Kyrimorut was built twenty-one years before the Battle of Yavin — the date by which time is now measured in the galaxy.
The bastion of Clan Skirata was founded by Kal'buir, however, due to his involvement in the Clone Wars (and the parallel advancement of his own plans), the completion of construction, equipping it with everything necessary, camouflage, and security of the bastion were entrusted to Kal Skirata's acquaintances and trusted people.
Located in the northern hemisphere of Mandalore, Kyrimorut was an enlarged and significantly modified version of the traditional local dwelling known as a vhe'iyam.
The dense forest in which the dwelling was built concealed it from visual detection from the air.
"The prototype of Kyrimorut."
The nearby trading post town of Enceri allowed Kanu Skirata to obtain everything necessary.
Yes, Kyrimorut was now self-sufficient, but in the early years of the Galactic Empire, it was heavily dependent on external supplies due to the large number of inhabitants.
Darman vividly remembered that the narrow transparisteel windows of Kyrimorut never let in enough light to avoid using illumination panels.
The wooden panels covering the floor, while not meeting all fire safety standards by Republic and Imperial measures, nevertheless created the necessary homely comfort.
And they also concealed an emergency hatch that led down into a series of tunnels connecting the main building to a number of nearby redoubts.
From there, defenders could fire at any idiots who might attack them.
Or escape, if things got too hot.
The interior layout resembled a wheel fallen to the ground: in the center was a large room, known as the kari'ay in Mando'a, meaning 'main living room'.
It was connected by doorways to a number of adjacent rooms that stretched around it.
Among Kyrimorut's most notable features were an armory, a fully equipped kitchen and a large dining room, a moderately equipped medical research laboratory with equipment used for genetic study, and a small medical facility staffed by yet another acquaintance of Clan Skirata.
Just like Kal'buir himself, all the Mandalorians living in or privy to the secret of Kyrimorut's existence had once trained the clones of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Therefore, anyone wishing to attack this refuge would only find pain and death.
Designed as a secluded and hidden retreat, Kyrimorut also had a covered hangar for the discreet storage of starships.
Many individuals had passed through this refuge in the past.
The captured Kaminoan chief scientist Ko Sai was brought to Kyrimorut, where she was forced to reverse the accelerated aging of the clones, and where she remained until her death.
At the same time as Ko Sai, Etain Tur-Mukan, who was preparing for childbirth, arrived at the bastion, giving birth three months later to Darman's son, Venku.
Fi Skirata also recuperated here after a severe injury.
Etain's funeral was also held here.
Kyrimorut became a refuge for many fugitive clones, as well as several Jedi, in particular Kina Ha — a Kaminoan with modified longevity genes.
So much connected Jango Fett's clones, their allies, and loved ones with Kyrimorut.
And now their refuge was burning.
Like a pillar of flame, it illuminated the night sky as brightly as a beacon would for a starship.
"We've lost everything," the metal of the helmet Venku held in his hands screeched as beskar met beskar. "We've lost everything..."
The young man had seen much in his life.
He had been on Kuat, studying their technology.
He had worked undercover on Muunilinst, sniffing out the activities of the Pentastar Alignment.
But nowhere and never had he been as happy as he was in Kyrimorut.
"The main thing is we're alive," Bardan Jusik told him.
The former member of the Jedi Order, along with his former mentor Arligan Zey, had been at the clan seat of Clan Skirata when they were attacked.
And they were among those who evacuated the clan's family and allies from the trap when it all began.
"Yes, we lost Kyrimorut, the ships, our home, our weapons, but the memory of the years we lived here is always with us," Darman agreed, glancing sideways at the brothers standing nearby, who outnumbered those who had provided invaluable support to the Clan. "Just like the memory of those we lost."
"Yes, buir [father]," Venku agreed, adjusting the lightsaber hanging from his belt.
Born of a clone and a Jedi, he had inherited the latter's Force sensitivity, which predetermined not only his interest in his Mandalorian heritage but also in the Jedi arts.
"Son," Darman added quietly, discreetly placing his hand on his blaster. "Are you sure the attackers were only Mandalorian Protectors and mercenaries in black?"
"Yes, Dad," Venku replied.
"Bardan, did you see anything else?" Darman clarified.
"Besides those butchers?" Jusik made no secret of his hostility towards the two figures in black armor leading the squad of grey-skinned dwarves. "Darman, we shouldn't get involved with them! They're Sith!"
"Bardan Jusik, also known as Gotab."
"I don't give a damn about the beskar'gam," Darman sighed, looking at his son with a smile. "Could have been mythosaurs. But they saved all of us."
"And they are most likely the cause of Kal's death!" Bardan insisted. "Darman, you must understand something is wrong here."
"I understand," the former Imperial Commando 1136 agreed. "Let Ordo and the other Nulls sort out what happened. It's enough for me that Venku is safe."
"It all started after the Dominion arrived on Mandalore!" Bardan insisted.
"Listen, Gotab," the commando couldn't help himself, giving the former Jedi, clad in Mandalorian armor, a light shove. "You could also say it all started when the New Republic defeated the Emperor. Or when it split into two states, each starting to recruit Jedi. Or when Zey returned," he looked at the former commando commander standing calmly nearby, who had indeed arrived on Mandalore almost immediately after the New Republic announced the reestablishment of the Jedi Order.
"You don't even believe your own words," Bardan, who had been hiding on Mandalore under the guise of the Kiffar Gotab to avoid giving Imperial investigators a reason to see him as a fugitive Jedi, paled. Against the backdrop of the shadows cast by the flames at the site of Kyrimorut, he seemed to have become a statue of some vengeful deity. "What do we have to do with it?!"
"And what about them?" Darman nodded towards the Dominion Shadow Guards. "Did they attack?"
"No," said Venku. "They just watched. And they intervened as soon as Kyrimorut came under fire."
"That circumstance tells me they weren't so eager to kill us all," Darman concluded. "But that's my opinion. Ordo is the clan leader now that Kal'buir is dead. Whatever he says goes."
"Darman Skirata. IC-(former RC) 1136."
"And if he decides to act wrongly?" Arligan Zey asked in a calm tone.
"Find me someone who can give a correct, logically sound answer to the question 'What do we do?' in our situation, and I might even praise you," Darman snorted, tilting his head back to look at a Pelta-class frigate landing on a clearing a kilometer from the smoldering Kyrimorut. "Like someone decided to shake a bag full of Clone Wars relics."
"That's exactly what worries me," Arligan Zey said quietly. "You guys are way too explosive a mix. If someone has decided to bring you into the galactic game, everything around you is bound to go up in flames."
"You say that as if it's a bad thing," Darman snorted.
* * *
At the time of their inclusion in the fleet of the Grand Army of the Republic, Pelta-class frigates were considered the latest ships.
These starships were built by Kuat Drive Yards shortly before the Clone Wars and entered mass production shortly after the start of the galaxy-wide conflict.
The frigate featured a modular design, allowing ships of various purposes to be built on its chassis.
Refitting this type of starship required a suitable shipyard, qualified personnel, and only a few days or even hours (depending on the first two factors), rather than the weeks and months needed to refit other types of starships.
In its basic configuration, the frigate was not designed for open combat with enemy ships of a similar size.
As a rule, 'Peltas' were used in the GAR in 'secondary roles': as fire support ships, small transports, patrol vessels, and hospital ships.
The ability to carry nearly three companies of soldiers allowed the frigate to be used as a light assault ship as well.
However, in this last role, the 'Pelta' was never used during the entire Clone Wars.
And yet, considering the crew requirement of only two pilots, this little ship could have dropped troopers right onto the enemy's heads, breaking through blockades where an 'Acclamator', for example, couldn't have managed.
But it didn't work out that way.
Besides, during the Clone Wars, there wasn't often a need to deliver less than a battalion of troops somewhere.
Medical 'Peltas' usually had no armament.
In the role of a 'flying hospital', they operated independently or together with specialized hospital ships like the 'MedStar'.
Together with the latter, they formed part of the Republic mobile sanitation units.
Moreover, the frequent use of 'Peltas' in the RMSP cemented their nickname as 'medical', despite their versatility.
The technical part of the ship was incredibly simple.
The ship was propelled by three engines.
The main drive engine was used for interstellar travel.
During atmospheric flight, the 'Pelta' used two other drive engines for additional thrust, which, during spaceflight, were concealed under movable aft sections ('wings').
These same sections contained repulsors, as they deployed during atmospheric flight.
The frigate could dock with space stations and other ships via an upper airlock or two side airlocks.
These same airlocks could also be used for exiting the ship after landing on a planet's surface.
Additionally, to enter the 'Pelta', one could use a wide landing ramp in the middle section of the hull.
It was this method that the individuals who had lost Kyrimorut used when Mandalorian Protector reinforcements appeared on the horizon.
And even though few were eager to flee, and in such a manner (Mandalorian blood and upbringing demanded they give battle and make the malefactors answer all questions), prudence and Ordo's orders played their part.
The frigate was controlled from the captain's bridge, located in the aft part of the ship and noticeably protruding above the rest of the hull.
Many of the frigate's systems were automated, but a full crew of 900 was required for the ship to function fully and control its weaponry.
That's exactly what the Nulls thought as they moved (having stationed their people on the ship) towards the bridge.
However, they didn't encounter numerous crew members.
Just utilitarian droids and a large number of automated systems.
"Heavy modification," A'den Skirata voiced the general opinion as the Nulls, seizing a moment, connected to a data output port and managed to gain some access to the ship's systems.
True, a second later the control panel lost power, and the commandos found themselves cut off from other compartments by energy damping shields.
The arriving grey-skinned freaks, without further ado, demanded they disarm, then also searched them, pulled out hidden items, placed suppressors on their armor, and escorted them to the bridge.
"Jaing," Mereel addressed Null-10. "You tell us the truth, we won't judge you."
"What are you talking about?" the brother didn't understand.
"How did it happen that some information system managed to outsmart you, the best of the hackers?" Mereel asked. "Getting old, or has a more capable generation grown up?"
Knowing the good-natured nature of Mereel's jokes, the other Nulls just smiled.
The Nulls had no reason to worry about being led under guard to their execution.
If they wanted them dead, they would have done it differently, wouldn't have saved them.
As for the escort...
Well, who likes having genius clones snooping around their ship, and trying to break into the information system on top of that?
Given the reputation of the Nulls, which was clearly known to the owners of this vessel, it was no wonder they were taking it stoically.
"And they say 'Peltas' weren't built after the war," said Kom'rk, also known as Null-6.
"Yes, I also noticed this isn't just a modernized, but a relatively new starship," Ordo said quietly. "Looks like the Dominion is producing them after all."
"Inertia of thinking," Prudii commented. "Under Thrawn, as they said on the 'HoloNet', they often used tricks from the Clone Wars era. Buzz droids, for instance, Separatist battle droids, ships, and so on."
"Not to mention they've started mass-selling old GAR equipment from storage," Mereel chimed in.
"With extensive modifications," A'den corrected. "I was looking at getting a couple of 'Delta-7-Dominions', but the price tag was really steep..."
"Are we just going to pretend we're not bothered by the fact that Boba Fett is on the Dominion's side?" Prudii couldn't hold back.
"That's what surprises me least, actually," Ordo admitted. "Kal'buir said he'd been working closely with the Empire even before this. So nothing new there. But Shysa's actions... That's something out of the ordinary."
"Not to mention the masquerade as the Dominion," said Prudii.
"Let's combine this with the information from the negotiations that the Dominion is forming an army of clones, cloned mercenaries, and we get a pretty unpleasant picture," Kom'rk pronounced.
"You did take blood samples from the clones, right?" Mereel asked quietly, drawing level with Prudii.
The latter gave an almost imperceptible nod.
"Both from the fight scene and from the bodies at Kyrimorut," he confirmed. "An analysis wouldn't hurt."
When the bridge doors opened, it turned out...
That inside, besides a dozen B-1 droids acting as watch standers, the two already familiar figures in black armor, half a dozen grey-skinned freaks, and a single human, there was no one else.
"So, no welcoming committee, then?" Mereel inquired, noting that the confiscated weapons and equipment had been placed by the grey-skinned escorts not in a locked cabinet, but simply piled on a deactivated tactical table.
"Since when do commandos need a red carpet and other honors?" inquired the man, dressed in an Imperial uniform with captain's rank insignia on his chest. "Make yourselves comfortable, gentlemen, we need to talk."
Ah, and the patch on the sleeve of his tunic...
"Dominion Intelligence?" Ordo clarified, following the ship commander's words and settling into one of the free seats at the deactivated duplicate control stations.
"Exactly," the man replied, extending his hand. "Bravo-One. My condolences for your loss."
Ordo ignored the gesture.
"Dad taught us not to shake hands with strange men who take us somewhere unknown on their ship," Mereel joked.
"I understand," the man nodded. "Regardless, my words of regret are steadfast and official on behalf of the Dominion."
"That won't bring the dead back," Ordo remarked.
"I understand," the man nodded again. "Sergeant Skirata was too great a man to die..."
"I suggest we don't discuss topics you know nothing about," Kom'rk declared. "We are interested in what is happening, where we are going, and the Dominion's intentions regarding our clan and allies."
"What's this," an irritated voice came, whose intonations not even the helmet's vocabulator could conceal, "you no longer have a leader? Or are you suggesting I speak with each of you?"
"Why don't you try," Jaing suggested. "We are all individuals. And yes, anticipating your questions, let me explain. Our clan's new leader is Ordo Skirata," he pointed at his brother. "He speaks for all of us and all members of our clan. As for us, for now, consider us a support group."
"You just need to have the concept of discipline drummed back into you," a haughty snort came from the Shadow Guard.
"If you're feeling healthy enough, go ahead and test it," Jaing shrugged, demonstratively pulling on gloves made of light grey Kaminoan leather. "I'm ready."
The bully in black armor removed his helmet with a casual motion, revealing a red face tattooed with black patterns, crowned with a circle of horns.
"Well, now," Mereel said in surprise. "Are you sure you're Imperials, boys?"
"Dominion," Bravo-One corrected. "And yes, the rumors that we don't have racial discrimination are true. Darth Maul, I ask you not to escalate the conflict."
The Zabrak, having exchanged stares with Jaing, just snorted.
"I'll explain what subordination means to you some other time," he said.
"Any time convenient for you," Jaing replied, looking at the ship commander. "Are we getting answers or not?"
"Yes," the man pointed to the holographic projector. "If you're interested, we've already conducted a genetic analysis of the clones that attacked you in the cantina and destroyed your refuge."
"Wait, don't tell me, let me guess," Kom'rk asked in his signature manner of playing along with liars right up to the end. "The Dominion isn't guilty, right?"
"Setting your sarcasm aside, then yes," Bravo-One activated the panel and displayed a genetic sequence. "These clones were created on Kamino."
"The very same one that operates under the Silri Syndicate?" Ordo clarified. "Oh, don't look at us so surprised. We heard everything your people discussed with Kal Skirata."
"In that case, we can skip most of the explanations," said Bravo-One. "The Dominion had no part in what happened on Mandalore."
"Let's say that's true," Ordo said. "So what?"
"Our offer still stands. We will set up the holo-projector shortly, and our command will speak with you. It takes a certain amount of time to synchronize our systems with the motley collection of HoloNets that have sprung up recently," Bravo-One explained. "But the fact remains. We'll establish the connection, and you will get all your answers directly from the Dominion's highest authority."
"Vice Admiral Pellaeon holds us in such high esteem," Mereel chuckled. "I'm overflowing with pride for myself and my brothers."
Laughter rippled among the Nulls.
"Give you an anti-aging treatment, train a new clone army, take your side in the conflict and fight against the Mandalorians," Prudii recited from memory. "An interesting cooperation proposal from the Dominion, don't you think?"
"Even if your explanations are enough, even if we believe the Dominion didn't start all this, why should we do what you want?" Mereel asked.
"We have a common enemy..."
"I doubt that," Ordo countered. "You're at war with the Zann Consortium, but by your own account, the attack was the work of the Silri Syndicate. That doesn't quite add up..."
"On the contrary," a voice none of them had heard before rang out. "Both organizations are connected."
All six clones turned their heads in unison to make out the ghostly figure looming over the comm system projector.
"Jaing," Ordo licked his lips. "Tell me that's..."
"I'm not a Jedi, I can't guess whether that projection is fake or not," the Nulls' chief slicer replied.
"If they're trying to trick us, this isn't the best way to do it," A'den declared, glowering at the new speaker.
"You said it yourself — 'if.' The Dominion prefers to work openly with its allies. That's my personal stance, and as long as I live, there is no alternative," the hologram of Grand Admiral Thrawn said. "So, commandos, do you have questions? I'm prepared to answer each one to the extent that I personally know the situation."
"With all due respect, sir, it's not exactly safe to communicate over foreign channels," Prudii noted. "Especially since you've faked your own death, Grand Admiral."
The other Nulls nodded in agreement.
Tracking down subscribers through the HoloNet was certainly no easy feat, but tapping into a transmission...
Nearly impossible, but it had happened before.
"I am aware of that," Thrawn said with a barely perceptible nod. "Extraordinary security measures are being taken to protect our communication line. Personally, I would have preferred to meet and talk with you face-to-face to discuss the situation."
"In that case, sir," Ordo's voice turned more serious and categorical, "we would like to meet you in person. And discuss every issue in detail before we decide whether to accept your offer or not."
"I completely agree," Thrawn replied without a second's hesitation. "Bravo-One will take you to my location. We are expecting an attack from the Silri Syndicate, so you will have a chance to ask the key questions directly to those who orchestrated the terrorist acts on Mandalore. You will be given every possible comfort aboard the ship."
A cruel smile spread across the Nulls' faces.
"You're spoiling us, Grand Admiral," Mereel said with satisfaction, lovingly drawing a hidden blade from his vambrace and polishing it against the fabric of his undersuit with a businesslike air.
The gray-skinned freaks' faces fell into an expression of deep sorrow.
Apparently these guys considered themselves the best at security and sabotage.
It's unpleasant to be disappointed, unpleasant, yes...
But what can you do?
You get involved with Nulls — be prepared to end up the fool yourself.
As Kal'buir taught.
* * *
"Don't tell me one hologram was enough for you to believe they had nothing to do with it!" Gotab clenched his fists, staring at Ordo and the other Nulls, who had just finished recounting their story to the rest of the Skirata clan and their allies.
"What's the problem?" Prudii asked.
"Like you've never played with technology yourselves," someone from Omega Squad grumbled.
Korr, probably.
"This is a different situation," Ordo stated. "Nothing adds up if you set aside the Dominionites' story and Fett's."
"In my opinion, staging a provocation and a rescue to win trust isn't the dumbest idea," Arligan said diplomatically.
The guys from Yayax Squad backed him up.
"Alright," Ordo said conciliatorily. "Since there's distrust among the allies, I'm not keeping anyone. There are four escape pods on board, you can use them and..."
"Careful with the suggestions, Ordo," replied Boss from Delta Squad. "Someone might be foolish enough to take you up on it. And yes, my boys haven't said anything about distrusting your position."
"Omega either," Niner put in his two cents.
"We're not expressing distrust," Kov, the leader of Yayax Squad, coughed into his fist, glancing at the young woman sitting next to him. "We just want to clarify the situation."
Ruusaan Skirata. Kal Skirata's own daughter, his beloved, his wife. A true Mandalorian, who never contested Ordo's leadership of the clan that had lost its patriarch.
Like her father, she understood perfectly well that in such a situation, discord was the last thing those who had lost their home needed.
"We're in a difficult position," Prudii announced. "On one hand, when Mereel and I ran into Alliance agents, they killed Sull without any questions."
"As soon as they were backed into a corner, they started whining that they had nothing to do with it, that they'd been set up, that the bomb was planted where their Bridger usually ate lunch," Mereel supported.
"We don't know Fenn Shysa's position or if he's a clone for certain," Kom'rk continued. "We also don't know why they attacked the cantina and us."
"You're wrong," Niner said, pulling a small vial of red liquid from his armor pocket. "The sample Fett passed to Kal'buir survived. Once we get access to medical equipment, we can check whether Shysa is really a clone or not."
"That's no good," A'den shook his head. "We didn't get the sample. So its reliability is low."
"What reliability can there be?" Bardan asked. "Half our allies are outside Mandalore right now. If the Mandalorian authorities really want to destroy us, they'll be walking into a trap when they arrive!"
"They won't, Gotab, don't worry," Ordo stated. "We've sent everyone messages about what happened."
"With an encryption about who 'saved' us and that Thrawn is alive?" Arligan Zey smirked.
"We're not children," Ordo shrugged. "Of course we did."
"Actually," Prudii said, "that's the main reason for trusting Thrawn."
"You can't trust the Dominion!" Jusik insisted. "They're the same kind of Imperials as the others..."
"Remind me, when have there ever been Zabrak among the Imperials?" Mereel inquired with a gracious smile. "That's what I thought. And one of those two who fought for Kyrimorut is a Zabrak. And not exactly a low-ranking one, from what I understand."
"Thrawn isn't taking risks for nothing," A'den continued. "The communication channel, though not easy, could have been tapped."
"And then his little fairy tale about dying at Sluis Van would be blown to pieces," Prudii seconded.
"I can just imagine how badly the Republic and Alliance big shots who proudly boasted that their overhyped Jedi killed Thrawn will fall flat on their faces," Kom'rk said with a chuckle. "And then the Grand Admiral pops up on the HoloNet and announces, 'Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated. As proof, I am taking Coruscant from you.' And the capital changes hands for the third time in five years."
"We didn't gather here to joke around," Scorch grumbled.
"No one's keeping you here," Darman noted.
"Break it up, you two," Arligan advised. "Last thing we need is the demo men fighting."
The two commandos exchanged heavy glares but stayed silent.
"Either way, Thrawn took a huge risk to demonstrate his trust in us," Ordo said.
"And, indirectly, his non-involvement," Prudii supported. "We could have broadcast his survival to the whole galaxy through the comm systems. But no one forbade us from using them, if anyone forgot."
"If they even work," Niner stated.
"They work," Venku replied. "I got a message from Tallisibeth, Ovolot, and Mij. They're fine, they went to a backup base in the sector..."
That spoke volumes.
Having remained in the Jedi Temple until the end of the war, Enwandung-Esterhazy was present when Supreme Chancellor Palpatine betrayed the Order and issued Emergency Order 66 to the Grand Army, ordering them to turn their blasters on the Jedi and execute them.
Escaping the Temple during Darth Vader's invasion with the 501st Legion, Enwandung-Esterhazy was later found by an ally of the Skirata clan, who brought her to Mandalore in the company of a fellow Jedi, Kin Ha.
When Enwandung-Esterhazy first arrived on Mandalore, her new guardian Kal Skirata was initially shocked by the girl's resemblance to another Jedi, the recently deceased Etain Tur-Mukan; the resemblance nearly brought him to tears and made it difficult for him to maintain his composure.
Enwandung-Esterhazy lived in Kyrimorut and befriended Mij Gilamar, one of the Cuy'val Dar, who agreed to teach her first aid, and the scientist Ovolot Uthan, who made Enwandung-Esterhazy her assistant.
When Skirata struck a deal with the fugitive Jedi Master Djinn Altis to shelter the Jedi living in Kyrimorut, Enwandung-Esterhazy decided she wanted to stay on Mandalore with Gilamar and Uthan, but did not want to give up being a Jedi.
It sounded like a surreal mess, but a fact was a fact.
In one specific place on Mandalore, longtime enemies — Jedi and Mandalorians — lived side by side like one family.
"We know where it is," Ordo cut him off, tapping his finger on his ear, hinting at possible surveillance.
Even though no such equipment had been found, you could never be sure what was happening.
"Thus, Thrawn is letting us know that he trusts us, believes that we understand the Dominion's non-involvement," Prudii summarized. "And he trusts us with the secret of his survival."
"A broad gesture for someone who has never seen us face-to-face," Niner agreed. "If not the Dominion, then who?"
"Anyone, really," Ordo admitted. "We'll need to analyze the genetic material we found on Mandalore and compare it with what the Dominionites provided from the dead clones' analysis. If it really is Kaminoan technology, that will tell us a lot."
After all, they had seen their own DNA many times, and thanks to allies and prisoners, they also had the opportunity to understand their own genetic code on a theoretical level.
"And what answer will we get then?" Bardan asked. "Let's say the clones were created on Kamino. So what?"
"Kamino has been inaccessible for years," Arligan reminded them, pressing his fingers to the bridge of his nose, massaging points visible only to him at the corners of his eyes. "Maybe it really is under the control of the Silri Syndicate..."
"Or maybe it's controlled by the Dominion, which created these clones," Bardan offered an alternative.
"Possible," Ordo agreed. "Clones on Kamino take ten years to mature. The Empire halted all work there shortly before the Battle of Yavin. If they had restarted the project, it certainly wouldn't have been to create fifty clones."
"They would have had a whole army," Mereel confirmed his brother's agreement. "Millions and millions of clones."
"Then there would have been no point in what Thrawn is doing now, Gotab," A'den said. "The Imperial Army or Stormtrooper Corps could have easily provided a couple dozen excellent donors for cloning."
"You're forgetting about Centax-2," Niner reminded them. "The Empire had faster ways to create clones. One year, if memory serves."
"Spaarti clones, GeNod clones, and so on," Boss agreed. "And we've all heard the Dominion needs an anti-aging treatment. So I wouldn't rule out the idea that the clones are Dominion-made."
"Yeah," Prudii chuckled, tossing a captured piece of armor in front of him. "So they dress their soldiers in expensive armor, the best on the black market right now, leave rank insignia on it, and then wave their hands and say, 'It wasn't us.'"
Quiet laughter rippled through the gathering.
"Either way, Thrawn insists on a personal meeting," Ordo reminded them. "So we can assume he really is open to cooperating on open terms."
"Do we need that cooperation?" Niner asked.
"If our goals align, if Kamino really is in enemy hands, if the Dominion had nothing to do with Kal's death and the Mandalore attacks, then why not?" Boss said.
"Everything they present as a benefit and noble intention could be a lie," Jusik warned.
"That's exactly what we need to find out," Ordo explained. "At the moment, we can't fully trust any of the possible sides."
"Only each other," Mereel clarified, throwing a glance at Arligan Zey. "The only question is..."
"There are always more questions than answers," Jusik cut him off. "If Thrawn really has, or plans to get, a clone army — with your help to solve the rapid aging problem — what's to stop him from conquering the galaxy with mindless servants?"
"Sounds like something the Empire likes to do," Zey sighed. "But that's not all..."
"Any suggestions to go to the Alliance or the New Republic?" Ordo asked. "Or what did you come for, Zey? We haven't seen you in a very, very long time."
Not since the Altisian Jedi took in those Jedi whom Kal Skirata deemed too dangerous to keep at Kyrimorut.
Or maybe Kal'buir simply trusted them far less than those he allowed to stay.
"The thing is..." Zey glanced at Venku and Bardan. "Not long ago, a message came through the old Jedi emergency channel."
"From whom?" Ordo asked.
"What did it say?" Prudii echoed.
"The source is the Jedi Temple on Coruscant," Arligan explained. "The sender... one of the Jedi researchers. And the message... used a rather old and clever encoding based on Jedi fencing skills and..."
"Can you get to the point?" Boss couldn't hold back.
"Master Umakk was calling on the Jedi to come out of the shadows and join the Dominion," Zey explained. "I won't repeat everything, but it was described as if he truly believed in the Dominion's good intentions."
"Or he was forced to do it," Jusik suggested. "I didn't receive any message."
"Got rid of your communicator?" Arligan asked.
"A long time ago."
"I thought so," his former mentor nodded. "In any case, the Altisians determined that the message contains markers confirming a positive recipient."
In other words, the Jedi sender had embedded code words in the message, by which he could secretly inform his comrades that he was speaking under duress or, conversely, voluntarily.
Something like how the Nulls encoded their messages for other allies, sending them from the Pelta's deck.
"Either way, I came to discuss this initiative with Kal," Zey summarized.
"Which one exactly?" Ordo clarified. "You haven't said anything except a tearful Jedi plea for help."
"The Altisians are ready to join the Dominion," Zey explained. "Or at least — send a representative there to find out the circumstances and conditions for joining."
"So you weren't even going to consider whether it's a trap?" Jusik grimaced.
"Didn't know I had to say that out loud," Zey smirked.
"Oh," Scorch winced. "Sounds like we've already all decided to join the Dominion, but are just spinning yarns until someone finally grows a pair and says it first."
"I'll consider returning to service," the leader of Delta Squad suddenly said.
Looking at the beings staring at him, he smirked.
"What did you expect? I'm not ten years old, jumping around the Geonosis catacombs with fire in my eyes and a DC-15 in my hands. And I'm not twenty, either, to be bouncing around the galaxy as a mercenary. Going back to service on good terms, if they really are what their propaganda promises, isn't so bad. Train soldiers, shake off the rust myself... Why not?"
"Delta squad, as always, pragmatism and a thirst for an adrenaline rush won out," Niner shook his head.
"Like that's a bad thing," Boss laughed. "Guys, I'm not campaigning for anything. Unlike you, we had only one home — our shuttle. And it was blown up during the attack on Kyrimorut. You can always desert again, but finding a comfortable billet in your old age..."
"Our home, if you've forgotten," Kov spoke up, "was also burned."
"So what's the problem?" Boss asked in surprise. "We'll hear the blue guy out, size him up to see if he's telling the truth, and then we'll decide. After all, if the Silri Syndicate is responsible for Kal'buir's death, I'd rather go after them with fleet support than with a thermal detonator and a blaster. But that's just my opinion."
"We have time until the meeting with Thrawn," Ordo slapped his thighs and rose from his seat. "We'll figure out how to behave and possible escape routes. If he's lying to us — we'll bury him ourselves. If not — we'll find common ground."
"And how do we check whether an Imperial who's led half the galaxy by the nose is lying?" Bardan asked.
"We're commandos," A'den shrugged. "Impossible missions are our specialty."
"But the Jedi who still cling to their clean-handed purity can always use an escape pod," Mereel joked.
The compartment erupted in laughter.
Only Bardan Jusik wasn't laughing.
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