Bab 5: Chapter IV: Reunion with an Old Friend
(Training Room, Jedi Temple, Jedi Temple District, Coruscant, Coruscant System, Coruscant Subsector, Corusca Subsector, Core Worlds)
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Kellian was in the training room, he was running through the sequences of Form II with visual and auditory impairments activated in his helmet. He wasn't using his Lightsaber however, he was utilising a Force-Imbued Blade. He'd also had the control room increase the gravity to four times the standard gravity of Coruscant, with parts of the floor given an electrical charge and the simulator set to a desert storm.
He was fighting against the training Droids, and he was winning. Not that winning was the point, no Kellian was trying to deepen his connection to the Force by depriving himself of visual and auditory aids, such as was typically provided by his Helmet. Kellian had to do four things at once: Ignore the significantly higher gravity, ignore the bitter cold provided by the simulator, trust that the Force wouldn't lead him to a part of the floor that was charged up, and defeat the training droids with little harm to himself.
He was about a third of the way through when he felt the snowstorm start to subside and the gravity slowly revert to normal.
''Kellian, report to the Supreme Chancellor's office immediately.'' Said the voice of his old Master.
''Yes, Master Windu.'' Kellian responds before tapping his wrist comms to return his Helmet to normal and sheathed his Force-Imbued Blade into his Jetpack. This Blade was actually a Mandalorian Beskad that was imbued with the Force during Forging. Thus the Blade was pure Beskar, with a Permafrost Crystal put in the Hilt.
Because outside of Master Huyang, Kellian was the Order's only real expert on Lightsabers, he was permitted to use rare and difficult-to-obtain/find materials in the perfection of his art. Moreover, as an exotic weapons specialist and someone who has strived to learn many martial-related art forms, he spent a great deal of effort in perfecting the art of imbuing the Force into Beskar. That task had taken him eight years to perfect, which amounted to five years of theoretical research and trial and error with small samples to figure out his ratios and how much more complex the smelting process would become, not to mention the forging part—followed by three years of practical tests. Beskar was impervious to Lightsabers because the melting point of Beskar was that of a small sun, plus the stuff couldn't conduct electrical charges under normal circumstances, but a high enough voltage would still hurt someone wearing Beskar since there were gaps in the armour to allow some flexibility. But such gaps in defence could be patched with a rubber-based insulation or deep-vacuum flight suit underneath. Kellian wore such a flight suit because his armour was insulated against extreme temperatures and as environmentally sealed against hazardous environments. This of course necessitated the wearing of a small exoskeleton-like apparatus on the armour which was fully integrated into his armour.
But Kellian could shoulder the extra weight all the same, and his armour had been reforged by him to imbue it with the Force, giving the Armor a more potent defence against the Force and the Dark Side.
In any case, this armour was a piece of his cultural, personal, and familial identity, and he wasn't about to let those pacifistic Hardliners who decried him for maintaining the traditions of the Resol'nare including the wearing and maintaining of Armor. Besides the Ruusan Reformations? He'd rather use them to wipe his ass because honestly, those who advocated becoming demilitarised their actions ultimately benefited no one but the Sith. At the very least the maintenance of a small but highly trained ground force should have stayed an integral part of the future. The Senate should've at least tried to get the likes of the Echani Sun Guard to take up that role. Would've made the whole Clone Army relatively unnecessary.
Plus Jedi working the Outer Rim should be at the very least equipped with personal energy shields and more resilient robes made of a hybrid weave of Phrik and Nueranian fibres and wire. It would likely translate to being an armorweave robe with the usual materials swapped out for Phrik and Neuranian. The trouble was that both materials were quite rare.
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(POV Shift: Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine of the Galactic Republic/Darth Sidious Dark Lord of the Sith of the Rule of Two)
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Kellian Ordo.
That Boy was shaping up to be a problem. His bold and daring tactics which should by all accounts have led to him being one of the Jedi General's with the highest casualty rates had instead led to him being one of the Generals with the Lowest.
There were reports of entire Fleets that had gone dark after engaging him. No wreckage or indication of what had happened except for the fact that there was no more contact. Add in the fact he was an extraordinary pilot, well-versed in countless rare Force Techniques, and was extremely strong in the Force and multiple forms of Combat, Sidious had a perfect apprentice Candidate. Except for three reasons, he'd already tried to obtain Ordo as a child, and that nearly prematurely revealed his Order's existence. Secondly, there was the problem that Kellian Ordo had no known weaknesses. Nothing to tempt him with or exploit. Thirdly, he was ultimately a second choice. Why would Sidious settle for second best when he could have Anakin Skywalker: The Chosen One?
''I'm here, Masters, Chancellor. What was so vital?'' The voice of Kellian Ordo said, interrupting Sidious from his thoughts.
''A most unusual situation Master Ordo.'' Sidious said, and Sidious tried - as always - to remain in his public persona. The feeling it gave him to be so opposite to his own nature made him sick to his stomach.
''Count Dooku has been Captured by a Pirate.'' Kenobi says.
''A Pirate? Forgive me Masters but that does not sound like Master Dooku at all.'' Says Ordo, and Sidious notes that fallen as his current apprentice is, his old pupil still considers him a Jedi Master.
Mayhaps an opportunity for the future to try and turn the boy to the Dark Side.
''It doesn't, but the Pirate is willing to trade him in exchange for a shipment of illegal spice. Master Kenobi and Skywalker are going to be heading there to confirm Dooku's presence. They have his Lightsaber, the only question is whether or not they looted it from his corpse.'' Says Mace Windu.
''And why am I even being consulted? Correct me if I'm wrong Master, but my position as the Head of the Special Operations Brigade at most deserves a datapad memo. So unless your adding me to the mission I fail to see why I'm being apprised.'' Says Ordo, and Sidious praises him mentally. The boy knows his place and is seeking further information to clarify why he's being made aware.
The ability to press for more information without being too demanding or overreaching is always appreciated in an Apprentice.
''Master of stealth and infiltration, you are. More familiar than most with Dooku as well, familiar of his strengths and weaknesses. Shadow Kenobi and Skywalker you must, ensure this mission is successful.'' Yoda says, and Sidious tries to ignore the small headache Yoda's form of speech gives him.
''Master, I gave up that position two years ago. I'm a shadow no longer, you know how difficult it was training a Padawan while maintaining my clandestine duties.'' Says Ordo.
''A hard life, the Jedi Shadows work, it is. But expert in stealth you are.'' Yoda says, and Sidious feels a headache coming on.
''So be it, I'll leave immediately, just tell me where I'm headed.'' Ordo agrees.
''Florrum.'' Master Windu says.
''I'll head there incognito, give me seven hours of a head start before you leave Kenobi. I'll tap Eldar and Atthos to see if they can help me figure out the situation on Florrum.'' Says Ordon and with that, he takes his leave, which reminds Sidious, he must have the organisations of Aarthen Atthos and Casus Eldar investigated, both men were heads of major criminal investigations and both were apparently quite friendly with the Jedi who just left.
The Jedi who wore full Beskar Plate. Sidious had had his share of issues trying to get the boy out of that ridiculous suit of armour. Just wearing it made Order 66 a problem. But Sidious couldn't be seen as the one trying, the plate was so strong it could block sustained Lightsaber blows, but luckily the Ruusan Reformations gave him a point of conversation to try and have the more pitiful and pathetic pacifistic senators get him out of that armour.
On more than one occasion, Senators Mothma and Organa had objected to Ordo directly that wearing that armour was a direct violation of the Ruusan Reformations. Ordo in turn asked them if they would like him to go to their homeworlds and trash relics and family heirlooms. Sidious could admit that Beskar had immense value, just not what the boy had replied it was. Sidious couldn't give two shits if the Beskar he wore was a part of his familial, cultural, and personal identity, armour was armour.
In any case, he had company….
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(POV Shift: Jedi Master Kellian Ordo)
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Kellian was within the secret Hanger he owned on Coruscant, this hanger had been a secret safe house run by the Ordo Clan since the end of the Jedi Civil War, just one of several hundred. The only man other than Kellian who knew about these places was his older brother Vorten, and with Vorten's permission, Kellian had made Kal Skirata and the Nulls aware of it and gave them access. The ship within the Coruscant hideout was one of the many that Kellian had constructed secretly with a team primarily from Fondor Shipyards.
Fondor was one of the Big Three in shipbuilding and manufacturing, with the Sienar and Santhe Corporations a close fourth and fifth in the market. The Ship was built according to design blueprints Kellian had scraped together, and perfected. Kellian called her Shieldbreaker.
Shieldbreaker was a hybrid in that it could pack as much and more punch as a light Corvette but had a very powerful set of engines and a very fast Hyperdrive, as well as a large Cargo capacity. And like all of Kellian's ships, was equipped with a Cloaking Device. Kellian had to resort to hiring Corellian Engineering Corporation, Kuat Drive Yards, Raith Siener, and Fondor's best engineers to sit down and discuss how to make a cloaking device work for ships like he'd had built since normally they couldn't work for ships classified as Freighters, obviously it'd worked out and he'd made a friend out of Sienar since the man enjoyed the challenge and opportunity to work with people on his level.
Kellian wasn't too worried they'd take advantage of that technology since they had to sign three dozen separate contracts preventing that, and the legal fees to untangle them from such contracts would be astronomical because of the sheer amount of red tape involved in getting those contracts. Plus he had implanted trackers in them, trackers in their spine were difficult for even the best doctors to remove.
Entering his Ship, Kellian was pleased to see Ordo and Kom'rk already there.
''Well, gentlemen? Ready to take up the masks again?'' Kellian asks them, having used them to impersonate the identities of Eldar and Aathos in the last few months.
''Aye sir, just checking the armour's up to snuff.'' Ordo replies, going through his Armour at the nearby workbench. Like him, Ordo - at least while in the guise of Casus Eldar - wore a full set of Beskar Plate, the difference is that Ordo wore a modified Helmet that incorporated a respirator. Ordo didn't need it, but it was part of the identity of Casus Eldar, in one of the mock feuds between Aathos and Eldar, Eldar had allegedly sustained injuries that required a Respirator.
The true reason for that respirator though was that it had filters in it which contained a certain aerosolized adrenal that was filtered into the air that Ordo breathed. One of the things Kellian had taken the time to learn and do the studying for was chemistry and stims and adrenal productions, he did it as a hobby to give his muscles a break from the Forge, and through that had discovered this particular adrenal when filtered into air in small doses, increased the oxygenation of the blood, and improved the perception, clarity, biological resilience and metabolic efficiency of the breather.
Too much however was dangerous, it could over-sensitise the nervous system and make any minor infection stronger than it normally would be. Which is why Kellian had tweaked the respirator to release the adrenal every three hours. The Adrenal lasted about an hour, but studies had shown it didn't leave the user's body for an Hour and a half. That extra half hour was just Kellian being careful, Ordo was the oldest of the Nulls, and Kellian had entrusted Ordo with a lot of responsibility. If Kal was his Field Marshal and Right Hand, then Ordo was his Left Hand and trusted confidant.
Ordo was in charge of a lot of shadow operations, he was head of the Clone Headhunters Platoon, a hundred Clone-strong unit which stuck deep into enemy territory and left a crater or a dozen on their way out.
Each Null had been given a specific area of control by Kellian, they were still their own unit and could go on missions together, but they were an integral part of the Command Structure. Kom'rk was the man in charge of the logistics part of the Special Operations Brigade, which is why he performed the part of Aarthen Atthos quite well.
''What about you Kom'rk? How is Sariss performing?'' Kellian asks, fighting the smile creeping on his face at bringing up his eldest child by choice. Kellian had rescued her from the Prophets of the Dark Side. The moral of the story that he'd told the Council was that he reported that he had heard rumours of a Dark Side Cult near the borders of Wild Space, and requested permission to determine the voracity of the statements.
In truth, he already knew they existed, but he wanted to determine whether or not they still did and if Dromund Kaas would serve as a suitable hideout post-Order 66. He managed to infiltrate the group and found Cronal and company abusing Sariss, suffice it to say, Kellian killed most of them and wounded Cronal, he immediately fled with Sariss and dropped a couple of bombs on his way out.
He summed his report up by saying very real, very active, and very hostile.
It took him about a year to get Sariss healed, and eventually, he took a role in shaping her, when he was able to, her taught her about the Force and let her choose for herself, he trained her in hand-to-hand combat, instructed her as Resol'nare demanded, and took her to Concord Dawn, where he entrusted her to his sister for a year or two to learn about the Mandalorian Ways. When she was of age, he returned for her and placed her into the Prefsbelt Naval Academy, he gave her a mission, graduated with full honours and a perfect record. If she did that, he'd officially make her his daughter.
Well she had, and he'd lived up to his promise, she understood he couldn't openly say or show it publicly, but as far as Clan Ordo was concerned, she was Ordo and she was Mandalorian. Kellian had her take a leadership role in the organisation of Aarthen Aathos, officially, she was the Second in command, but in truth she was technically the leader. Kellian had given her an HK-51 Assassin Droid he'd rebuilt and programmed himself to be loyal to the Jedi, Clan Ordo, and her specifically.
Sometime during their relationship, he'd discovered his other daughter by choice, but that was a story for another time.
''Boss? You alright? Did you hear what I said?'' Kom'rk says, snapping his fingers in front of Kellian's face.
''Sorry, felt a tug in the Force for a moment.'' He covered.
''Well, like I was saying, the Girl's good, she's living up to the standards you've placed on her, the other one is another matter. She's almost too eager.'' Says Kom'rk.
''I'll have to speak to her then.'' Kellian decides with a sigh, his youngest was more than a little overzealous. He'd rescued her from Poverty, her and one of her friends. The Friend however ran away at the first opportunity. The Girl stayed, and Kellian had trained her more directly than he had with Sariss chiefly because he had a bit more freedom now as opposed to when he first took Sariss in. He had just been made a knight when he rescued Sariss, when he took in the girl he was a newly made Master.
''A sound idea, but for now why don't you tell us what's happening?'' Ordo asks.
''Dooku's been captured.'' Kellian says, and both Nulls turn to face him.
''Say what?'' Asks Kom'rk.
''By a pirate based on Florrum. The Chancellor and the High Council are sending Obi-wan and Skywalker to verify they didn't just loot his lightsaber off of his corpse. Our job is to get there ahead of them and shadow them. Ordo, you and I will be arriving there together. I'll be ditching my lightsabers, and going under the identity Tarre Thul, We'll meet with the leader of Florrum, one Hondo Ohnaka.'' Kellian tells him.
''And do what?'' Ordo asks.
''Cut him a deal, it won't last, but it won't have to. I'm sending word to the Organization that we'll get some bodies and a couple of shipments. From there we negotiate.'' Says Kellian.
''Not sure I follow what your plan is General, but I trust you enough to go along with it,'' Ordo says.
''Same here, you want me to stay with the ship?'' Asks Kom'rk.
''Yeah, but not as Atthos. Grab one of the spare suits of armour and close up after we leave, have the droids man the turrets and anti-theft defences.'' Kellian instructs.
''Understood, General.'' Kom'rk replies.
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(POV Shift: Qi'ra)
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Qi'ra was busy studying what her father had instructed her to, he taught her basic Martial Arts in addition to having her study piloting and accounts and numbers. She might only be nine years old, but she was in charge of the Eldar Cartel's finances and overall was the number two for the organisation.
Father talked to her frequently, primarily through Holo because of his busy schedule, his duties, and the fact that he couldn't very well be seen as her father. It hurt, but she understood the position he'd put himself in. Together with her sister, her father had seen to it that she'd been trained extensively in the three years she'd had before being thrust into this role.
''Mistress Qi'ra, your father requests your presence. He awaits you on the secure channel.'' Says HK-55, her personal attache and constant companion.
''Inform him that I'll connect with him Momentarily.'' Qi'ra orders, trying to remain calm, but failing.
''Yes, Mistress.'' HK replies.
Sealing the room, and activating the secure communicator, Qi'ra can't hide the delight on her face that Father is contacting her directly.
''Father.'' She says happily.
''Qi'ra, I don't have a lot of time so I'll be brief. I'm headed to florrum with Ordo and Kom'rk, I'll be wearing my Thul identity, with Ordo assuming the Eldar one. Send a squad of the Varangians and five shipments of Tier 2,5 Weapons, along with a dozen HK-50's. I'll need the extra firepower, and the weapons will be the gifts.'' Her father tells her.
''Of course father, I'll see to it personally.'' Qi'ra says.
''Good girl, on a side note, You'll be pleased to know that after the next three Years, I've secured you a fully paid scholarship to the Academies of Raithal, Carida, and Corulag. For the most part, your studies will happen at Raithal, however I've arranged for you to take terms at Corulag and Carida, with your final Term finishing at Prefesbelt IV before you complete your Raithal education.'' Father tells her, causing Qi'ra some excitement.
''Thank you, father.'' Qi'ra tells him, meaning every word, studying at each of those institutions would allow her to greatly hone her skillset and broaden her knowledge.
''On a final note, I'm sending you a number of names, I want you to compile Dossiers on them for me before month's end.'' Father tells her.
''Yes, Father.'' Qi'ra responds.
''Qi'ra, I've been kept up to date with your progress, I'm proud of you my Daughter, keep it up.'' Father tells her, before the Hologram fades.
''Have the droids and Soldiers prepared as well as the Gifts Father spoke of, I haven't disappointed him yet, and have no plans on doing so any time soon.'' Qi'ra orders HK.
''Of Course, Mistress. I've already given the orders.'' HK responds.
''Good, Prepare the Driftrunner for the transport, if father is asking for support, then he'll have it.'' Qi'ra orders, she'd take this opportunity to greet father, he'd scold her for it, but it'd be worth it.
''Yes...mistress Qi'ra.'' The hesitation of HK tells her what HK thinks of her idea, going in Driftrunner was a declaration of intent. Given to her by father, Driftrunner was a heavily modified YT-2400 Light Freighter gifted to her by father. Father might have modified it, but it has been more heavily modified by Qi'ra herself. Qi'ra had decided that she wasn't too fond of Sublight Engines, she liked Twin-Ion engines, or rather Ion engines that were stacked together. Essentially making Quad-Ion Engines.
The maintenance of the Ion Engines was a real chore, but it was a tad more efficient when coupled with the Power Plant from the Gree Enclave, and the Thrusters from Kuat. She got a far better ratio of fuel consumption and thrust and power conversion.
Plus the power in the guns were effectively doubled, so it was a good deal all around.
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(POV Shift: Kellian Ordo)
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Kellian and the Clones were waiting for the arrival of his shipment and guards. They would transfer the Varangians, HK's, and shipments aboard the Shieldbreaker, and then head to Florrum, so far about three hours had elapsed, leaving Kellian at least four hours to make the transfer and head down to Florrum and meet with Ohnaka.
The meeting would be for allegedly passing through Hondo's territory unmolested. With the Tier 2.5 Weapons being the bribe. What a Tier 2.5 Weapons shipment amounted to was a mixture of Level 2 restricted weapons and low-grade explosives. He and the clones were violating so many laws by knowingly being apart of an organisation that ran such weapons, but the two Cartel's provided him a large amount of contacts in the Underworld and frankly the money and being involved in the weapons and smuggling trades would help the Rebellion.
Speaking of the Rebellion, Kellian had no desire for Mon Mothma to be Chief of State, she was a decent enough leader, but a pacifist like her was in his bad books by virtue of being a pacifist, the fact she and him had a fair number of disputes in the past regarding his wearing of his father's armour didn't help her none. He understood her point of view, but how dare she all but demand he conform to the Ruusan Reformations!
No, in Kellian's Rebellion, she'd at most be a Minister of Finance or Economy. Or Logistics he supposed given the fact that a Minister of Logistics would make more sense during wartime. Garm Bel Iblis would be the Minister of War, or Supreme Commander, with Bail Organa the Minister of the Interior. Truthfully, Kellian wouldn't be opposed to being Supreme Commander or head of Intelligence, but he'd never willingly submit to Mothma's authority unless he had little choice.
Besides, assuming his networks remained mostly intact following Order 66, he was arguably in a far better bargaining position than Mothma to stake a claim on Leadership. Kellian would have the contacts, networks, and the reputation to lead them. Plus a Jedi leading the charge was a lot better than the pacifistic Senator of Chandrila.
''General, we're being hailed on the secure frequency, it's the Driftrunner.'' Kom'rk tells him, catching Kellian's attention.
''Give them the approach vector, I have to quickly change into my armour.'' Kellian instructs.
He wasn't wearing the Mandalorian armour he so favoured, because Tarre Thul wasn't a Mandalorian, he was an Alderanian and former member of the First Organa Regiment before allegedly joining the Bronze Nimbus of Jabiim. Records were easy to fake when you had one of the highest Security clearances in the Galactic Republic on account of his heading the Special Operations Brigade.
Tarre Thul, he'd carry an Alderanian Pistol as his sidearm, but his primary weapon was a Westar-34, as popularised by Jango Fett. The Blaster was a good one, it's ability for rapid fire and sustained firing because of the metal of the weapon having a very high melting point made it good weapon to clear a room, especially since the weapon had been modified to a short to mid range weapon rather than the close-range weapon that Jango favoured. Moreover, the Dallorian alloy had been modified to use a small amount of Beskar in it's Barrel and the firing chamber, making the weapons a little bit heavier, but more heat-resistant.
Either way, the Westar was Tarre Thul's weapon of choice, with the Alderaanian Kueget LN-21 Pistol as his spare. The fact that he used the Force to help him clear a room made his use of them all the more effective, and he didn't even have to hide it either, Tarre Thul was listed as barely Force-Sensitive, on the scale of ability utilised by Jedi Recruiters, who was like two-steps above the lowest level according to Temple Records.
According to the unconfirmed records he'd put in the Republic Database, Tarre Thul went off the grid following an alleged stint with the Bronze Nimbus Commandos of Jabiim, and only periodically resurfaced. He had alleged ties to the Mandalorian House Viszla, and had a background in Echani Martial Arts with a graduates degree of Commerce and accounting at the University of Dubrillion, where he allegedly had a family with the Princess of Dubrillion why she was a student there herself.
None of it had been confirmed of course, but Kellian did quite so enjoy messing with the Databases, especially since Kellian liked leaving a dozen separate backdoors in the system. His hitting fleets had given him a good training regimen for hitting listening posts and relays for bugs.
''We're docked General, you ready?'' Asks Ordo.
''As ready as I'll ever be, underworld speak from now on.'' Kellian says, quietly ordering them to drop the rank and formality so as to maintain the illusion.
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''Your payments, daughter.'' Ordo told Qi'ra, handing her a bag of republic credits.
''Thank you, father.'' Qi'ra replies.
''Lady Qi'ra, I wish for a full dossier on Hondo Ohnaka before I hit Florrum.'' Kellian orders, maintaining his cover as Tarre Thul.
''Yes, Lord Thul.'' Qi'ra says, grounding it out as part of the show.
''Varangians and HK's in the Cargo bay, we've business to complete, Atthos will show you the way.'' Kellian orders.
Once the door is sealed, Kellian nods to Ordo who activates the Ray Shield and seals it behind another door.
''You did good Qi'ra, but your presence her was unnecessary.'' Kellian tells her.
''I wanted to see you.'' Qi'ra tells him.
''I know that, but you still risk too much. HK from now onwards, focus on the Tier-3 education for Qi'ra, as well as Tier-2 Combat training, your authorised for moderate level threat only, Command Override J-117-Black-007.'' Kellian tells the HK Droid.
''Yes, my Lord.'' HK responds dutifully.
''Qi'ra, do you have it?'' Asks Kellian.
''Of course Father, dossiers on Jan Dodonna, Carlist Rieekan, Rom Mohc, Tarsus Valluen Trachta, Orson Callan Krennic, Brendol Hux, Gallius Rax, Enric Pryde, Sagora Autem, Gilad Pellaeon, and Armand Isard.'' Qi'ra says handing him the Data file.
''Very good, I'll see you when I can. HK will provide me regular updates, but do try not to take too many risks.'' Kellian tells her, giving her a hug.
''Yes, father.'' Qi'ra says, melting into the hug.
''I'll see you soon alright?'' Kellian tells her as he parts from the hug.
"Yes, Father.'' Qi'ra replies, unable to hide her sadness.
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(POV Shift: Hondo Ohnaka, Pirate King of Florrum)
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Hondo did so love being rich.
There were few pleasures that could trump the feeling of euphoric delight at pulling off a daring heist or raid, and making a more than tidy profit. But the Credits he'd make from selling the spice to the republic, for Dooku would be tripled from the profits of selling the two Jedi back to them for two more shipments.
The Lightsaber might also fetch a decent profit, but Hondo wouldn't sell it straight away. No, no, no, Hondo knew better than that, Hondo would spread word and fan the flames of interest in a working Lightsaber.
The Lightsaber would sell itself ten times over, especially at any auction! As would the Jedi Hondo supposed, but woefully Hondo couldn't contain two Jedi Knights long enough to put them into an action as Merchandise.
It was unfortunate, but Hondo didn't have the credits or next best thing to buy what he needed to contain two Jedi Knights that long. His expenses were already higher than Hondo would like, always had been and always will be. If Hondo has to pay credits to make credits then the costs would always be in the red for Hondo.
Hondo would -
''Boss! Strange ship just landed, and the man in charge says he represents the joint interests of the Eldar Cartel and the Atthosian Raiders. Wants to talk business.'' One of his men says, after running into Hondo's room.
''Ho Ho? So the Two biggest Cartels have business with little old Hondo Ohnaka? Now this should be interesting.'' Hondo says, scooping up his Kowakiam Monkey Lizard, and placing the dirty rascal on his shoulder. ''Let us see what they want, gather some of the men! These are very dangerous people, not to be taken lightly.'' Hondo orders as he departs to go and see what these Cartels could want with him.
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(POV Shift: Jedi Master Kellian Ordo)
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Kellian and Ordo exited Shieldbreaker - with the HK's and Varangians. The Varangians were the elite warriors of the Eldar Cartel. Using First Order like tactics, these were poor and often orphaned children taken in and given a roof over their heads, a consistent amount of meals, an education, and all that was asked for in return was loyalty. They were trained in a variety of disciplines, as well as taught advanced skills such as slicing, ship maintenance, how to speak multiple languages, infiltration, subterfuge, and various other things, they were moulded into elite warriors.
The HK's were programmed to be the perfect counter should a Varangian ever go rogue, and were in essence the Cartel's secret Police, charged with uncovering corruption and disloyalty, as well as tracking and promptly hunting down a rogue Varangian. Thus the Varangians - men and women who were charged with the protection of Cartel Leadership and performing high-risk and High-Reward missions - had a bit of a rivalry with the HK-50's.
But the Varangians' loyalty was to the Eldar Family, not any one single person, if someone tried to stage a coup, or even if someone killed the Eldar Family and took over, the Varangians would hunt them down to the man, even if they took over the Cartel. The Varangians were trained to fight and kill Jedi…or Sith Lords he supposed, and Kellian had been quite clear that in regards to the Eldar Cartel, Qi'ra was his heir.
Even under his identity of Tarre Thul, that was maintained, ensuring the loyalty of the Varangians until Qi'ra or Cassus Eldar said otherwise.
But Hondo would find that out the hard way when he inevitably tried to bribe his men sooner or later.
''Greetings, I am Hondo Ohanaka, Pirate King of Florrum.'' Hondo greets.
''Tarre Thul, formerly of Alderaan, I am the chairman of the Triumvirate that heads the combined might of the Atthosian Raiders and Eldar Cartel, my associate is Cassus Eldar, a fellow member of the Triumvirate. Aarthen Atthos is presently overseeing matters on Ord Mantell, thus it is left to us to negotiate.'' Says Kellian.
''Negotiate what exactly? Forgive Hondo for asking, but the Cartel's you claim to represent could smash humble old Hondo's empire easily.'' Says Hondo.
''Walk with me Hondo, Cassus have the boys begin unloading.'' Says Kellian as he nods to two HK's to follow them and Hondo motions for two of his own men to follow them. ''Between you and me, I don't trust Atthos as far as I can throw him, I'm more inclined to trusting Eldar. He's a mandalorian, and as you know from your relationship with Jango Fett, they value integrity and honour. Coincidentally, Jedi Master Ordo, the man I have to thank for paving the way of this very triumvirate, has a connection to Jango Fett.'' Says Kellian.
''Jango Fett was his own man, he valued versatility and honour above all else, except for his son of course. Though I must admit I'm curious what this connection is. Hondo would like to know.'' Says Hondo, and the way he speaks about Jango…to be honest, it seems Hondo genuinely considered Jango a friend.
''And what about his sister?'' Kellian asks.
''Only thing he ever said about that was that she was murdered.'' Hondo said, and Kellian could feel that Hondo was getting suspicious and annoyed.
''She's still alive. His son is no more aware of it than Jango was. You see there is one reason I'm the chairman of the Triumvirate. My information Network spans the entire Galaxy. Even Coruscant, those camera's the Chancellor installed? When they go in for maintenance, it's simple enough to gain access to them. I have more than a few senator's in my pocket.'' Kellian tells Hondo.
''You said you had business to discuss, what do you want?'' Hondo asks, after stroking his non-existent beard.
''For the next year, our united empire will be passing through the nearby Mortex System. I have no interest in being subjected to Pirate attacks, so…I'm willing to offer you a sustained payment for leaving us alone while we adjust our shipping routes. We'll provide you with an annual shipment of Tier-2 restricted weapons and special explosives.'' Kellian tells Hondo.
''Weapons are a difficult business, so many markets and so many different preferences. I prefer my payments in spice.'' Says Hondo.
''First shipment in weapons, future shipments of Sansanna and Glitterstim. Average minimum value of a hundred thousand.'' Kellian offers.
''Five Hundred Thousand.'' Hondo barters.
''I came here as a courtesy, two hundred and fifty thousand.'' Says Kellian.
''Four Fifty.'' Hondo tries.
''Three Fifty, and if you won't take that I'm more than happy to have you bombed from orbit, killing you and your valuable prisoner. Oh yes, I'm aware of who you have and I could care less, the separatists are bad for business, I'd rather the Corporations backing them maintained their neutrality, it'd make our Balmorran affairs so much easier.'' Kellian tells Hondo.
''You drive a hard bargain, but Hondo likes you so Hondo agrees.'' Says Hondo.
''I appreciate it, I'll take my leave now.'' Says Kellian.
''Why don't you stick around? Let Hondo treat you to something good?'' Hondo offers.
''Would that I could Hondo, but if I don't make it back home in a few hours the wife will crash my accounts, and I think you know what that will mean for my business.'' Kellian says.
''So find another wife.'' One of Hondo's men says, but Hondo lends him a glare for his words.
''Ain't that easy, I do that and I get a deathmark on my own homeworld, I don't like my family that much but I do quite so enjoy my Homeworld, a deathmark would make visiting it…difficult.'' Kellian says.
''Now Hondo remembers where he knows your name from! You're from an Alderaanian Great House!'' Hondo says jovially.
''Yes, House Thul was originally a merchant House who rose to nobility through a mixture of murder, bribery, and blackmail. We were exiled, we returned, a civil war occurred, and then we secured our place on Alderaan. My bride belongs to House Rist, hence me running the risk of a deathmark if I don't placate her when I upset her.'' Says Kellian, keeping to the story of Tarre Thul.
''House Rist is famed for their Assassins, Hondo Ohnaka understands your caution.'' Hondo says.
''Appreciate it…I can't stay, but I can offer you the next best thing. We've got a big auction coming up, consider yourself invited. Auction lasts about a week, so you're undoubtedly going to enjoy yourself and have more than one opportunity to profit.'' Says Kellian.
''Then, I'll see you there my friend. Hondo never misses an opportunity to profit, and Hondo does so enjoy making money.'' Hondo says.
''See you around Hondo.'' Kellian says as he departs.
''You can count on it my friend.'' Hondo says, before turning to his man and hitting him upside the head. ''Idiot, you should know better than to interfere in Hondo's negotiations.'' Kellian hears Hondo say as he heads back to Shieldbreaker.
--------------------------------
Kellian stood in the Armory of Shieldbreaker, after leaving Hondo, Kellian and his companions had broken atmo and left the range of the Pirates sensors, but they were still in system. He was in communications with Kenobi and Skywalker.
''You're absolutely certain you felt his presence?'' Obi-Wan asks him.
''I can't say for sure whether or not he's actually there, but that feeling…it's the same feeling I got through the Force. when Dooku was teaching me Lightsaber Combat. The Crystal might be different, but the feeling is the same.'' Kellian tells them.
''That confirms the Lightsaber at least is Dooku's, but not whether or not he's there.'' Says Kenobi.
''I slipped onto Florrum thanks to the new chairman of Atthos and Eldar's super cartel in case you were wondering.'' Kellian says just as Anakin goes to open his mouth.
''That was your question, wasn't it?'' Obi-Wan asks Anakin with some amusement.
''Are you still on Florrum?'' Anakin asks, ignoring both Kellian's and Obi-Wan's amused smirks.
''No, I'm on the nearby moon. But I can get back there quickly enough. You want me to hide in the shadows?'' Asks Kellian.
''It would be nice to have you watching our backs in case these pirates try anything.'' Obi-wan admits.
''Works for me, I'll slip back onto Florrum, might take me a while though, I'll have to enter atmo far side and cover the rest of the distance by speeder before heading in on foot.'' Says Kellian.
''Long as you don't show up too late.'' Anakin says.
''Says the Jedi who let Dooku escape in the first place.'' Kellian said and watched Anakin try to respond only for Kellian to cut the Holo.
''Activate the Cloaking device, we're headed back to Florrum, I best get ready.'' Kellian says into his comms to Kom'rk, as he removes all armour beyond a basic combat suit and small pieces of armour for vital areas.
''This should be fun…'' Kellian says quietly.
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(POV Shift: Darth Tyrannus / Count Dooku, Chief of State for the Confederacy of Independent Systems)
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How shameful.
Shameful enough to be captured by pirates, worse to be disarmed before capture by the very same pirates without his knowledge, until he reached for his Lightsaber.
''Been a while master.'' Snapping his eyes open, Dooku is surprised to see Kellian Ordo.
''Kellian.'' Dooku says, his tone even.
''I'll let Anakin do the gloating and the smug jokes, and give you my honest opinion. I'm disappointed. I'm disappointed that you left, that you didn't say goodbye, but I'm more disappointed that you were so easily disarmed by a pirate.'' Says Kellian, and Dooku can admit he appreciates the easiness in which Kellian talks to him, putting on his facade does wear on him.
''You of all people know that no one is infallible to pride and arrogance, least of all me.'' Dooku replied.
''Maybe so, but I'm still disappointed. I could end it here you know, all of it, but I won't. I don't kill unarmed people if there's another option, and I won't kill you without allowing you the dignity of defending yourself first. You might be a Sith Lord, but your still the closest thing I have to a father as fucked up as that sounds.'' Says Kellian, and Dooku smothers the feelings that those words give him.
''I always did think of you as like a son, perhaps when this war is over, we can enjoy each other's company again.'' Dooku says, despite that being a vain and false hope. The Grand Plan calls for the subjugation or total annihilation of the Jedi Order, and Kellian is too powerful in the Force to be left alive, if he did survive by joining them, Dooku knows that Kellian would either be his replacement or his Apprentice, and Lord Sidious was too Powerful for even Kellian to hope to match, so that meant that if both Dooku and Lord Sidious survived, Dooku would either have to kill Kellian or be killed by Kellian.
''I wish it were that easy, Master. But you know just as well as I, that such a thing like that is not so easy a thing to happen. We're on a collision course, our two worlds. If we capture you, I'll argue for leniency, but I think you know the outcome.'' Says Kellian.
''I appreciate that, but I'm not as helpless as that to require such aid. In the event of a trial, I am more than capable of defending and representing myself.'' Says Dooku.
''You know what they will ask of me, what they will expect me to do if it comes to that? I will have to sever your connection to the Force.'' Says Kellian.
''That is not an unfixable situation, as you well know.'' Dooku says.
''But it would still mean your death, sundering someone's connection to the Force is as unpleasant for the user as it is for the victim.'' Says Kellian.
''I'm aware.'' Dooku replies.
''I wish you good fortune in the battles to come, Master. But this is goodbye for now.'' Says Kellian as he leaves from the duct above and somehow vanishes from Dooku's ability to sense him through the Force.
''Interesting.'' Dooku notes as he feels Skywalker and Kenobi enter the range of his Force Sense.
--------------------------------
(POV Shift: Jedi Master Kellian Ordo)
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Kellian watched on as Kenobi and Skywalker were captured, he didn't intervene because why would he? He believed in only helping people out of their own messes if their lives were in danger, a lesson he picked up from his old Master early into his apprenticeship after being taken to Haruun Kal for a month of training after his first mission.
That being said he wouldn't totally be passive here, as he did have standards and leaving Anakin and Obi on their own wasn't one of them, which is why the explosives he delivered primed and waiting for an activation signal from Kellian. He'd blow them up as soon as Hondo tried torturing Anakin and Obi-Wan.
Suddenly the lights went out, and the sounds of music cut, indicating that Jar Jar had done his job, meaning that Kellian was behind schedule, so using his wrist comms, Kellian changed his activation to a timer and then hit his signal as his explosives responded to it and he hightailed it towards Obi-Wan and Anakin's soon-to-be location.
--------------------------------
Kellian watched as Obi-wan and Anakin led a captive Hondo out the doors.
''What chance do you really have Jedi? Now let me go and I might let you live.'' Hondo threatens/bargains.
''Approach us and he dies.'' Anakin warns, just as the tanks approach.
''Looks like your forces were destroyed Jedi.'' Hondo says, and Kellian takes that as his que, because how us will he make an entrance, he instantly accelerates the detonation sequence to three seconds, and in those three seconds, hurls both of his Lightsabers and using the Force targets the blasters of the Pirates, slicing each weapon in two with Precision Telekinesis.
''Ani! Obi!'' Jar Jar says just as the explosions hit. ''Thatsa wasn't meesa!'' Jar Jar says.
''It was me!'' Kellian says, appearing. ''Sorry I'm late Anakin, was delayed blowing up their armory, and confirming a couple things. By the by Hondo, Jedi Master Kellian Ordo, head of the Republic's Special Operations Brigade. You really shouldn't have trusted your lieutenant, he betrayed you, killed a Republic Senator and tried to take the ransom for himself.'' Says Kellian.
''That traitor! When I get my hands on hi-'' Hondo says
''You'll have to settle for his body, Dooku broke his windpipe.''
''Yousa Keellian Orda? Padme wisha to see ya!'' Jar Jar says, catching Kellian's attention and he turns to Anakin with a raised eyebrow.
''I was planning to tell you after.'' Anakin says.
''Anyways, Weasa arriva with da spices.'' Says Jar Jar.
''You can take the spice back to Courscant representative Binks, Dooku's escaping in that Flarestar Attack-Shuttle.
''So what now Jedi? You going to arrest me?'' Asks Hondo with more than one sigh.
''Don't really see the point to be honest, I say we let him go. This isn't a free pass though Hondo, we let you go and forget this ever happened, but myself, Anakin, and Obi-Wan have a blank Credit Stick we can use on you at any time. We call on you, and you don't show up, I'll have the fleet bomb you from orbit and send strike teams down to mop up the remains.'' Says Kellian.
''Hondo doesn't like that idea, but Hondo has little choice. Very well, stand down boys. Not that you idiots could do anything with your weapons in two.'' Hondo laments.
''Now that that's settled, I'll see you back on Coruscant, Anakin, I expect you to treat me to lunch.'' Says Kellian as he takes his leave.
If Padme wanted him, then it was a good bet Anakin knew why she did, and it was best not to leave it alone for later, it was better to get ahead of whatever the trouble magnets had prepared for him as opposed to the possible alternatives.
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