WotH Chpt 14

==War on the Horizon - Chapter 14 ==
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===The next contract===
March 30, 3009/7948 CRC Beloria system, Seswenna Sector, Outer Rim Territories
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"So, we've got our next contract," I informed my senior staff. "Our target is a Neimoidian who decided to take his handful of ships and turn pirate," I showed an image of the Neimoidian in question on the screen behind me. "He has four ships at his disposal according to the Trade Federation. Two Munifex Class Light Cruisers and two Captor Class Cruisers."
 
"I take it you want me to attempt and take at least one of their ships? Paige asked with a grin on her face.
 
"That's part of the plan," I grinned back. "Now, I managed to convince them to give us complete salvage rights in the contract. Now, I'm fairly certain that's because they expect to be able to flip the self-destruct switch on their droids and ships. But I've got an idea."
 
"Alright," Sheppard said after a minute. "I'll bite."
 
"We've got three of the most common trader ships in the galaxy right now," I clicked the remote and the Gozanti class cruisers that we had taken from the original pirates popped up on the screen. "Now, even though we're not Mandalorians, I've heard people in the sector calling us that simply because of the Mithril that we use all the time," I shrugged. "We're going to use that as bait. Mandalorian armor is very valuable to collectors and others who want to make a quick buck on the black market. So, we're going to be spreading rumors that a shipment of our armor is going through the sector with only a few of those snubfighters we captured for escorts."
 
"Only one of those Gozanti's has any smuggler hideaways on it, though," Captain Jewel brought up. "So what's the actual plan? 'Cuz that's not going to work if they dock all of the ships up."
 
"As far as we can tell, the sensors here aren't able to figure out precise life signs. Just like how ours can't," I smirked. "Which means that we can put our people onboard in Mithril and just leave it in low power mode, with only the oxygen recyclers on and no one will be able to tell that our people are in them."
 
"So you make them think my Marines are the armor we're shipping," Paige smiled wickedly as she considered the idea. "They won't know what hit them."
 
"We're also going to be putting the trio of Locusts that we brought with us and placing one on each Gozantu. The extra firepower will come in handy if all of their battle droids are active," I showed what the enemy cruisers were going to look like. "Now, the pirate will likely be on one of the Captor class cruisers, the one with the Droid Control will be slightly modified. If we want to be able to take and hold the ships, then we're going to have to capture the captain ASAP. Or the Trade Federation will be able to trigger the self-destruct on their droids and a good portion of the ships will likely go with them."
 
"Sheppard, you'll be in overall command of this mission," I looked at my XO. "Paige, I know your Marines are good, but I'm going to be giving you some of Peterson's soldiers to assist," I held up a hand. "It's not that I don't think your Marines can do the job," I explained. "But there is the potential of up to seventeen thousand droids or more to fight through. I'd rather have a few more numbers on our side."
 
"Wasn't going to argue, Colonel" Paige replied. "I know that we're outnumbered on most ops. I was just going to ask if you were going to be on this op."
 
"I'll be sitting this one out," I replied. "But someone's going to have to roleplay the captain of the merchant fleet."
 
"Alright," Peterson said after a minute. "We'll have to work something out so that they get the most protection available, but I think this will work in theory. It's the application that I'm worried about."
 
"I'm going to ask for volunteers for the crews," I responded. "Same with the snubfighters. No one will be there that doesn't want to be. I'm leaving this one to you guys once the planning phases are finished. I'm taking a break."
 
We'll figure out the roleplaying later," Sheppard smiled. "Now, the basis of your plan is solid, we just have to adjust a few details to make it look like a real merchant fleet. I'd like to have some of our locals chime in to fix everything up..."
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"Hey Sheppard," I said to my XO as he began boarding the Gozanti that was being used as the main decoy.
 
"Yeah?" the man turned to face me.
 
"Good hunting, and make sure to bring our people back."
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===Making Decision===
"This is where the Sith that Kenobi fought fell," Dooku murmured to Yaddle as they began inspecting the underground passages. "And his ship was not something from the Outer Rim, but something custom."
 
"It could have only come from one of the wealthier worlds of the Republic," Yaddle agreed. "We should begin investigating where the ship came from. Perhaps that will point us in the right direction."
 
"Yaddle," Dooku said after a moment. "We have long been friends, and I wish to be honest with you. I believe the Sith are at the core of the Republic and have been subverting both it and the Order for years to accomplish what they want."
 
"Then help me find the evidence," Yaddle said quietly. "Should it be there, then I can convince the Council of your words."
 
"And if they refuse to listen?" Dooku asked.
 
"Then I will leave the Order with you, and we shall find another way to deal with the threat that the Sith pose to the Galaxy," Yaddle said confidently. "And we shall bring as many Jedi as we can convince of the truth with us when we depart."
 
"Then we shall search out the truth and see where it leads us," Dooku said with a small smile on his face. "But first we must return to Serenno, I have to see to the needs of my people before we continue the investigation."
 
"Then let us inform Master Faye of our decision," Yaddle nodded. "She has been most patient with us, after all."
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Chapter 14