Grand Army of the Republic: A Star Wars Plan Quest

[Spart117MC]

Judicial NegaQuest​

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You are Garm Bel Iblis and you have been appointed the unenviable duty of revamping the Galactic Republic's Judicial Forces. Unenviable because on top of keeping things within budget you are going to have to wrestle with politics day in and day out to keep as many senators you tentatively refer to as allies pleased and keep your fragile coalition from breaking apart at the seams.

* * *
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[-] Recruitment Drive:

It is no secret that the Judicial Forces are stretched thin throughout the galaxy. With the recent funding increase this no longer needs to be the case. Arrange for a recruitment drive to bolster the Judicial Forces current numbers.

Recruitment has been something of a mixed blessing. On the one hand the drive has been fairly successful with many potential recruits signing on to serve the Republic. Unfortunately these numbers are straining our current training regime. We will need to reactive additional training facilities in the Judicial Arcology that were mothballed over the centuries and either hire on outside trainers or reassign veteran Judicials to serve in that capacity.

[-] [Consular Refits] Quintad Orbital Manufacturing:

The Corellian designed Consular-class cruiser is the mainstay of the Judicial Forces. It is also unarmed. While you have no doubt Corellian Engineering Corporation would be able to deliver a capable refit package in due time, Quintad Orbital Manufacturing beat them to the punch a long time ago.

Originally devised as a way to keep the Republic Outlands Region Security Force supplied with warships without violating the limits set by the Ruusan Reformation, the Invincible Consular is an extensive rebuild of the standard Consular that turns it into something resembling a warship.

Named after Ranulp Tarkin's flagship which was lost during the Stark Hyperspace War, the Invincible Consular sports additional armor, a redesigned superstructure, and a mix of turbolasers and laser cannons. You have seen better conversions coming out the yards of Corellian Engineering Corporation but you are a former serviceman and you understand that often times you have to make do with what you have and not what you would like to have.

[-] [Armor] Kamino Armorsmiths Ltd.:

A new start up that appeared a short while ago, Kamino Armorsmiths Ltd. were the ones to provide the Senate Commandos with their new full body armors. While there has been a wave of positive reviews, particularly among the younger members of the Senate Guard with recognizable last names, there has also been some grumbling about the armor being ill fitted and heavy.

The representative you spoke to from Kamino Armorsmiths Ltd. was rather enthusastic about his work. Enthusiastic for a Kaminoan at least. In speaking to him you discovered that he and his people had only recently been introduced to the art of armorsmithing and that the armor they designed for the Senate Guard being their first ever effort.

When you brought up the complaints you heard about their previous work the represenative assured you those problems had quickly been iterated out thanks to continuous feedback from the Senate Guard and for once you couldn't help but be thankful to the generationalists in the Guard as you had no doubt that it was their expert whinging and haphazard throwing around of their families' political influence that saw the armor so rapidly improved.

In the end the armor Kamino Armorsmiths Ltd. offers you is one that incorporates all that they have learned from outfitting the Senate Guard. Featuring plastoid armor plates the suit will stop most low level blaster shots and even protect against glancing shots from military grade blasters and a pressurized bodysuit that would keep the wearer safe within the vacuum of space provided that they are provided an external supply of oxygen.
Visually the armor is, for the most part, identical to the ones used by the Senate Commandos. The difference lies in the two armors' helmets. Where the Senate Guard helmet greatly resembles the one used traditionally by the organization, but without the extended neck guard and mohawk, the helmet for the Judicial Forces looks akin to the trooper helmets of the Old Republic.

The Judicial helmet sports a crest like the Senate Guard helmet but where on the Senate Guard helmet it begins at the top of the head on the Judicial helmet it begins shortly above the visor. The visor too is shaped differently, rather than two separate lenses positioned over the wearer's eyes connected to one another via a lower portion that runs from the nose all the way down to the chin, it is a single contiguous piece running from left to right. In fact, where the lower portion of a Senate Guard's visor would be sits a tall grill. The helmet has sunken cheeks and on each sides on the bottom of the helmet are bulbous breath filters.

The armor was met with general approval within the Judicial Department, though given the average Judicial has little more than blaster-resistant vests you suspect they would have approved even if you had gotten then bronzium plated metal bikinis. The only changes the Judicial Department dictated was for their armor to have none of the oversized shoulder plates preferred by the Senate Commandos, that it be painted red, and for it to incorporate a cape. That last one surprised you as you knew Judicials tended to avoid the kind of opulence organizations such as the Senate Guard regularly indulged in. As it turns out the decision had been made by the Judicial Department's public relations office, who fearing that the closed face helmet was too impersonal and intimidating hoped to mitigate that by adding a cape to invoke the image of a dutiful and noble knight instead.

[-] [Blaster] BlasTech Industries:

BlasTech Industries may not make the best blasters in the galaxy but in exchange they do manage to hit a critical intersection of cost and effectiveness that most other companies fail to meet. Frankly, being that you are trying to equip a galactic scale organization quantity is more important than quality.

BlasTech Industries was happy to sell you their new line of blaster and in fact offered you less than sticker price. When you asked why they were being so generous they explained it was a discount for repeat business. With a little digging you discovered what they meant. The Senate Guard had already bought more than a few of BlasTech's new blasters. While hardly a groundbreaking revelation it miffed you that you had missed that detail.

Other than that the new DC line of blasters from BlasTech are nothing to write home about. They are sturdy military grade equipment with military grade firepower. More than their capabilities the most important part of this purchase is the fact that with their adoption the Judicial Forces will finally have a standardized inventory of blasters lessening logistics burdens and maintenance costs.

Those Outlands Consulars are so going to get chewed up when the Separatists come around.

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It was either take the ORSF Consulars or lose half the Militarists.

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That's a little ass isn't it? They've been waiting this long, couldn't they have waited a little longer for us to get them the right stuff? Freaking politics. I bet Sidious doesn't have to deal with this.

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Calm down guys it's not like we can't get the Charger c70s from Corellian Engineering later on. Besides saving up here means we'll have more money for larger ships like the Dreadnaughts.

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Dreadnaughts eat up a tremendous amount of crew and worse buying them for the Judicials would be political suicide. The loss of the Katana Fleet is still fresh at this point in time.

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Remind me why we didn't buy new builds from CEC? They have interdictors for Pete's sake!

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We broke.

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It also would have looked like us playing favorites and we really can't afford to lose any political support at this time.

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Two decades isn't what I would call fresh but yeah that is exactly the kind of ammunition our opposition would slam us with.

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Forget going to Rendili, if we want dreadnaughts we should go to the Quarren and acquire a fleet of Judicial Providences.

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That's actually not a terrible idea. If the plan is for us to get big enough that we don't automatically get subsumed into the Grand Army of the Republic when the war starts getting our hands on some capital ships might well do it.

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Eh, I'm not sold on that thought process. If anything the more of a military we become the more it'll make sense to those in charge to fold the Judicial Forces into the Grand Army.

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Hold up, that sounds like Phase 2 armor. Why do the Kaminoans have Phase 2 armor?

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I'm telling you Palpatine is pushing for war ahead of schedule. Where do you think all those blasters Satine caught wind of were going?

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Nah I'm betting it's Maul.

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Oh great early Maul, because we totally needed additional competent enemies.

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Well I guess that makes sense, the Senate Commando armor looks suspiciously close to Phase 1 armor. Though, I always figured they were variants of clone gear not something that predated it.

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DC-15s? Sweet! Watch out Sidious, we're making our own clone army with Sabaac and Twi'lek dancers!

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We need to invest in VAAT/es next. We can't be a proper clone army without gunships.

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---

Funny thing is I wrote this before seeing the latest threadmark. Odd how things works out. I apologize for the subpar commentary on the part of the nega-questers and hopefully I didn't accidentally attribute said subpar commentary to a real member of the board. I did do a cursory check but you never know.

This was something that's been in my head for a while, not a NegaQuest itself but an omake about the Judicial Forces bulking up but I never could manage to delve into it without it ending up kind a bleh. There was one idea I really liked about pulling a West Wing style omake but then I realized I'm not a writing god so that kinda crashed and burned.

In case you haven't noticed the Judicial armor here is my way of sneaking into quest canon a suit that resembles the OTL clone armors. Here Kamino Armosmiths Ltd. were founded by a number of Kaminoans that were inspired to enter the field by all the quality Mandalorian armor that they had been exposed to. Wanting to make their own armors and with no one to buy their products on Kamino they went looking for customers elsewhere.

Their Senate Commando armor was their equivalent of OTL Phase 1. Thanks to the Senate Commandos being a smaller group and paying customers the Kaminoans improve on the armor more quickly than their OTL counterparts. Judicial armor is a big improvement over OTL Phase 1, at least in terms of ergonomics and quality of life. Though it resembles Phase 2 armor greatly, I based my description off an unused concept from Episode 3, It lacks the combat oriented refinements of OTL phase 2.

Spoiler: Phase 2 clone armor concept art

 

[Spart117MC]

My writer brain went "OMAKE NOW" on seeing which way the current vote is going, so y'all are getting an omake.

Their Wayward Children​

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"Five hundred thousand?!" Had the door to Jango's been office been on hinges Tanasi's shout alone would have been enough to blow it open. The Arkanian scientist slammed her palms down on his desk. "Are you serious Jango? They're Sith! Do you have any idea what they'll do to them?"

"I don't," Jango admitted with no small amount of distaste at his own choice. "But if we want to be able to–"

"Sith, Jango!" Tanasi repeated, though the outrage that had dominated her eyes that last time she had shouted Sith was becoming displaced by horror. "I've read up on the things that they're capable of. Worked with Yalla to tell fact from fiction. Do you know what a Sithspawn is?"

"I know! Not the Sithspawn bit." Jango motioned for Tanasi to take a seat. "We don't have the option to refuse the Sith this time. We have to send them."

"But five hundred thousand?"

"It is the absolute bare minimum we have to send if we don't want to piss off the Sith." Jango sighed. "Tanasi, you and I both know the Sith don't want this many clones just to spend on experiments. I wouldn't say they're safe but the Sith are unlikely to just kill them off."

"...who are you sending?" Tanasi avoided meeting Jango's eyes.

"Hopefully, the youngest. I'm trying to avoid sending anyone old enough to remember Kamino or be remembered by Kamino."

"That's... better."

"I'm no more happy about this than you are."

"I know."

"Then why did you barge in here?" Jango asked, some frustration leaking out.

"Because I needed to vent. And because I needed you to tell me there's nothing I could do." The doctor wore a defeated expression.

"..." Jango opened his mouth and shut it shortly after. "You're not going to do anything drastic on me are you?"

There was a hollow laugh from Tanasi. "I'm a geneticist not a supercommando."

"Sometimes I forget."

"Jango," Tanasi's voice was subdued. "Can you promise me when all this is said and done, if there's some way to help those kids that you will?"

"I don't do promises," Jango replied on instinct. He winced internally at the sight of Tanasi sinking deeper into her chair. "How many credits do you have on you?"

Tanasi blinked. "Credits?"

"In your pockets. How many credits do you have right now?"

Tanasi rumaged rumaged around a retreived a fistful of the little bars representing the galactic currency commonly used beyond the core. Jango leaned forward and picked through the bars with his fingers, eventually taking the one with the lowest denomination.

"There now," said Jango, shaking the ten credit bar in Tanasi's face. "You've hired Jango Fett, the single greatest bounty hunter in the known galaxy. I guarantee you on my stellar reputation, if there's a way to help those kids I'll make it happen. Deal?"

Tanasi smiled softly at her friend's antics. "Deal. Thanks, Jango."

"Anything for a client," said Jango, still pretending to be a stoic professional.

"If that were true you wouldn't have hired me," Tanasi happily replied.

"Alright, alright," said Jango breaking his mask with a barely noticable smile. "A friend."

---

Jango's mostly doing the 'hire me for a penny' shtick here to cheer up Desnos and she knows it. Who knows though, maybe he will eventually try and help the clones that got sent to Sidious.

I mean, if we really need to we can turn off the engines and have 8 battlestations in orbit.

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Thankfully we don't have to choose one or the other. Kamino's defenses are built with infrastructure dice whereas dreads are made with industry dice. I think the bigger question should be what kind of dreads we want and what roles we want them to fill.

Could you try to do more of these, it's fun to read from this point of view.

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I've got no plans for it, sorry. There's a few more traditional omakes I want to write though.

 

[WyrmofFrost]

@Oshha


I recently finished a commission to create an omake for if people had gone for the Glory of Mandalore option. Credit to Mackenzie Buckle on Patreon for commissioning this. Commissions open if anyone else wants to do so.
If anyone has any thoughts, critiques, etc don't be afraid to speak up.


Glory Of Mandalore- Return of the True Mandalorians
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One Pre Vizsla, leader of the reconstituted Death Watch, considered how he was to gather the power needed to succeed in his goals. Admittedly said goals had been somewhat flexible, but that was simply due to the needs of the galaxy at large. Currently though he was considering how to draw more membership to the ranks, not the easily recruited youth but the hardened mercenaries that made up the core of the real Mandalorians. If only so many of them weren't disappearing though, a few dropping in or out could be explained. Not this ever-growing mass disappearance. He had sent several agents out to little avail. But now as he waited for the holonet connection to be secured, he just might get the answers he wanted.

With a chime the holoprojector lit up in a flash of light to reveal the green tinted figure of one of his best and most expensive agents. One who irritatingly refused to join the core membership, insisting only on cold hard credits. But that irritating thought aside he had things to find out. "Agent Besbe, give your report. Have you uncovered the reason for the movements we have been seeing? Your last check in was well overdue".

Vizsla's eyes could see that the agent was not in perfect health, especially by the still obvious remnants of blaster marks on the otherwise nondescript armour he wore. If one could call proper Beskar armour such. "My apologies lord. I was forced to fall back when I was uncovered. I have sterilized my track, so we won't be traced. Though it will only do so much considering the nature of events, especially as it appears that the previous attempts at infiltrations have hardened their security efforts".
"They? Speak clearly agent" Vizsla growled out.

The Agent showed off a holoimage he had taken. The face of the Death Watch's greatest foe clear to see. "Fett sir. Jango Fett, he has reconstituted a new group. He called it the Cuy'val Dar".

"The Forgotten, how appropriate. Still their goals, membership, details Agent, I need them. And how were you the only one to manage to get this information?" Vizsla demanded.

Vizsla's eyes narrowed as from the posture even with a helmet on, there would be quite the shit eating grin on that face. "Sir, most of the infiltrators were affiliated independents or low-ranking personnel. Too young and rash, not professional enough or competent enough to be able to do without. Also, much too much of the cheapskate in outfitting them. It is why you pay me the big waadas(Credits)".

Most he would have shot for that level of impertinence, but Agent Besbe was indeed worth the credits. Also, that shooting a holoprojector was pointless and degrading. "Hmmph, enough self-aggrandizing Agent. Have you uncovered the purpose of why so many veterans are disappearing? The patterns are vague but disturbing enough as is".

"Yes Sir, it appears that there is a hidden akaan'ade(Army) being created. One in the vein of the so-called True Mandalorian beliefs that you despise so much. But it is not a brittle one, I give it good odds of being truly tempered in the fires of a war. Guns, armor, vehicles, medicine, supplies, all are accounted for from what I could tell" was the reply.

For a split second Vizsla was stunned, an entire army? Not a mere exaggeration? "Who has the gall, and more importantly the resources to be able to do so? Not, Fett. That dried up fool can't have gathered the resources to build up such an army. There has to be more to this. Do you have the answer Agent?".

"I do sir. Fett was responsible for gathering various veterans for use as trainers, but he is indeed leading the overall creation. The army does not appear to have been created solely at his discretion though. Someone amongst the Jetii if I can infer from some of the historical lessons being taught. Not all of them though I suspect. As for Fett, while he is indeed doing his best to build the army, it does not appear to be something that Fett is overly enthused by. It is kept hidden, but I do not think Fett plans to stay under whoever is funding this army". It took only a second for Vizsla to come to a realization. When he did, he could not help but laugh.

"Hah. Haat, ijaa, haa'it (Truth, Honor, Vision). So Fett is disregarding the first two in favor of the third. And I think I can guess some of what he plans. He despises our cause yet pursues it himself. I suppose he is a Mandalorian no matter how much he tries to pervert it. One does not build an army unless they mean to use it. But for someone to have the gall to clone an entire army of faux Mandos? I have to admire some of it as much as I despise it when it can be used to properly see our people's place in the galaxy made clear". That moment of drama done with Vizsla turned back to the holoprojector and nodded for the Agent to continue.

"Sir. While a target has not been specified, at least to any great extent from the training being done, this extends beyond just a ground force. Me'sen(shps) are also being constructed here. Not just small frigates but proper warships and a fleet not seen since our hey days. While most of the work is being done on their hidden base in Kamino, there appears to be movements of blueprints and resources being siphoned elsewhere. How so I do not know. My contacts amongst the Cuy'val Dar had to go to ground or perhaps were already expunged".

Vizsla tapped his jaw for a moment musing before a thought came to him. "Worrying. Very worrying. Could we subvert more elements of this apparent grand plan? Take their strength for our own? Who do we know is working on this project and is it further than the individual level? Clans or organizations?".

"Unknown at this time. I would need further effort to match the known trainers to their clans to uncover any further links. That would take time and resources though" was the reply.

Vizsla narrowed his eyes at that transparent request for another expenditure but nodded. It was important information after all. Moving on he asked about some of the methodology of how the clones were being trained, whether they could be turned.
"Perhaps sir, I do not know whether there is some additional means of ensuring loyalty or if it is just the normal indoctrination. None of the trainers were informed of any sort of additional requirement though there have been a number of genetic enhancements that we have had to account for. Ongoing as well. Though seemingly not as major of a focus as some of the naval efforts recently".

"You mentioned that some efforts were being moved off world as well? Hmmm, that is for later. Back to a point you raised earlier. You said that not all the Jetii are part of this plan to make slaves of our people?" Vizsla asked.

"Part of my efforts to escape capture by Fett was aided in part by the Jetii. They had apparently already been investigating some worrying movements of funds and armaments and reached Kamino the same as I did. When we encountered each other, I dangled an offer of support in order to make use of them. We parted ways but most of the heat should be on them, they did not keep quiet or unseen very well" the Agent explained.

"Hah. Good, let them take the blame. See if this provokes Fett's backer to reveal themselves. Whoever is funding this has to have some large pockets from what you described. Do you have any data for the numbers being thrown around for Fett's project?".
The Agent shook their head. "No sir, we were not involved with much of the behind the scenes administration. I can provide some data points based on what we had to work with but personally helmet cam footage will have to suffice. I will need to personally deliver the data drive though".

"Understood. You know the consequences just as you know the rewards. Is there anything else you have to alert me of immediately?" Vizsla said. When the Agent replied no the connection was ended. Vizsla turned away to sit in his seat. Potential, several plots spun around in his head. There could only be so many parties that could conduct such a hidden operation. If Fett truly desired to go rogue, what could he do with that information? Options, he had plenty of options indeed.


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The situation that faced one Obi-Wan Kenobi was perilous. Both from a personal basis and that facing him as a member of the Jedi Order. The debrief with the High Council that he was reporting to through hologram was just the latest manifestation of that. He was inside a secure conference room with his padawan and three others. Two of them were women he was familiar with, intimately at one point or another. Jedi are not meant to hold deep attachments, that did not mean Obi-Wan Kenobi was the best at that aspect. That the two were seemingly getting along rather well to boot sent shivers down his spine for some reason. The Force could have a cruel sense of humor. But back to his report.

"... with the help of Master Nu and several others I was able to uncover information about the type of armor being utilized by the unknown assailants. While they managed to escape after their failed attempt on Senator Amidala there were a few broken components that we could analyze. While obviously of Mandalorian design there existed wear signs and residue on the armor that seemed to be unique. Frankly I can only thank the Force for being able to uncover the traces, well them and the forensic droids we coopted from Coruscant Security. We do still need to return those by the way". Those last words from Obi-Wan were not directed at the Council, the intended recipient was rather obviously someone else as the coughing fit indicated. Mace Windu glared at the young man in question but a look both commiserating and chastising from Ki-Adi-Mundi removed the tension. With a wave from Yoda Obi-Wan continued.

"We eventually managed to uncover the origin of the residue to a planet. One that for some reason was scrubbed from most records but not from the in depth xeno-planetary survey records. From there we attempted to uncover ways to reach the planet and discovered that the Abrion Sector had in the last few decades had a new buyer of their product that could not be easily discerned. Something beyond the typical corporate secrecy measures, that combined with the rare sighting of figures in the type of armor we were tracing led us to eventually infiltrate the planet of Kamino. We uncovered a massive cloning operation for an army with significant build up of naval assets coinciding around the planet. Someone is building a military based on Mandalorian doctrine, though the additional assets both in space and on the ground point to a massive effort between multiple industrial and arms corporations. Soon after that we had to escape using some, unorthodox methods and aid". The entire Council did not need it spelled out who was likely the primary progenitor of said "unorthodox" methods. The young padawan in question in the background of the projection rubbed the back of his still tailed hair while grumbling something to himself. Something suspiciously like "Totally keeping the ship" was distantly heard.

Coughing Obi-Wan continued. "Our exit left us somewhat in disarray so we looked to regroup on the planet of Mandalore where access to the various archives and information banks could give us some more information. Duchess Satine Kyrze has been of great aid in helping us uncover more of this tangled web". Obi-Wan shifted his hand and the projection ended for a moment. Popping up next on the projector was Duchess Satine of Mandalore who spoke. "Esteemed members of the Council it is here that my part begins. Obi-Wan and his padawan managed to make their way to my planet to enlist the aid of the still present Knight Siri Tachi and her padawan. Combining our information, matters that were thought to be separate suddenly seemed to be related to our own efforts to attempt to uncover the various disturbing patterns we were already investigating. Combining our two groups we uncovered some more details".

Briefly the Duchess's image was replaced by another for the Council. One of a figure in unmarked but obviously high quality Mandalorian armour. "It took some digging but we found a match for the identity of the figure who aided Knight Kenobi. We know him only as Agent Besbe, a figure of some renown in the mercenary circles. Unlike most he focuses on more covert operations though is of some considerable martial skill in his own right. The problem is that Besbe has little known about him. None have seen his face as far as we are aware, and his methodology leaves us little to be able to discern for his potential employer. The real problem is what the Agent revealed before disappearing". Another image was displayed for the Council to see. Before them was the rear view of a white dagger shaped ship with four main thrusters held in an orbital shipyard1. Something seemed to present an aura of power and menace despite being incomplete and only a collection of light particles.

"A starship of some sort. No, no simple example of corporate design projects would have mandated that much secrecy and security. Not when combined with an army of Mandalorian trained clones. A warship of some sort it must be. Strangely familiar too" came from Master Oppo Rancisis, one of the older members of the Council.

"I suspect for a good reason. I managed to get this from orbit as we fled the system. Agent Besbe mentioned that it was a portent from the past of things to come. That led us to historical records held on Mandalore itself. We found a partial match for the design. From the Neo-Crusader era. Someone is trying to revive old designs for a new age. This combined with everything else makes it clear that whoever is doing this is someone that wishes to bring back a revenant, the terror of the old Mandalorian armies" explained Obi-Wan.

Duchess Satine spoke up, her face filled with emotion. "This is an affront. To everything that we have done to put our bloody past behind. The Specter of those times, that would destroy all we have done to rebuild. Much less what our neighbors or the Republic as a whole would think. The repercussions would be devastating. Mandalore and the Mandalorian people as a whole are still recovering from the scars of the Civil War. This would undo all we have done to heal ourselves and banish the trappings of the past!".

"Your words are a credit to your character Duchess. This is not a matter that can be taken wisely won't you say so Masters?" said Ki-Adi-Mundi to his fellow Councilors who responded favorably.
Mace Windu leaned forward slightly in his seat as he spoke. "Do we have any idea of who could be behind this series of acts; Knight Kenobi, Knight Tachi, Duchess Kryze?".

Siri Tachi spoke up. "The most obvious culprit would be the Death Watch, a known if defunct terrorist organization that once proclaimed that they would bring back the old glory days of Mandalore's history. They were wiped out during the Civil War by other militarist groups. Though on that note as we are discussing them that may not be as obvious as expected, the Death Watch were after all not the only group with such an ideology. And we did not find any iconography of a specific clan, at least beyond individual markings for some of the Mandalorian mercenaries we spotted in various encounters. Either during the initial efforts by Knight Kenobi or our own efforts on his arrival here. Another angle of course is the template for the clones themselves. Each of them male or female has his face after all as Knight Kenobi recorded".

Satine took over again as said face was projected. "Jango Fett. He who could have been Mand'alore. A remnant of our bloody past. HIs tenure to that title was short during our Civil War and he had appeared to abandon any political efforts in the waning days of the conflict. As far as we are aware he is the last of his clan and of his previous group of the so-called True Mandalorians. A rather renowned bounty hunter until recently when he dropped out of sight aside from a few other mercenary associates. He is one with history for the Jedi Order if I am not mistaken Master Jedi".

This brought a grave nod from the Council, with Yoda in particular for a moment having a dark look to his face. "Indeed. The death of several Jedi, remember we do. Sorrowful times for the Order, those days".

Master Plo Koon spoke. "Troubling ramifications if such a figure is the base for the army. Especially with his skills and abilities. But would a mere bounty hunter have the resources for such an effort alone? What do we know of backers and suppliers for this force? From what you spoke of before his previous faction in the Civil War was wiped out".

Satine scowled. "Two of the likely perpetrators are known to me. Mandalmotors and Concordian Crescent Technologies have been rapidly expanding their production, my failed efforts to curtail their warmongering aside it seems we have at least identified the client for their sales. Still even now they continue to stall and hide their activities. But we managed to make a breakthrough with some slicers through . . ." For a moment the Duchess looked pained as she shared a look with Siri Tachi and her padawan. "Efforts that were not to the legal standards I would prefer. While only a portion of the data that was uncovered could be copied, we managed to get a partial rendition pieced together. This is what we found". Once again what appeared to be the same ship was uncovered only in blueprint form if only a basic overview shot.

"While this proves culpability, we cannot use this in a court of law. At least not without your aid Master Jedi. Though it may set a precedent I am reluctant to see in the Courts or the Senate yet again. Especially in the state they are in with current affairs. But if nothing is done . . ." Satine looked pained as she trailed off. While the Council seemed to understand the intent, the whispered conversation in the background by some padawans for their masters was ignored.

Yoda meanwhile had closed his eyes for a minute before reopening them. "Dark day ahead indeed, for the Republic. No longer taken alone can the Separatist Crisis be. Premeditation and Conspiracy, perhaps there is".

The two groups continued to discuss affairs as a dark cloud seemed to hang over the two distant locations. Events slowly spiraled to an outcome that was desired. Whether that outcome would actually be what was desired by any of the parties in the galaxy would be another matter.

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1. Ship from Wookiepedia that is attributed to the Neo-Crusaders

Edit01: Formatting screwed up

 

[WyrmofFrost]

@Oshha

AN: Sup folks, once again credit to Mackenzie Buckle on Patreon for commissioning this. Commissions open if anyone else wants to do so.
If anyone has any thoughts, critiques, etc don't be afraid to speak up

Portents and Plans: Return of the True Mandalorians

Disclaimer: Star Wars and related franchises are the properties of their respective owners. I claim nothing that is not my own.

For Yoda, Grandmaster of the Jedi Order, the Force was an old friend. Not one that spoke often, and sometimes what it said was cryptic. But for the discerning, one could learn much. You could not know everything from the Force, but to disregard it entirely was folly. In his centuries of life he had learned it was usually possible to open himself to the force, to float as just one more bright ember amongst the radiance of the galaxy. His experience, strength of will, and meditative focus in life usually served to cushion him from potentially deadly or simply confusing backlash. But now it helped blind him to some extent. A manifestation in his estimate of the growing chaos in the galaxy at large. The Force is life and life is the Force. All that life mobilizing or simply being stirred up affects the Force. The ongoing crisis in the Senate was nothing compared to the cacophony that was flooding into the galaxy, merely a symptom over a problem whose cause had no end. To act foolishly and quickly would only make matters worse. A lightsaber was to be drawn as a last resort, not to threaten the galaxy into compliance. Such ways led to the Jedi Lords of old if one wanted to consider it kindly, the sith otherwise at the other.

The Force that day however seemed to be in a particular mood. One moment Yoda was about to take a seat on his meditation seat with legs starting to fold, the next he was swept away by a mass of sights, sounds, and smells. He had lived a long and exciting enough sight to instantly recognize that he was on a battlefield, but not as a participant. He looked around to see an almost perfectly circular slice of land, beyond it only dark mist and shadow. The sounds making it clear that this place was not so truly isolated. Yet he was only an observer, something made obvious as a figure had just run through him. A soldier dressed in what he saw to be a Judicial forces uniform with a ground trooper's kit. The various shades of blue turned brown by the various mud stains on it. The young togruta however did not last long as a blaster bolt hit them as they rushed forward, collapsing like a puppet with strings cut. Their fellows roared out in anger and fear as they kept going only to also be cut down by methodical and precise shots. Their killers now more obviously seen as they entered, penetrating the miasma.

A group of mandalorian soldiers, all in the same armour and coloring aside from only a few differentiating trophies or marks. Each was obviously experienced, armour scarred and weapons held at the ready. Before they could reach the fallen republic troopers they dropped to what cover existed and started firing again. This time at what now stepped out to be a mass of droids. A similar type to what he recognized the Trade Federation used, if slightly different in color and make. They too fell to Mandalorians in clatters of metal, only for a familiar sound to come from another side. The snap hiss of a lightsaber and a twirling figure in the robes of a jedi, a hood up showing only a vague humanoid figure as they leapt into battle. A mix of Soresu and to his eyes an older style of Shii-Cho. Evidenced by the fallen forms of several of the Mandalroians before Yoda narrowed his eyes at the wash of heat from a flamer gauntlet's discharge. The Jedi falling without even a chance to make a noise such was the fury of the burst of flame. The Mandalorians did not have a chance to rest though as more Judicial troopers charged into the frey, these ones not the obvious younglings of the previous but veterans as they laid a field of fire while advancing. Their success was not to last as yet another wave matched in, more droids churning the bloodstained ground into mud.

Again and again more from the three apparent sides would arrive. Again they would fall, leaving an ever growing pile of bodies on the ground. Seemingly to grow high enough for Yoda to look down upon a war scorched planet as ships clashed in orbit alongside swarms of dueling fighters. No clear winner, no victor at all. Just death. Death and the haunting cold caress of the Dark Side as it fed on the anger, the fear, the hate that was choking everything around him. Even as the circle of space around him started to fade, he heard an ever growing cacophony. The sound of fighting starting to be lost in the sound of a thousand upon a thousand throats yelling, begging, crying out. The sounds of war did not go away, only adding the drumming crescendo of the conflict. Then someone's laughter echoed at first grimly triumphant before turning to anger and hatred. Hate grew alongside the distinct sound of sith lightning, Yoda's ears flicking at that unfortunate reminder of the past as the force was tinged Dark from the use of that torture technique. Then the sound of lightsabers clashing alongside the discharge of blasters. For a moment Yoda thought he recognized that voice that screamed out in outrage, before it too faded away in the choking silence of the Dark Side. From one second to the next it ended and Yoda found himself seated on his meditation seat, no time at all having seemingly passed. 'Grim Portents Indeed', he mused.

<><><>

Jedi Master Mace Windu considered the attendance inside the Chancellor's office as he entered the room. The Chancellor Sheev Palpatine of course, Commander Terrinald Screed standing nearby the office desk was chosen by the Chancellor for a closer view of the rank and file Judicials. Beside the veteran officer was one Sia Talad, the Republic Intelligence liaison with the Judicial forces. Entering behind Windu was his good friend Ki Adi-Mundi alongside fellow master Plo Koon. The three Jedi Masters being chosen more for ensuring the meeting could occur and progress over military skill, something rather rare in the Temple for a long time. Most of the order after the emergency vote for the Military Creation Act by the Senate in the reveal of the clone army was scattered putting out bushfires in the Outer Rim or in the Mandalorian Sector. The Separatists were for some reason stalling their previous efforts by offering surprise negotiations, it gave the republic time to mobilize and expand the Judicial forces, but it was obviously some trick. But not one they could afford to trigger early, the Separatists were a mostly known problem. Now was the time to uncover the Mandalorian factor.

"Welcome, welcome Master Jedi. You are right on time" came the firm and charismatic voice of the Chancellor. A person that Windu was finding more and more suspicious now that they were on the precipice of gaining power that few Chancellors had managed to gather in a long time.

The others were formally introduced and seats taken as the chancellor started a little speech to start off discussions. Windu sat contemplatively, not on what was being said but the future. The Republic was spiraling into a conflict that was beginning to resurrect old threats, old clashes, and providing opportunities for those that may want to undermine the foundation of the Republic that had stood since the Ruusan Reformations. Perhaps none more than the Chancellor himself. It was a situation that may have warranted increasing the power of the seat, but that did not mean that Windu would trust a career politician to use it responsibly. That was half the reason there were three high council members in the office after all.

Feeling the force give a slight friendly nudge Windu returned his mind to the situation at the table. Just in time to hear a question be directed to the Jedi Masters by Commander Screed. "The Republic's records on the technical details of historical Mandalorian capital ships are not good. But I do not believe in trusting our enemies to be incompetent. Have any further details been uncovered on the naval buildup by the Mandalorians?".

A brief glance showed that Plo Koon wanted to be the one to answer. "Hmmm, as it is we have more on what is not present then what is. While discrepancies exist in everything from raw resource extraction to shipyard productivity, it is not to the level that would indicate a concerted naval construction program. Jedi investigators have been stymied in pursuing closer outlooks to such corporations as Mandalmotors by the previous legislation but we can say that wherever the Mandalorian threat is building up, it is not in their traditional space. The mandates that the Jedi Order has in pursuing criminal investigations are not enough at present time". Troublesome times, the Duchess was a good ally of the Order but her people were radicalizing. The stability of the Sector in peril even as efforts to return to Kamino were being stymied by bad navigation data and senate deadlock.

The RI Liaison chose to speak up. "RI's own mandate in the matter has allowed us to gather additional information, but we have been stymied as well. This time by criminal elements, and rather disturbingly effective clean up elements. Someone is dedicating a great deal of time and resources to ensuring that any leads that appear are swiftly contained. Something that in hindsight has been an ongoing process since the previous efforts". Windu gravely nodded at this. Whatever mastermind was behind all this, they had the advantage of initiative and a headstart. That and more military hardware than the entire Judicial forces had in their arsenal even with the crash mobilization.

Palpatine chose this moment to speak up. "Master Windu, is there any possibility of sparing some members of the Order for another post? I admit the idea has only come to me just now, but it bears mentioning. If we cannot find them in Republic space nor in Separatists space as far as we know". A slight glance to the RI Liaison received a nod and Palpatine continued.

"If they are not neither of those parts of the galaxy, then that leaves most likely Hutt space. Or Unknown Regions. But Hutt space seems more likely. It would be a dangerous place, but I believe that a Jedi would be most capable of handling the threat and uncovering the secrets that may be there. However if it is not possible then please, treat it as mere wild speculation". As Palpatine gave a polite if somewhat warm smile Windu pondered the request.

Palpatine seemed to consider himself a friend of the Jedi Order and his words in public did indeed seem to reflect this. It would be time that judges his truthfulness in such. For this particular issue, it would be possible. Difficult, but possible. A check showed that his fellow masters were also considering the request seriously. A moment and the three came to a conclusion.

Adi-Mundi spoke first. "The request will need to be considered more deeply. What support would be possible and should this be considered serious enough to dedicate our already deployed members? Much of the Order is out in the field supporting Republic forces, investigating the current crises, or attempting diplomacy with sepratist leaning worlds. Possible, yes. But is it the best possible action to take in the Republic's interest?".

Plo Koon nodded along. "Hutt Space is a considerable size and one that is often policed, if crudely by the Hutts. They would not look well upon a republic presence, even if it was only Jedi. Relations with various parties would need to be considered, groundwork laid out if any action were to take place".

Then it was Windu's turn. "Then there is of course the consideration the the Hutts are indeed involved with the Mandalorians. A trap it may be if any Jedi or other Republic forces were to investigate. We need more information to get more information. A sorry state of affairs, but it is the galaxy we live in".

Palpatine nodded at the words of the three Jedi Masters, the two officers also seemingly taking the words seriously. "You have given me much to think on Master Jedi. Perhaps it was too hasty, but as your words indicate. There may indeed be a fire from the smoke. Another time then, we will need to discuss the matter in more detail when there is a moment for it. Does anyone else have anything else to add or can we continue with the previous itinerary?". No one protested and so the meeting continued with reviewing the gathered information.

<><><>

Meanwhile a meeting in the same vein was taking place on the moon of Concordia in the Mandalorian system. The Deathwatch being equally keen on finding out just what Jango Fett and his faction had done. Though unlike the Republic, the Deathwatch had some more up to date information from sympathizers in Jango's force. With Pre Vizsla at the helm inside his hidden moonbase , things would take a different tone. Especially as he stood slightly elevated, looking down onto the table that his subordinates sat or stood around.

"Mando, Deathwatch. We meet now, the old faithful and the always stalwart. To discuss the oncoming threat to the Mandalorian people. Not from the soft lapdog pacifists of the New Way and their Republic Masters, instead we speak of an old foe. Once laid low from when they struck a blade into our own body, now resurgent as are we. I speak of Jango Fett and his so-called True Mandalorians. Unlike the New Way, these will fight. Hate them for being misguided, respect them for being a true threat. But the strength of our arms will prevail in time. But only if we sharpen it so. Now let us begin, we will need to know of our foes if we are to be able to lay them low". With a click of a remote Vizsla activated the room's holoprojector to begin showing different holos, first one was a bust of Jango Fett.

"Agents at my direction were investigating suspicious movements of individuals and armaments throughout the sector. Efforts were made to hide from all outside parties, but the reach of our cause is everwide and we now know more information. Once more the man who was raised by the previous pretender Jaster Mereel seeks to oppose our righteous cause, amusingly Fett is currently denounced by the pacifists as a false mandalorian. Shows how even they can get something right for once". Following a short bout of sycophantic laughter Vizsla continued, this time showing different pictures that his agent Besbe had given him.

"Fett has gained backers who have funded an entire army of clones using Fett as both the template and also the leader of the effort. On the distant planet of Kamino off the starcharts, they seek to raise an army of misguided slaves to fight. True Mandos, the wayward, even the rest of the galaxy. Fett would take advantage of the chaos of the galaxy to conquer and occupy the Sector like a foreign conqueror. He would have no allies, no fellow warriors, only him and his clones over a land of peon subjects. We must resist, we will never accept the boot of such a figure on our backs. The truth must not be neglected, we will open the eyes of the people just as we gather the strong and willing to our banner. But that will not be the only way that we gather the strength to fight".

Standing once more dramatically at the center of his low stage Vizsla was backcast by the holoprojector as he continued. "You may be aware of the prosperity reached by Mandalmotors and our own Concordian Technologies, of the scarcity of true Mandalorian armour in recent times, and of course for some the disappearance of both famed and lesser known veterans. All are connected to Jango Fett, the would be false Mand'alore. He is using those resources to raise his slave army, one forged to his will. They will be foes, but perhaps not always. They are raised in the Mandalorian fashion if to false leaders. One day they may be freed, to become true mandos as our brethren. But that is far ahead. Our own efforts must be involved in how to match this growing threat". Vizsla took a moment to stare down, attempting to meet the eyes of each of his subordinate lieutenants. More for dramatic effect then to actually look each in the eye.

"We would be fools to act as we are. Support will be needed. Outside backers sadly, but if they acknowledge our strength of arms then we can deal with it. To fight and be paid is no lowly thing. If one does not as the True Mandos would and make of us lapdogs of a different kind from the New, if we are a hound then we are no one's pampered pet. But a vicious beast that none may cross without being torn apart. A wild alpha kath hound".

Speech obviously winding down, Vizsla lowered his voice as he began getting into the finer details of his directives. "We must work to strengthen our influence on Mandalmotors and Concordian Technologies, that way we can siphon off strength from them. We will also need to expand our own naval forces. The possibility of reaching out to the Hutts remains an idea, they have never had to fully comply with the Ruusan Reformations after all. Weaponry and ships though can be garnered, one way or another. Recruit the true, the faithful, those who will not passively lay down to be trampled. Train, gather strength, I will reach out with specific directives as needed. Now I will leave the room so that you may begin preparing, coordinate your cells before dispersing so that we do not waste time and effort at cross ends. Well, get to it". With that the room slowly grew louder as people began forming into their own groups and cliques. Vizsla himself simply retreated to his private room to think and look onto the efforts through the security cameras. Best to see who had initiative, and who would be a challenger. Vizsla did not get to his position without cunning, he would not reach the top without blood and iron. Preferably that of others.

 

[WyrmofFrost]

@Oshha

AN: Hello again, once more credit to Mackenzie Buckle on Patreon for commissioning this. Commissions open if anyone else wants to do so.
If anyone has any thoughts, critiques, etc don't be afraid to speak up

Introducing the Bad Batch: Return of the True Mandalorians

The Bad Batch as they preferred to call themselves, formerly Clone Force 99 before the events of the so-called Exodus and now Experimental Commando Force 01. Currently the group resided on one of several hidden space stations in the Mandalorian Sector. The orders of Mand'alore Jango Fett were to consolidate themselves and make final preparations for the conflict about to be sparked. One such measure was by the side of the group's leader Hunter.

"Alright folks I have the dubious honor of presenting the new member of our unit, straight from finishing training. This is Omega, our new medic. She, bears the new honor of being the oldest in the unit. Not that she looks it" was the gruff toned voice of Hunter as he stood just beside the hatch to the team's barrack.

The three other members stopped what they were doing to look. Wrecker sat up with a thump as he swung his legs out from where he was lying down on the bunk. The large clone taking the time to silently look over the newcomer, meanwhile Crosshair opened his mouth immediately.

"What's with the small fry? Can she really keep up with us, looks like she will fall over and cry at the first boo boo". The fact that Omega gave an actual pout to his words which actually confused the sniper for a moment.

"Hey, I passed in the top 5% of my class. And do you really want to make the medic mad? Because that gets you all the needles" came the bizarre threat to Crosshair who actually backed down.

Tech meanwhile looked up from his soldering of some minor gadget and gave a cheery hello before returning to his work. That tepid introduction done there was a moment of awkward silence before Omega walked up to Wrecker and pointed to something on his bunk.

"Is that a tuka? What's their name?" she asked.

"This, is Lula" came from Wrecker as he patted the doll in question.

As the two got into an animated discussion Hunter shook his head. "Well, they seem to be getting along".

Clearing his throat hunter pointed to one of the empty bunks in the room. "Right, kid get your stuff on that bunk there. Its free. You can unpack after dinner. Come along team". Quickly throwing her bag on the bunk the team began moving out.

Getting their food from the canteen droids the group picked out a table near the center of the room. Things were mostly quiet aside from the low level chatter in the room when Omega noticed something. Stopping her poking of the mystery meat substitute on her tray she looked across to see a few of the clones at another table pointing at them, fork in hand.

Seeing that Omega got up onto the bench and pointed. "Heya, what ya talkin about bout us! Is it bad stuff!".

That caused a circle of silence as everyone in earshot paused to see what would happen. For almost a minute nobody did a thing, then one of the clones in question begged off with a wave of his hand. The noise came back as the possible confrontation died with a whimper.

Tech looking around turned to Omega. "I think we can say you fit right now. Maybe not as much as in earlier days but well, you're in the Bad Batch now".

Omega nodded. "Yeah, so many are decorating their armor. Its very pretty, everyone really wants to stand out".

"Yeah, they might, but we were there first. Still the same noggins though, sorry Hunter guess you still gotta spend waadas(credits) on that hair care stuff" muttered Crosshair to the group.

"You are all just jealous that I have these fine locks" Hunter replied.

"You got that out of a holovid" Tech pointed out, even going for his pad to bring up the video in question.

Hunter scoffed. "And I made it my own".

Wrecker finishing chewing on some roasted vegetable thing decided to ask a question he had had for a bit. "Where did you get that head thing?" he pointed to Omega.

"Oh, I recognize that. A Kaminionan forehead pendant, don't see those outside of Kamino. Rather culturally insular thanks to their extended isolationist policies" replied Tech instead.

"I got it from Nala Se, she is the chief medical scientist on Kamino" Omega tacked on to what Tech said.

Wrecker noticed her tone, fond nostalgia and a hint of sadness. "Do you miss her, she gave it to you so she must have felt something".

Omega nodded, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. "Maybe. I still sorta miss her. Nala Se was nice, she was my caretaker and I helped her with her work. But she didn't really treat alot of clones nicely and I was always different. Well anyway she didn't come with me though when we had the Exodus".

Wrecker nodded. "Maybe one day you could send her a message. Hey Tech, how do you send messages anyway?". As Tech started explaining about the holonet and what a war would likely do to access alongside what Opsec was Hunter interrupted with a snap of his fingers. His hand went over his wrist pad and he started talking to someone. After the conversation finished he raised his head to the others.

"Well boys, and girls. We got our first mission. The Bad Batch is going to Geonosis. Come with me to the armory after we finish eating, we are all going to need a new change of clothes for this one" he smiled as he said that. He was looking forward to getting some action in at last after being benched with the last round of OPs.

<><><>

The Bad Batch had gathered themselves up into the gunship that they would be using, already in the system with Geonosis. Hunter was going over last-minute summaries.

"Right, here's the plan again. We are going to pretend to be mercs hired by RI, totally deniable. Except not. The boss hired a few pirate bands to help out, as far as they know we are also republic aligned merc forces. A few more of our brothers will be coming in later acting as Judicials but that is not our part of things The task is to sabotage their early warning systems so that the initial strike can take place alongside making the follow on wave's job much easier too"

"What kind of support we got or are we screwed. You said last time that it was up in the air. Well, are we going to get killed on a suicide run or not" said Crosshair.

"Well good news Crosshair. I finally got the details, now listen up" replied Hunter.

He set up a holoprojector disk on his hand. On it was a diagram of different ships and craft around holographic Geonosis. "The Liberator is a troop transport for the Mere Resistance, they will be the nearest unit to ours. They also brought along some cruisers and other craft which will help us by distracting and suppressing enemy defenses".

Hunter turned to Tech. "Our goal is to break into a number of war droid factories that the Separatist Alliance have built up on planet. We are to use any means we can to get them offline, if possible we are to also steal whatever data we can. Tech you had a look at the plans, any more input?".

The clone shook his head. "Nothing that is not already in the latest version of the brief. Wrecker has the charges we need and I got the hacking tool. Though I wouldn't mind getting my hands on some of the Geonosian Sonic Weapons, there just is not alot of sonics out in the galaxy for me to get a look at. And their . . ." Tech continued his trivia that even Omega had learned to nod along with though she made more of an effort to not look dismissive unlike Crosshair.

Hunter meanwhile moved on. "Right Wrecker you know what to do, if we find a good spot then we set up demo. Crosshair, overwatch and keeping an eye out on good spots for sabotage. Omega, the bacta good to go?".

"Yep! I got the extras too. Count on me to keep you all in one piece!" she exclaimed.

"Right, we get this job done right then we can all celebrate with a trip to that food joint on Mandalore. Kid, we get through this right and I think you deserve your first good drink" Hunter said.

Omega looked excited, hands clasped together as she leaned in. "Really? You promise? I get to set foot on Mandalore for the first time! Ooohh, what sort of food did you say would be there? I never drank before".
Wrecker patted Omega's shoulder. "I can show you some good food stalls, then we get the fancy roasts like Hunter said". Omega's smile was quite brilliant and the rest of the team smiled, even acidic Crosshair could spare a slight upturn of his lips. But soon enough they were on final approach and had to get their helmets on as the gunship departed the hanger.

The ride in had some level of flak from proton cannons and other emplacements but the escorting swarms of fighter bombers that the Mandalorian forces had brought along helped suppress the area enough for their forces to begin landing. It helped that a few infiltrators had already marked out good terrain to use and places to hit beforehand. The Geonosians and their Separatist allies were not expecting an attack, their ships grounded for refitting still on the ground. While a bumpy ride the Bad Batch reached their objective, a hot drop on an already heavily bombed out factory complex. The brazen attack letting the entire task force jump out from their transports to jetpack the last distance down to avoid enemy fire. Most of the defense force seemed to be made up of hastily armed droids, the Geonosian's native PDF not having mobilized in time to counter the raid force.

While relatively shaky in terms of teamwork with Omega as such a new member, their shared training under at the hands of veteran Mandalorian clan warriors let them generally know what any member would do. Omega herself proved a good shot against the droids though her armour accumulated a few scorch marks from near misses as she did not take cover quick enough. Her initial leap had landed her on the low roof of a staircase to basement levels, her blaster almost instantly up and tagging the guard droids. Meanwhile Tech landed nearby with some droid poppers and started popping off shots of his own at any that survived.

A little further away Wrecker was in his element, his armour letting him shrug off a few badly aimed shots to begin liberally beating droids with other droids as he desired. His laughter unnerving the overly emotional B1 droids used as security as much as the wildly shifting doppler screech of the droid in his hands. Crosshair with his jetpack found perches or just stayed in the air as he aimed for high value units such as the few B2 Supers that they faced. Meanwhile last but not least Hunter landed near the entrance to a guard building and managed to pinpoint the Droidekas inside with his mutation granted senses, the rolling mechs having no chance in such close quarters as Hunter sliced them up with his vibroknife.

With the initial resistance crushed as the other teams started securing a perimeter, the team moved into the factory. The job was simple, they had trained often enough with similar missions. Having the plans beforehand just made matters unfair. Blasting the few surviving interior guards the group moved to a few key structural posts and equipment, Wrecker was in his element as he set the explosives up. Tech and Crosshair meanwhile split off to find the data vaults. While snooping through the upper levels with the admin center, Tech found something.

"Oh oh oh, fascinating" Crosshair snorted at hearing that.

"What are you doing Tech, we need to head through this section. There is a reason we are sticking around?" he complained.

"Relax, I just found an opportunity. Someone doesn't know their basic data security". Kicking the non-human standard chair away from a large desk, Tech started attaching a device to the desk computer.

"Hey Crosshair, you've been wanting that new attachment for your sniper right? Well I think we got the creds for that now. Someone left themselves logged in". Tech exploited the left open computer of the factory manager's office to begin stealing everything from their personal bank account to the recently messaged design schematics of the latest droids the factory was setting up to produce.

Hunter, still standing with Omega covering Wrecker reached a hand to activate the coms. "Tech, Crosshair, sitrep?".

"Negative on the data vaults Hunter, Tech found a shortcut. Will let you know if we still need to head there anyway" Crosshair reported as he tuned out Tech's excited babbling at digging into the data.

"Roger that, we have most of the explosives set up already. Estimate 20 minutes to finish, let me know in 10 how things are going" Hunter spoke.

"Got it" replied Crosshair.

From outside it could be heard that the Geonosians were throwing what they had in the area to retake the factory, but the planetwide nature of the attack meant their spread-out forces could not concentrate enough to quickly overrun any positions. Still by the time the teams were finished the exfil was a bit rough due to the swarming enemy reinforcements, this time consisting of native Geonosian forces. The entire team could appreciate it when Wrecker and the other explosive specialists set everything to explode simultaneously. The mushroom cloud drawing appreciative whistles from the group. But as their transports clawed for orbit, that was not it for the Bad Batch. They had another mission to head towards.

<><><>



Two weeks later the group had been rapidly redeployed to commence the first offensive Mandalorian people would openly undertake. Just enough time for the Republic and Separatists to have moved their forces against each other. Now quite out of position for the Mandalorian announcement of their resurgence in the galaxy. The Bad Batch were openly dressed as Mandalorian warriors this time, using the equipment they could actually use to perfection.

Hunter once again gave a final briefing summary as the transport was loaded into the hanger bay queue. "Alright we are now heading for Christophis. Apparently, they are a weak target, rich in minerals but not alot of friends thanks to their blowhard ways. So, we are going to go in and take over. In some ways we might even be liberators for the people. But that doesn't mean you an play dumb or the hero" He looked at Omega with those last few words, the girl could just be too nice for her own good as the team quickly learned during the short break they had.

"Hey, that lemur deserved to live just like anyone else!" Crosshair snorted aggressively and was obviously about to say something before Hunter clicked his teeth, accompanying that with a horizontal slice of his hand.

"Right back on track. Our job this time is to hit this junction of the skyway network that connects the different crystal cities on Christophsis. We cut that and we cripple their ability to move troops and supplies quickly. Intel is more spotty in terms of enemy strength but we are not expecting anything more then some dug in militia. Should be simple enough. The Blue Diamond Guard is the only elite unit of the Christophsis PDF, everything else is just a bunch of over glorified shinies. But don't be stupid and we should be able to get through this just fine. Everyone is going to need to pitch in for laying the charges, Omega. You good for this?"

Said rookie in question saluted. "Can do! Wrecker passed me for training. Just don't expect it to be very fast" she sheepishly added on. Wrecker gave a thumbs up to her words.

Hunter nodded. "Good enough for now. Crosshair you are going to have fun, just watch your jetpack. Wrecker, you know what to do. Tech, don't get distracted. Right, keep an eye on the terrain and each other. We do this and we strike a telling first blow for Mand'alore and our people".

The rest of the group nodded, some more sardonically than others. The turbulence of entry was rough on the transport, but the LAAT powered through. Originally made for the Clone Army, but creatively requisitioned it now served as a transport for the New Mandalorian Empire. In some ways Christophsis was worse off then Geonosis for defenses. The Geonosians having their own native industry and some expectation of being a target compared to Christophsis. The planet was not one that had a strong military tradition, it was not even particularly stable considering the oligarchy that ran it with an iron fist. Too many bully boys suddenly told they had to fight bloodthirsty Mando warriors. Many broke, confusion running rampant in the ranks of the defense forces. But the Bad Batch was about to find one of the wrenches in the plan that they were a part of.

Crosshair ducked his head under cover of the parapet he was behind, Hunter next to him barely managed to blindly snap a few shots off before having to draw back. "I thought you said the Diamonds were not going to be here! Well it looks like a whole bloody company of them to me!".

"Dam intel was off, how was I to know they were going to use this junction. Fuck, Wrecker on my mark. Wrist rockets on that pillar" Seeing a thumbs up Hunter brought up three fingers and counted down.

As soon as his hand made a fist he popped up. His other hand releasing the small but potent Mandalorian ordnance. The clutch of explosives streaked through the air leaving contrails until they smashed into one of the supports for the skyway. The rail platform dangerously sagged and those on it scrambled back rather than keep advancing on the Mando forces they wanted dead.

"Omega! How's Tech?!" Hunter yelled. A little respite now available as Crosshair kept the Christophian forces on their toes.

"He, he should be fine. Wound was clean through, the bacta should keep him stable until we can evac him. But I don't like any idea of moving him anywhere quickly" she reported. Hands still busy wrapping Tech's leg wound.

As Hunter considered their mission chances Crosshair ducked back down. Hands switching out the ammo pack for his sniper he snapped. "This mission is FUBAR, we ain't going to get this done easily. Not with those jackasses having rammed our fucking explosives off the skyway. Do we have any chance of support? We aren't going anywhere if we have to lug that piece of deadweight around" he angrily gestured at Tech's near unconscious form. The man quiet for once.

"Shut it Crosshair. We can't get anywhere if we still have those Diamonds on us like parasites on a hound" Hunter took a short break from continuing by taking his blaster and spraying down a couple of guardsmen attempting to push up for a grenade toss.

Beside him Crosshair went back to tagging a few individuals who were attempting to take potshots from behind a wrecked hover APC. "I don't like that we are here and they are over there" came the voice of Wrecker as he suppressed a few others.

Hunter considered that thought for some reason. Then he remembered the attempt at a grenade toss. "Keep their heads down I got an idea" he told Crosshair as he walked over to where Tech laid.

"Tech, how many grenades and Tibanna cartridges would it take to blow up the supports. Especially if we attach them to some vehicles".

Tech took a moment, woozy still from the painkillers he was injected with. "Most of what we have on us alongside some additional. The second transport we shot up should be close enough to a few pillars. Enough to collapse the skyway such that they can't bridge it quickly. Won't be as much as we wanted, but it would do" he calculated.

Hunter nodded. "Right. Best get to it. Omega when we make a move give us covering fire. Wrecker you're with me. Crosshair, you do you".

Hunter wanted to say it was some big dramatic moment worthy of a holovid. But really, they just used their mobility and heavy armour to overwhelm the remaining guardsmen. There was still more then enough to be a threat, but they didn't have the stomach to fight after a few got charbroiled or cut up by his knife. They rigged the explosives and then hightailed it with some hijacked hovercar.

Crosshair was driving to keep him busy, Wrecker in the front to give Tech some space though he was still sprawled across Hunter's and Omega's laps. They were making good progress on getting out, just a few minutes and they arrived. The waiting medics quickly bundled Tech up and led him to a waiting medevac transport.

The group loitered for a moment to the side of the busy FOB. Hunter checking over everyone looked at Omega and noticed something. She looked off to his eyes. And he had a good idea why. Putting one hand on her shoulder he spoke.

"It's okay to not feel anything. Some people react like that, most of us do. Others completely shut down, some get scared and never get unscared. Really, its okay". Omega nodded woodenly. Not quite trusting herself to say anything.

"We do this for our people, and they fight for theirs. I won't call any of us good or bad. You're not really wrong to feel for them, but we have our own task, our own dreams. Come on. I think you are old enough to have that drink earlier than I promised". With that Hunter slowly led Omega back to the waiting transport, Wrecker on the other side as they moved. The three-sided war for domination over the galaxy had truly begun.

 

[Themarineguy]

SENATE GUARD NEGA QUEST:

Sic semper Tyrannis​

Darth Sidious throws himself out of the Jedi Temple, using the carnage of the assault by his loyal shocktroopers to cover his escape. That wretched bounty hunter had ruined years of work and trillions of credits, but it wasn't a total loss. Enough of his shocktroopers remained loyal and while they had failed to break him out on their own, they might be able to do some severe damage to those accursed Jedi.

He certainly took great pleasure in watching a band of shocktroopers gun down that irritating Kel Dor Plo Koon and if he had overheard the Jedi correctly on his way out, even Master Yoda himself had been killed by Sidious' loyal soldiers.

He uses the Force to soften his landing before running off into the streets. Sidious will need to put some distance between himself and the Jedi while the assault is keeping them too busy to hunt him down. Ideally he will be able to get off-world as once Sidious is off Coruscant, the Jedi will have a hard time tracking him down. The Sith Lord has no shortage of boltholes and once he is out of the immediate reach of the Jedi, he can make a public appearance and denounce the Jedi Order as traitors to the Republic and destroy them that way.

After all, they arrested the most popular Supreme Chancellor in generations on charges that won't hold up with evidence that is suspect at best. He can weather the storm and destroy the Jedi by turning the galaxy against them using their own actions. And even if Jango Fett has betrayed him, Sidious still has the chips implanted in all of the clones. He just needs to transmit the activation command to Kamino and he will have a loyal army completely capable of crushing the surviving Jedi and their allies.

Yes, today has been far from ideal or planned, but he can use it. In the end, it will be the Sith who have the last laugh not the Jedi. The Grand Plan is too far in motion to be stopped by the Jedi Order let alone some jumped up bounty hunter.

"There he is," says a voice and Sidious tenses before relaxing as he turns to face a squad of Senate Guards.

"Commander, it is such a relief-" starts Sidious as he puts up his kindly old man act that he uses as Supreme Chancellor Palpatine.

The blaster bolt striking his shoulder catches the Sith Lord completely off-guard.

"Remember," says the Senate Guard Commander as he and the rest of the Senate Guards open fire on the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic, "He was killed resisting arrest."

The last thoughts of Darth Sidious, Dark Lord of the Sith and Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic, is that he cannot be dying to Senate Guard of all in people, being ignobly gunned down in a back alley.

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Congrats, you have done the great feat of slaying the Sith lord SOMEHOW.

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What unholy incident caused us to pull this off?!?!?!?!?!

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Where was his precious Sith troopers? they had more than enough to spare for their master.

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...The scariest man in the galaxy, was just killed by us without a SINGLE LOSS to our motley crew!!!!

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I NEVER imagined we could have pulled this off, with us at best helping maneuver things in the hopes another faction would manage to succeed.

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Not really, the vets had to kill off the far more numerous new blood whom were not loyal enough to the Chancellor, and then, they needed all hands on deck on the suicide attack to free Palps

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How exactly did that happen???

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Well, Jango, whom in this version was in full blast Kriff The Sith mode, decided to nuke the whole situation, by personally informing the council of the Chancellor's duplicity, galvanizing the Jedi to act to prevent the bad situation from getting worse. He surrendered himself to Jedi custody for PR points, and the clone Guard had a civil war where the Chancellor loyalists somehow one in spite of the 5 to 1 odds, and suicided themselves onto the Jedi temple to rescue Sidious, ending with them being obliterated, a crippled order, and an escaped chancellor. THEN you come in, sealing his fate through unexpected betrayal.

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...Well, that was a wild ride, and explains how the hell we succeeded. Jango and the Jedi exhausted all of his survival plans, and then we came in and offed him before it registered enough in his stressed mind that his relief force was actually an executioners squad! XD

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Palps quest is probably staring in disbelief, along with Dooku quest, while the Jedi and Republic Army quest are relived, if VERY confused about the group that managed to swing things in favor of Palps's death...

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I guess that explained the whole hubbub about the mystery arms. So what now?

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