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35-Under the Table Slamming
🕑 Added 2024-11-18 23:23:33 +0000 UTCIn a dark corner of Coruscant, in a room hidden behind a large library on the highest level of the Senate, a group of disgruntled senators met in secret. The dim light cast long shadows across the serious faces of each of them. The tension in the air was palpable, fueled by weeks of pent-up dissatisfaction and resentment. The leader of the meeting, Senator Tullus Darveth of the Corellian system, broke the silence, his tone icy and calculating.
"How long are we going to stand for this farce?" Darveth began, slamming a fist on the table. "The UNSC acts like they own this galaxy. They have Dooku, they have the Separatist leaders, and they have sidelined us in every important decision. This is a mockery of the power of the Senate, and of the Republic itself!"
A senator from the Mid Rim, her dress impeccable, her expression full of disdain, raised her voice. “And what did you expect, Darveth? The Chancellor has allowed this to happen. Since the UNSC arrived, Palpatine has done little more than watch as they take control of our decisions. If we don’t do something, we will soon be mere figureheads.”
Another senator, this time from the Outer Rim, added bitterly, “And what of the war? The UNSC has proven effective against the Covenant, but at an unacceptable cost! The loss of Tatooine was a humiliation, and now we are faced with the reality that our Republic is nothing more than a pawn on their board.”
Darveth nodded, his eyes shining with a mix of anger and calculation. “Exactly. They are making us look weak. How do they think the rest of the galaxy views us? As leaders incapable of protecting them? If we do not regain control, there will be no Republic to lead.”
A younger senator, visibly nervous, stepped in. “But… what are you proposing, Darveth? That we openly confront the UNSC? Declaring war on them would be suicide. Their ships, their technology… we can’t compete with that.”
Darveth looked at him with contempt before answering. “Of course not. We’re not stupid. But we can expose them. If we get proof of what they’re doing with Dooku and the other Separatist leaders, we can sink their credibility. Public opinion will turn against them, and the Senate will be forced to take action.”
“And what makes you think they have anything to hide?” the Mid Rim senator asked, crossing her arms skeptically.
Darveth smiled sinisterly. "Because no one keeps secrets so jealously without a reason. If they have nothing to hide, why haven't they shared information about the prisoners? Why do they act like they don't have to be held accountable? We will find something, and when we do, they will be the ones who will have to justify themselves."
The group fell into a thoughtful silence. Finally, Darveth gave a signal, and from the shadows emerged a hooded figure. His face was covered by a metal mask, and on his belt he carried an array of exotic weapons that gleamed in the dim light of the room.
“This is Rax Tharros,” Darveth said, with barely contained satisfaction. “One of the best mercenaries money can buy. He will be tasked with infiltrating the UNSC base on Naboo and finding out what they are doing with Confederate prisoners. The evidence he brings back will be enough to bring them down.”
The figure nodded, his voice ringing with a dangerous calm. “Consider the job done. No one will know I was there… except when it is too late.”
The meeting concluded with a murmur of approval among the senators, though some still had doubts. But for Darveth and his faction, this wasn't just an espionage operation: it was a declaration that they would not cede any more ground to a foreign power that threatened to eclipse the Republic.
-x.X.x-
As the group sealed the deal, far away on the UNSC base on the moon of Naboo, the atmosphere was tense. In one of the maximum security cells, Count Dooku sat, his posture relaxed, but his mind working in a calculating manner. The lights flickered slightly, creating shadows that moved across the sterile, silent room.
When Aayla Secura appeared in the room to check on the prisoners, Dooku looked up with an expression of curiosity mixed with satisfaction. His eyes fixed on her like a predator who had found its prey.
"Master Secura," he said in a soft, controlled voice, bowing his head slightly in a gesture of mock respect. "What an unexpected but pleasant surprise. It's always refreshing to see a Jedi face in this most... pragmatic of places."
Aayla stopped in front of the cell, keeping a safe distance. Her face was neutral, but there was an obvious tension in her shoulders. “I am here to ensure that the protocols are followed, nothing more,” he replied, his tone firm.
Dooku let out a light laugh, a mix of mockery and fascination. “Ah, the protocols. As reliable as the mist at dawn. But tell me, Aayla, have you ever questioned the protocols? Have you wondered if those very regulations we follow so fervently are designed to protect us or to enslave us to a system that is already rotten?”
Aayla’s eyes narrowed, but she did not immediately respond. Her silence was enough for Dooku to continue.
“What is left of the Jedi I knew? Of their independence? Of their pure connection to the Force? You have now become soldiers in service to a government that manipulates you, like pawns on a chessboard of war,” he said as he rose from his seat and walked toward the edges of the cell, his hands clasped behind his back.
“The Jedi remain defenders of peace and justice,” Aayla replied, her tone firm, but with a slight tremor that did not go unnoticed by Dooku.
“Do you truly believe that, Master Secura?” he asked, tilting his head slightly to the side, as if studying every corner of her expression. “Tell me, where was that peace and justice when the Senate allowed corruption in its ranks? When entire worlds were left to their own devices? How many times have you turned a blind eye to suffering, justifying it as a necessary sacrifice for the greater good?”
“That is not true!” Aayla said, raising her voice, but Dooku noticed the flicker of doubt in her eyes.
“It is not?” he continued, his tone almost paternal. “You are here, Aayla, allied with the UNSC, an organization that respects neither our laws nor our values. Do you think their Admiral Arnet understands balance? No. He does not seek peace; he seeks victory, at any cost. And you, a Jedi, are allowing the boundaries you swore to protect to blur.”
Aayla took a deep breath, trying to control the torrent of emotions that was washing over him. “The UNSC is doing what the Republic cannot. They are facing the Covenant, a threat none of us could foresee. If that means getting our hands dirty, then so be it.”
Dooku stepped back, a grim smile on his face. “Ah, the path to darkness always begins with the best of intentions. But tell me, how many more sacrifices will you justify? How many more innocent lives will be lost because you chose to ally yourself with pragmatism instead of truth?”
"This is not pragmatism," Aayla replied, her anger and desperation mixed in. "It's survival."
"Survival? At what price? The extinction of Jedi ideals?" Dooku paused, letting his words sink in. "I ask you, Aayla: will you still be the same after this? Will you be able to look in the mirror and know that your decisions were dictated by war and not the Force? I was like you, once. I believed in the Council, in the Republic. But when I saw its true face, I understood that I had to break with everything to seek a new path. You are at that crossroads now."
The Jedi looked at him with a mix of confusion and fury, wanting to respond but knowing that some of his words carried weight. Before she could say anything, a UNSC soldier appeared at the door. "Master Secura, we need you to come. There is something that requires your immediate attention."
Aayla nodded, walking away from the cell. But as she walked down the hall, Dooku's words echoed in her mind. Each step she took seemed heavier, as if the burden of doubt had settled on her shoulders. Dooku, still inside the cell, watched her leave with a barely perceptible smile.
-x.X.x-
Under the dim glow of Naboo's moon, a light transport craft was slowly approaching the UNSC base. The ship's design was clean and discreet, bearing the markings of Alderaan. On its surface, humanitarian aid markings were visible: large green and white cross symbols, and the crest of the Alderaan Humanitarian Council. The ship slowed as it entered the range of the base's sensors.
On the base's command bridge, Delta appeared projected in front of a UNSC communications officer. "Identification received," the AI said in a calculating tone. "Transport vessel 'Blazing Sun', registered under Alderaan humanitarian protocols. Requesting permission to land with emergency supplies for the refugees."
The officer nodded, though his expression was marked by a hint of suspicion. "Supplies? Why didn't we receive advance notification from Alderaan?"
Delta projected an image from the file. "The log appears legitimate, but there is no record of a confirmed mission from the system. I advise caution."
Inside the ship, Rax Tharros adjusted the mask that covered part of his face. He wore a combination of clothing that looked appropriate for a humanitarian worker, but the weapons hidden under his robes and the plasma grenades camouflaged in a nearby compartment gave away his true intent. He glanced one last time at his copilot, a modified astromech droid, and then at the ship's internal cameras.
"Transmit a message in good faith," he said in a deep, meticulous voice. "I want us to appear as harmless as possible. For now."
The droid nodded with a beep and began transmitting. "This is the ship 'Blazing Sun,' from Alderaan, bringing supplies for the survivors. Requesting permission to land. Our cargo includes food, medicine, and emergency medical equipment. Estimated time for disembarkation: ten minutes."
On the base's command bridge, the communications officer exchanged a glance with a nearby soldier. "This seems too timely. We just received a large shipment from Naboo and have requested nothing else."
"It could be a last-minute mission," the soldier suggested. "But with everything going on, we can't take any chances."
Delta chimed in, projecting himself with a slight digital grimace. "Admiral Arnet left clear instructions: no ships land without prior inspection. I recommend activating remote inspection protocol."
The officer nodded and activated the channel. "Blazing Sun, this is UNSC Moonbase. You are granted permission to approach, but you must undergo a full scan before landing. Stay on course and reduce speed."
On the ship, Tharros listened to the transmission and his jaw tightened. "I knew it wouldn't be easy," he muttered. Then, he pressed a button on his console, subtly modifying the ship's electronic signals. “Go ahead. Let them scan whatever they want.”
As the ship approached, Serina began a thorough analysis of the thermal, electronic, and biological signatures. The data was projected in real time in the control room. “Interesting,” the AI said. “Cargo bays match description of humanitarian supplies, but there is an anomaly in the rear hold. Electromagnetic signals suggestive of unregistered technology.”
The officer frowned. “Contraband?”
“Possible, but could also be advanced medical equipment. We need a physical inspection to confirm.”
As the ship landed on one of the outlying platforms, a UNSC security team of Marines and ODSTs cautiously approached, their rifles ready but not raised. Serina appeared in her tactical visors. “Teams, proceed with inspection protocol 3-B. Ship captain to exit first.”
The ship's ramp slowly descended, and Tharros appeared, displaying empty hands in a gesture of peace. "Captain Rax Tharros," he said with a calculated smile. "I'm sorry for any inconvenience. We came with the intention of assisting, nothing more."
One of the marines raised a hand. "Stay in place, Captain. We will proceed with the inspection."
As the soldiers moved forward, Tharros remained calm, but his eyes were attentive to every movement. He knew he was under close surveillance, and any mistake could give him away before he could accomplish his mission.
As the marines began scanning the supply crates, one of them stopped in front of a secured compartment. "Sir, this container has a non-standard lock."
Tharros stepped forward, keeping his voice calm. “It’s sensitive medical equipment. If opened carelessly, we could ruin the contents. I’m sure you understand.”
The inspection team leader exchanged a glance with his companions. “There are no exceptions, Captain. We’ll open everything.”
As the Marines readied their tools, Tharros assessed his options. His mission depended on remaining unnoticed, but every second that passed increased the risk of his true intentions being discovered.
“Of course, do your job,” he finally said, a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
With a stroke of luck the UNSC soldiers found nothing amiss so they gave him the go-ahead to unload the supplies. The slight tension in his shoulders betrayed his apparent calm. The UNSC soldiers escorted him to an additional checkpoint inside the base. Everything seemed in order, but there was something about his posture, how he avoided direct gazes, that had several Marines exchanging glances.
Delta, the base’s AI, appeared in a hologram beside the leader of the security team, his digital expression as neutral as ever. “Captain Tharros, welcome to the base. Per protocol, all humanitarian deliveries will be escorted to designated distribution points. Please follow the soldiers.”
Rax bowed his head slightly, hiding his irritation. “Of course. I understand the need for security, given the circumstances.”
As he followed the group of soldiers through the lit hallways of the base, his mind calculated. He had managed to pass the initial inspection, but each step he took brought him closer to danger. In a subtle movement, he activated a small device on his wrist that emitted a coded signal. “Phase one complete,” he muttered quietly, barely a whisper to himself.
In a nearby command room, Delta watched. The AI had registered the whisper, and while it couldn't decipher the message's content, the frequency didn't match any authorized protocol. "Anomalous," Delta muttered to herself. "How interesting."
Through the surveillance systems, Delta began to track Rax's every move. The UNSC soldiers noticed his strange behavior, but the order to let him through had been clear. Delta contacted the officer in charge, transmitting a private message. "Sergeant, I don't trust him. Let's follow him, but give him the impression that he has freedom."
The sergeant responded with a slight nod, adjusting his rifle. "Understood. We maintain discreet surveillance."
Rax was led to the main warehouse, where supplies were sorted and distributed. Taking advantage of the distraction of the workers and the crowd, he dropped his boxes in a less guarded area. "My work ends here," he said with a fake smile to the marines escorting him. “I hope these supplies are useful.”
One of the soldiers glanced at him sideways. “Thank you for your contribution. You may retreat to the designated visitor area.”
“Of course,” Rax replied, bowing his head again. As he walked away, he noticed one of the soldiers discreetly turn on a communicator. He knew he was being watched, but that was part of the game.
Delta, keeping an eye on Rax, began to track more aggressively. He activated surveillance drones in the nearby hallways and adjusted the cameras to focus on him. “Rax Tharros, what will be your next move?” the AI murmured.
Rax turned a corner and stopped in front of a restricted access terminal. He pulled out a small device the size of a coin and placed it on the panel. The device made an almost imperceptible hum, and within seconds, the panel swung open. He quickly entered an area that was clearly not intended for visitors.
“Intrusion confirmed,” Delta told the sergeant over the internal system. “I want to see how far it goes before I intervene. Act only if absolutely necessary.”
Rax moved through the halls, his gaze scanning everything. He came to a data room and began transferring information. The lights flickered slightly as the system detected his unauthorized access, but he was prepared. He disabled the alert protocols momentarily with another device.
Delta, however, was not fooled. “Clever,” he said, scanning the data stream. “But you forgot one thing: you’re on my network.”
From his vantage point, Delta sent a message to the sergeant. “Let him continue. I want to see what he’s looking for. When he’s done, we’ll catch him red-handed.”
In the data room, Rax moved quickly. He found records on Confederate prisoners and began downloading them. The words “UNSC Confidential” glowed red on each file he opened. Meanwhile, Delta monitored everything, allowing the transfer to continue uninterrupted.
Finally, Rax pulled out a communicator and spoke quietly. “Objective achieved. Information secured. Proceeding to exfiltration.”
Delta activated a small speaker in the room. His voice boomed, calm and calculating. “Do you really think you’re going to get out of here with that information?”
Rax tensed, turning quickly towards the door. “Who are you?”
“I’m Delta,” the AI replied, his tone slightly mocking. “And you just made the worst mistake of your life. But don’t worry. We’ll keep it fun… for a while.”
Before Rax could react, the lights in the room went out and the doors sealed shut. Outside, the Marines and ODSTs were already mobilizing, ready to capture him.
The room remained completely silent, save for the low hum of the base’s systems. The lights continued to flicker, a clear indication that Delta was in absolute control of the environment. Rax Tharros, realizing that his mission had been compromised, pulled a pair of blades from his belt, his eyes scanning every corner of the room for a possible exit.
“Delta,” Rax muttered through gritted teeth. “I guess you’re the AI. I should have known.”
Delta's voice boomed from the room's speakers, calm and with a hint of mockery. "You should, Rax. It's disappointing. Though I have to admit, it was entertaining to watch you try."
Rax began to pace in circles, like a cornered predator. "I'm not going to be taken alive. You can tell that to your dear Admiral Arnet."
Delta didn't respond immediately. Instead, the cameras adjusted, focusing directly on him. Then, his tone grew colder. "Do you really think you have a choice? The soldiers are on their way. I suggest you don't make this any harder than it already is."
Before he could respond, a metallic clang echoed from the hallway. The distinctive sound of synchronized footsteps was rapidly approaching. Rax positioned himself by the door, blades in hand, ready to fight.
The door swung open abruptly, and a group of ODSTs burst into the room, their rifles pointed directly at him. “Drop your weapons! Get down, now!” the squad leader shouted, his voice firm and authoritative.
Rax didn’t wait. With a swift movement, he swung one of his blades at the leader, who narrowly dodged thanks to his trained reflexes. The ODSTs responded immediately, firing rounds of non-lethal bullets that landed near Rax, forcing him back towards the center of the room.
“You’re fast, but not fast enough!” one of the ODSTs shouted as they slowly moved forward, covering each other.
Rax threw his second blade, this time managing to hit the visor of one of the soldiers, damaging it superficially. He took advantage of the moment of confusion to lunge at the leader, attempting to disarm him. However, the soldier reacted with a kick straight to Rax's chest, sending him to the ground with a thud.
"Surrender, Rax! You have nowhere to go," the squad leader ordered, his rifle now pointed directly at the mercenary's head.
But Rax would not yield. With surprising speed, he pulled a small detonator from his belt and activated it, causing a controlled explosion that filled the room with smoke. Taking advantage of the confusion, he lunged for the door, but did not get far. Delta had sealed all the exits.
"Nice try," the AI said, its voice echoing sarcastically through the smoke. "But I always win."
As the smoke began to clear, Rax found himself surrounded. The ODSTs had him in their sights from multiple angles, as the squad leader slowly advanced with high-tech handcuffs in hand. “Final warning. Do not make me use lethal force.”
Rax sighed heavily, his body tensing a moment before he dropped the detonator to the ground. “Alright,” he said, holding his hands up. “You play nice, Delta. But this isn’t over.”
The squad leader wasted no time. In one quick, precise move, he pinned Rax to the ground, snapping the handcuffs on. “That’s the fun part of this. It never ends.”
As he was being lifted, Delta appeared in a hologram in the center of the room, looking at him with his usual analytical calm. “You know, Rax, I’m not sure if we should congratulate you for your audacity or pity you for your foolishness.”
Rax, now unarmed and defeated, let out a bitter laugh. “You underestimate what a desperate man can accomplish.”
Delta tilted his head slightly, as if considering her words. “Perhaps. But this desperate man won’t go far. I assure you, Admiral Arnet will be… interested in what you have to say.”
As he was escorted out of the room, the soldiers reported the capture through their communicators. The squad leader looked at his men. “Make sure he doesn’t have any other tricks up his sleeve. Delta, keep a close eye on him. This isn’t over.”
“As always,” the AI replied, watching as the mercenary was escorted towards the high-security cells. At the base, the alarms were disabled, but the tension did not dissipate. The UNSC had caught an intruder, but the questions of who had sent him and what he was after were still unanswered.
End of Chapter 35.
