With the castration of the CSA’s ISD, the tide of the battle turned. The CSA fleet, after realizing it had taken some severe damage, turned tail and fled. A lone shuttle sped down to the VC fleet, broadcasting a signal. The Admiralty was coming.



“Congratulations Captain Kallstrom, for a battle well fought. I shall make sure that you and your excellent crew are rewarded for it.” Admiral Katta extended his hand, gripping Captain Kallstrom’s in a firm shake.

“Sir, the credit must go to you… if you had not brought reinforcements, we would have been out numbered, and outgunned.”

“Nonsense! You had it all under control good sir. All I did was bring a little distraction in for you to reassemble from the micro jump tactic. No, don’t say a thing.”
Captain Kallstrom closed his mouth, a slightly pleased look crossing his face. He saluted, and turned on his heel. With a quick march he brought Admiral Katta and his aids to the bridge of his command ship.

“Have you attempted to contact R’alla captain?” Kallstrom shook his head in reply. “We thought it better to wait a while, so as to collect the escape pods, and to better let the planet analyze the helplessness of their situation.”
“A most excellent idea Kallstrom, very good indeed. But I believe we have waited long enough, do you not?” Kas paused slightly, before continuing. “Your leave to order your men?” Kallstrom’s mouth opened, and he shut it quickly. “Yes, of course.”

“Com, open a channel to the planet. I want a full spectrum broadcast, put all the power the transmitters can take. I want to overpower, hack, or disable every broadcast other than ours on the planet.” The communications officer nodded, and proceeded to order his men to do as the Admiral had ordered. In just a few short minutes, he announced the chanel was open.

“Citizens of R’alla, this is Admiral Katta of the Vinda Corporation speaking. I am sure that the majority of you do not understand, nor care to understand, the reason for this war. I will not bore you with politics, or insult your intelligence with lies.
Vinda Corp is seeking vengeance for a wrong committed by the Corporate Sector Authority. That is all. We seek only to neutralize the CSA forces here on your beautiful planet, and will not harm anyone who does not involve themselves in the struggle.
If you will transmit the cords of all CSA outposts on your planet to us, the process will go much smoother. In return, we will leave your planet in peace, and will attempt to rectify the destruction to your planets trade and tourism trade.
Once again, we only want members of the CSA, and not you, your goods, your women, or your money.
Citizens, please, urge your leaders to comply with our requests. You have one standard hour. Katta, out.”

Roonadan

Unknown Governmental Facility

The diplomat had been through so much already, he was sure that he would be ready for whatever came next. However, that was not the case, anymore.

Never let them see you sweat...

Sound advice he had been given long ago, he applied it to the situation at hand. Aramaya might have broken him once, but he would not do so a second time.

Yana, her breath had been his warning. He mentally and physically prepared himself.

So it was at the moment the shadowy figure came into complete view for all to see, did not a twitch of a movement cross the diplomat's face.

Miles inner being did cartwheels.

A bad dream, that's all this is. Just a really bad dream...

He watched in utter silence as the change took place, what change did come was much more difficult to endure than the reflection of himself.

He'd never seen anything like it before, and he never hoped he would again.

What had Kalatan said??

"...you see Miles.... there can only be one of you..."

Only one...and there would only be one, and it would be him. He would see to it that he got home...perhaps not unharmed, but he would still get home.

The amphistaff struck him hard across the face and he could not help but roll back in response.

What was that cascading down the left side of his cheek??? Blood...

On impulse Miles' left hand reached up to where the amphistaff had made contact, blood finding its place onto his fingertips.

He laughed, concentrating on Aramaya's words instead of the cut that ran across his cheek.

"Sounds to me as if someone has too much time to kill..."

He removed his hand away from his face, there was nothing he could do about the cut anyway. His eyes met Aramaya's, he grinned a bit.

"I think if you really wanted to kill me, Mr. Aramaya, you would have done so by now. Do you really think that your effort here today will change things, Kalatan?? I don't.

...I think you're just wasting your time, but that's alright; I've discovered that you seem to waste your time quite often, no loss there...."

Caprician Transport
Enroute to Jak'Tol



Leia had never heard of Jak'Tol before. Never seen it, never been there. Yet here she sat amid a mass of tired, worn and weary Providence soldiers in a medium sized transport ship clutching a heavy blaster rifle, her lightsaber clipped to her belt at her side. She was about to risk life and limb (in her case, whatever limbs she had left that still worked) for a people and a planet that she had never known existed until a few months ago, at a place completely alien to her. Should she die, she figured that those she cared for back on the planets that she called "home" would never even know of her demise, or of the final, desperate battle which caused it.

Of course, by now none of this was new to her.

She looked around the dim interior of the transport, studying the grim faces of the remaining soldiers of the Providence army that had sworn their allegience to her. Some were sleeping, some merely stared into nothingness. Barely anyone said a word to another. There was no fear, no anticipation as there had been on the trip to Capricia. There was only grim acceptance of the situation and their duties, perhaps their destinies. Their predicament was not totally unlike hers; differing only in a few minute, meaningless details.

From time to time the transport shuddered as it was slammed by some unseen force outside. Perhaps the Vong, perhaps just atmospheric turbulence. The continuous jostling of both the ship and the against the two soldiers that Leia was pressed up against on either side made her squirm uncomfortably, and bide the time until they landed. Not of course, that any more pleasant a fate awaited her there...

Leia felt the transport decelerating, and felt it begin to descend in a straight vertical line. Moments later, the transport landed with a rather hard bump (apparently all of the good pilots were either already dead having been sent into the action first or were piloting what fighters were left, not lumbering transports). One of the transport pilots stuck his head through the doorway connecting the cockpit to the cargo area of the transport and announced that they had arrived at their destination. Leia noted his nervous composure, he was green.


So they had arrived at Jak'Tol. Leia wearily cradled her rifle in her good arm and stood up. The majority of the other soldiers remained seated for the moment, deciding that there was no reason to waste the energy to stand or even flinch until their leaders had something for them to do.

The main doors opened and what outside light there was flooded into the transport. Leia cautiously stepped out into the open air, sensing Matthias moving towards her. Outside, preparations for the coming battle were in full swing.

"And so the final stand has begun...?" she said softly, to nobody in particular.

Jak'Tol - Construction Yard



Omar picked his way through the seemingly endless crowd of people that exited the Narcissus, some wounded, some ready to fight. As he ducked to narrowly avoid a stray rifle butt, he couldn't help but wonder how they had all manged to fit inside it in the first place, not to mention how it had actually flown with all the excess weight.

Gradually he made his way to Vinda's quarters, and waited patiently for the CEO to answer the door-chime, and as the door slid aside, he sighed heavily and stepped in.

"...everything is underway, our troops have taken up position alongside the Caprician ranks, and our fighters have joined their airforce...."

A somewhat subdued Vinda , nodded back an acknowledgement. Sensing this, Omar continued...

"...this looks like their last stand..."

(and Vinda interjected...)

"..it might well be ours..."

As he spoke, Vinda turned to face Omar, his face looked sullen, but even moreso than usual. Despite looking in his direction, his eyes seemed distant, as if looking through the Captain rather than at him...

"...the men have their evacuation orders, yes?..."

Omar nodded slowly, and ventured a reply...

"...yes....er... is everything alright, sir?..."

Vinda , glanced down at his hand , then sighed...

"...I just got word, you know the boy they found?..."

Omar stood silent expecting the worst as Vinda continued...

"...he didn't make it..."

"...you mean Jacob?, ....I'm sorry to hear that sir..."

"...yes...so was I ..."

Suddenly a heavy veil of awkward silence seemed to drape over the two men as their thoughts drfited to those of the young boy...

Nodding slowly, Omar decided to leave , and was about to turn to do so , when Vinda broke the silence...

"...do you have any children Omar?..."

A little wary of the question, he responded...

"...yes I have a son , Max, and a daughter, Emily...."

As Vinda listened to the Captain, a smile broke the lines across his face and he turned to gaze out of the plexi-glas window. Omar, watched the man infront of him with curiousity, before throwing the same query towards him...

"...and you?..."

Vinda's smile seemed to fade a little , and he replied, not averting his focus from the buzz of activity going on outside...

"...no..."

His voice trailed off...

"...there might have been a time..."

Without realising , his gaze dropped to his hand again, in which he held his chrome lighter. Observing this, Omar had always wondered why a man like Vinda, who obviously held great wealth , would be so attached to such a tired, and old looking thing.

"..that lighter....you seem to value it greatly..."

Vinda, followed Omar's focus , and smiled faintly...

"...it was a gift from someone ....someone very special to me.."

Omar tilted his head to one side as he listened intently, and allowed a wry smile to form...

"...what was her name..."

Exhaling deeply, Vinda spoke, seeming to take great relish in prouncing her name...

"...Natalya.... Natalya Severina...now she, she was beautiful"

Noting that the CEO seemed to be talking in a past tense, Omar ventured further...

"...what happened?..."

Pausing a moment as if to gather his thoughts Vinda , continued slowly...

"...she was murdered ..."

As Omar's face dropped slightly, Vinda fixed his eyes upon him, realising he had to explain more...

"...I first met Natalya on Etti IV, we were introduced, and it was immediate, the moment I looked into her eyes I knew , we both knew...I have never had such an intense feeling about anyone, ever..."

Another faint smile grew across his face as the memories came flooding back...

"...We started seeing each other almost straight away, she would often come to Bonadan , and I would take her out show her around....it was electric....there was only one problem..."

(his voice dropped slightly)

"...I wasn't the only one interested in her..."

Nodding cautiously, Omar couldn't help but raise an eyebrow...

"...A man, once a very close friend of mine, seemed jealous of everything I acquired , including Natalya. He conspired against us and before we could do anything, he abducted her...I spent a year looking for her... "

He exhaled deeply as he recalled the events...

"...we couldn't find a trace of her, in fact we all thought she was dead, I was about to give up all hope of ever seeing her again...until, well, until two CSA undercover operatives contacted me. they claimed they knew where she was and could bring her back safely .... for a price..."

Omar's eyes narrowed as he listened...

"...in return for what?.."

"...Asylum. They wanted sanctuary , they wanted to defect, but to do so would amount to treason, which meant death. Really , it was a proposition that suited us all, and I agreed, in return they would be given a new identity , and come to work for Vinda-Corp...."

Vinda looked down at the lighter he held in front of him...

"...The day I became Governer of Bonadan, was the day I lost her. Everything started so well, they had managed to smuggle her and themselves out under the guise of being refugees, and had made it to the spaceport, Bonadan South-east II.
I had been scheduled to meet Bonadan's officials for a trade meeting, when I had gotten word they had arrived early, Wasting no time , I stalled the meeting and went to greet them.

Natalya still looked stunning, I can't describe what it was like to see her again, and I finally got to meet the two that had made it possible...
they were husband and wife, both had been working for the CSA for quite some time as I understand it....
...as the results of the Governorship came in , I became swept up in the moment, it was something I had worked for my entire life.... I arranged to meet them on my private shuttle....but that never happened... the shuttle exploded while still in dock at the spaceport...

(his voice lowered...)

"...all three were onboard..."

As Vinda continued talking , his eyes seemed to become distant once more...

"...the bomb had been meant for me...

...Natalya and the two agents died instantly in the blast..."

His voice trailed off once more....

"...I never even got to find out what their names were..."

There was a another moment of silence as the two men reflected upon what had just been said...

"...after an investigation , we found out after it had been planted by the CSA...they didn't want me gaining power...though it was covered up, I believe they called it a "freak Accident"

Omar's confusion was still evident...

"...who was the man?...."

Vinda's eyes narrowed, his anger within them still clearly visible...

"...Kalatan Aramaya, he happened to be on the Direx-board of the CSA at the time..."

Raising an eyebrow once more, Omar shook his head... suddenly the Vinda-Corp figurehead, seemed a lot less enigmatic , and a lot more...
...(he searched for the right word)....

...human...

"...I guess this explains a great many things..."

Vinda turned to pick up his suit jacket...

"...perhaps..."

Placing a hand upon Omar's shoulder, Vinda raised his head and looked the Captain dead in the eye...

"...I promise you Omar, by the black bones of Palpatine, you shall see your children again...."

A wry smile toyed at the edges of his mouth, and an air of defiance seemed to eminate from the man standing before Omar....

"...these people are fighting for their homes, their children, their lives, and their future.... I'll be damned if I'm going to let these aliens take everything away from them....

....let us show them we will not stand idly by and let them...."

As Vinda exited the shuttle, flanked by Omar, both men could not help but feel proud at the display of the troops gathered, ready for battle. As Vinda strode forward , a loud cheering began as the men saw their leader stand beside them. Vinda felt his heart race , surprised, and a little taken aback at their reaction, and felt his resolve strengthened.

Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved a Cigarra..... his last...

Savouring the smell of it , he slowly put it to his mouth , and bit down upon the end of it...

As the wind picked up , the shouts, screams, and explosions of the frontline could be heard, and along with it the scent of expectation...

The air seemed so thick , you could almost touch it...

A sudden gust of wind arose , and with it came the chanting of the Yuuzhan Vong warriors....

Narrowing his eyes, he gripped his lighter tightly as the chanting became louder.

Office of the Planetary Governor


“But how do we know that this isn’t some CSA trick to test our loyalty? They haven’t gone this far, but… still…” The rest of the people nodded their heads in assent, acknowledging the possibility of a trick.

R’alla’s planetary Governor stood, and tapped his gavel. “Please, please” His hands raised, and then lowered. “It has been forty minutes since we got the transmission for the Vinda Corporation. I like to be prompt, if a little on the early side.” He cleared his throat, continuing. “The possibility of a trick is acknowledged, as is that of the Vinda Corporation lying, as well as the threat of the CSA taking our planet back. So far I have some to the conclusion that we have no choice in the matter.
The CSA forces on this planet have begun barricading themselves tightly, and will not give up without a fight. As I see it, we can stand by and allow the Vinda Corporation to take them by force, and perhaps hurting our citizens in the process, or we can help them and get this distasteful job done.
I have followed the history of the Vinda Corporation, and as of yet they still have to abandon a planet, which they have come to possess. They treat their people with respect, and two of us will get to be direct representatives to Mr Vinda himself. It’s a better deal than the CSA was giving us.
I propose that I, and one other, go speak to this Admiral Katta immediately. We can get some extra time to prepare for either helping the Vinda Corporation, or the CSA. And in the mean time additional information will be gained on what protection we will get.”

At this the entire council nodded their heads, and several-murmured assent. Five minutes before the hour was ended a message was sent to Admiral Katta.

”Dear sir, I would wish to speak with you concerning our planet, the CSA forces, and our state of defensive capabilities.”

An airwave soon carried the reply.

“Am eagerly awaiting your arrival.”

Bonadan

Kyoto Station


As he stepped down the landing gantry with Natalya close behind, Kaneda glanced up to see Richter waiting for him, Looking stern as ever.

"...Mr Soom, glad to see you made it back in one piece...I hope your journey was..."

Richter's eyes darted to the figure behind him...

"...constructive.."

Sensing that Richter wasn't being wholly sincere, Kaneda simply smiled as the Vinda-Corp executive continued...

"...because we are in a middle of war , and we can't have people jumping out of it just when it suits them, unless of course there is good reason..."

Richter was suspicious of intelligence operatives, this was a well known fact. Though another more well known fact was he had a habit of projecting his angst when under pressure, which he indeed was. Kaneda didn't take it personally.

"..you recieved my data from Orron III?..."

Richter shifted visibly as Kaneda put his question to him, as if only just realising he'd been out of line...

"..uh..yes...the information you gathered has been priceless, our retaliation has been swift.."

Exhaling deeply, he smiled faintly...

"... I'm pleased to see you back safely.."

His eyes glided back to the woman who was now standing beside Kaneda, and tilted his head expectantly, as if to ask the obvious...

"...My name is Natalya, Natalya Vinda..."

(she pre-empted)

As Richter took her hand , it seemed her words took a moment to register....and when they did , a distinct look of confusion enveloped his face...His eyes darted back to Kaneda who at this point was struggling to smother a smile at Richters rather dazed expression.

"...well, if you don't mind I'm going to have the medics at C-Level check up on her, Ms Vinda here has been through a lot..."

With that , Kaneda gestured elaborately for Natalya to take his arm, and as she obliged , he lead her out from the Hanger , leaving a frowning Richter behind.

Urdur System

Onboard The Lucent



Commodore Trevalak, stood patiently studying the scene before him , all fighter units and attack groups had been deployed , and as they neared the planet , no sign of any resistence was made apparent...

....curious...

Trevalak was deeply suspicious, and for a moment felt his fears were realised as the tracking officer , popped up from his panel and blurted out

"...Sir I am picking up ships farside of the planet..."

The Commodore raising an eyebrow, replied calmly...

"..what are they?..."

" Ten CSA Enforcer-class cruisers!, co-ordinates 4790 7265 Intercept vector 2163.."

The Commodore's brow furrowed as he realised what it seemed like he was up against...

...this doesn't fit...our intelligence reports Urdur was an oupost, barely within the borders of CSA space...why would they have such a naval presence..

His thoughts were interrupted by the comms officer....

"...Sir their flagship is hailing us!..."

With a single , sharp nod the Commodore acknowledged the officer, and took a seat as the holo-feed flickered into life.

The blue holographic image of a bothan stood before him. Once more the Commodore nodded in greeting before speaking...

"...My name is Commodore Trevalak of the Vinda-Corporation Vessel, The lucent, I am sure you know why we are here..."

The figure bowed a little without taking his eyes off Trevalak..

"...Yes...Commodore, which is precisely the reason why I am, I am Vice-Admiral Van Rueben of the CSA Protectorate..."

The Commodore's eyes widened at the mention of the Bothan's title and rank...

"...I suggest a meeting...and to prove my intentions are sincere, I am asking permission to come aboard to meet you face to face...and at the risk of sounding demanding, I ask you to hold off on your attack"

The Commodore's eyes narrowed as he heard the Vice-Admiral's words, and paused for a moment to consider the proposition...

"...very well...I shall do as you ask. Permission granted, send a personal shuttle, our fighters shall scan and escort you.."

As the figure bowed once more, the visage was cut abruptly, leaving Trevalak to consider what was about to happen.

"..it could be a trick sir, a ploy....these Bothans aren't to be trusted...they're tricksy..."

The Commodore turned to face his lieutenant , and nodded slowly...

"...which is why we shall keep a very close eye on him...in the meantime, break-off the attack, but I want everyone on standby..."

Trevalak narrowed his eyes at the BAC display in front of him depicting the Vice-Admiral's shuttle moving towards them...and his voice lowered...

"...if this Vice-Admiral so much as breathes in a way I find suspicious he'll watch his flagship burn first from this very bridge..."

Roonadan

Unknown Governmenatal facility

The Vong warrior's mocking face changed quickly as he heard Miles laugh in front of him, the anger in his face clearly visible...

"I think if you really wanted to kill me, Mr. Aramaya, you would have done so by now. Do you really think that your effort here today will change things, Kalatan?? I don't.

...I think you're just wasting your time, but that's alright; I've discovered that you seem to waste your time quite often, no loss there...."

Kalatan's eyes narrowed in annoyance as Miles spoke, and as he replied he glanced over to the Vong standing over the diplomat...

"...on the contary Mr Johnson, it is you who have wasted your time, you could have stood beside me, but you made your decision...

..the wrong one"

He nodded back towards the Yuuzhan Vong warrior, who had clearly had his nose put out of joint at Miles's reaction, if he indeed, had a nose,( hard to tell with the Vong)...

"..you dare to laugh at me infidel!..."

The Vong swung his Amphistaff downwards from above his head towards Miles with distinct venom, the diplomat would have to move quickly to avoid it...

He was no longer playing...

From beside Aramaya's desk Yana watched helplessly , her eyes darting to Kalatan, Miles and the alien...

Third Advance



Tslah Vhess watched with growing anticipation as his warriors and slaves moved as one solid force across the infidel’s world. Their mighty warships were closing on the last position of the Caprician military forces in space. The two battles that were to come would be sung about in the worldship for years to come.

Chazrach columns had intercepted many scattered remnants all attempting to make it to their illusion of freedom that this Jak’Tol seemed to cast.

The War Coordinator’s flayed lips parted in silent mirth as he walked in the wake of his forces, over the bodies of the slain.

All glorious.

The mighty creatures who had been growing within the bowels of the Guardian ships had been released, their thundering march along side the chanting Yuuzhan Vong created an odd sort of music upon Capricia.

The last song this wretched planet would ever hear. Fitting it is one honoring Yun-Yammka.


The constant fighting had immensely depleted Vhess’ standing forces.

On one hand, Tslah was grateful for Tallien’s demise as his incompetence in leading the military hindered his efforts. On the other hand, Tallien knew the mind of these pathetic creatures whose land he invaded. Whose land he would destroy.

Five hundred thousand strong, the flatlands of Jak’Tol proved no hindrance to the Yuuzhan Vong. Hundred of Corralskippers moved overhead scouting ahead at both the ground as well as the sky.

The unleashing of the Caprician fighters proved more damaging than Tslah first predicted.

But does not a ghackrell beetle become vicious when cornered? These Capricians are no different. They are cornered. They are beaten and yet they still refuse to submit to the gods. They still refuse to make the final, brave sacrifice.

Tslah briefly wondered about the rest of the galaxy. Would the inhabitants prove to be this hardheaded in refusing to submit to Doctrine?

In the haze, the outline of the massive Construction Yard loomed in the far distance.

The War Coordinator’s eyes narrowed as the prize was in sight. His teeth clenched down on a piece of skinned lip that moved as he breathed.

Blood began to flow and he shuddered as the sensitive nerve ending sparked shots of pain that traveled up and down his body.

He smiled.

Bring the hardheaded infidels. The Yuuzhan Vong shall build on their bones a new home. And carve out of their false teachings a kernel of truth.

The truth about Doctrine.


That there was nothing the Yuuzhan Vong could not touch.

There was nothing that could be denied the Gods.






Caprician Armoured Regiment – Command Tyscio Korban


The battered remains of the Coastal Defense Forces had rallied and crossed large stretches of hostile territory. The resulting losses of civilian as well as military personnel set hard in Tyscio’s eyes.

The Construction yard proved a welcome distraction.

Never before had he seen so many grungy, dirty, yet resolute soldiers. The civilian women had made themselves at home inside the underground portions of the yard as they erected makeshift medical wards for those injured in fight as well as those dying of the Leveller.

Others went through piles of weapons as they reinforced their construction, cleaned what they could and reissued them to anyone in need.

There were pitifully few survivors from the Highlands and those that did make it to Jak’Tol bore tales of such horror that Tyscio felt the level of mania driving the people reach a new cresendo.

It lasted until Leantre Vio, Regent of the Capricians, walked among them listening to their fears and dispensing both comfort and advice.

A part of Tyscio’s mind turned critical at the amount of time Leantre was spending with the people as opposed to other more practical measures.

Like defense preparations!

But then, perception prevailed and Tyscio noted Leantre’s path which took him to most of the outside critical junctions. Places of concern for the defenders.

Leantre built this yard. As he did most of the defenses of Capricia. He knew what they could do and what they couldn’t.

If this fight is to be won, it won’t be with defenses. It will come from the people. It will be Caprician flesh against alien armor.

Korban shuddered at that thought and walked off.

The Caprician Military structure had changed dramatically during the attack and Leantre saw to it that those changes remained in effect. His reasoning being, “it’s worked this long. Why not keep it?”

And so, those that found themselves leaders within certain groups that made their way to Jak’Tol were allowed to remain leaders of those groups. In fact, Leantre and his forces went out of their way to keep those groups intact, preferring not to disperse them within the general population.

A civilian sometimes was found leading a group of Clans (both military and political officers). A leadership born out of necessity and one, Leantre realized, that would change the social structure of Capricia forever.

As Tyscio found out that he was to continue to lead this “Armoured Corps” (with pitifully few armour) he and his men/women were assigned a defense position.

To the left of the rather large Vinda Corp position.

The soldiers of his group had followed his lead in giving up portions of his armor so they could be distributed among those civilians who had never fought before.

While he felt it was the right thing to do, he also felt slightly naked as he felt the wind against his chest through his shirt.

It was at this point that he noticed Leia, Mathias and the rest of the motley forces from the Judicator taking up position to the right of the Vinda Corp.

His eyes registered both surprise and joy at seeing them alive, though a little worse for wear.

Not that you look any different!

A tired grin played across Tyscio’s lips.

He was too far away to be heard but was going to try to shout something to them when a wailing sound broke loose of the wind and carried into the Caprician camp.

Before Tyscio turned to glance it’s way, he noticed a puff of smoke from a distant figure. Who smokes Cigarras at a time like this?

I could use one myself…

And in the distance, as his eyes moved across the horizon, tiny dark spots began to appear. Like mirages against the flowing grass, the wailing was going to get louder.




The construction yard’s blast doors began to lower (though they did not close). The massive doors could have released a fleet of fighters if the yard had contained them. They were the “gates” into the heart of Jak’Tol, since the yard was mostly underground.

Which, judging from what was on the surface, meant that the underground facility was truly an impressive structure.


A massive AT-AT design machine started to move, lowering it’s guns at the approaching spots.


Tyscio felt a rush of adreneline. It was going to happen.


And that was when a figure in royal green clothing appeared before him, as if suddenly coming out of a passing crowd straight towards him. With so many people frantically moving to get into position, they paid the newcomer no heed. But Tsycio’s mind suddenly stopped..


It began to hurt as he found the figure before him familiar.


“You would pick this spot to die in…” grumbled the figure, heedless of Tyscio’s speechless demeanor.

Then, in a moment of either keep perception or simple observation, the figure turned to face what was behind him.. the Vinda banners and the soldiers from the Judicator among the masses.

The figure’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I’ve met the Jedi… Nice on the eyes but a relic of some dead aristocracy that no one seems to give a damn about.”

The figure turned back, and smiled. “One would think with what she’s experienced here, she’d be a little less haughty..”


Tyscio’s eyes widened, paying no attention to the words, as recollection and memories hit home.


“Hespante.” He whispered.


The figure bowed. “You were expecting maybe Recon Klain?”







Mathias…


Watched as his men fitted their armor and rechecked their weapons. “Make sure you have something sharp for hand to hand combat, should it come to that!” His voice bellowed.


The tiny dots on the horizon seemed to go on forever the more his eyes scanned to the left or right.


Glancing at his men and women, he tallied who wasn’t there. Who should have been there and he felt anger begin to burn within.


“Damned sumbitches”, he muttered.




Scipio Arien



The entry into Caprician space was not as easy as it first looked. Muddling through the wreckage of the Caprician Fleet was proving ..difficult. Especially with the hordes of Corralskippers that seemed to zero in on their position.

“Where the frell is the Fleet!!??” Adalric shouted at Scipio as he rattled off maneuvers to protect the larger guns of the Blaze of Glory. Between commands, “Don’t tell me we came all the way back here to find that your bloody government lost all their ships!! I’ll leave their candy-asses here in a heartbeat if they are all dead!!”


On one level Scipio understood Adalric’s frustration. Having been through several battles already, his ship was living on borrowed time; that time being bought with blood and held together with spit, some electrical tape and fast thinking techs. He was hoping to find large doses of support for his already hurt ship. Instead, he found wreckage.


One another level, the sheer selfish attitude of the insufferable man was beginning to take it’s toll. On the scanners was the visual of her planet… dark, spotted with fires and scared from orbital bombardments. Cloaked in the wreckage of those that gave their lives to protect it… of those who seem to have failed.

“Sensor’s picking up some fleet activity close to the planet. We are still too far out but it looks like some Victory SD’s.. Vinda signature.. I think.. ..”

“Vinda?” Adalric seemed both surprised, though covering it over with measured amusement.

“What about Caprician forces?” the Imperial Syndicate officer asked.

“Scanning… I don’t see… wait! Enemy vessels are entering range!”


“Where??!!” Adalric at once shouted, turning to the BAC design. “Core, close off critical areas.”


"Core Compliance Confirmed"


“Where?” Adalric asked again, rather impatiently.

“Projections show from … from… This can’t be right! Sir, the projections show from the planet’s surface!”


Cronus let out a slight chuckle of relief. “At least they aren’t approaching from the outside.”


Scipio registered surprise at his comment. Upon seeing it, he elaborated. “If they were, we would have been flanked and torn to bits. They aren’t. That makes us a wildcard in whatever game they are playing with the Vinda Corp people and whatever is left of the Capricians. If anything is left.”


“And their fighters?”

“Irritants.” Adalric said.

The Blaze of Glory shook slightly.


“Right..” Scipio replied under her breath.

Caprician Space

Onboard the Blaze of Glory




“Sensor’s picking up some fleet activity close to the planet. We are still too far out but it looks like some Victory SD’s.. Vinda signature.. I think.. ..”


Achinta's eyes narrowed as he heard the officer speak, and within a couple of strides had joined the crewman by his console...

As the rather imposing figure leaned over to study the data the crewman glanced worriedly back towards Adalric, who was still conferring with Scipio...

Oblivious to this, Achinta's fingers raced across the console, as he tried to locate Vinda's command ship, completely overtaking the officers terminal.

"..Achinta?.."

Scipio's voice had a hint of concern contained within it, but Vinda's right hand didn't answer, instead the pace of his keystrokes quickened to an inhuman blur.

As the three glanced towards each other questioningly , the Android spoke, his voice serious...

"...I cannot locate the command ship..."

But before anyone could speak, Achinta , stopped abruptly and moved to another terminal; communications, then turned to the BAC console...
Adalric by this time had become greatly suspicious, if not alarmed...

"..Miss Arien what the frell is your friend doing?.."

With a few deft keystrokes, Achinta bought up a Holo-visual representation of Capricia , and zoomed in on a specific area, and turned abruptly to face Scipio...

"...you know this area Scipio?..."

As the Caprician Ambassador followed Achinta's line of sight, Vinda's bodyguard turned to face Adalric...

"...every VC employee carries an emergency beacon, Mr Vinda has a distinctly personalised signal....he is on the surface....

(he pressed a couple of buttons swiftly and a red dot appeared on the highlighted location...)

"..here.."

Moving his gaze back to Scipio once more , he spoke..

"...I have to be there...now..."