Chapter 292 - Good News And Bad News (1/2)

Hell Squad was almost as surprised as the clanckers when they saw Talz and Pantorans fighting together. But they were used to improvising, and a bunch of confused droids was an opportunity they wouldn't let go.

Dageer pushed the body he was holding, making two B1 units stumble, and pierced them with his vibroblade. His left hand used his DC-17 to fire at the nearby seppies, dropping three of them before they even had a chance to react. By his side, Hell Squad also got into the fray, killing almost twenty droids in a matter of seconds.

The once deadly, and seemingly impossible to survive, situation changed in an instant. The group that came to Hell Squad's rescue numbered over a thousand, composed mainly of Talz. The planet was their home, after all, so it was easy for them to gather more warriors.

...

Caught by surprise, the droids were quickly exterminated, but not before causing some casualties amongst the Talz and Pantorans. Hell Squad also didn't make it through intact.

”Hold on, brother. We just need to get you to the ship...”

Ignoring their own wounds and injuries, all of Hell Squad was gathered around Dab. The sniper was clutching his stomach in pain, and a small fillet of blood made it's way down his armor, painting the snow red.

Three-four was kneeling next to him, applying pressure on the wound while the other members of Hell Squad moved him into a BARC Speeder. Ignoring the crowd of Pantorans and Talz, Dageer gestured for Brain and Three-four to take Dab to their cruiser.

Watching the three clones speed away, only then did Dageer notice that Senator Amidala was by his side. He greeted her with a nod.

”Thank you, ma'am. If it wasn't for the reinforcements you brought, Hell Squad would be gone.”

”I didn't bring them. I think they were already on their way to help us, although I am not sure how they knew we were in trouble.”

The commander was slightly surprised, but Dageer wasn't one to dwell in needless thoughts. Hell Squad, and, more importantly, Senator Amidala, were alive, which meant they hadn't failed their mission. Regardless of the circ.u.mstances of their survival, the most important was that the peace negotiations could go on.

”Padmé, are you hurt? Are you all right?”

”I assure you I am okay, Senator Chuchi. I only received a scratch, nothing much, thanks to you. And also to you, Atyllii. Thank you very much.”

Dageer had to admire Senator Amidala's professionalism. He had escorted and protected other civilians and politicians before, and most of them were scared and fearing for their lives. They could barely maintain a logical line of thought after being attacked. Not that human senator, though. Even after being shot, and surviving such a traumatic experience, she still was able to maintain an impartial posture, not showing favor to either side.

”May I ask how you knew we had been ambushed by the Separatist, Senator Chuchi?”

The Pantoran scratched her head, somewhat hesitant, before looking at the Talz's leader.

”His sentries saw Separatist droids killing a group of Talz. He thought they might have also attacked you, so he came to us, and here we are.”

”Once again, I have to say I am grateful for your help. I hope that despite that incident, we can restart the negotiations tomorrow.”

”Irggueow ishei. Ayeye... Talz je Pantorans terie.”

”He said: That won't be necessary. Talz and Pantorans fought together, so they are friends now.”

Senator Amidala and Senator Chuchi looked at the translator droid for a few seconds, stunned, before turning to the Talz. It was clear he was laughing, and happy.

The human senator stealthily elbowed Senator Chuchi, and the young Pantoran quickly bowed to Atyllii, showing her respect.

”It's our honor to be able to live alongside your noble people, great Atyllii.”

Seeing how respectfully Senator Chuchi was behaving now, opposed to her angry speeches a few days ago, Dageer once again felt that politics were too much of a headache. He much preferred the battles and fights of the war. Painful as they might be, at least he didn't have to think too much.