Star Forge - 28 (Patreon)

Queen Organa and Queen Amidala, not a handmaiden, stood beside him as they watched the droid factory assemble the army. Padme's lips were pressed into a tight line. The wounds from the recent invasion were still raw.

"These are different than the ones from the Trade Federation," Padme stated.

I nodded, "yes, research into droid production has made them hardier and more intelligent."

"Are you sure this is a good thing?" Padme asked, raising a manicured eyebrow.

I titled my head from side to side, "these ones aren't the common foot soldiers. They're probably at least ten years ahead of the current batch."

"And you have these how?" Queen Amidala pressed on with her questions.

I chucked, "research, a lot of research and testing. This is one ship, not an entire fleet. I can't keep up with the Trade Federation in pure numbers." I waved a hand at the assembly floor. "Imagine this output, but with ten others working beside it."

Queen Amidala nodded as her jaw clenched.

"We appreciate the assistance," Queen Organa interjected.

I bowed slightly to her, then led them back to the hangar. Anakin waved happily at Padme as they passed. The kid was elbow deep in a roller-droid with the parts laid out and labeled with a mixture of precision and madness. They were heading back to the space station after assurances that the reinforcements were being constructed.

"My handmaiden wishes to speak to you in private," Padme said as we approached their shuttle.

My muted helmet prevented the chuckle from escaping, "oh?"

A sly smile lingered on Padme's face as she nodded in reply. I honestly didn't know what to say. She was obviously referring to Sabe, but I couldn't think what she wanted. I was going to keep the ship here to provide a constant stream of reinforcements. It gave the crew plenty to do as well. Adyan was learning how to fly various ships native to Alderaan, Anakin and Tali had been given permission to have a small squad of each model of droid to tinker with, and Mette was training in everything she could with the Alderaan Royal Forces. Shmi had been spending time with the Naboo contingent. Padme and her handmaidens loved the woman.

Sabe was waiting for us when we arrived at the shuttle. I cocked my head to the side. She wasn't dressed as a handmaiden. Sabe wore a well-made red tunic and white leggings, her hair was now in a pixie-cut, and she had a travel-bag slung over her shoulder. My visor identified the Westar-32 blaster hidden in her tunic and the knife in her boot.

She stepped to the side, bowing to the Queens as they entered the shuttle.

"Kiskin," Sabe blushed as she said my name. "Could I speak to you in private?"

I nodded. She stepped onto the ship, then the shuttle hatch closed once she was clear.

"Is this acceptable?" I asked waving a hand to the general area.

She studied her feet, "I would prefer somewhere a little more private."

"Follow me," I turned, offering to let her walk beside me.

She practically skipped over to my side. We walked in silence as we made the short journey to the Zepplin. Her eyes darted around the interior of the ship as I led her to the lounge.

"We're alone here," I said.

I unlatched my helmet. Her breath caught in her throat as I removed it and placed my helmet on the table between us. She stared at me for a long moment before she regained her composure. I wasn't a complete moron, I could see what was coming. It was a bit dramatic, but she needed to see what I was before she confessed her love to me.

"Did you still want to speak with me?" I asked with a slight tease in my voice.

She nodded, "yes."

"My people are called the Ryett," I decided to just get this out of the way. "There aren't many of us left. A small group of us are trying to find a way to revive our people."

Sabe nodded again, clearly trying to regain her footing. Her training kicked in, and she got her thoughts back in order.

"I wanted to ask if I could join your crew," Sabe braced herself. "I am trained in espionage, counterintelligence, unarmed combat, small-arms combat, and emergency aid for twelve species."

"Impressive," I nodded. "But, why?"

Her posture straightened, this was a question she had prepared to answer, "I was the oldest among the group when I was selected as a Handmaiden. It didn't matter at the time as I was small for my age. I've recently experienced a growth spurt and it's becoming more apparent that I have more to go. This means I can no longer double for the Queen. As such, I am in need of employment."

"How old are you?" I couldn't help but ask.

She blushed, "nineteen by Galactic Standard while the Queen is fourteen."

"There are two other members of the crew that are currently taking control of a criminal organization, my strike team is on a mission to assassinate the Hutt Council, and I am planning on conquering at least one planet," I explained evenly. "I have killed quite a few people already and will add more to that number in the coming years."

Sabe nodded, "I understand. You have been vetted by bother Naboo and Alderaan Intelligence."

"And I passed?" I smirked. "I'm not sure if I should be insulted or honored."

Sabe smiled, "your time on Tatooine was interesting."

"I've spent more time on that planet than I intended," I shrugged.

"Anakin is quite adamant that he isn't going back," Sabe chuckled. "He has a list of the many of the horrors of sand."

I chuckled, "it does get everywhere."

"Are you planning on returning there?" Sabe asked.

"I don't know yet," I replied. "I've got a couple people in place to run things, but it's early in the process. I might need to go back for reinforcement if things get rough."

Sabe nodded. Neither of us spoke for a moment.

"What are you plans now?" She asked. "I don't suppose you are going to relax in orbit around Alderaan."

"You are correct," I replied. "I have personal business I need to handle on Concordia."

Her brow scrunched as she spoke, "that's in the Mandalore System."

"Yes," I nodded. "It's where there are a large number of Mandalorians. These are the sort that didn't agree with the pacifist ways of Duchess Kryze. Unfortunately, it has also become a recruiting ground for Deathwatch."

"That doesn't sound like you're taking your crew with you," Sabe said carefully.

"It's personal," I nodded. "They are my crew, but they aren't Mandalorians."

"You would take someone with you if they were a Mandalorian?" She asked.

"Are you going to convert?" I teased her.

She shrugged, "maybe."

"There are other jobs to do before jumping into the armor," I said attempting to sound serious. "Becoming a Mandalorian isn't required to join the crew."

Her expression brightened, "you're going to let me join?"

"I'd be a fool not to," I couldn't help but smile. "It's going to be boring until I get back from my trip."

"I can come with you," she offered.

"I'm sorry, this is something I need to do on my own," I shook my head. "I do have a job for you."

She was still attentive, but her disappointment was easy to see.

"Mette," I said. "The Asari. She's trying to learn everything she can about everything. I need you to train her on espionage and counterintelligence. She's a natural with communications. it would be a waste to ignore that skill."

Sabe nodded, "I'll see what I can do."

"Carrie," I spoke aloud to the ship.

"Yes, captain?" A smooth female voice replied.

"Could you call the crew to meet me on the ship?" I asked.

"Certainly," the VI replied.

"Who was that?" Sabe asked.

"Carrie," I answered. "She is the ship VI."

Sabe nodded in thought.

~

The meeting with the crew went better than I had expected. Anakin was happy to stick around since Padme was nearby. The fact that he could take apart droids also helped win that argument. Shmi patted my shoulder and told me to be careful. She understood I needed to handle this on my own. I took Shmi aside to tell her I hadn't let Sabe in on all of my abilities yet. She seemed like a good person, but I wanted to make sure the crew trusted her. I would have taken Bo with me if she was still around, but she was in the process of becoming a warlord that I supported. Adyan was fine with it and Mette was excited to work with Sabe.

Before I left, I connected a closet door in my room on the ship to the warehouse, then connected the door to my quarters on the Zepplin to the warehouse as well. That way I wasn't completely out of touch.

The trip from Alderaan to the Hydian Way was about six hours. Once I hit the hyperspace lane it was another day before I reached the Mandalore System. From there it was another few hours before I reached Concordia. My plan was simple, announce my arrival, get a meeting with Vizsla, and challenge him for the Darksaber. Every real Mandalorian they brought into the fold gave Deathwatch a little more legitimacy. My time on Naboo and Alderaan as well as taking out Jabba had added to my value. News traveled fast among mercenaries and bounty hunters. Knowing who was reliable and who wasn't worth the time could be the difference between life or death.

"YT-Class Zepplin on approach," I said as I connected with the hangar.

"Approach cleared, dock in bay Besh-Aquia," the flight control replied. "Accept transfer control for guidance."

I flipped a couple of switches and leaned back in my seat.

"You know," Carrie said. "That connection goes both ways. I can easily slip into their system."

I tapped the edge of my helmet, "do you want to?"

"Yes," Carrie replied quickly.

I chuckled, "and this won't interfere with your research?"

"Please," Carrie said. "I have access to the Droid Control Ship, the Zepplin, and the system in the cave. The Control ship is on autopilot, and no one has been in the cave since you introduced the crew. I am very, very bored."

I nodded in understanding, "don't get caught."

The Zepplin went quiet as Carrie shifted her attention to her new playground. Virtual Intelligences that were widely used didn't have such utility or range. Most are bound to personal use rarely more than a Smartphone than a true VI. This meant that cybersecurity was set to repel droids and people, which had their own limitations. Currently, there are restrictions on the capabilities of droids to prevent them from developing into something closer to true Artificial Intelligence.

My ship landed smoothly in the hangar. I could see a group of armored Mandalorians, all of which were blue, standing behind another man also wearing armor. The difference being the leader had a black cape with gold trim draped over one shoulder. My helmet zoomed in on their pauldrons, they all had the clan crest of a shriek-hawk, the emblem chosen by Death Watch.

I stood and made my way to the airlock ramp. The landing was smooth, which meant I didn't even have to brace myself as the Zepplin settled. The ramp lowered. I heard a snap of the waiting group as they jumped to attention. Vizsla removed his helmet, tucked it under his arm, and gave a practiced smile. His face was on the rugged side of attractive that didn't quite reach handsome. The blond of his eyebrows was the only clue of his hair color as his head was shaved clean. His face was in a permanent scowl even when he smiled.

"Kiskin Aurelian, welcome to Concordia," the leader said waving a hand to present the area. "I am Governor Pre Vizsla. It is an honor to have another True Mandalorian on the planet."

I inclined my head in greeting, "Governor, I did not expect such a welcome."

"The tales of your exploits caught my attention," Vizsla said with a touch of humility. "I was hoping to get the stories from the source and would like to invite you to my estate as a guest."

I inclined my head once more, "I accept."

The honor guard turned sharp, stepping out of the way to let us pass. They fell into place behind us as we walked through the impromptu path.

"Do you take off your helmet?" Vizsla asked.

I nodded, "among family. It's a personal preference; I do not hold it against others if they do."

"Would you be comfortable to remove it to share a meal?" Vizsla asked.

I didn't look at him, my helmet made it easy to keep him and his guard in view, "I am not human."

"You're a Mandalorian," Vizsla said casually. "That is enough for me."

"In that case," I replied. "That is fine."

He led me to a military transport vehicle that looked like it had just rolled off the assembly line.

"Captain," Carrie spoke.

My helmet connected to a private line, "I'm here."

"These people aren't even trying to hide they're Death Watch," Carrie said. "I've got recruiting logs, troop movements, training programs, and their plans for the next year."

"Nice work," I chuckled. "He's giving me the VIP treatment. Can you run a scan on the members to see who you think would cause issues once I take over and any violent criminals that joined as an excuse to hurt people. I have a feeling I'm going to need to clean house."

"Roger, roger," Carrie replied.

We rode in silence until we reached the estate. It was a fortress rather than a mansion. The thick walls were lined with disguised turrets. Anti-Air defenses were mixed in among clusters of trees. More Death Watch patrolled the grounds. I doubted this was the standard practice, it would have been too easy for the wrong person to see them and spread the word.

"You impressed my lieutenants on Alderaan," Vizsla said as he led me into the estate. "Kryze reported that she was going to run with you for a while. Last I heard she was on Tatooine."

I nodded, "she's proven herself to be quite competent."

"Thankfully, I haven't needed her for recent operations," Vizsla said with a dry chuckle. "There hasn't been much in the way of mercenary work as of late."

I nodded, "I wouldn't count on that being the case for long."

"Oh?" Vizsla asked, he brought me through the front doors to show off the trophies that lined the hall.

I didn't have to pretend to take interest of the trophies. There were a couple of Wookie pelts, a mounted Rancor head, and some helmets from various mercenaries through the years. Then there was the legacy armor from honored ancestors. The craftsmanship wasn't as refined as modern suits, but they had a certain beautiful utility to them.

"You have an impressive line," I paused in front of an old set with a smattering of damage.

Vizsla stopped beside me, "thank you."

We started walking again. I rolled my eyes as we stepped into the main hall. A throne was set on a raised platform at the far end of the room. Three Nite Owls stood on both sides. Another squad of ten was positioned on the lower floor.

"I guess we're doing this now," I said as I turned to him.

He raised his eyebrows in question, "what do you mean?"

"My name is Kiskin Aurelian," I announced. "I challenge Pre Vizsla for control of the Darksaber and leadership of Deathwatch. As the challenged, you are allowed to pick the method."

Vizsla stared at me in shock for a moment. A wicked smile crossed his face before he put his helmet on.

"I accept," Vizsla sounded very happy. "A warriors battle."

He reached into the pouch on his hip and withdrew the Darksaber. It had blended in perfectly. I hadn't scanned him for weapons, which was a mistake on my part. He ignited the blade; it emerged with a snap-hiss that made my inner-geek so very happy.

"This is what you want?" Vizsla glared at me. "Let it be your doom."

I drew my lightsaber and ignited it, "you misunderstand. I want your head. The Darksaber is nice perk."

Vizsla let out a single, rough laugh before he dashed forward. A burst from his jetpack added extra speed to the dash. He led with an overhead slash aimed for the crook of my neck. The boost in speed made it too fast to dodge. I brought up my blade, parrying the strike as I slid to the side. My elbow snapped up, connecting with the center of his faceplate, rocking his head back. The armor cap on my elbow dulled the shock, but I still felt the jolt run along my arm. Elbows are weird.

A blow to the helmet protected the head from direct contact, but the force of the impact still followed through. I deactivated my lightsaber, grabbed his wrist, and squeezed. My enhanced strength wasn't enough to break his bracer, but I did stop his next strike. He tried and failed to pull away from my grip.

I reached up, grabbed the edge of his helmet, and ripped it off. Vizsla's head whipped back at the movement. I brought my hand down in a chop on the gap between his shoulder armor and neck piece. The bone broke with an audible crack that was soon drowned out by his scream. His hand spasmed, the Darksaber dropped to the ground and deactivated.

He reached for his blaster with his undamaged hand. It cleared his holster before I smacked it away, sending it skittering across the marble floor. My hand latched onto the edge of his chest plate. I pulled with all my might, ripping it away from the webbing underneath. It let out a dull clang as it hit the ground.

"You will die as you lived," I said headbutting him. "As a disgrace, a pretender, unworthy to wear the armor."

I kicked him square in the chest, sending him stumbling back. His jetpack let out a burst, keeping him upright. Vizsla let out a primal scream as he used his injured arm to draw his remaining blaster. I stalked forward as he fired, my pure Beskar armor negating the lethality. Each one felt like a punch, my adrenaline was pumping too much for me to truly feel it.

The room had gone completely silent, even the breathing of the nearby troops was muted.

He held up his other arm, trying to hold it straight as the flamethrower in his bracer sparked to life. I sprang forward, wrenching his arm up and away from me before breaking it over my knee.

"Do you think that Deathwatch is something to be proud of?" I growled. "Attacking pacifists? Where is the honor? They have pledged themselves to peace. Bombing buildings, sending assassins, and harming innocent bystanders. You are not a Mandalorian. You are a street thug with delusions of grandeur."

Vizsla roared in outrage. His knee came up hard, assisted by a pulse from his jetpack, aimed directly for my groin. I turned to the side just in time, catching it in chest rather than lower.

"I will guide these people into True Mandalorians," I grabbed him by his injured shoulder and spun him to face the assembled troops. "They will learn the code, live by it, they will fight with honor, protect those that need it, and remind the entire galaxy why they once revered us." I kicked the back of his leg, sending him to his knees. "Mandalore will rise, free of your filth."

I held my hand out, the Darksaber leapt into my grip. It activated as I swung it forward in a blur. His head toppled to one side while his body fell to the other before he could say anything in reply.

"Any challengers?" I asked as I scanned the audience. "Deathwatch is no more. Leave now if you don't agree with what I said. The armor stays. Either you take it off, or I strip it from your corpse. Make your choice now. There is a war coming and there is a lot of work to do before it starts."

Defeat Pre Vizsla in a duel+200 FPTake Control of Deathwatch+200 FPThat Was Dramatic+100 FP

I ignored the last line.

PURCHASE BOOKMARKED ITEM.

[Hammerhead-class Cruiser can now be found in your hangar]BALANCE: 400 Forge Points[Roll – Bank – Shop]

ROLL.

[COST : 500 FP][WORKSTATION: Dwarven Forge] [There is a place called Nidavellir. A place that contained a dying neutron star, it was known for creating some of the most powerful weapons to exist in all of the Nine Realms. Forges were fed eternally from the heat of this star, strong enough to kill even the greatest of Asgardians were it not for one of the weapons forged in this very place. The mythical Uru springs from this place, metal that is used in the weapons of the gods. Such a place would cause untold prosperity or ruin depending on who held this place. Regardless, the heart of a dying star is yours to use in these mythical forges. Just don’t get in the way of the focusing lens.][Bookmark – Dismiss]

FUCK YES, that is awesome. I had to see if I could use it on all that Beskar I had waiting to be shaped into armor. The Master Smith skill I purchased a while ago should pair nicely with this. A dying star should easily be able to work with the nearly magical metal. I was once again one-hundred points short. It was worth the wait.

BOOKMARK.