WotH Chpt 25

==War on the Horizon - Chapter 25 ==
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===War slowing rising on the Horizon===
July 4, 3009/7948 CRC Serenno, Serenno system, D'Astan Sector, Outer Rim Territories
"So, anyone want to tell me why I was woken up at such an ungodly hour?" I asked as I sipped at a cold cup of coffee.
 
"We've got ships moving into the system," Sheppard reported. "Mostly small craft so far, but there is a Frigate with them."
 
"Have they identified themselves?" I sat down and looked at the tactical map of the system.
 
"Just something about 'Nite Owls'," Sheppard shrugged. "I've got no clue what it means. And neither do any of our locals."
 
"I might be of assistance here," Dooku entered the room, his cape flourishing behind him as the two Jedi who had been rescued flanked him. "The Nite Owls are part of a larger sect of the Mandalorians. Members of the so-called Death Watch."
 
"They are among the more radical groups among the Mandalorians, they are deadset against the pacifists, and are not willing to concede even to the moderates that are a part of their culture. The Death Watch are petty bandits at best, and pirates at worst," The Count signaled for a droid to enter and put down a holographic transmitter. "While I sympathize with the Mandalorian's plight, the way that they are pursuing it is barbaric and uncalled for."
 
"So treat them as unwanted guests," I nodded. "Got it. Anything else I should know about them?"
 
"Yes," Dooku waved a hand and a holographic image of a Mandalorian appeared. "They are vastly different from a group such as yourselves. While individuals among the Mandalorians would enjoy and even thrive among your group, I fear that as a whole they will find ways to clash with you. Do not strike first, but if necessary, ensure that the only blow you strike is lethal, lest they decide that you are easy prey."
 
"Get me a link to Jewel," I looked at my XO. "I want these people stopped in orbit. I don't care what their intentions are."
"Right away, Colonel," Sheppard vanished into a nearby Mobile HQ.
 
"This is your world, Count," I looked at the old man. "How do you want us to handle this?"
 
<<"As you would anyone else that approached a territory that you were hired to defend,">> the man sat down at the table. <<"You have been hired and have performed admirably so far, so let us see how you handle what else comes your way.">>
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===Negotiation for Landfall===
//"This is Commodore Victoria Jewel of the Marksman Mercenary Corporation,"\\ A voice came over the ship's communications systems. //"We have been hired for the defense of Serenno. If you come any further into the system you will be deemed hostile and treated as such."\\
 
"Seems they are more prepared for visitors than we expected," Bo-Katan lounged in the command chair. "It seems their takeover happened faster than we predicted."
 
"What do you want us to do?" A Nite Owl asked.
 
"Hail them back," Kryze smirked. "Let us see if they accept negotiations as the pacifists do."
 
"Signal is locked, you're connected."
 
"This is Bo-Katan Kryze, I seek to land with a small shuttle and potentially negotiate the hiring of some of your forces. I should hope that you and your superiors are prepared for such an eventuality."
 
"Message is transmitted."
 
"And now we wait."
 
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"We'll let them land with a single shuttle," I informed my command staff. "But only the one shuttle and it's to be escorted by no less than the entirety of Wardog on the way down."
 
"These guys came with a force large enough to deal some damage to us," Sheppard agreed. "They're not really here to negotiate, they're here to take our measure."
 
"They will seek to push your boundaries," Dooku stroked his beard. "Do not allow them to dictate the pace of anything or they will think they are superior."
 
"You heard our expert," I stood up. "Treat them the way we treated the Wolf's Dragoons."
 
"So like arrogant self-righteous assholes?" Sheppard snarked.
 
"Exactly," I laughed. "Exactly like that."
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===A new destination===
Coruscant
 
"So, extra passengers?" Lieutenant Hober asked as Yaddle boarded the Archon's Favor with a small group of six or so Jedi in tow.
 
"Indeed," Yaddle smiled. "These are the ones that have chosen to follow me for the time being, and we have some extra luggage as well. Information that will be of use to myself and Yan."
 
"Are there any detours that we'll need to take on the return trip?" Hober walked back toward the cockpit. "I'll have to send a report to HQ before we leave."
 
"Yes," Yaddle stated. "We must go to Dantooine. I believe that something waits for us there."
 
"I'll plot the course and let the Colonel know," Hober nodded. "Just make sure your people know not to get in the way should we encounter any pirates or the like on our way. I'd hate for one of them to get hurt."
 
"I will inform them that they are to act as guests while onboard the ship," Yaddle agreed. "Loading should only take a few more minutes, and then we will be on our way."
 
"Understood," Hober sat down and exchanged glances with his copilot. "Let us know when you're ready and we'll head out."
 
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"Everything looks to be going fairly smoothly," Hober said as they dropped out of Hyperspace a few days later, a lush green world below. "Now, if you'll let me know where to set this ship down, I'll go with you to take a look at what you think is down there."
 
Yaddle frowned for a moment as she closed her eyes. "Yes, I believe that I will need you, Feemor, and his apprentice as well. What lies on Dantooine requires a varied skill set. And you will suffice for one of the roles."
 
"Sounds good to me," Hober shrugged. "I'm cross-trained with the Marines, so I'm no slouch with a rifle."
 
"I believe that the rifle will not be necessary," Yaddle smirked. "But you should bring it all the same. The Force loves to spring surprises, after all."
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Chapter 25