Chapter Two: Setting off the Trap
Lassyl sat in the pilot’s seat as she began her approach towards Separatist space. She leaned her head back and sighed knowing that everyone would have to be set in carbonite soon. Zenith’s droid, T7-01, an old unit that she knew was from the Old Republic wheeled around getting it’s barings on the old XS Stock Light Freighter. Though it seemed to already know the layout some of the personal modifications of Lassyl didn’t help with manuevering.
"Well, now you know." Echo told Shae as he tried to get comfortable. Shae sighed as she paced back and forth saying. “Yeah, I just have to think positive, not about the negative possibilities of freezing someone in carbonite incorrectly.”
"I'm sure General Skywalker thought that through. I think." Echo responded as he got a little bit worried himself. Zenith glanced up towards them but kept her mouth shut instead working on the machine to work at peak proficiency.
“I would assume why Zenith is here.” Xestu pointed out before looking at where Anakin and Ahsoka were. “Correct, General?”
"I suppose you could say that." Anakin answered with a smirk. Zenith chuckled a bit as she said. “As long as you erase any evidence of this being used you should be good.”
“What type of ores are these?” Jelu asked, looking into the bin curiously. Lassyl looked back as she thought for a moment before answering honestly. “Most are normal metals, we also have various crystals from all over. Some will block energy signatures so we can cover all our basses. There is a hidden panel that R2 and T7 can access and empty out the ores in order to defrost all of you."
"How's it coming along Zenith? We'll need to get started soon." Anakin asked as he approached her. Zenith looked up at him saying. “Just a slight modification then I’m done. How’s Sparky?”
“I keep… nevermind.” Kimble said, shaking his head, Shae took notice that he was trembling. She approached him asking. “Are you alright Kimble?”
“I was alright in training, what’s wrong with me?” Kimble asked, keeping his voice down as he took deep breaths. Shae chuckled. “That would be your nerves. I had those on my first mission, thankfully Ahsoka was there.” Ahsoka gave a cocky grin as she folded her arms. Kimble’s eyes narrowed, yet his glare was friendly, like what Rainbow Dash would give the Clones in her unit. Etura’axee saw Zenith take a step back saying. “All done!”
"Great, everybody to a chamber!" Anakin ordered as he looked around at everyone. Jelu went pale as Lassyl went to stand by it. Kimble looked around as Etura’axee asked. “Who’s going to be frozen first?”
Shae looked around before saying. “I’ll go first.” Anakin nodded and said. "Alright get in there and Zenith, you activate it."
Shae nodded her head before getting into the machine. Zenith activated it as Lassyl opened up the false bottom to the crates. Soon the slab of carbonite with Shae inside was finished. With everything in order, the rest of the crew followed suit shortly after. Lassyl made sure they were hidden before turning on some music to rock out to as she began to make her normal run to deliver supplies to the suffering planets. That was when she was contacted by a Separatist patrol. She sighed leaning back as she accepted the call putting on a relaxed demeanor. “B1-982, nice to see you again, come to raid my cargo hold?”
"What is the cargo?" The battle droid questioned. Lassyl rolled her eyes as she answered. “Oh you know, supplies: food, medicine, ores that I’m planning on selling once I get out of here.”
"We'll be sending a crew aboard to confirm, please hold." B1-982 said in return. Lassyl frowned as she rose from her seat and lifted her hands into the air. She was used to this having taken various notes about what the Separatists would grab and what they would leave behind.
"Looks like everything is here and I don't scan any other life forms. You may proceed." The B1 droid said as it took its leave. Lassyl paused, not sure what to do as it wasn’t unusual for the droids to follow orders and raid the ships. So she just had to make her shipment more tempting.
“Pretty unusual for you guys to leave my personal stock alone.” Lassyl said over the holocom as she leaned back in her chair. “Must be too busy fighting to care about what I’m carrying.”
"Don't make us change our minds! You're lucky we don't just blow up your ship with that kind of talk now get going!" The battle droid retorted. Lassyl stuck her tongue out at the droids before powering up her ship. She knew that there might be another patrol or she was going to have to get creative. So she went on her way before an idea struck her. The ships that they were after was orbiting a planet along her normal route. Normally she would avoid the planets until the ships left, yet this caused her bosses to get mad at her. So she decided to follow orders and do the shipment knowing that this was to attract some attention. As she approached the planet, Lassyl sent a message stating her intention to bring supplies down to the planet as she had been there a few times before. She tapped her fingers against the console waiting for a response. That was when the request came in for her shipping manifest and cargo logs.
A few unknown vessels appeared out of hyperspace from behind Lassyl when a transmission was being sent to her. A Weequay appeared on the hologram as he began to speak.
"Well hello there! I am Captain Hondo, my completely trustworthy band here happened to be in the area when we intercepted a conversation between battle droids that you were carrying precious cargo aboard!" Hondo exclaimed with a mischievous grin.
“Oh no, pirates.” Lassyl answered sarcastically, rolling her eyes as she began to think of a different plan.
Hondo let out a fake gasp. "Pirates! No no no no, we are just honorable mercenaries who are here to help!"
“Uh huh.” Lassyl began her approach towards the planet. “What kind of help?”
"We'll just take your cargo and deliver it ourselves! Because we are such honorable mercenaries who help people." Hondo answered by putting up a fake puppy face. Lassyl let out a laugh as her inky black eyes narrowed. “No, I’ve got one job and I’m going to finish it.”
Hondo sighed as he said. "Oh, very well. I hope that you don't mind if we board your vessel anyway."
“As a matter of fact I do mind.” Lassyl glanced at the Separatist ships then to Hondo’s. “I’ve got places to go,
deliveries to be made, and money to make.”
"We will be quick then." Hondo assured as he ended the transmission. Lassyl gritted her teeth before rolling her shoulders. ‘So that’s how we’re going to play this, huh?’ she thought as she increased the speed knowing that there was a firefight ahead. The pirates started gaining and began firing on the ship. Lassyl flew around knowing that they were cutting her off from the planet. She wouldn’t be able to call for support without revealing who’s side she was on. That was when the idea popped into her head. “This is Nova Explorer contacting Separatist ships. I was responding to a requested supply run for the planet below. Do you want these supplies to reach the people down there or not?”
There was silence before a beeping started signalling that someone was trying to contact her. She turned on her holocom glancing to see who had decided to respond. Her one wish was that it wasn’t Hondo again. She paused remembering the plan, if anything other than droids boarded she was to activate her backup plan. She opened up a communication line to the other ship. “This is the Nova Explorer, thanks for the rescue.”
‘Even if you are only after the supplies on my ship.’ She thought, trying not to tense or relax. Then she sent an order to her handy droid to lock down the ship in case there was any trouble adding on the order to wipe the logs
The figure was cloaked, no discernable details were present aside from the fact that it looked like a thin woman. "I am not aware of a ship by that name."
“Well it’s not a famous ship.” Lassyl said feeling a bit wary and activated her back up plan the device turned on and she felt her memories shift over removing any knowledge of the Republic and the false memories of a smuggler appearing. “Been in my family for quite a long time.”
The woman seemed distracted as she looked to the side as if silently talking to someone. She looked back in the direction of Lassyl as she said. “You are welcome here, please align yourself with our vessel.”
“Copy that.” Lassyl said, directing her ship to align with the other. She leaned back in her seat as she turned around. She let out a sigh before pushing herself up and going to greet her mysterious guest.
The guest showed up in the same outfit accompanied by several B1 Battledroids. She took off her hood revealing the Rattataki known as Ventress. Lassyl leaned against the wall saying. “Name’s Lassyl Tess, Captain of this old but fine vessel. I assume you want some kind of payment for saving this ship. Hopefully we can figure something out and part ways and I can get back to the job I was paid to do by the people of that fine world down there.”
Ventress uncharacteristically bowed in respect and said a simple "Thank you. Payment won't be necessary."
“Huh, you guys normally grab a case or two of something whenever you come on board.” Lassyl said, rubbing the back of her head. “Just thought that’s your M.O. or something.”
"I received word during our conversation to simply commandeer the ship and thank you profusely." Ventress replied in a calm yet almost sinister tone. Lassyl just stared for a moment before sighing. She didn’t know what to do besides ask. “And what am I supposed to do?”
"He didn't say. Whatever you want I suppose." There was a more annoyed tone in her voice now. Lassyl chuckled a bit nervously. “You see, this is kind of my ride home. So I’d rather it and myself stay in one piece. Guess I should show my way out via escape pod, but I do want it back.”
Lassyl moved past them heading towards the escape pods. Once out of sight she began to think if she could really hide from Ventress. She grabbed a crate of supplies and headed towards the escape pod. It wasn’t much but there was really nothing she could do about it at the moment.
All of a sudden the ship started to jerk and one of the B1 droids approached Lassyl. "Halt!"
Lassyl’s head dropped forward as she turned around saying. “Seriously? I’ve got a job to do. I would like to get paid.”
"You will not leave this vessel!" The B1 droid answered, raising its blaster at Lassyl. Lassyl sighed before dropping the crate and held up her hands, her eyeroll not evident. She just stared at the droid in annoyance before taking a seat on the crate. Living sounded much better than getting shot by a Battle Droid and dying before she could even make it out of the system.
“Alright, so what now?” she asked grumpily, pondering just shooting the droid.
"Uh, I don't know, I was just told to watch you!" The droid answered, looking as confused as a B1 droid could. Lassyl tilted her head to the side, her tendrils falling off her shoulder. She looked at it asking. “Ever play Corellian Spike Sabbac?”
The B1 battledroid just stood there as if it couldn't compute the question. Lassyl’s communicator went off and she looked down at it. “Can I get this?”
"Uh, my orders were just to watch you." The droid responded. Lassyl picked up the communicator and a droid’s voice spoke. “Master, I have lockdown the ship as per your request. Is there anything else you wish for me to do?”
“That’s a negative C2. Just wipe your memory banks so they can’t unlock it.” Lassyl said before leaning back her communicator switching off. “I’m ready to bargain.” The droid simply made the I don't compute look again. Lassyl rolled her eyes before saying. “Get that lady back over here.”
"My orders were to watch you, you don't get to order me!" The droid responded almost in a triumphant tone. Lassyl shook her head before saying loudly. “Good luck getting my ship anywhere with it being locked down. I know you can simply tow it but you can’t actually access any logs.” The B1 Battledroid once more gave a confused look. Lassyl decided to screw it, she picked up the crate and started to just walk with it. The droid followed closely behind Lassyl, watching intently. She turned her head to look at the droid asking. “So you’re just supposed to watch me?”
"That's what I was ordered to do." The droid answered, trying to act tough. Lassyl thought for a moment before asking her next question. “So, your orders are just to watch and follow me around?”
"That's right!" The droid shouted trying to act tough once again. Lassyl grinned as she asked her final question. “On this ship?” The droid answered by nodding its head. Lassyl edged towards the escape pod watching the droid carefully. The droid retaliated by aiming its weapon more aggressively. "Halt!"
“The escape pod is still technically part of the ship as long as it isn’t launched.” Lassyle told the droid having a new plan to deliver. “As long as I don’t get in it and launch it, I have not left the ship. Therefore not doing anything wrong.”
"I uh, yes you're right!" The droid answered, trying to act smart. Lassyl proceeded to load up the escape pod with crates. Making sure to set the autopilot secretly to head towards the planet. Once she was down she closed the doors and launched it while she was still in her ship. She leaned against the wall staring at the droid. “So, I’m going to get something to eat.” Then proceeded to walk off towards the small galley in her ship. The droid tilted its head and proceeded after her.
Echo, Fives, Zenith, Kimble, Lexxi and Xestu lay asleep in the frozen carbonite as it began roaring to life. Sounds of groaning from all of them as they hit the floor were heard as they proceeded to get themselves up. It was hard to make out due to their eyes still adjusting, but before them stood B1 Battledroids all pointing blasters at them with Assaj Ventress grinning at them from behind the droids.
“Should have seen this one coming.” Zenith mumbled before grinning. “Oh wait, I did. T7!”
The antique astromech began to fire blaster bolts at the Battle Droids as Kimble went for the blaster at his side. Lexxi regained her balance before charging forward grabbing a fallen blaster firing at Ventress as Xestu pulled his sniper rifle from the compartment. Echo and Fives grabbed their blasters and began firing at Ventress as well.
The dark assassin leapt out of the way as she activated her two lightsabers, a hissing sound coming from her lips.
Zenith got onto her pad as she began to access whatever she could from the ship moving back towards the crate. She knew she would have to plug into a terminal sooner or later. Then she pulled out a spike and gave it to T7. “You know what to do with that buddy.”
T7 let out a noise before spinning around and heading off past the fight. Zenith pulled out her pistol and fired a shot by Ventress’ head. This especially angered Ventress as she went to strike at Zenith. Zenith moved out of the way in the nick of time letting out a whistle. “That was close.”
Xestu glanced at the two before resuming in taking down the rest of the Battle Droids as T7 made it to a terminal plugging in the Spike.
"Wait, where's Skywalker?" Assaj asked angrily as she went to strike at Zenith again. Zenith shot Assaj a nasty grin as she said. “Sor~ry, this isn’t the crate you’re looking for.”
T7 let out a call as soon as the program was in the system. Zenith jumped back grabbing her pad again shouting. “Sparky, Fives, Echo can you please deal with her? I’ve got access to partial systems right now but we have to get moving.”
Kimble was about to protest at Zenith’s instructions before just grumbling under his breath and fired at Ventress. Ventress reflected the shot, the bolt striking Kimble's right leg. Kimble stumbled as Xestu aimed a shot above Ventress’ head towards a conduit as Lexxi pulled Kimble out of the way.
Ventress growled as her anger rose, a shockwave of the Force pushing everyone to the floor. Zenith hit the floor in shock before remembering something that she used before during the training run. She turned off the gravity in the bay. The lights dimmed as everything and everyone began to float. Xestu looked around before feeling T7 nudge him towards the door.
"Little warning next time?" Echo pleaded as he found something to hold onto. Zenith looked at him saying. “Sure, if you want the Force User to prepare as well. Come on, let’s go.”
Zenith turned on her magboots moving towards the hall where there was gravity. Lexxi tried to make her way towards the hall as well pushing Kimble in front of her. She checked her shoulder to make sure that Ventress was not following them. Ventress was growling irritatingly as she tried to make her way towards them. Lexxi frowned seeing the others making it through the door hitting the ground as Zenith turned to look at her. Green eyes narrowed as she pulled out her blaster and fired just as Zenith called out to her the door closing. Lexxi glanced around noticing a vent and moved to make her way towards it. The rest managed to follow through, the door fully closing behind them with Ventress on the other side.
"Let's get moving while she's held up." Fives said knowing that she wouldn't be there long. Zenith nodded her head while checking her pad. “I told them I should have placed trackers on each of you.”
“Lexxi has memorised the schematics of the ship. She knows her way around.” Xestu told him as he helped Kimble along. Kimble was doing his best to not slow them down.
"How are you holding up?" Echo asked the injured Kimble. Kimble gritted his teeth as he said. “In pain but I’ll manage.”
“T7, find a terminal to hook us up to the main computer. I want full access to the ship.” Zenith instructed before looking at Kimble. “I can treat it but we have to get out of this hallway.”
T7 rolled away as Xestu helped move Kimble out of the open. Kimble looked at Zenith asking. “How did you know?”
Zenith wasn’t sure about how to respond to the question.