13 Ghosts of the Past 3 (1/2)

Republic cruiser Tranquility

Rodia star system

Outer Rim

”We have multiple droid fighters and boarding ships incoming! Brace for impact!”

I could hear the captain's voice coming from the communicator build in the left arm-guard of Commander Green. When the skipper of the ship you are on becomes frantic you know that the situation is dire. That thought was neatly punctuated when four nearly simultaneous shudders rand down the bulk of the cruiser.

Commander Green had deployed his company in such positions as to block any push towards the brig. I hoped that it will be enough.

”You two feel it too, right?” I asked my Jedi companions.

The moment Tranquility was struck by what I presumed were boarding pods, I felt a disturbances in the force. We had company of the lightsaber wielding kind. If I had not kriffed up the time-line too much by now one of them should be Ventress. However this time she had decided to bring a friend or two.

”No! Check your fire! He has lightsaber!” A desperate shout came over the comm.

”Green leader, respond!” ordered the clone commander to no avail.

”There are at least two of them, Master Ti. Who do you want?”

”Ahsoka, guard the prisoner. We'll deal with the boarders.” ordered the older Togruta.

For once Tano did not argue and took position in front of the cell, which was flanked by two senate commandos.

The determination shining in her eyes and her fierce voice brought back memories best forgotten. A fresh, spicy smell... A soft touch and hot breath washing over my skin... I shook my head. The past was dead and buried. By now not even dust remained. I had to keep my head in the present.

”Go help the troops. I'll hunt down the other one.” said the Jedi Master.

I smiled. I could hear it in her voice. The trill of the hunt was burning within her heart. The instincts of the predators from which her kind evolved demanding to be unleashed. I just knew that she wanted to growl with eagerness that she had a prey to hunt. Pity that her Jedi training was restraining her.

”As you wish. May the Force serve you well, Master Ti.”

”May the Force be with you this time, Sith.”

We separated at the elevators and headed in different directions.

=RK=

I met the remains of Green company soon enough. Those were four clones, one of whom was wounded and being tended by one of his brothers. The other two had their blasters pointed at a sealed blast doors which were being slowly but surely sliced open by a lightsaber.

”Move to the next intersection and use the side corridors as cover. I'll deal with this nuisance.” I ordered.

”As you wish, sir! Good luck!” They didn't argue but scampered back. The clones dragged their wounded brother with them as they ran for cover.

I prepared an Ion grenade that I ”liberated” from the troops occupying Rodia. When a circle was cut into the blast doors, it was blasted away by a strong push with the Force. It was followed by a solid wall of blaster bolts which scorched the bulkheads but otherwise did not cause any damage. The next to come were Super Battle droids which tried to squeeze inside one by one. I lobbed the grenade after the first had passed and jumped away. A pulse of ion energy washed over the floor, walls and ceiling. The battle droid which had passed through the breached blast door fell in a twitching heap.

Another wave of force shoved the unfortunate machine away and a blonde man who was about my height rolled through the hole. Once he was on this side he immediately jumped on his feet and activated his lightsaber. I followed suit after drawing out my own.

He raised his weapon in a high, Djem So guard. His hands were over his head and the sword was slightly tilted backwards.

My answer was to fall in a Juyo stance. I held my weapon horizontally above my head and pointed to the right.

”Another of the so called Dark Acolytes wish to commit suicide or are you just lost?” I snarked.

”Tsk.” The blond man glared at me. ”You must have some skill to have dealt with the twins, but I am nothing like those weaklings!” he scoffed.

”Your name would be appreciated. I'll need it for the After Action Report. Who knows? I may get a bonus for you!” I grinned in typical mercenary fashion.