This story is strictly NON-CANNON, and many changes have been made to the Star Wars universe, including new species and planets. The timeline of the Star Wars universe has also been changed for this story. Please don't shoot me. Previous parts are in previous blogs. Enjoy!
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The Shadow Wing landed on a run-down platform on the planet Bonifex, a world of thieves and scoundrels, very much like Nar Shadda. Aaron briefed Kira and Vorack on their mission.
“Weapons ready at all times. Remember, there is no neutral territory. All of this is a battleground. There are two forces vying for control of the planet. One of these forces is led by an honorable man. The other is not. The honorable man is an old friend of mine, who can help us track down the bastards that bought these weapons. Got it?”
“Right,” Kira said.
“Ready,” Vorack nodded.
“Then let's go,” Aaron replied, walking down the loading ramp. He had activated the on-board security systems before he left, just in case. They walked off the platform, and immediately found themselves at a crossroads. They did not have to wait long, however, as two patrols walked up, obviously hostile to each other. They opened fire with blaster rifles, pistols, and other weapons. Some used vibro-blades. One of the forces was beginning to push the other back, when they stepped back in fear. A man walked up, clad in silver, form-fitting armor, with a red visor. His right arm held a long barreled rifle with a shoulder strap and a flip-up sight, along with a scope on the side of the gun, and his other had two blades on either side of his wrist. The troopers opened fire on him, but the energy bolts had no effect. He continued to walk, bringing up his rifle and shooting one of them in the head. But the weapon did not fire off a bolt of energy. It was a projectile weapon, firing a large slug, probably made of durasteel. It tore right through the man's skull, and he crumpled to the floor. The others backed up, but one charged at him with a vibro-sword. The armored trooper stepped back, letting the blade swing past him, before he stabbed his fork-blades into the man's chest, creating two gaping holes from the reciprocation of the vibro-swords. He looked up at the remaining four soldiers. Two ran, and two stayed, each with vibro-swords. The apparent leader of the other gang first killed the two runners with his slug-thrower before turning to the two charging gang-members. He parried one of the weapons with his blades, the other with his blaster. Pushing both enemies back, he brought his gun up and shot one of them on the head, before swinging viciously at the other, knocking his vibro-sword out of his hands. The man turned his back, fleeing. The warrior shot him in his right leg, bringing him to the floor. He then walked up to his foe, and he shot him between the eyes. He slung the rifle onto his shoulder, and his blades retracted back into his arm. After making sure the area was clear, he gestured to his remaining men, who continued in the direction that the opposing force had come in. The leader turned towards Aaron and approached. Vorack reached for his blades, but the other two stayed their hands.
“Arcturus,” Aaron greeted. “or do you prefer Drak Forn?”
“Arcturus, for now. It's good to see you again, Aaron,” the soldier commented, then turned to Kira, “and it's good to see you as well. We made a good team, back on Kayburr.”
“Yeah. You would be the meat shield while I blew up the droids.”
“Don't remind me,” Drak said with a chuckle. He then greeted Vorack.
“I presume they know you. I don't,” the Drakkar stated.
“I'm a friend. I've worked with a few Drakkar during the Clone Wars. Mostly mercenaries or warriors looking to help the Republic. They were some of the most terrifying sights I've ever seen in battle. They say that during the Praetorite Wars, a few hundred of you guys held out against a few hundred thousand for several days, destroying almost three quarters of the enemy army. That right?”
“You're referring to the stand of the Drakiir. Yes. We had a well fortified position and held out for a week with only a few losses, slowly depleting the enemy forces. Eventually, they found a way to get through the planetary shields and tore us apart from the skies, but we inspired fear in our enemies that day, and the Yuuzhan Vong fleets will think when they come to this galaxy and see the armies of Drakkara in their way.”
“We didn't come for war stories, Vorack. We're here on business. We need your help, Drak,” Aaron interrupted.
“My help? Well, it seems we both have something the other wants. I love those situations.”
“Don't play games with me, Arcturus. I could kill you right now.”
“You know your own armor, right? Your lightsaber would bounce off my suit just like a blaster bolt. Your people build things to last. All of this suit's functions still work. I've never had to repair it or anything. It's like it-”
“Self heals? We can do that. Nano-tech. Can create the ultimate armor and it can also ensure that it is not destroyed.”
“By the way, how is Kayburr?”
“It's the reason we're here, Drak.”
“What, some sort of mission that they want you to go on?”
“No. Kayburr is gone.”
“Gone? Ha! A planet can't just disappear! Why are you really here?” Drak laughed, thinking that his friend was joking. He saw the seriousness of his friend's eyes through his visor, and second guessed himself. Not even his nano-armor could protect him from Aaron if he had the right motivation. “What happened?” he asked hesitantly.
“It was destroyed. I am going to find out by who, and I will kill them.”
“How? Can you track them?”
“No, but I have weapons belonging to some soldiers of theirs. I need you to identify them.” Aaron handed Drak the rifle that they recovered.
“I don't know. I honestly don't. This was manufactured on the other side of the planet. You'd have to go over there if you want answers. And that means cutting through hundreds of troops. Unless...”
“You have a plan?” Kira asked.
“Maybe. My men could create a distraction and you could slip into the Xevin's main base.”
“Xevin?” Vorack queried.
“My rival. A Weequay crime lord who wants this planet for his own. I'm the only thing standing in his way. Well, me and my men. If we launched a full scale attack, you could get in while the guards were distracted, kill Xevin, end this war, and afterwards, you could access the logs of the weaponsmiths on their side of the planet, match the rifle you've got to a buyer, and you've got your man. Simple?”
“We'd have to kill Xevin?” Aaron asked.
“It would be desirable. Most of the men follow him through fear. If he dies, most will lay down their weapons. We'd harbor no ill will towards them, they're just following orders.”
“Fine. If we have to. When will we start this fight?”
“It'll take about two hours to get my men prepared. I suggest you get ready.”
“We're always ready,” Aaron replied.
“Follow me, we'll head to our forward command post. You need some rest for the fight. It's going to be brutal, and you've got to keep your senses sharp. I'll have someone wake you when we're ready for the attack.”
“Right,” Aaron replied as they arrived at the outpost, about to part ways. “Oh, and Drak,” Aaron gestured before the leader left.
“Yeah?”
“Have you got a rifle? A Verpine shattergun, with a high powered scope, preferably with a shoulder-strap?”
“Um, yeah, I think we've got a few in the armory. You want one?”
“Hell yeah. Haven't used a rifle since the second Kayburrian War ended.”
“The second war?”
“Busy after Order 66.”
“Ah.”
“Vorack, you want a shattergun?”
“Sure, it could come in handy.”
“Right. Drak, one for Vorack as well.” Aaron told him as he walked off.
“Hey, what about me?” Kira asked, slightly annoyed.
“You've already got enough weapons of mass destruction on your wrists. Wouldn't want you to blow up the planet with even more firepower.” Aaron replied jokingly. Kira smiled slightly. Drak returned with two rifles in his hands: Verpine shatterguns, handing them to Aaron and Vorack.
“Now get some rest. It's going to be a long fight tomorrow. I'll gather the men that I can. I'll wake you when we're ready. Be sure you are as well.”
awesome . I can't wait to find out what happens .