boost our rep with him. And Garza.”

 

Jorgan nodded. “Where to first, sir?”

 

“First, we hit the desert and find Fuse–you and me, Jorgan. Meanwhile, Dorne and Forex, read up on Alderaan, see what you can find out about the situation there.”

 

Dorne nodded. “Yes, leftenant.”

 

* * *

 

Jorgan and Prudii entered the Imperial outpost. There was a pair of guards inside.

 

“Take-take-take!” Prudii said.

 

Jorgan sniped one in the chest, and Prudii took the other in the gut. As the guards dropped, they charged in. Jorgan turned on his helmet’s audio scanners. He detected five…six footfalls.

 

“Six guards,” he said.

 

Prudii nodded. “Go.”

 

“Taking the shot,” Jorgan said.

 

He raised his rifle and blasted one guard in the head. Then he blasted another in the back before he could turn. Prudii took one in the knee, and then the head as he fell.

 

The other three took cover and fired on them. Jorgan jumped aside as a blaster bolt grazed his shoulder plate. Prudii opened fire with a volley of grenades from his rifle.

 

The explosion killed one of the guards; another was thrown into a console, breaking his back, and the third made a run for it. Jorgan cut him down with a quick burst shot.

 

Jorgan and Prudii stepped into the room and saw Fuse. He was standing behind a purple force field, his face downcast as he contemplated quietly.

 

“Lieutenant!” he exclaimed, seeing Prudii. “You made it in time–Gorik just called for a full-scale evacuation. He’s already at the hangar at the back of the base, overseeing the evacuation–and he has the bomb designs with him.” He sighed. “Please, you have to get to the landing area and stop Gorik before he escapes with my bomb design!”

 

Jorgan was surprised. Fuse had never been a coward, but he’d never been a fighter, either. He had been the odd man out, the behind-the-scenes soldier. He’d manned up. Jorgan, despite himself, was impressed.

 

Prudii shook his head. “What, you want me to just leave you here?”

 

“I’m, uh, I’m clearly not going anywhere, Lieutenant.” Fuse had a wry look on his face. “After you’ve taken down Gorik, you can–”

 

Suddenly, there was the blast of a klaxon.

 

“Warning! Warning!” said an automated voice. “Self destruct sequence initialized! All personnel must evacuate to the hangar immediately. This is not a drill! Countdown sequence initialized! Warning! Warning! Facility detonation imminent!”

 

Well, that put a damper on things, Jorgan decided. Fuse seemed to think so, too, because he put a hand to his head.

 

“Oh, no. We’re too late,” Fuse rambled. “The entire base, it–it’s going to be vaporized, we…we are out of time.”

 

“No way!” Prudii replied. “There’s got to be a way to shut down that self destruct sequence, you read me?”

 

Jorgan was impressed. In an instant, Fuse had gone to being a prisoner to one of Prudii’s soldiers.

 

“You…you’d have to go to the command center,” said Fuse, “in order to cancel the detonation. Y–you could even unlock my cell from there.” Fuse crossed his arms. “But…by the time you reach the command center and stop the explosion, Gorik will have escaped with my bomb design–that can’t happen.”

 

Jorgan considered. They could free Fuse and complete their objective, and Garza and Kardan would be happy enough. But Garza would chew their hide for missing the chance to get the bomb designs, while Kardan would probably kill them all for failing to rescue Fuse.

 

“No,” said Prudii. “I can stop the explosion and get Gorik if I can move fast enough.”

 

“No, you…you have to leave me,” Fuse said. “By the time you cancel the self destruct, Gorik will be long gone. Please, there isn’t time to argue. It’s down to me or the bomb design and, well…there’s only one good choice there.”

 

Jorgan, despite his continuing anger at the traitors, felt a surge of sadness and pity for the man. Clearly he realized what he’d done was wrong and wanted to atone for it.

 

“I’ve made my choice,” Prudii said. “I’m going to get you out of here.”

 

“Forget about me!” Fuse snapped. “Stop Gorik and keep the Empire from getting my bomb design! That’s all that matters.”

 

“Listen to me,” Prudii said. “I. Am. Getting. You. Out of here.”

 

“Please, Lieutenant!” Fuse pleaded. “Don’t let Gorik escape just for me. Please, don’t do it.”

 

Prudii sprinted off, surprising Jorgan. He turned and followed Prudii, who ran up to the command console and quickly began to end the self-destruct. It occurred to Jorgan that he could go after Gorik alone, and he started to turn for the hangar when he head the rumble of a shuttle’s engines.

 

“He’s gone,” Jorgan said.

 

* * *

 

Prudii and Jorgan returned Fuse to the Republic’s custody and joined Elara and Forex aboard the Thunderclap. As Jorgan had expected, they got a pat on the back for saving Fuse, followed by a reprimand for not stopping Gorik.

 

Then they were off to Alderaan. As the ship entered hyperspace, Jorgan went to the mess. He pulled a pre-wrapped nerf burger from the cooler and took a bite out of it, letting the flavor roll across his tongue.

 

He had stuff to think about–mainly the Deadeyes. He’d heard about them, recently, and it wasn’t good news. The Imps had captured them. He wondered if he should tell Prudii.

 

But no, they were already bound for Alderaan. This could wait until after Tavus and the others were gone for good. Worrying about his old friends would not help them stop the traitors.

Edited by YoshiRaphElan
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Chapter 10:

The False King

 

Jorgan, Dorne, Forex, and Prudii exited the ship and walked out into a war zone. Jorgan twisted his body as a missile slashed through the air. It hit the spaceport but did little damage.

 

Prudii pulled out his rifle. “Take-take-take!”

 

Jorgan opened fire, taking out a soldier in gaudy red and blue armor. Each of the soldiers was in the same armor–probably Alderaan’s Imperial-aligned faction.

 

Prudii led the squad through the battlefield to House Organa. When they arrived, troopers in blue House Organa armor, as well as several Republic soldiers, opened fire on the Imperial-aligned Alderaanians chasing them.

 

“Sir!” said a Republic lieutenant. “Good to see Havoc Squad on Alderaan, sir.”

 

Prudii nodded. “Good to see you, Lieutenant. I need to see the Baron’s prisoner.”

 

“In House Organa,” the lieutenant said. “That way.”

 

“Thanks,” Prudii replied.

 

* * *

 

Gearbox was eliminated. Another one of the Havoc traitors down, and now it was just down to Wraith and Tavus. Jorgan was eager to get on with it, but unfortunately, Prudii had already agreed to help Houses Organa and Panteer take down Bouris Ulgo, the upstart kind of Alderaan.

 

Kneeling outside House Ulgo, Jorgan watched the entrance. The door appeared to be guarded by only two of Ulgo’s soldiers, but Jorgan scanned the area with his HUD and saw three more hiding atop the massive entrance.

 

“You see ‘em, right, Lieutenant?” he asked.

 

“Affirmative,” Prudii replied. “You’re the squad’s ex-sniper. Dorne, Forex, and I will charge in and pretend not to see them. You take them down as they drop.”

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

* * *

 

Dorne charged in behind Prudii and Forex, firing her sidearm, cutting down the first guard. The other fired at them, only to be blasted by Forex’s rocket launcher. As the three hidden guards dropped, Jorgan took one out while he was still in the air.

 

Prudii cut down the other two as they hit the ground. Dorne holstered her pistol and looked around.

 

“Clear, leftenant,” she said.

 

Prudii nodded. Jorgan ran to catch up, slinging his rifle over his shoulder. Forex’s missile launcher lowered.

 

“Let’s go,” Prudii said.

 

He looked at Dorne as he said it, and she had to fight not to blush, thankful she had a helmet on. He was not a bad looker, for a Zabrak. And he was a great leader…she shook herself mentally. He was a commanding officer, and romances like that ended badly.

 

“Yes, sir,” the three members of Havoc Squad said.

 

* * *

 

Dorne ducked under the crisscrossing rifle fire from Ulgo’s four bodyguards. Prudii twisted and blasted one of them, as did Jorgan. Forex stood still and let the blaster bolts bounce from his armor. Dorne quickly killed the last two.

 

“Disable the shield, now!” Prudii ordered.

 

Grabbing a missile launcher, Dorne sprinted over to one of the generators. Forex didn’t need a rocket launcher; he had two mounted on his back, Dorne thought wryly.

 

She blasted the generator and then threw aside the empty launcher as a squad of Ulgo troops charged at her. Ducking behind the remains of the generator, she snapped of a series of shots that killed one of the Ulgos and kneecapped another. The third was dropped from a stray shot from Forex’s blasters.

 

“Get Bouris!” Prudii said over the helmet com.

 

Dorne returned to the throne, arriving at the same time as Prudii. Forex and Jorgan caught up a moment later. Bouris pulled out a pair of blasters and laid down a spray of fire on them.

 

Dorne ducked under the steps and then whirled and blasted one of Ulgo’s only remaining guards. Jorgan caught the other in the chest

 

Forex fired a barrage of missies at Bouris, and the king ducked. The missiles demolished the throne. Prudii leapt forward and ejected his knuckle-plate’s vibroblade, jabbing Ulgo in the gut. Ulgo gasped and fell to his knees.

 

“Impressive, sir.” Dorne beamed. “Very good.”

 

Jorgan nodded. “Let’s escort Ulgo back to the Panteers ASAP.”

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Massive spoilers for Chapter 1 so this one's in spoiler tags.

 

 

 

Chapter 11:

Tavus and Wraith

 

 

Jorgan kept his hand consciously away from his rifle as they boarded Tavus’ Justice. A lieutenant in an Imperial uniform met them and said hello, and asked Prudii where he’d been assigned.

 

“Taris,” Prudii replied. “Needles was in charge there; you can check with Captain Tavus.”

 

“Taris?” the lieutenant asked. “I heard some bad stuff went down on Taris. So, uh, tell me…did Needles really test that bioweapon on his own people? Turn them into monsters?”

 

“Needles was completely insane,” Prudii said.

 

“Unbelievable. Sounds like you were lucky to get out alive. So, what about this other rumor I’ve been hearing? That a single Republic soldier came in and broke up the entire operation–is that really true?”

 

Jorgan could hear Prudii’s grin, or maybe it was just his own. “He was a real one-man army,” said Prudii. “He didn’t take any prisoners.”

 

Not seeming to realize how thoroughly Prudii was enjoying it, the lieutenant said, “Sounds pretty serious. But hey, you made it–we’re in the clear now.”

 

Jorgan sealed his helmet so the lieutenant could not hear his laughs. Dorne seemed baffled, asking what was so funny, but Prudii was chuckling, too.

 

The lieutenant directed them to the officer’s quarters. As soon as he was out of sight, Prudii planted a bomb out of sight in the hangar, and then detonated it after he walked away, sending the Imps running.

 

“Let’s go,” Prudii said.

 

* * *

 

“Hello–lieutenant,” said the female voice.

 

Jorgan whirled at the same time as Prudii, and they saw Wraith approaching, dressed in a sniper’s uniform. Dorne whipped out her blaster and aimed it at Wraith, and Forex raised his blasters.

 

“I was hoping we’d run into each other,” said Prudii, his voice dark.

 

“Me, too,” snarled Wraith. “You’re caught. You’ve failed.”

 

“Hands up, Wraith,” Prudii ordered. “Come in quietly and we’ll reunite you with Fuse and Kardan. Okay?”

 

“No way,” Wraith hissed. “Time to die.”

 

She whipped out her sniper surprisingly fast, and Jorgan rammed his shoulder into Prudii. The shot flew overhead. Wraith fired another series of shots, and Prudii and Jorgan scrambled across the floor to avoid them while Forex and Dorne opened fire on Wraith. The assassin dove for cover, and the blaster shots missed her.

 

Back on his feet, Jorgan whipped out his rifle and fired a barrage of fire at Wraith, pinning her down. Prudii charged at her, firing his rifle. She rolled backwards and stabbed at him with a knife.

 

The blade grazed Prudii’s armor but did no damage. Jorgan fired again, catching Wraith in the side. She tumbled, dropped her sniper rifle, and pulled out a sidearm. She aimed for Jorgan and snapped off a shot.

 

Jorgan rolled aside and sent another shot at her. She twisted sideways slightly, avoiding the shot. But four alternating lines of fire were too much for even Wraith to handle, and she went down from a hail of bolts from Prudii and Forex.

 

“Tavus is next,” Prudii said.

 

* * *

 

Jorgan fired, cutting down the enemies guarding Tavus, as they boarded the bridge. Out in space, he saw Garza’s command ship jump from hyperspace and open fire on the Justice.

 

Tavus stood at the front of the bridge, his hands crossed behind him. Prudii led Havoc Squad up the steps and trained his rifle on Tavus’ back.

 

“Lieutenant,” Tavus said. “It seems no matter how hard I try, I can’t have any kind of gathering without you.” He shook his head. “I guess I should not be surprised. You were a member of Havoc, just like the rest of us. I suppose you belong here, in some twisted way.”

 

“You’ve got nothing to do with Havoc Squad, Tavus,” Prudii snapped. “You’re a traitor!”

 

Jorgan was surprised at the venom that came in that statement. Prudii had only known the Havoc members a few days; it should not have been that shaking. Maybe Prudii had other reasons to hate traitors.

 

“I am Havoc Squad, lieutenant,” Tavus replied coldly. Kardan, Wraith, Needles, Gearbox, Fuse, and I–we were Havoc Squad. You’re nothing. You should be thanking me, really,” he continued. “I imagine that killing all my closest comrades…my closest friends, has been good for your career.”

 

I’d shut up if I were you, Tavus, Jorgan thought. You’re digging your grave that much deeper.

 

Jorgan was surprised when Prudii just said, “You know, Kardan and Fuse are alive and well; they surrendered. So can you.”

 

“Kardan? And…and Fuse?” Tavus actually seemed happy for a moment. “That, that’s good.” Then his expression hardened. “But that hardly makes up for the rest, lieutenant. Nothing can absolve what you’ve done.”

 

Tavus took a step forward. “In the end, I’m glad you’ve come. I’m glad you intercepted the signal, and glad you butchered the last of my loyal soldiers. I’m glad you’re here, lieutenant, and I’m glad I get to kill you myself.”

 

In a flash, he drew his rifle with one hand and threw a cryo grenade at Dorne. She gasped and tried to move out of the way, but the grenade froze her in place. Prudii and Jorgan charged into action with Forex laying down covering fire.

 

Tavus rolled out of the way, and Jorgan blasted at where he would be. The bolt caught Tavus in the shoulder. Tavus rolled, and Prudii grabbed him by the collar and bashed him with his rifle. Tavus fell back and fired at them both.

 

Jorgan rolled aside. At that moment Dorne freed herself from the carbonite. She fired a shot at Tavus then shot a healing dart into Prudii’s thigh to counteract a blow he’d just taken. Jorgan fired at Tavus, and the commander stumbled back into the command console.

 

Tavus didn’t get up. “Uh…I…this is it, isn’t it? This is all I have to show for everything I’ve done. Everything I tried to achieve…”

 

Jorgan took a step forward, but Prudii stuck out an arm, blocking him.

 

“Sir?” Jorgan asked.

 

“Don’t fire,” Prudii said. “But keep him in your sights.”

 

Jorgan nodded. Then, stepping swiftly forward, he smashed a fist into Tavus’ nose. The traitor fell back in surprise. Jorgan pointed his rifle at Tavus and stepped back.

 

“That was for Ord Mantell,” he said.

 

“Oh…” Tavus said in horror. “What have I done? They’re dead! They agreed with me–they followed me! They…they died because of me.”

 

“Drop your weapons,” Prudii said. “Drop ‘em, and we’ll talk about it. Okay?”

 

“Don’t kill me, lieutenant,” Tavus begged. He dropped his rifle, and then pulled his pistol off his belt. Jorgan prepared to fire, but Tavus dropped the pistol, too. “Don’t kill me,” Tavus repeated, “and I’ll help you.”

 

Prudii first slung his rifle over his shoulder, and then took off his helmet so he could look Tavus in the eye.

 

“I…I’ve learned things,” Tavus said. “Intel about the Empire. Bring me in, take me to Garza, and I’ll try to undo some of the damage I’ve done.”

 

Prudii hesitated, but only for a moment. “Okay. Okay, if you surrender, I’ll take you to General Garza.”

 

“Sir!” Jorgan blurted. “This scum betrayed us. He deserves to die!”

 

“Sergeant,” Dorne said quietly. “Anything we can use against the Empire is worth it.”

 

Jorgan felt embarrassed for his outburst, but he still felt outraged at Tavus. He knew killing him wouldn’t make up for it, though.

 

“Sorry,” he said.

 

“You…made the right choice,” Tavus said. “You will see. Garza will reward you well for…for bringing me in.”

 

Prudii nodded. “Maybe. But I don’t care about rewards, Tavus. This is about you.”

 

“I hereby officially surrender,” Tavus said, “without condition, to the Army of the Galactic Republic.”

 

“Thank you,” Prudii said, “for not making me kill you.”

 

“You should’ve surrendered a long time ago,” Jorgan said to Tavus.

 

“I…yes, I know that now.” Tavus put his hands in front of him. “I’ll stay where you can see me, lieutenant.”

 

And Jorgan thought there was a bit of wry humor in his voice.

 

 

 

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Jorgan companion quest spoilers.

 

Chapter 12:

Time Off...Or Not

 

After arresting Tavus and putting him in with Kardan and Fuse, as well as promoting Prudii to captain, Garza told Havoc Squad to take some time off.

 

Prudii took the Thunderclap to Carrick Station, and Havoc Squad drank a few rounds in the cantina there, with the exception of Forex, who stood up on the terrace, since droids weren’t allowed in the cantina proper.

 

“Here’s to victory,” Prudii said.

 

“And exceptional commanders,” Dorne added.

 

“To…the Republic,” Jorgan said.

 

They toasted and drank. Dorne stood to go somewhere, and Jorgan took his opportunity.

 

“Sir,” he said. “I need to talk to you privately, next time we’re back on the Thunderclap. It’s about the Deadeyes.”

 

Prudii nodded. “Will do, Jorgan.”

 

Dorne returned and put a friendly arm around Prudii’s shoulder. Jorgan tilted his head. Maybe it was more than friendly.

 

Interesting.

 

* * *

 

Jorgan explained the Deadeyes situation in brief, after which Prudii told him they should contact SIS agent Jonas Balkar, and that he could help them.

 

Prudii piloted the Thunderclap to Nar Shaddaa and informed Dorne and Forex that they would be out for a while, something that Dorne seemed a little disappointed about.

 

More than friends, indeed, Jorgan thought.

 

He and Prudii entered Balkar’s old haunt. The man seemed pleased to see them.

 

“Captain!” he said. “Sergeant! What brings you to Nar Shaddaa?”

 

“Business,” Jorgan said. Then he glanced around and asked, “You got my message?”

 

Balkar nodded. “And…officially, I can’t say anything about the Deadeyes. They’re on a mission for Agent Zane…quite a crabby man, I might add.”

 

“Blast it, Balkar–” Jorgan started.

 

“Unofficially, though,” Balkar continued, “I would investigate Shadow Town. There’s been some strange stuff going down there…just to let you know, as a friend and all.”

 

Prudii smiled. “Thanks, Balkar.”

 

“Yeah,” Jorgan added. “Thanks.”

 

“One more thing,” Balkar said. “Zane finds out and I’m finished. Please don’t come back here.”

 

They took a speeder to Shadow Town and entered the prison Balkar had identified. Prudii motioned for Jorgan to enter. Raising his rifle, Jorgan took a step in. An Imperial nearly took his head off, and Jorgan returned fire. Prudii charged in and fired his own rifle.

 

When the Imperials were smoking corpses on the floor, Jorgan and Prudii approached one cellblock, and then the other.

 

“Blast!” Jorgan said. “They’re not in either one. We’d better check the mainframe.”

 

“We don’t have much time,” Prudii warned. “One of the Imps might’ve called for help. We can’t throw Balkar under the speeder like this.”

 

Jorgan nodded. “We’ll hurry.”

 

He hacked into the mainframe and found the file marked DEADEYES. He hacked into it but it was too encrypted for him to handle.

 

“We’ll have to take this to Balkar,” he said.

 

“He said we couldn’t compromise him,” Prudii reminded.

 

“We don’t have a choice,” Jorgan insisted.

 

* * *

 

They returned to Balkar’s hideout, and of course, Agent Zane was there, lecturing Balkar. When he saw Prudii and Jorgan enter, he turned his tirade on them, and Balkar’s face went white.

 

While Zane was yelling at Prudii, Balkar said to Jorgan, “I told you that you couldn’t compromise me!”

 

When Zane finally left, Balkar seemed both angry and deflated.

 

“Sorry, Balkar,” Prudii said. “Jorgan insisted.”

 

“I wouldn’t have if I’d known Zane was here,” Jorgan added. “Here. This datapad has the location of the Deadeyes on it. Can you track them down?”

 

Balkar took the datapad. “All I can do is give this to a guy I know, have him take a look. Zane’s on me too hard. Best I can do. Sorry.”

 

“Thanks anyway,” Prudii said. “Jorgan?”

 

“Yeah,” Jorgan said glumly. “Thanks.”

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Chapter 13:

In Which Garza

Gets Involved

 

They returned to the ship and waited for Balkar’s contact to call, but they only got a warning message from Zane saying to leave the Deadeyes situation alone.

 

“Nerve of that man,” Jorgan hissed.

 

After that they decided to ask Garza for help. Jorgan explained the situation shortly, and Garza nodded.

 

“I’ll see what I can do,” she said. “It’s the least I could do for you after you brought down Tavus.”

 

As the holo disappeared, Jorgan said, “There. If Zane one-ups Garza, I’ll eat my rifle.”

 

* * *

 

Not long after, Garza came back to them with the information they needed.

 

“But before I tell you, you need to come to Coruscant,” she said. “You’re being pulled off your leave. There’s an emergency.”

 

Prudii nodded, all soldier again. “Yes, sir!”

 

* * *

 

When they arrived on Coruscant, Garza dropped a bombshell on Prudii: he had to pick a second in command. Jorgan felt his heart go cold. He had picked up the atmosphere between Dorne and Prudii–they were obviously in a relationship, even if they were keeping it secret. Prudii would likely pick her for the promotion.

 

But then Jorgan shook his head. No, that would be close to nepotism, and Prudii didn’t operate that way. He would pick his officer based on the most logical decision, and Jorgan would accept it, even if Prudii passed him up.

 

“I pick Jorgan,” Prudii said.

 

Jorgan smiled in gratitude. It felt good to be back, after his demotion.

 

“Now, onto your op,” Garza said. “An SIS agent has crashed on Tatooine, carrying vital Intel on Imperial weaponry. I want you to rescue him before the Empire gets him.”

 

Prudii saluted. “Ma’am.”

 

“Before you leave,” she added, “I’d like to speak to you and Lieutenant Jorgan in private, if you would, Captain.”

 

Prudii inclined his head, and Dorne and Forex exited her office.

 

“I’ve found the Deadeyes,” she said. “Torve, at least, and possibly a few more.”

 

“Where?” Jorgan asked.

 

“Tatooine,” she said with a smile. “Rescue the agent first, and then I’ll turn a blind eye if you happen to be a little late reporting back. Tatooine is a big desert, after all.”

 

“Thank you, ma’am,” Jorgan said with a salute.

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Chapter 14:

Tatooine Again

 

To Dorne’s surprise, old Jonas Balkar was sitting in the hangar waiting for them when they arrived on Tatooine.

 

“Of all the–” she laughed. “What are the odds of meeting him again?”

 

Prudii chuckled. “Given my luck? Pretty good.”

 

Balkar saw them coming and stood. “Good to see you again, Captain. Glad Havoc could make it out for this one. Congratulations on the promotion, by the way. How does it feel to be so big and important?”

 

Dorne raised an eyebrow. Prudii responded, “The same old job, just with a new hat.” Then he looked back at Dorne and winked.

 

She felt a little red-faced. She and Prudii had, in private, declared their attraction for one another. She was just beginning to come out of her shell. He seemed intent to help her along.

 

Balkar was explaining the situation to Jorgan and Prudii. Forex was away from the squad–apparently he had discussed with Prudii the possibility of operating independently on search-and-destroy and assassination missions.

 

“We’ll handle it,” Prudii said. “Havoc Squad, move out!”

 

When they reached the spy’s ship, Dorne covered their flank. A pair of Imperial soldiers jumped from hiding spots and opened fire. Dorne snapped off a shot and cut down the first, and then caught the second in the shoulder.

 

“Move!” Prudii said.

 

They ran through the cave and into the small valley-like area. The spy’s ship was visible over a hill, but it was surrounded by Imperials and battle droids.

 

“Take-take-take!” Prudii ordered.

 

All three opened fire. Two droids went down, and one Imperial whirled only to take a shot in the chest. As he collapsed, two more Imperials turned, and Jorgan made short work of them.

 

Suddenly, a sniper bolt whizzed from the direction of the Imperial ship. Prudii dodged and whipped out his pistol, snapping off three bolts at the sniper before ducking under cover. Dorne and Jorgan followed.

 

Prudii pulled a frag grenade from his belt and chucked it at the sniper. Dorne saw the man try to stand, only to be blown over by the grenade.

 

“Let’s find our spy,” Prudii said.

 

“Over here!” the spy called.

 

Prudii rolled his eyes as a squad of Imps charged toward the spy. “So much for being under cover,” he muttered.

 

The three members of Havoc Squad stood and cut down the Imperials around the spy. Dorne holstered her pistol.

 

“Ah, that felt good,” the spy said. “You don’t know how many times I had to talk myself out of murdering that walking scum.”

 

Dorne looked down and realized the spy had put a bolt through the Imperials’ commanding officer. She coughed.

 

“More Imps could be on the way,” Prudii said. “We need to get you out of here before that happens.”

 

“You’re right–the ‘rescue team’ will be here any time now,” the spy agreed. “But…we can’t leave yet.”

 

Prudii motioned for Dorne to stand guard, while he and Jorgan followed the spy. She nodded, knelt, and trained her pistol on the cave. Through the comlink, she heard the conversation.

 

“I have to rig the ship to blow,” the spy said. “That should vape all the evidence of my little disappearing act. Can you cover me?”

 

“Make it fast,” Prudii said.

 

Imperials began moving out of the cave. Dorne lifted her pistol and blasted one with the accuracy of a sniper.

 

“Sir! Contact!” she said.

 

“Hurry,” Prudii said curtly.

 

Jorgan and Prudii ran over to Dorne’s position. As the Imps charged, the three of them opened fire. One of the Imps went down from a bolt to the head and another took a clean chest shot. The last two broke for cover, but Prudii and Dorne quickly cut them down.

 

“Timer’s set!” called the spy. “She’s ready to blow.”

 

“Move!” Prudii said.

 

Elara bolted, following Prudii and the spy out through the cave, with Jorgan covering their rear. When they made it outside, the spy put his hands on his knees and bent over.

 

“Whew,” he muttered. “What a rush.”

 

“Dorne,” Prudii said. “Get the spy back to Anchorhead. Jorgan and I have some business to take care of. Meet you on the Thunderclap.”

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

* * *

 

Jorgan and Prudii rode past the Imperial outpost with the utmost care. The Imp guards outside Mos Anek were armed to the teeth and there were too many for them to take. Jorgan saw the small base where Garza said the Deadeyes would be.

 

“There, sir.” He motioned to the base. “We should keep low.”

 

Prudii nodded. Using rocks and dunes as cover, they ran to the base. Outside, a squad of Imperials took notice of them and opened fire.

 

“Return fire!” Prudii said.

 

Jorgan shouldered his rifle and blasted one Imp in the chest, then another. In that time, Prudii had taken out the other three.

 

“Inside,” Prudii ordered.

 

As he entered, Jorgan saw three men sitting on the ground. One of them he instantly recognized, and he gave a feral grin.

 

“On your feet, soldiers,” he barked in mock rage.

 

“Lieutenant Jorgan?” Torve exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”

 

Torve stood and dusted off his uniform, even though he was technically a lieutenant, as well–the Deadeyes’ CO. The other two, a large human and a Sullustan, stood with him.

 

“We’re getting you out of here,” Jorgan said.

 

“I thought we’d have been out of here weeks ago,” Torve muttered. He saw Prudii. “Who’s this?”

 

“I’m Captain Prudii, Jorgan’s CO. But, wait–you knew someone was going to get you out?”

 

“That was part of the plan, wasn’t it?” Torve asked, confused.

 

Jorgan’s blood went cold. “What plan?”

 

“It’s all there in the mission outline. Didn’t Zane brief you?”

 

Jorgan’s blood went from cold to hot. “Zane?” he asked. “As in ‘Senior Agent’ Zane? Man’s been nothing but trouble for us!”

 

“So he didn’t–? Oh. Then I’m afraid to say anything more. SIS orders.”

 

“We just saved your life,” Prudii said. “Surely you can tell us something?”

 

“But we…” Torve sighed. “Okay. Look, we let ourselves get caught. Some kind of top secret SIS op.”

 

Jorgan crossed his arms, not revealing his anger.

 

Torve continued, “They implanted tracking devices in us. Plan was to follow us through Imperial space, find out where the Imps ship their POWs, and then come rescue us.”

 

“The fact that you’re still here proves how lame that plan was,” Prudii said bluntly.

 

“Tell that to Zane,” Torve said with a shrug. “He was the brains behind all this. No one anticipated the Imps would split us up, ship us to labor camps. Surprised the SIS didn’t spring us then.”

 

“Typical SIS!” Jorgan said angrily. “Should have known better than to trust those spooks.”

 

“Too good an opportunity,” Torve disagreed. “You know how many troops we have in those camps.”

 

“What if the Imperials had executed you?” asked Jorgan.

 

“Things wouldn’t have been so bad if SIS had held up their end of the bargain,” Prudii said in a calming voice.

 

Jorgan shrugged. “Got that right. A good soldier never leaves a man behind. We’ll have it out with SIS later. For now, sit tight. I’ll call for an evac, get you boys home.”

 

Torve nodded and led his men outside to await the shuttle. Jorgan glanced at Prudii.

 

“Well. They’re off. The SIS had better have a good reason for leaving those men behind.”

 

“Maybe Zane would care to enlighten us,” said Prudii.

 

“I’m sure he’ll have something to say about this rescue op of ours,” Jorgan agreed. “Anyway, we’ve done all we can for now. I’ll see about getting the rest of those coordinates decrypted.”

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Chapter 15:

The Demolitions' Man

 

Back on the ship, they got a predictable call from the ever-persistent Zane. Jorgan considered letting it go unanswered, but his anger over the Deadeyes’ intentional capture led him to accept the call.

 

“Captain,” Zane growled. “Senior Agent Zane here. Apparently I didn’t make myself clear earlier. Or perhaps you thought an unauthorized rescue mission didn’t constitute as interfering?”

 

“Torve told us about your involvement in the Deadeyes’ capture,” Prudii said, a deadly edge to his voice. The man didn’t tolerate messing with the Republic’s troops.

 

“Considering how classified that information was, I do hope you had to torture Lieutenant Torve, Captain. I understand you’re concerned for your comrades, but you morons are only complicating things!”

 

“You are addressing the commander of Havoc Squad, Zane!” Jorgan hissed. “You will show him the proper respect.”

 

“Apologies,” Zane said, and sounded genuinely sorry. “But this is a delicate operation, and your continued involvement will only jeopardize its completion.”

 

“I’m not going to stop,” Prudii said. “Those men don’t deserve what they’re going through.”

 

“Then you can expect far worse than holocalls,” Zane snapped.

 

“Your operation’s falling apart, Zane,” Jorgan said. “Now either rescue the Deadeyes yourself or stay out of my way.”

 

“I don’t take orders from grunts. This mission is over when I say it.”

 

“I’ve had it with this guy,” Jorgan said. “Permission to cut him off, sir?”

 

“Granted,” Prudii replied.

 

“Now, wait–” Jorgan cut the link.

 

* * *

 

There was no time to further pursue the Deadeyes, because Garza relocated them to Balmorra.

 

The intel they’d gotten from the agent on Tatooine was about an Imperial superweapon called the Gauntlet, and Garza wanted to complete Havoc Squad for the mission.

 

Their first new recruit was a man named Tanno Vik, a Weequay who’d had quite a number of bad marks on his record. Apparently he was something of a rogue.

 

Jorgan would put him in his place.

 

* * *

 

As soon as he stepped out of the shuttle, Jorgan had to duck in order to avoid a giant green insectoid. As it flew over his head, Jorgan fired his rifle up into its chest.

 

“Colicoids,” a female Twi’lek in armor said. “They’re mutants. Commander Madine has been expecting you, Captain.”

 

Prudii nodded. “Let’s not keep him waiting.”

 

Jorgan stood at rear guard, with Prudii at point. As they approached the base, they had to ward off two more Colicoid attacks. When they reached the base a team of Republic soldiers ran up to guard their rear.

 

One saluted. “Captain. Commander Madine is waiting inside.”

 

Prudii nodded and ducked into the base. Jorgan followed him, clipping his rifle to his backpack. He glanced around. The base appeared to be in shambles.

 

“What a mess,” Jorgan muttered.

 

“I heard that,” Commander Madine said. “It’s good to meet you, Captain Prudii.”

 

Prudii saluted. “Sir. An honor.”

 

“I’m glad to have Havoc Squad on Balmorra,” Madine said. “Good to see Garza’s finally taking my request for Special Forces assistance seriously. Let’s get down to work.”

 

“Actually,” Prudii said awkwardly, “Garza did not send me here to help you. I’m sorry, but there’s a case of galactic crisis mounting and it is more important than any one planet. I’m here to recruit Sergeant Tanno Vik to Havoc Squad.”

 

Madine’s face darkened slightly. “Are you saying you will not assist my forces, Captain?”

 

Prudii shook his head. “Never, sir. I am just saying I am not at your complete disposal–any mission you assign me must be within reasonable correlation to Tanno Vik.”

 

“Very well,” Madine said quietly. “There’s a man in the Balmorran Resistance–Ardon. Speak to him, he’ll tell you where Vik is. I’ll give you your correlating assignment when you return.”

 

* * *

 

“Scanning sector two…nothing,” said a man to a Twi’lek in a Resistance uniform. “Just like the others, Prand.”

 

Prudii stood by quietly, waiting. Dorne scowled under her helmet. The man Ardon had been rude and standoffish when asked about Vik. He’d provided the information, reluctantly.

 

“Excuse me,” Prudii said to the Twi’lek. “I’m looking for Tanno Vik. Can you help me?”

 

The man jumped a little. “Ah! Oh, you’re with the Republic. I thought we were dead meat.”

 

“Looking for Vik, huh?” the Twi’lek asked. “That Weequay scumbag’s long gone.”

 

“What? Gone?” Prudii grunted. He was not in a forgiving mood. “I need to find him immediately.”

 

“Vik was here earlier,” said the Twi’lek. “But he slipped away when we weren’t looking–along with our entire security team!” He shook his head. “All he left was this holorecording.”

 

Dorne watched in an increasingly sour mood–and was disturbed that Prudii’s mood was affecting hers so much. She turned her attention back to the recording. Vik was a scumbag, no doubts there.

 

“The Republic wouldn’t get a mercenary for a top secret op,” Prudii said when the recording ended.

 

Jorgan nodded. “Vik’s a total liar, and a piece of scum. I’d rather have a traitor like Fuse on Havoc than that man. Just barely.”

 

“General Garza chose Vik!” Forex said. “I am sure he is the best for the job.”

 

Prudii barked out a sharp laugh. “Right. Sure.”

 

What was up his afterburner, Dorne wondered.

 

* * *

 

Tanno Vik raised his rifle and shot the Imperial in the gut. The trooper fell. Tanno ducked around the corner and pulled his arm in as a hail of bolts flew into the building. What was taking that Havoc man so blasted long?

 

“Sir!” said one of the Resistance forces. “There are too m–”

 

A blaster bolt slammed into his throat, killing him instantly. Vik snarled. He had no emotional attachment to these men–but they were his. It made his blood fill with fury to have something that was his taken away. He whirled and fired his rifle on full auto.

 

It clicked empty, and he threw it down and drew his vibrosword he charged out and cut down two, then three Imps–and dropped as a stream of stun bolts slammed into him.

 

Vik tried to stand. An Imperial officer stood over him. A dark grin on his face, Vik drew his pistol and blasted the Imp through his throat.

 

Then he passed out.

 

* * *

 

Vik awoke with a bad feeling about this. He grunted as someone slapped him, and then punched him. He looked up. Brel Orus crossed his arms and smirked.

 

“Again!” he yelled. “Hit him again! Make the thieving liar pay!”

 

Vik grunted as the fist slammed into his face again. He looked up. The hitter was an Imperial soldier. Behind him was a guard. And behind him…

 

Vik grinned. The Havoc Squad captain bashed the butt of his pistol into the back of the guard’s head.

 

“Ah,” he said. “Well it’s been fun, guys. But it looks like my ride’s here. Nice knowing you.”

 

“Drop your weapon–now!” the Imp said, his rifle shouldered.

 

“No way,” Prudii said. “You drop it, or you’re dead.”

 

Oh, Vik liked him.

 

“Shut up!” Orus said. “We don’t negotiate with riffraff! The Empire fears no one, isn’t that right?”

 

“Yes, sir,” the guard replied.

 

“Hands up,” the captain snapped. “Now!”

 

“Enough! Shoot him, shoot him!”

 

Orus whipped out his pistol, but Vik watched as the Havoc captain shot the weapon out of his hand, and then blasted the Imp in the chest.

 

Orus ran to hide, and Vik laughed at him as the woman behind the Havoc captain came up and untied him.

 

“Well, that was exciting,” said Vik. “Good to finally meet you in person, Captain.”

 

“Welcome to Havoc Squad, Vik,” the Captain replied. “I’m Prudii. This is Lieutenant Aric Jorgan, Sergeant Elara Dorne, and combat droid M1-4X.”

 

Vik said, “That’s something I never expected to hear. What does Havoc do with worthless enemy bureaucrats?”

 

Orus cowered. “Uh…let’s not be hasty, now. I am a man of honor, despite what you may have heard.”

 

Something about that made Prudii mad, because he punched Orus. Hard. Vik liked him.

 

“Don’t talk to me about honor, auretii,” Prudii snarled.

 

Vik tilted his head. That was a Mandalorian word. Interesting. He liked even more.

 

“Yeah, nice guy!” Vik snarled. “You stole from your people and betrayed them to the Empire by accident!”

 

“I’ve made mistakes, certainly,” admitted Orus. “But allow me to make amends. A contribution of credits, say, to repay the Republic’s heroism on behalf of my fellow Balmorrans?”

 

Prudii punched him again. “I don’t want your money, traitor. Get out of here before I decide to finish it.”

 

Orus ran.

 

* * *

 

Prudii rubbed his hand. Jorgan winced. Orus was a thick man, so those punches must’ve hurt. Jorgan wondered if Prudii had been playing bad cop, or if he’d really been venting.

 

Either way, they had Vik.

 

“Here,” Prudii said.

 

He tossed Vik a box he’d been lugging on his back the whole time they’d been on Balmorra. Vik opened it and removed a set of fresh white Special Forces armor.

 

“All right,” Vik breathed. “I like it.”

 

“Welcome to Havoc, Specialist Vik,” Jorgan said.

 

“Thanks,” Vik replied. “Now, seeing as we’re on the same team, let me fill you in on my little operation. The vault we blew open is full of pricey prototype weapons designed by the Balmorran companies. Orus had them hidden before the Imperial invasion to ‘keep them safe’.”

 

Jorgan frowned. He wondered if Vik was being level with them. He glanced at Dorne, and saw that she was thinking the same thing.

 

“Orus never told the Imperials?” Prudii asked. He seemed interested.

 

“Of course not,” Vik replied. “He wanted to make money off them. Orus planned to sell the prototypes for a tidy profit. We could do the same–after picking a few choice items for ourselves.”

 

So that was Vik’s angle. Jorgan sighed. He would really need to straighten this guy out.

 

“Those prototypes should be put to good use,” said Prudii. “Not sold for profit. Imagine how the Republic could use them against the Empire. Or the Resistance, to free Balmorra?”

 

“Quite right, Captain,” said Dorne. “Those weapons must be turned over to the proper authorities, in accordance with Regulation 87-C.”

 

Jorgan nodded. “She’s right, sir.”

 

“I agree wholeheartedly!” Forex said. “The Republic could use these to great effect!”

 

Tanno shook his head. “I think you’ll change your mind once those blasters are in front of us. Let’s just get to the vault. If we don’t hurry, the Imperials might find the prototypes before us.”

 

* * *

 

When they reached the vault, Jorgan looked around while Vik called Commander Madine on his comlink, requesting a pickup squad.

 

When the squad arrived, Vik said, “Here they are, Sergeant. Go ahead and bring your men through. It’s clear.”

 

The sergeant, a Zabrak like Prudii, nodded and pressed a hand to his ear comlink. Three more troopers came in.

 

“Captain, this is Sergeant Tong,” Vik said. “I took the liberty of calling his transport team in to get these weapons crated up and ready for transport.”

 

“I appreciate you coming all this way to help us, Sergeant,” Prudii said.

 

“No problem, sir,” Tong said. “Hostile pickup is our specialty. Where can we take this stuff for you, sir?”

 

Jorgan and Dorne glanced at Prudii expectantly, as did Vik–but he expecting something entirely different.

 

“Yeah, sir.” Vik tilted his head. “Where are they taking all these highly useful, highly valuable prototype weapons?”

 

Jorgan shot him a warning glance. Vik took the hint and backed down. He had potential, at least.

 

“Send the weapons to Commander Madine,” Prudii said. “Tell him they’re to be dispensed evenly–half to the Balmorrans, and half back to Coruscant for General Garza.”

 

Jorgan and Dorne nodded in approval. It was a perfect solution.

 

“Copy that sir,” Tong said. “Get moving, men.”

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Vik is awesome :) Sure he's rough and tumble, no where near pure as the driven snow, but he's cunning and likes to blow crap up. My kind of guy hehe.

 

Yes, yes he is. He is dirty, but I've always favored him because he was the first companion I found out about. :p

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Chapter 16:

A One Shot

 

Upon leaving Balmorra, Havoc Squad was sent to Quesh to rescue a squad of troopers called the Safecrackers, who had been trapped behind enemy lines.

 

Dorne loaded her pistol as the shuttle debarked from the orbital station and headed for the planet. She rubbed her upper arm where the doctor had injected her with anti-venom for the atmosphere on Quesh.

 

“So, when do we get to wreck something?” Vik asked.

 

He had taken a few hours to get over being mad at Prudii for letting the weapons go to the Republic and Balmorrans. But after that he had been almost insufferably cheery.

 

“Soon,” Prudii replied. “We’ll attack an Imp outpost to distract them from the Safecrackers, and then we’re off Quesh. Easy.”

 

“Yeah,” Jorgan said, crossing his arms. “Easy.”

 

* * *

 

Vik loaded his rifle and stood to one side of the entrance to the Imperial outpost. Dorne had her pistol out, and she stood beside Vik. Jorgan stood to the other side of the door, rifle out, and Forex was behind him. Prudii was planting a detonator on the door.

 

“Ready…” Prudii said. “Clear!”

 

He activated the breach charge and leapt aside as the door imploded. A hail of blaster bolts flew from the outpost. Vik whirled inside and opened fire. He cut down two Imps and ducked as Dorne and Prudii fired over his head.

 

“Spread out!” Prudii ordered. “Jorgan, Dorne, you’re with me. Vik, take Forex and do damage where it’ll hurt them the most.”

 

Vik grinned. “Roger.”

 

They split up down the hall. Vik entered the outpost’s power generator. He blasted down one of the guards, and Forex got the other. One of the engineers stood and reached for his pistol. Vik executed him.

 

“Anyone else goes for a weapon gets shot, too,” he said. “If you don’t want to die: leave!”

 

The engineers scrambled for the door, dropping their holstered weapons to the ground for good measure. Vik planted a detonator on the generator and opened a link to Prudii.

 

“This’ll make their eyes water,” he said. “Forex and I’ll meet you outside. Vik out.”

 

* * *

 

Jorgan cut down one of the Imperial guards and Dorne got the other. A battle droid squad charged in and fired. Jorgan whirled and switched his rifle to fully automatic and spread fire through the squad. The droids sparked and dropped.

 

“Targets down,” he said.

 

Prudii blasted the officer standing by the main console in the command center. The man dropped. Jorgan stood behind Prudii as he hacked into the console.

 

Jorgan looked around once to make sure all the Imps were dead and then slung his rifle over his shoulder. Prudii contacted the Safecrackers’ CO, Coria, and confirmed they were safe.

 

“Then we’re done,” Prudii said. “Vik, we’re on our way out. Count to twenty and then blow the generator.”

 

“Thought you’d never ask,” Vik said.

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Chapter 17:

A Chilly Situation

 

Garza sent Havoc Squad to Hoth to find their final teammate, a Gand named Yuun. After Quesh, Jorgan had taken Vik aside and “explained” to him the rules of the squad.

 

Vik left the room considerably paler.

 

Dorne took the time to catch some alone time with Prudii–but it was just a quick kiss on the cheek, because there was a very annoyed flight controller telling them to land already.

 

“Later, Dorne,” promised Prudii.

 

She hoped it was a promise, anyway.

 

* * *

 

Yuun was an interesting one, Jorgan decided. While Prudii and Dorne talked to him, Jorgan stood to the side, arms crossed. Forex was across the room, scanning Yuun’s information on the Umbra encrypter. Vik was outside, standing guard–or that’s what he said. He was probably attempting to avoid Jorgan.

 

Jorgan’s confrontation with him had turned into a rough argument–and ended when Jorgan showed Vik physically why it was a bad idea to mess with him.

 

While Prudii was talking to Yuun, Dorne said over the private helmet comlink, “What did you do to Vik?”

 

Jorgan chuckled. “I learned a thing or two from a guy named Lieutenant Iresso back before I met Prudii on Ord Mantell. He called it a Mandalorian handshake.”

 

Dorne choked. “I’ve, ah…heard of it.”

 

She glanced back at Jorgan, and he inclined his head at her.

 

“I won’t tell Prudii,” she said.

 

Jorgan nodded. “Whatever it takes to get Vik working with us, right?”

 

She nodded, too. “Whatever it takes.”

 

* * *

 

A cave system later, Prudii was kneeling by one of Sergeant Yuun’s mortally wounded team. Jorgan felt heaviness in his gut.

 

“Poor guy,” Jorgan said.

 

Corporal Sajin appeared to have been ripped apart by several blaster bolts, but it wasn’t the professional aim of an Imperial.

 

“Don’t let his sacrifice waste,” Vik growled. “We need to find the Umbra encrypter before the Empire.”

 

“Sajin said pirates called White Maw did this,” Prudii spoke up. “Dorne, anything you can do for him?”

 

She shook her head. “No, sir. His heart was chewed up by a near hit. The arteries were ruined.”

 

“All of them?”

 

“All of them.”

 

Jorgan shook his head and walked over to where Forex was standing guard while Prudii contacted Yuun to tell him of the losses.

 

“Where do you think this Encrypter is?” Jorgan asked.

 

Forex inclined his head. “Statistics suggest it cannot be anywhere except the starship graveyard, Lieutenant Jorgan.”

 

“He’s right,” Prudii announced. “Confirmed by Yuun. Let’s move out.” He turned back to the dying Sajin. “One more thing. Corporal, Yuun said you served with honor.”

 

“Thank you…” Sajin’s eyes fluttered. “Thank you…”

 

Jorgan shook his head. He was gone.

 

* * *

 

When they found the last component of the Umbra, there was a female Cathar there–Jorgan hadn’t seen one of his own species in a long time, but that was considerably dampened by the fact that she had probably shot Sajin. He raised his rifle, as did Vik and Prudii. Dorne whipped out her pistol, and Forex locked his shoulder launchers into place.

 

“My, my, my.” The Cathar turned. “I can’t for the life of me figure out what you might be after. I’m Zareen. I take care of…targeted acquisitions, let’s say–like that pretty trinket you came here for. I get the impression you want it pretty bad.”

 

Jorgan’s rifle didn’t waver an inch from the spot between her eyes. One false move and she’d be dead.

 

“Can we work this out?” Prudii asked.

 

“Peaceful agreements are boring,” she hissed. “Unless, of course, they’re profitable. That piece of junk is worth a lot to you, isn’t it? So, make me an offer. If it’s high enough, we walk out of here.”

 

“You want money?” Prudii sounded disgusted. “You can have it.”

 

“Respectable, but I think you can do better. Last chance, army boy. How much is that scrap really worth to you?”

 

Prudii snarled, kept his rifle trained, but pulled a few more credits from his belt. “That’s the final offer, Zareen.”

 

“It’s a deal, soldier. Hand over the money.”

 

And she whipped out her pistol. Jorgan snarled and tightened his aim. Vik was already squeezing the trigger, but Jorgan gave him a glare, and he released the trigger. Then a squad of Imperials entered, their rifles aimed on both Havoc Squad and the pirates. Jorgan snarled a Mandalorian word he’d learned from Prudii and whirled to aim at the Imperials.

 

“Halt!” said an Imp officer. “I’m Major Artano of the Imperial military. Drop your weapons and surrender immediately!”

 

Jorgan rolled his eyes.

 

Prudii snorted. “Right.”

 

He shot Artano clean in the chest. The Imp dropped, and everyone fired at once. Two of the Imps went down from Jorgan and Vik’s fire, and Zareen and her pirates surprised the rest.

 

“Phew!” Zareen said. “Been a while since I’ve had a good scrap like that. I’m glad you stopped by. Your piece of junk is over there. Hopefully it didn’t get shot up too much. Now hand over my credits.”

 

“Just as we agreed, Zareen.”

 

Prudii tossed the credits to the ground.

 

“Ah…” Zareen said. “Credits, killing. I don’t think this day could get any better. Watch out for yourself, soldier boy. Maybe we’ll bump into each other again sometime.”

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