And... Chapter 28! Finally! Thank you, LSG, for the amazing plotting and for setting up the google drive! :-)
Chapter 28 True colours
Arrivals
The flotilla burst out of hyperspace well above the elliptical plane. It was a curious choice of entry destination it had to be said, more akin to where a smuggler or raider might emerge, though far closer to the planet than either would have preferred. With the system so on edge virtually every monitoring system on-line immediately lit up like a S'Kar Tree.
Hornet was already on alert, her fighters on patrol, and Nath forced himself to relax in his command chair and wait out the transmission lag as (hopefully) a message of greeting streaked in-system...
On queue the bridge speakers crackled. “
Hornet this is Wilberforce requesting permission to proceed in-system.”
Nath felt his muscles relax slightly but he waited as the force's Indent codes, along with pre-arranged authorization codes, were pulled out of the datastream and decoded. After a few more seconds of work his comms officer turned and gave him a thumbs up.
Nath keyed his own lapel mic live. “Wilberforce, this is Hornet Actual: you are cleared to proceed, Wilberforce. And welcome to M’Tzigon D’Kev.” Nath added recognizing the voice of the flamboyantly attired Besalisk. He spent an idle moment wondering what outlandish outfit the Son's front man would be wearing this time as the Jokers formed up to escort the Sons of Kessel in-system.
Not that they really need it... Nath mused, studying the data codes on the tactical display. Inside the loose globe of ARC-170 fighters were several transports, flanked by three Raider 2 class corvettes and several fighters.
I'll bet Cliff wishes he could lay hands on that kind of firepower. I know I do!<<<<>>>>
Karmack stood watching from the ground in the main port, where the formal greeting party was gathered. With effort he suppressed a grimace as a pair of TIE Defenders, emblazoned with the clenched fist breaking a linked chain of the Sons of Kessel, screeched overhead. They were escorted by the Joker's ARC-170's, the contrast of old and new striking. While he fully understood why the Sons would want to have and use those fighters Karmack couldn't shake the feeling that flaunting them this way was in bad taste considering the battle that had just been fought.
It was hard not to take offense at the sight of front-line Imperial technology being waggled under their noses...
And where in the HELL does a group like the Sons get TIE Defenders in the first place?But even as he asked the question, he knew the answer: Aertemis Industries. But where did
they get them from? Did they make them? Steal them? Conjure them up with some Dark Magic? Karmack didn't know ... and not knowing made him even more uneasy about this arrangement.
What ELSE have they been given?<<<<>>>>
B’lain was less concerned with the TIEs as he escorted the cargo hauler to the still battle strewn spaceport than he was by the freighter itself - and what might be on it.
The ship was roughly triangular shaped, typical of both Chiss and the Empire's capital ship construction, but with the smooth lines of a Mon-Cal or Kuati drives built ship. His unease, however, stemmed not from the incongruent design, but because the last time he had seen ships like this was on a frustratingly under-explained mission in which Jan and her marines had found a Corvette full of headless corpses.
How do you fight someone who can make your head just ... disappear? Nath had asked at the time, and it was perhaps the first time B’Lain had truly worried about supporting the Sons ... or rather ... worried about who
else was supporting the Sons and to what lengths they were willing to go.
Out of irrational fear he let off the stick to scratch at his neck, worried a split may have appeared...
OK, get a grip B'Lain...<<<<>>>>
B'Lain's discomfort was sensed by Karmack as the odd-looking freighter landed, casting its shadow over him beneath its vast hull. He watched as an honor-guard of Marines deployed from one of the
Hornet's shuttles, forming around the nose of the freighter. Karmack could just make out his cousin El'ynn'Mack among them, resplendent in her dress whites next to the gray-on-green Marines.
Curious... Perhaps Nath wanted an extra Force sensitive backing up Jan to look in on this meeting...
...but then the whole thing is curious! M’tzigon has more than enough engineers and construction workers to help with the recovery! Never mind that the Order should rebuild its own holy sites! Bringing in these former slaves to help seemed like unnecessary and potentially damaging charity if not down-right interference! Karmack again pushed his building anger and uneasiness down as at the head of the formal delegation Ju’Lus, as Acting Kage, stood beside General Cliff and the group readied itself to welcome the Sons leadership.
Karmack's eyes lingered for a moment on the back of Cliff's head, and he was tempted to pry into Cliffs thoughts to determine what price he had paid to Artemis industries this time. Karmack’s mind was recovered even if his body was still sore and the Ancient One pulsed with power, ready to grant him the strength to breach the General’s obstinate mind. It would be so easy ... but no. With difficulty he suppressed the urge, unaware that he had come within a breath of doing what would have been unthinkable to him even days ago...
<<<<>>>>
The odd, angular, triangle-shaped ship lowered a platform as the Marines snapped to attention.
A gaggle of beings was on the loading platform, most prominently a Besalisk in an over-the-top bright yellow and purple shimmersilk outfit. Er’Lav’Racc looked downright drab standing beside him in tactical utilities, as did the Togruta opposite her. Despite his simple utility uniform however, the Togruta emminated an air of authority that was unmistakable: this was the leader of the Sons of Kessel, the one called Scrubber.
Scrubber stepped forward to greet the General who proffered his hand. “Welcome to M’tzigon, General Scrubber.”
“General!” he smiled “I’ve been called many things but not a General! First among equals perhaps but no general in this band of brothers, but thank you all the same,” the Togruta replied with a smile and firm hand shake. Cliff noticing with approval the still calloused hands: this was a leader who still lead from the front.
Cliff turned toward the robed figure next to him. "Scrubber, may I present acting Kage of the Mak’Tor Knights Ju’Lus.”
The introductions proceeded as Cliff and Scrubber presented their respective delegations. Of the Sons, the member of most note was the flamboyant Besalisk D’Kev who flourished all four arms in an elaborate bow.
As Karmack shook hands or the equivalent as appropriate for the half dozen different species, he noted one absence: Scrubber’s notorious bodyguard 'Black Armour' was nowhere to be seen.
Perhaps they at least had the decency not to bring him along to add insult to injury...As the receiving line ended he released the breath he had not realised he was holding. Karmack relaxed slightly as the groups intermingled and they chatted amicably. Karmack remained on the fringes, his attention drawn to where more of the Sons' workers debarked from the transport, descending the ramp to the tarmac. All wore simple-looking but well-made workmen’s utilities with Artemis industries insignia - a three pointed star - carefully embroidered on the shoulders and chest. Interestingly their names were also embroidered into the fabric immediately below the Artemis icon - a lot of effort for 'simple' work clothes.
Karmack refocused his attention back to the conversation happening in front of him. “…we are after all…” Scrubber was saying to Cliff and Ju’Lus while Erl’av stood to the side between them, as if attempting to bridge the two parties together. “…friends more than allies. We could not stand by and do nothing when you are in need, and I tell you, you won’t find more dedicated or harder workers! Many owe their freedom to the assistance of Ken and Jorya, or to the crew of the
Hornet and they have not forgotten.”
“We appreciate you support Scrubber,” Ju’Lus replied, “And for being able to spare Er’Lav for a few days.”
Karmack stepped forward at the break in conversation, “Scrubber, I notice your workers have Aertemis industries symbols on their utilities. Are they employees?”
“Hmm, oh yes, Aertemis industries is another of our good friends – they have a special program for former slaves, they are given retraining and formal qualifications in engineering and construction with a guaranteed job thereafter.”
Karmack’s eyes narrowed as he thought thorough that. It sounded generous at first glance but... “They are indentured to Aertemis industries after the training?”
Scrubber bit back replying with visible effort to the highly offensive connotations the word 'indentured' could imply for a former slave, and Ju'Lus and Er'Lav exchanged a glance at the emotional spike registered with them. To his credit Scrubber rallied quickly and his voice retained its friendliness and mirth when he spoke.
“They are offered a three year contract, well paid, with excellent work and living conditions. Their qualifications are fully accredited and are recognised across the ... well, across the
former Empire. They could work in any firm or guild from the Core to the Outer Rim, but given the political situation and a desire to remain with their comrades no one has refused the offer that I know of. Indeed many of the first few participants are now teachers and senior managers in Aertemis industries.”
Karmack sensed Scrubber believed all he was saying, and was slightly offended to have Aertemis Industries implicitly slandered. There was a pulsing defensiveness there ... a thread ... not a tune or motif, but a humming, ringing
connection. Karmack nodded, acknowledging the statement and disengaging as he mentally picked up that ringing thread and followed it into the song.
<<<<>>>>
“Seems to be going well,” Jan noted to El’ynn off to the side as they oversaw additional lifts descend with various pieces of heavy construction equipment, all very well maintained and looked over by former slaves beaming with a pride that shown like a beacon in the Force and rang like the peeling of bells in the song to be working by choice and not compulsion.
“Good to see all those weeks out in the sticks made a real difference…” El’ynn replied as she noted her cousin poking around, as if he were looking for something ... or someone. “I wonder what he's after?”
Hopping over Karmack seemed to have narrowed his fixation on the ship's various landing legs, looking from one to the other as if they contained some sinister threat. El'ynn walked over to him, Jan in tow. “Karm? Hey, what's up?”
“Huh? Oh, El... When they came in were there any strange ships or odd sensor readings? Did you sense anything in the Song that was ... oh, blank or empty?” Karmack never looked at his cousin, his gaze fixed on one or the other of the transport's main landing struts at all times.
El'ynn was having nothing of it. She mimicked his intent pose and clipped tone. “Nice to see you El! How have you been? Did you get hurt in the Battle?" She then flipped over to the side and resumed her normal voice. "I’m great Karm, how are you? Heard you beat Mendax! Is Arnor OK? Ken? Your mom?”
Karmack didn’t even hear her, his concentration riveted.
It was here ... it MUST be! The tone leads here, but it's too diffused, too spread-out... It's trying to hide itself,. but ... why? Was it just trying to avoid conflict, or was it planning to attack?El’ynn gave an exasperated laugh and punched him playfully in the arm. "Hello?!? You there?" She stepped up and looked over his shoulder, following his line of sight. “What exactly are you looking for?”
“There!” Karm's eyes narrowed as he finally resolved the hum and traced it to the far landing strut covered in shadow. ”It’s there. I’m going to...”
“How the frell…” Jan's voice was shocked as she tapped on El'ynn's shoulder. El’s mouth opened wide as her gaze snapped around in the opposite direction.
Karm felt the presence resolve in the force and Song even as his own head snapped around to see the hulking from of Black Armour standing in his usual place behind Scrubber, arms crossed against the barrel like chest, a sword that could compete with Zearic for height on his back next to a rifle that glowed dimly red like the fires of the underworld.
“Was he here the whole time?!” El gasped.
<<<<>>>>
With the initial greetings over Ju’lus bowed, Cliff saluted and the group broke up into several smaller knots of people, each drifting apart and going it’s separate way.
Karmack’s mouth pursed as anger rose within him at being fooled. Somehow …
it … had displaced its presence as well as hiding it. His trace must have forced it out of hiding, but he’d still been taken on a wild porg hunt and been left staring like a fool at the landing struts for minutes while at any time it could have emerged and snapped his head off.
Er’Lav, after a brief word with Scrubber, had fallen in with Ju’Lus, with the rest of the Mak’Tor delegation trailing behind, conversing. Karmack, his rage barely contained, strode directly into the acting Kage’s path. “What is that ...
thing ... doing here?” Karmack seethed pointing straight at the hulking brute behind the Togruta.
Er’lav glanced behind her, then met his flashing gaze with cool, level eyes. “And what ‘thing’ exactly are you referring to, Master Mack?” she replied evenly.
“The “thing” masquerading as Scrubber’s bodyguard! It’s their kind that are responsible for reviving Mendax and enabling Cha! it’s an insult to Kage Silman’s memory for it to come here! Until we can counter the threat they pose, we should refuse entry to any more of those creatures.”
Er’Lav sighed, and glanced at Ju’Lus. The acting Kage looked uncomfortable but was clearly not ready to confront Karmack or shut him down, and this was not the time nor place for his wild theories! This was supposed to be a diplomatic mission, frack it! Worse, the Son’s delegation, following the Tortuga, had caught up to them on the tarmac. Er’Lav could see that he had perked up, his eyes bright with a mixture of mirth and challenge. It was clear the Tortuga had heard every word.
Make the most of it… Er’Lav met Ju’Lus eyes and he nodded to her, giving her permission to take the lead. Her eyes flashed to Karmack, her look to him a clear warning:
back off!. Then she let her face soften into a friendly smile as she addressed her ally and , yes, her friend. “Scrubber, will you take responsibility for your compatriot’s actions?”
“Of course” Scrubber replied without hesitation. His eyes continued to twinkle, though they hardened considerably when they met Karmack’s.
“Then that is good enough for me,” she stepped forward but Karm blocked her path.
He gripped her arm and lowered his voice to a whisper. “Er’Lav, no! These creatures… They can easily control even the strongest minds. That
thing is a danger to us all,”
“Irritated now Er’lav jerked her arm free. She turned and stood face to face, noting the bacta strips still on Karms face glistening in the reflected glow of the midday sun off the ferrocrete. She kept her voice low, matching his whisper - and his intensity.
“Master Mack, I’ve been posted with the Sons for months. I don’t deny Black Armour is a bloody serious danger … but
only to Slavers! So long as there are none of those on M’tzigon, we won’t have a problem, and if there are … well, I’d be the first to put my fist into their face!”
“The one at the Temple murdered…” Karm began but Er’lav raised a hand to cut him off.
“I’ve read the reports. The Aertemis industries Employee provided a valid signed military authorisation. That document was confirmed authentic by General Cliff. Kage Silman chose to ignore it and engage anyway. His death is a tragedy, but until I see any other compelling evidence it is a tragedy of his own making.”
“Evidence….” Karm bristled with frustration:
Why couldn’t she SEE! It was so obvious they were manipulating everything! Even the Sons of Kessel were under their control, wearing their damn three pointed symbol!
Sensing the direction of his emotions Er’Lav continued. “This is not the time or the place for this discussion,” she paused briefly seeing the red pulsing of his still unhealed wounds. “There has been a lot of loss. We should grieve and rebuild first. Allocating blame can come once the passions have died down.”
She stepped past him, followed by Ju’Lus and Scrubber, neither of whom met his gaze.
As the small group of Mak’Tor and Sons moved away from him Black Armor remained unmoving. The two stood facing each other for long seconds before the armored figure cocked his head ever so slightly. Karmack felt the bubble of anger rise in him again.
He’s mocking me! A gesture of contempt, as if to say ‘We’ve won … and there’s nothing you can do about it.’
Then the figure stepped forward at what to Karm would’ve been a stiff jogging speed. Drawing on the Force Karm matched it. Blocking the behemoth he flipped up his hand to push against the armoured chest piece – he felt a few dissolvable stitches in his arm pop out at the speed of the movement but in that moment he didn’t care.
The vacant face plate looked down at the hand as Karmacks voice came in barely a whisper. “Tell your…masters…I
WILL get justice for Silman, for the Temple, for everyone.”