WoW 22
Written by Steeler, DrBecks, Meister P, Amber and Fjap.
A few hours later in the Remraf system, the Diablo headed as fast as it can back to imperial space but without an hyperdrive it would take months. Desmo took his old place as XO until there was a new about Steeler. Rookie was glad to have him back on the bridge in this rough phase but he was very concerned about his family and if Dr and Meister would be able to be faster then Savage. He could only hope it. Until now the Diablo didn’t faced a rebel patrol, at least one positive thing. But the Commodore already had a bad feeling about this. Amber looked up from her computer console: " I get a com signal... it’s... it’s the Talon! I can’t believe it, it’s the Talon! They search for us! We are rescued! "
Desmo smiled: " Still the old loyalty between the squads right? Say them where we are. " A short time later the Talon met the Diablo.
Lieutenant Commander Drice smiled as he saw his old ship: " Greetings Rookie, good to see you still alive. We are here to cover you; the rest of the wing is on its way. "
The Commodore smiled back: " Good to see you too Drice, like in the good old times. The wing is coming too? That’s great news, together we can manage it. "
" Of course! "
In the meantime in Heir, Ginyard arrived at the trade station and started to look for Fjap. As he finally found him in his quarter: " Hi Fjap! Hailing Phoenix! Why you aren’t at the spaceport? "
Fjap looked around a bit nervous: " I have a bounty hunter at my tail, a Boba Fett wannabe. I’m better carefully. "
Gin sighed: " Why you are always in trouble when I meet you? OK, where is the hyperdrive for the Diablo and the Tie engines? "
Fjap answered: " In the main storage. "
" Then lets go the Diablo hasn’t much time! " As both Phoenixians reached the main storage the Mandalorian bounty hunter already waited for them. Fjap wasn’t too happy to see this guy again. The Mandalorian took off his helmet and the Phoenixians faced a young woman. She smiled:
" I guess the one next to Fjap is a member of the legendary Phoenix Squad. "
Ginyard stumbled: " Yes I'm Ginyard, Senior Chief Pilot. "
" It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name in Indirana Becks, I guess you know my brother already."
She smiled: " I’m on the search for Mark. I’m sorry Fjap when I scared you but I know the legendary loyalty between the Phoenixians. That’s why I was on your trail the whole time. " Fjap was very surprised about this changing of the situation, well at least he wasn’t a dead one by now.
Ginyard: " I’m willing to take you with us to the Diablo but first we must find that hyperdrive and the Tie engines for our fighters. "
Indirana smiled: " I will help you by the search, together we are faster. " It didn’t take long and they found what they are searching on. Together with Dr Becks’ sister they took the things to the Wanderer and then they returned to the Diablo.
At the same time the Euro Wing arrived at Remraf and started to protect the El Pollo. The crew of the frigate worked like hell to sort out all problems. It was a wonder that Rookie didn’t got crazy in this chaos. The Rear Admiral came over to look over the damage too.
Rookie smiled as Fossa left his shuttle: " Good to see you Fossa. Thank you for the help but... where is Flamey? "
Fossa sighed: " Well you can thank Drice. He informed me that the Diablo is here. We already putted you all in MIA. But sadly our WC wasn’t willing to help you... I’m sorry but I had to take over command. Flamestrike stands under arrest until I find out what’s wrong with him. "
Rookie: " Well, I can help you there. My old enemy or better our old enemy Savage is on a revenge tour. He tried to capture Desmo and his family, thanks to Dr, Meister and Steeler Desmo could rescue his family. "
Fossa asked deep in thinking: " Savage... I know I heard that name before but I can’t remember when and in what context. Steeler? You found her? Will she return? "
Rookie answered: " Better Steeler found us, she visited Desmo on Kashyyyk and as Dr and Meister came to this planet too they found each other. And I don’t know if she will return but I don’t think so. Savage was the rebel forces commander in Tralus. This was the one who wanted to make experiments with my pilots. "
" Ah yes, right. I remember me again. This is bad that we meet him again. But what Savage has to do with Flamey. "
Rookie sighed: " He captured his family and forced him to do what he wanted. The same he tries with me too, I hope Dr and Meister are faster then he. "
Fossa got pale: " But why the hell didn't Flamey say a word? We would try to get his family back. Hell we are his friends! "
Rookie: " First of all he has to look for his family. I can understand him. "
" Me too Rookie, me too. Well I think I will give him the commando back or at least he’s a free man again. " And Rookie nodded in agreement.
The next arriving craft was the Wanderer with the new hyperdrive. Rookie was very glad that the Diablo could be repaired now. Again Akkon worked like berserk to change the hyperdrives, he was really a good engineer. After 3 hours the work was done but now the team had to work for the Sklave. Indirana Becks used her stay on the Diablo to look into the nav system too, she found a way to make the nav computers more stable. Rookie was glad to meet her, she was a very nice company, nicer then her brother. Also she taught the Phoenixians ground fighting techniques even the Commodore took part on the lessons. Rookie had the feeling he would need this knowledge sometime. Very soon she was Indy for all Phoenixians.
Finally the wrecked Sklave arrived at the Diablo. Rookie was nervous as he stood in the hangar watching the landing of the Sklave. His parents climbed out of the ship, his mother looked very happy.
She hugged Rookie: " Thanks god, we made it in one piece. This flight was awful, Erik. Only your dad hadn’t problems, he slept the whole time. "
" Don’t believe her Junior," said his father stepping next to Rookie.
The Commodore lowered his voice: " Please dad don’t call me Junior in front of my pilots. They would laugh about me. "
His father didn’t seem pleased: " Ah ok, well if you don’t want I will try it Junior. " Rookie tried to look serious but even he had to smile, at least a bit. Then he faced the Dr and asked: " my wife? " Dr shook his head and handed him Savage’s letter.
Meister tried to comfort the Commodore: " We will find your wife, we only need time. "
Rookie looked up tears in his eyes: " Maybe we haven’t time. Maybe she’s dead by now? "
Meister: " Nope, then Savage would lose his joker. He isn’t stupid but we have to act fast. "
" I agree. " said Indy behind the Dr.
Her brother turned around: " Indy, what to hell you are doing here? "
" Nice to see you again Mark, it’s been a long time. Well I’m here to work with you. "
" Too work with me? "
Indy nodded: " Did you forgot you promised it to me as you left Mandalore. Remember you said when I would pass the academy we would be one team. "
Dr shouted: " It wasn’t a real promise! Fly home immediately! This place is way too dangerous! "
Indy's answer: " Nope I stay here, we can work together when you want to get Rookies wife back. "
Dr: " I don’t need help from you, I have... " He looked at Meister: " Ah well worse then this Jedi you can’t be. "
Rookie stood on his bridge preparing the hyperspace jump, the wing was already in formation as rebel forces entered the area. The Euro wing was badly outnumbered so that Fossa ordered the jump. But there was also an Interdictor Cruiser stolen by the rebels. The ship left the hyperspace far away from the wing so that it was impossible to escape. Also the imperial pilots would be trouble to reach the Interdictor. The Commodore saw the attacking rebel fighters: " This is hopeless. They are at least 5 times more then we. " His parents entered the bridge at the same moment. Rookie looked at them: " I think it’s over now. I’m sorry that your first visit here must end this way. "
His father replied: " I’m sure you give your best again Junior. "
Desmo who stood next to Rookie had problems to stay serious: " Junior? Junior Rookie? "
The Commodore answered: " Shut up! Better send an emergency signal, maybe somebody can help us even here in Remraf. " But the junior thingy cheered up his crew and even when Rookie has to live with it forever in this moment it was absolutely needed.
Steeler was on a training flight with her new squadron, the Wolf's pack. She didn’t like the infiltrators, they act way too arrogant not like her Phoenixians. She wished that she would never be forced to leave them but this was past. Captain Dan leaded the Wolf pack, he had less flight hours and battles then she but he acted like Steeler was a bloody newbie. Suddenly she heard a voice in the com system, she switched channels: " This is the ISD Titan, Vice-admiral Flamestrike speaking. We are attacked by rebel forces with an Interdictor, no escape possible. Please when there is somebody assist us, please! "
Steeler contacted Dan: " Have you heard this? One of our wings is in danger lets help. "
" This is a test flight trainee not more not less. I will not intercept there with a half newbie squadron. "
Steeler: " With fully respect, we all were fighter pilots before we joined the Infiltrator Wing and now our comrades are in danger. I’m taking the risk and try to destroy that Interdictor. We have BWs and advanced torpedoes, it’s possible! Let’s make it! " The whole squad agreed with the Sith and so Dan had no other choice then ordering the attack.
On board of the Diablo, Dr shouted: " I have my nose full always we are in trouble. Indy, help me to load my Sklave with advanced torpedoes. I’m going on collision course with that Interdictor. "
Rookie who was in the hangar too: " You think you can break through that barriers? "
" Yes, I can! "
The Commodore grabbed his helmet: " I will cover you with my TD. Let’s go! " The rebels concentrated their powers to the Titan and the imperial fighters. The Euro Wing pilots fought back in a very hard way. So Dr with this flying and wreck and Rookie hadn’t too much problems to pass the first two barriers but the Interdictor had a full squad of AWs too, also he was still far away.
Rookie: " We will never be fast enough. The Titan is without any shields now, damnit! " In this moments he saw a new contact group: " B Wings, damnit, reinforcement troops! "
" Not a bit Rookie, we are here to. " he heard the sound of a well know voice. Then he saw Steeler in a rebel flight suit.
Rookie: " Steeler, what to hell? "
She smiled: " May I introduce the Wolf pack, 3rd squad of the Infiltrator Wing. Wolves kill the Interdictor. " The BWs very already in close range and fired their torpedoes. This distracted the rebel forces from the Titan, now all hunted the betrayers. The Dr was also in torpedo range and fired his ones but still the Interdictor wasn’t finished. Rookie fought like a tiger to protect the Sklave.
Dr: " Damn I haven’t a torpedo anymore! "
Steeler replied: " I have still one when you could cover me. "
Dr: " Sure thing, fly to my back. When they will aim you they only hit the Sklave! Come on! Rookie, cover Steel's back. "
" With pleasure I will do this. " Amazingly the plan worked. Steeler's last torpedo destroyed the Interdictor. This possibility the imps took and headed back to imperial space.
As Dr, Rookie and Steeler arrived at the Diablo the Commodore asked: " Want to visit your old home Steel? Be our guest. "
Steeler smiled: " Sure I want. " As they landed in the hangar the crew applauds.
Dr jumped out of the Sklave: " Well I always told you that my Sklave is a great ship, haven’t I told you this. "
Rookie turned around to his ex XO: " I have to search for Savage and my wife. Do you want to assist?"
" I thought you would never ask. "
Rookie smiled: " One time Phoenixian always Phoenixian. "
On board El Pollo, Fjap delighted himself with Desmo. Together they talked about old times and old friends. There was though a dark tone in many of their conversations and grim topics tended to crop more often up than usual. The reason was of course the visible pain in Rookies face. Although Rookie busied himself through out the frigate and was on constant watch in the bridge his friends could sense his worries for his wife.
"I'm not sure how much I can take of seeing Rookie like this," Desmo said, "Even though he acts all brave and Imperial he's hurting very much."
"I know," said Fjap, "I just wish we could do something for him. He even barely smiled when we woke him up this morning whit our beautiful singing."
The singing wasn't very beautiful. Imagine a nasal voice accompanied with the strong lungs of a Wookie, singing- or at least attempting to sing 'Oh what a beautiful morning'. It did one thing however, Rookie forgot his loss of his wife for a few moments and concentrated on the pain in his eardrums, Desmo really had strong lungs.
"Ok then lets find a way to locate this foul Rebel commander and Rookies wife."
"That my friend could be very difficult. The Jedi and the Sith are both concentrating on finding the woman so what could a Wookie and a human do?"
"I'm not sure but there must be something we could do. I mean there must be someone that supplies the Rebels and they have to be hiding somewhere. I just wish we knew someone that knew more about the inner workings of the underground."
They sat in the cantina and drank Caf and didn't notice it when Indy Becks walked in. She wore only minimal armour and carried only two visible weapons. She sat down with her caf and studied a data pad, which had the headline news for that sector. "So tell me this oh-all-wise-Wookie who do we know. No one! The only run in with the underground I've ever had was with two guys that wanted me dead. They even sent a bounty hunter after me. That's the closest I've ever got to that type of organised crimes."
"Take it easy Fjap, I'm sure we'll think of something."
Indy finished her Caf and gave the datapad to her brother who came into the cantina that moment.
"Hi little sister how are you doing to...." Dr never had the chance to finish his sentence. Indy jumped him and sent him sprawling on the floor. She sat on his back, grabbed his ear and hand and attempted to connect those two things
"If you call me little again I'll nail your ears to your big toes. Got it, big brother??"
"Ahhrrgg OK! OK! Now will you please let me go? Your knee is digging into something in my back and it hurts like hell."
She let him go with a little laugh and helped him up from the floor. Fjap and Desmo looked at each other and you could hear the little grey things bumping around in their heads until they hit the right thing. Desmo rose.
"Uh Indy could we have a word with you."
"Sure," she looked at Fjap "If you’re worried about the bounty on your head, don't be. I just sent word to the Fangelly brothers where the pink things ended up. You supposedly told me when I caught up with you on some remote little mud ball. As far as the Fangelly brothers are concerned, you are dead and I'm 4000 credits richer."
"You found the pink things?" Asked Fjap in a surprised voice.
"Of course. It was easy. The merchant sold them to a smuggler who smuggles for the Rebels. I'm sure he was going to sell them for weapons or medical supplies."
Desmo and Fjap grinned.
"Say do you consider yourself as a person who is well into the nature of the black market? Well into sneaky deals and skulduggery with illegal property?"
"Are you kidding? Piped DrBecks in, "my little," and he moved out of Indy’s range "Sister is one of the most sneaky persons I know. At one point in our childhood she sold most of our living room furniture for a Mark three Speeder. That particular speeder was hotter than a supernova and of course did the law catch up with her. Since she was too young to get any punishment she got away with it but we lost the speeder and the furniture. Mom and Dad were not happy about it."
Indy scowled at her brother.
"I could be of help to you but it depends on the nature of what you want to be found. And of course it's gonna cost you."
Desmo straightened up
"Are you going to charge us? How much"
"As I said, it depends. Some information is harder to come by than others"
Fjap said: "Hmm as I seem to recall you got 4000 credits for doing nothing. I’m sure the Fangelly brothers would like to know that. Now I'm not trying to blackmail you, just pointing out the facts. Please consider those credits as a small advance." He smiled pleasantly at Indy, then moved behind the broad back of Desmo and grinned. She laughed and said:
"Ahh it has been a while since someone tried to blackmail me. Ok ok I'll see what I can do. Now what is it you want to know??"
"We really want to know of the whereabouts of one Savage. Well his name is Savage. He's a high up in the Rebel alliance. That alone makes it a worthwhile to find him but he also has our Commodores wife hostage."
Indy’s face sobered up. She had come to respect the Commodore these last days through his leadership qualities. She nodded gravely.
"Ok I'll see what I can do."
Meister P and Steeler worked with their whole power on the task finding Savage. Meister: " Can you imagine how Savage escaped from the outpost there in Tralus? "
Steeler shook her head: " I have no idea.... "
The Jedi: " I’m not sure if it’s possible to watch in the past... I mean we can watch the future. "
The Sith answered: " Well it’s possible to watch future and past. The problem is when you have to change your location and watch on somebody else past. Also looking the past is even more pain then looking the future. "
Meister asked: " Doesn’t matter. Can you try it? "
Steeler sighed: " I guess I must.... You have no idea what this means. " She sat down on the floor and started the meditation. Meister already felt the force surge, he was always impressed how strong the force in Steeler was. She had closed her eyes and concentrated herself at the attack on the outpost in Tralus some weeks before. It must hurt, Meister was sure of it even when Steeler doesn’t show a sign.
She said: " Somebody blocks me... I don’t come through... " In this moment Indirana Becks stepped into the quarter of Meister.
The Jedi: " Please be quiet, we try to find Savage. He’s a master in hiding, we can’t find him the normal way. " Indy took a seat next to both and watch them, she was always curious in the force even when she hadn’t the ability to use it. Steeler raised her head still with closed eyes: " I don’t come through, they hold me out with their united force. "
" Wait, I will try to help you. " said Meister and sat down next to her. He putted a hand on her shoulder and transferred his force strength to the Sith. But the backup flow was activated too, Meister felt a bad hurt, it was like somebody would burn him when he was alive. Steeler noticed the shock of Meister and blocked the backup flow. Only this way she would be able to come through the force barriers.
She said: " Yep, I’m in.... I can see the attack and Savage... he’s on the bridge.... Now he runs into the hangar bay.... He takes an imperial shuttle... an imperial?!.... Rookies shuttle! That’s it! That’s why our friend - enemy - ID doesn’t work. " The Sith opened her eyes but instead of her cold green eyes she had total black ones now with an metallic glimmer. Indy and Meister were surprised about this change, but the Sith smiled: " That’s normal for the amount of force power I had to use. It will change back. " I
ndy asked: " I have read that imperial shuttles have a locating transmitter. Is that true? "
Meister nodded: " It is. We can only hope the transmitter still works after this long time. And we can only hope Rookie had put it on as he got to the Tralus outpost. "
Steeler answered: " He has, you know Rookie. He’s very exact in these things. We have to modify the Diablo sensors a bit to find the signal. " Indy: " This is something I can do without any problems! " Steeler: " Ok, then let’s go to the bridge and work on it. "
Desmo had the bridge right now as Meister, Steeler and Indy came in. Steeler: " We need the sensors of the Diablo. "
Desmo nodded: " Use them. Any success till now? "
Steeler smiled: " Maybe, we will see. " Indy already started to work on the sensors, Meister told her the standard transmission codes. It wasn’t very easy to find the transmitter signal; it was very weak by now. But Indy wasn’t willing to give up and after 7 hours she found it. She looked over to Steeler and Meister a proud smile in her face:
" The shuttle is on a trade station in the Urdur system. We have him. "
Meister: " A trade station? I don’t think Savage is on a trade station... "
" Me neither, but there we can get new information. " said Steeler.
Indy nodded: " I think we don’t tell Rookie what we found out and fly to that station alone. "
The Sith smiled: " I agree. I also don’t want to give Rookie a hope what maybe is a fake one. He’s hurt enough. "
Meister wasn’t too happy about this decision: " I will never understand why Mandalorians and Sith always must work in the dark and in the hidden. But in this case I have to agree. We need a ship... "
Indy, already changed back the sensors to normal status, took out a few keys: " That’s the commando keys from the Sklave. I have stolen them from Mark. Let’s go. "
Meister's answer: " Oh noooooooo... "
At the same time Savage sat in the luxurious office of Janich Gunman an old friend of him. Gunman was one of the most important merchants and smugglers for the Alliance. He can get everything, but right now he wasn’t in Urdur. Savage wished that he must not speak with his assistant and little brother. Rolan Gunman was a very unsympathetic guy and he was never in time. So Savage thought about his plans again. To get information about the Phoenix squadron was very hard but this Savage already knew before. The Empire worked very hard on hiding their best men and the Euro Wing was the pride of the Empire. It needed so much money to find out a few things about Flamestrike, Rookie and Desmoquattro. Savage sent also many spies in the death for finding out same details about those three officers. But all this doesn’t helped him to find out real important things. Only with the help of the Dark Brotherhood he was able to hit Rookie and Flamestrike really hard. To get the family of the WC and the Phoenix SL was very important for his revenge plans. Flamestrike was already on the floor, a wreck and soon his most hated enemy Rookie would be down too. In this moment Rolan steeped into the office and Savage had to concentrate on his work for the rebel alliance. He explained the to merchant that the alliance needs some new mag pulse missiles.
Rolan smiled: " I can send you some of them but it has a price. "
" Which one? " asked Savage.
" I want that imperial shuttle and the normal price for the missiles. " Rolan replied. Savage hadn’t another choice then give his shuttle to Rolan when he wants to get the mag pulse missiles.
It was night on board of the Diablo, nearly all were sleeping. Only Amber was awake still learning for her introductory test. Meister, Steeler and Indy walked into the main hangar slowly to capture the Sklave. Meister hated that idea, why not the Wanderer from Ginyard. Indy really had no problems to capture the ship. Already as Meister entered the ship he felt horrific.
Indy said: " Should I hide our traces so that nobody can follow us into the Urdur system? I also can manage to disturb their sensors, so we get more time before they find us. "
" That’s a great idea Indy. " smiled Steeler. The Sith slept the last hours and now she looked nearly normal again, only the metallic glimmer was still there. Indy managed to jump into the hyperspace without any problems. Nobody of the Diablo noticed that the Sklave was gone till the next morning.
Dr was nearly close to a heart attack as he entered the hangar early in the morning: " My Sklave? Where is my Sklave? "
Ensign Raider stepped on his side: " I can ask nearly the same question too. Where is Meister P, He had patrol duty today. "
Dr turned around to Raider: " What?! " then he hurried into XO office where Steeler and Indy normally were. He got a bad feeling there. Raider followed him, the ensign had problems with Dr's speed. At the door of the XO office the Mandalorian crashed into Rookie. The collision was so strong that both crash on the floor.
Rookie’s father who stood behind his son jumped away and shouted: " How often I should tell you, you shouldn’t run Junior! "
Dr looked surprised at Rookie: " Junior? " The SL: " Shut up! Where are Indy and Steeler? "
Dr sighed: " I guess together with Meister P. All three are missed also my Sklave. "
Rookie got paler then before: " What?! Why? Desmo told me all three searched for something yesterday but without any result... that was a lie! "
Rookie stood up: " Why they didn’t take me with them? It’s still my wife! "
His father took an arm around the shoulders of Rookie: " Maybe they wanted to protect you Junior. You have great friends. "
The Commodore sighed: " Yes, I have. But still... " Rookies shoulders went down even a bit more.
The Sklave was in the hyperspace, Indy repaired the most important things. Steel herself had to fly the ship and Meister always found something to complain about. Indy wondered how Steeler could hold out with the nervous Jedi, always when there was a new sound or he thought there were a new one he started to shout. Again he started but now Indy had her nose full, she gave him some narcotic and took him out of the cockpit in Dr's bed.
As she returned she saw Steeler smiling: " Thank you Indy, not long anymore and I would get berserk. "
Indy sat down in the co-pilot chair: " Seems you have flown the Sklave already. I didn’t expect my brother would allow this. "
Steeler smiled: " Mark and myself, we are allied since his first day in Phoenix. Nope, not true since he joined the TFA as little recruit. We made a lot of dangerous missions with these craft and so I learned to fly it. "
" That’s amazing, really amazing. "
" Why? " Steeler asked. " Well my brother was never very social, not much friends. He trusted nobody but now he has changed. He has a lot of new friends and he thrust them. He’s so much concerned about the Commodore, I never expected that he would care for somebody outside the family. It was good that he joined the imperial navy. In fact I think it was the best decision he ever made. "
Indy looked at the Sith: " May I ask you something? "
" You already did. But go on. "
Indy: " Who were the guys blocking you? Remember when you searched Savage. "
" He’s an ally of the Dark Brotherhood and they protect him. "
" What for naughty guys! "
Steel smiled again: " Naughty and dangerous. "
A few hours later the Sklave arrived at Urdur. Steeler landed the Sklave next to the imperial shuttle of Rookie: " Definitive that’s the shuttle Sigma, one of ours. Wake up Meister please. "
A second later a wet Meister came in the office: " Who was that?! "
" What? " asked Indy and tried to look innocent.
Meister knew when he would harm Dr's sister he wouldn’t have a good minute at the Diablo anymore so he said: " Doesn’t matter. Where are the towels? "
Steel: " Hurry up Jedi. We have some stuff to do. "
Maybe ten minutes later they stood in the office of Gunman. Rolan thought of a good business: " What can I do for you? "
Steeler took over the talk: " Two things. First I want a Corellian Transport, there was one in the hangar, a new one. "
The merchant got an greedy look in his eyes, a new Corellian Transport was very expensive and first for all he could show his brother that he was able to make good deals too: " A new one costs 25000 credits. "
Steeler waved a hand: " Money doesn’t play a role for us... " She showed Gunman her golden express card. Rolan was very surprised then the golden express was only for the richest ones.
He stumbled: " Ok, ok. What else? "
The Sith: " First this business, I want the papers and the keys. "
" Of course. The transport has the name Desert Rose. "
Steeler took the keys: " Ok second we are looking for an old friend... his name is Savage. Where he is? "
Rolan couldn’t avoid to think at the rebel and so the Jedi and the Sith knew that both have a relationship. " I don’t know somebody with this name," answered the merchant. Indy noticed the short nod from Meister and took out her blaster.
She said: " We haven’t much patience, so where he is? "
Rolan starred at the blaster right in front of his face: " Sorry... don’t kill me. It’s right we made some business. He wanted some mag pulse missiles. I have enough from them, you can have some too for a really friendly price. " I
ndy got furious: " We aren´t interested in your weapon transfers! "
Meister asked: " What is the location you have to bring these weapons? "
Rolan Gunman feared for his life: " Timbal system, Timbal two. Savage has a fortress there. "
" That’s it! " shouted Meister.
Indy: " Many thanks you scum. " and fired her blaster.
Steeler stood up: " Good shut, if you didn’t make it, I would. But look at this picture behind him... looks like we found one of the pink things. "
Meister took the picture from the wall: " What’s so important on these pink things? "
" We will find this out. Good decision, we will take the picture with us. " Answered Indy.
Fossa stood at the bridge of the Titan, he was still in charge of the Euro Wing. Flamestrike was a free man but until he had his family back Fossa had the command for the sake of the wing. " Sir, incoming transmission. " Fossa left his commanding chair and walked over to the com console: " Rear Admiral Fossa speaking. " Then he faced Steeler and smiled: " I guess you have some good news Steel. " " Sure, I do. We found Savage and his hostages, but we need the help of the wing, that’s for sure. " " We are ready to help, where we meet? " Steeler smiled: " In Tralus, where else? " " We are on our way. "
Two hours later in the Tralus System, Commodore Rookie wondered why Fossa ordered to return to Tralus, the rebel system. But this time they didn’t face a rebel patrol, all was quiet. After waiting 3 hours two ships entered the rendezvous point, one was the Sklave. Rookie was very curious but both ships flown direct to the Titan.
Rear Admiral Fossa already waited for Meister, Indy and Steeler in the briefing room: " Ok, lets hear what you found out? "
Indy explained: " The hostages are located in Savages fortress on Timbal two, not far away from here. Our plan is easy. A little commando crew flies first to Timbal, rescue the hostages and destroy the AA gun defence. Then the Wing attacks and destroys the fortress. This should kill the whole base. "
Fossa nodded: " I agree with that plan. How long do you think you need? "
Indy: " Both must happen nearly at the same time or the commando crew has a whole fortress on their back. "
Fossa nodded again: " 10 minutes maybe? "
Steeler smiled: " This should be enough, we will inform you when we are right in front of the base. You jump into Timbal then and deal with the base. "
Again Fossa agreed: " Who will be in the commando team? "
" We three of course and Dr Becks, Rookie and Flamey if they want. " answered Meister.
" Hmm, I’m not so sure if two of our best senior officers should go on such a mission... "
" But Fossa, do you really want to separate them from the rescue of their families? " asked Steeler.
Fossa sighed: " Ok, but have a look at them. "
" Sure we have. " promised Indy. To convince Flamey was very easy, he only waited for a chance to pay Savage his cruelty back. Then they flew over to the El Pollo. Commodore Rookie already waited on the main hangar, he felt the mixture of hope and fear. Next to him stood Dr Becks even the Mandalorian seemed to be nervous.
As soon as Indy left the Sklave Dr jumped on her and throw her to the floor: " If you ever take my ship again without my ok I'll nail your ears on your big toes too, got it little sister? "
Indy smiled: " I knew this would happen. Ok big brother I got it. "
Rookie walked over to Meister P and Steeler who left the new Corellian transport: " And? "
Steeler smiled: " We found them. Now it’s time to bring your wife back. Take your weapons Rookie. "
Rookie looked surprised: " You want me to come with you? Really? "
Meister smiled: " Well we have the choice between knocking you out or take you with us right? "
" Right. " and Rookie run into his bunk to take his weapons.
Maybe 10 minutes later Rookie returned. Desmo stood next to the Sklave where Dr and Indy took the last check ups. Dr didn’t let any discussion happen, never he would allow his sister to make such a mission without him. Rookie was glad that both Mandalorians where with him. Mandalorians are all for all ground fighters and this was a big advantage there. Flamey stood in front of the Desert Rose, talking with Meister and Akkon. Rookie saw Akkon laugh and how he touched FS ´s shoulder. All seems to be ok again. But where was Steeler? Then he saw her standing next to her BW.
He walked over: " You don’t fly with us? "
Steeler: " Of course I make this rescue mission with you but then I have to return to the Infiltrator Wing. "
Rookie couldn’t believe it: " You aren’t stay with us? Why not? This is your home. "
Steeler putted her helmet on again she looked like a damned rebel: " Hurry up, we haven’t too much time. "
The Commodore: " Why you always change the theme when we speak about your future? " But his ex XO didn’t answer and climbed in his rebel fighter. Rookie shook his head and wanted to go to the Desert Rose.
His parents stood in front of him. " Be careful Junior, ok? " said his father and hugged him: " Bring your wife back, I would do the same when mum where in trouble but be careful. " Rookies mum only wished him luck. Then the Commodore walked over to the Desert Rose and joined Flamestrike and Meister.
Meister: " Thanks god I haven’t to fly with the Sklave again. " Even Rookie had to smile. A short time later the BW, the Sklave and the Desert Rose left the hangar and flown to Timbal Two.
It was night on Timbal Two has the three ships landed in the near of Savages fortress. The last preparations and discussions about the attack were made. Indy and Steeler went a bit away from the others and talked a longer time.
Dr Becks already looked for her: " Indy! Come in the Sklave, we have to do the ritual before we can go to that mission. His sister walked over and whispered something in his ears.
Dr nodded: " Flamey and Rooks please could you come too. It’s important. "
Meister stepped next to the Sith: " What they are doing in the Sklave now? What’s that for a ritual? "
Steeler smiled: " Mandalorians always celebrate the Hunting Ritual before they went into a combat. It’s like our meditation. It calms them down, I hope also Flamey and Rookie. "
Meister: " That’s good, I will go to my meditation too. Btw, isn’t this another lightsaber then you normally wear? "
Steeler nodded: " This one is better for cutting titanium doors. Let’s do our meditation together. "
Early in the next morning, shortly before the sun raised up, the commando team went to the fortress. They split themselves into 3 groups, Dr and Indy should take care for the AA guns. Rookie and Meister should come from the left into the prisoner part and Steeler and Flamey from the right. All three teams went in position and reported to Fossa, that they are ready.
" Ok the wing arrives in 10 minutes, we are moving in. " ordered Dr who had command about the mission. He and Indy hadn’t any problems to destroy the AA guns, the most of the rebels were still sleeping. Rookie and Meister had only a few handfuls of rebels against them, all after all not a problem. Mostly a shot of the Concussion Riffle from Rookie and the rebels are dead. Flamey and Steeler had some guard stations on their way, without Flamey's Rail Detonator they wouldn't come through. Finally they arrived at the cell where Savage had his hostages and as Steeler guess it was a titanium door.
The Sith took out her lightsaber and started to cut the door: " Cover me and Meister, Sequencer Charges in the left and in the right tunnel. Protect the forward one. " It needs at least 3 minutes till the door was open.
Steeler shouted: " Out there, fast. We haven’t time for a hello right now. " The family of Flatface, Rookies wife and Flamey's family took the possibility immediately. " Hurry, hurry, The wing attack in 2 minutes! Then this place is too dangerous! GO GO GO!!! " Flamey took his little girl on his shoulders and followed Meister who was already on work to clean the way to outside. Rookie took the hand of his wife and followed. Steeler was the last, always checking backwards. Savage came with a company rebel soldiers from the right tunnel because he was last he wasn’t harmed by the charges. As he faced the destroyed cell door he got shocked and watched in the forward tunnel where he saw Rookie and his wife running. He aimed the Commodore a victorious smile in his face. In this moment
Steeler turned around faced Savage and shouted: " Rookie! " The rebel captain fired a shot, but Steeler jumped in between and was hit. Because of Steeler shout Rookie turned around too and saw how his XO was hit. He raised his Concussion Rifle, Savage jumped around the corner but after all Rookie was firing.
Then he handed the weapon over to his wife: " Cover me! " Steeler lied on the floor.
Rookie said: " Stay calm, I take you out here. "
Steeler shook her head: " No time for it, go alone. Bring your wife out here! "
" I don’t go without you! "
" Rookie, this time you do what I say. For me it’s already too late. Give my lightsaber to Meister, he will need it and now GO! "
Rookie took the lightsaber and had tears in his eyes: " I cant. " In this moment more rebels came around the corner and his wife had to shoot.
" Go now! " with these words Steeler pushed him backwards: " RUN! " As soon as Rookie was out of view Steeler jumped on her feet and ran in the directory Savage came from. She knew he was still alive. The Concussion Riffle shot broke one of his legs and so he was slower, Steeler used the force speed to come closer. Already she could hear the sound of the Tie Bombers. Rookie was the last who left the fortress and run into the cover of the wood. There were the TBs who bombard the fortress.
" Where is Steeler? " asked Meister next to him. As answer Rookie handed him over her lightsaber. Meister took it: " Oh no! " Savage left the fortress to a secret entry, Steeler followed him in the last second before the fortress exploded. The rebel Captain jumped into a shuttle waiting for him and left the planet. The Sith ran to her BW where Indy was waiting for her.
Indy handed her the second lightsaber over: " Was this really necessary? You know they will mourn for you. "
Steeler nodded: " It was. The special armament of your Mandalorians is great, thank you. I have to deal with the Dark Brotherhood alone. If they would knew I’m still alive then they would search for me and run into trouble like this time. Also these Savage is very dangerous, I must bring him out of business. "
Indy nodded: " I agree with that, remember our deal. "
" Sure I do. " Then Steeler jumped into her BW and followed Savage. After the official funeral ceremony for Steeler, Indy took Flamey's family, Desmo and his family, Flatface's family and Rookies wife and parents in her Desert Rose. She decided together with them that the best and most safe place in the galaxy would be Mandalore where her clan would protect them. Mandalore was heavy defended no fleet could move in. The Becks clan was glad to help out the friends of the family. Dr was happy that his sister was out of danger again, at least he thought it. Indy waited some weeks then she got a com signal with some co-ordinates.
She smiled: " I’m on my way Steeler. "
Authors: NCp Steeler, Ltn Amber, FO DrBecks, SP Meister_P, CP Fjap
Editor: Ltn Amber
The Authors and Editor have done their best to ensure the accuracy and currency of all information in this story. All information is current to 21/06/2000 and we can accept no responsibility for any loss or inconvenience sustained by any reader as a result of its information or advice.