Noventa - A Star Wars Story

Cal looked back and forth between the two of them. It didn't take the Force to tell that some strong emotions were involved.

"Don't worry." He put in. "The people of Noventa aren't just gonna sit by and let that sort of thing happen. Not to anyone here." Well, except maybe in Providencetown. One mess at a time. "Whatever it takes, we'll stop'em. You've got my word on that." He nodded firmly to Leo... but it was meant for Fey, too.

She nodded quietly. The old clone didn't seem like the type to need a friendly encouragement at first... but his anger was... almost radiating off of him? Could Cal notice it too? She didn't quite know why, but she felt that anger overwhelm herself, and rather than being able to be a cheerful presence, the anger seemed to seep into her as well.

"Slavery is a terrible thing. I... don't want anyone else to have to go through that, if I can help it." Fey felt her own fists tense up as they clenched.

"I'll have to speak with him, then. See what can be made of it." He gruffly responded. "And you are absolutely right, Deputy. The Empire was never above slave labor, or as they called it, punitive labor rehabilitation for dissidents. We're not about to let that happen here again. Not after what the Confederacy did, not after what the Empire had already done." He almost spat the name out, anger coursing enough that Cefey, you could pick it up without even trying to sense it.

"This news just keeps getting worse and worse."

The twi'lek snapped her fingers as something came to mind. "Mon dieu, I almost forgot - the pods had dispatched probe droids, you might know?"

"Being among the first on scene, we were able to save some on one that was shot out of commission. No data, but it should still be able to transmit signals." Maybe they could somehow use it to tap into comm-frequencies or set a trap.

"Monsieur Sharn, a Chiss aboard the Strange Charm has it still after we repaired what we could."

"I, uh..." Cal scratched at his stubble with one hand. "I guess I know a little about that. Mostly because we get miners in the bar, sometimes. I was a rancher's boy, myself."

He frowned. "In order to get what they want that way, they'd need a lot of labor. Seems like they'd pretty much have to enslave the populace, force us to dig." He shook his head. "No way am I letting that happen."

Fey recalled that Lena might've said something about the planet's resources when they were approaching it, but it had kind of just drifted in one ear cone and out the other.

What kind of other projects, I wonder...

Though the idea that the planet could fuel any military-endevour, paired with that creepy feeling she had had since she woke up, it felt like to her that something was bound to go terribly awry if not stopped.

"I can see why the admiral would want it then..."

Leo paused. "Have you ever studied the resources of the planet?" He asked, before continuing. "Rich deposits of minerals to be refined into durasteel. Coaxium in it's raw state for hyperspace fuel. Textile materials. Charnel Gulch has a mine for ore and coaxium, and there are other projects all about the planet." He pursed his lips.

"The Factory might be usable, but it isn't the jewel of Noventa. The whole damn planet is just so rich, you could use it to fund and support any military endeavor."

Fey figured that whatever measures they had put up wouldn't stop this squad. She felt pretty confident even she could get into that factory easy-peasy.

"Are there any other targets they could be after, other than the factory?"

Cal grunted. "Yeah. I mean, maybe it's for the best. But it feels like Noventa's just growing up. Seems to me that someone who just grew up deserves a bit of time to figure out what sort of person they're gonna be, before their life gets decided for them. Don't know if a planet gets the same opportunity. Maybe it should."

He glanced back and forth between Fey and the Commander. "I guess we've said most of our piece. Told you about stealing the uniforms, and about the likely target." He gave the man another nod. "And, I guess, that you can count on us. You need something done as regards this, if there's trouble or whatever, my group's just a call away." He shrugged. "Don't know if that means something to you, but, well, there it is."

"Last I checked, the factory was completely shut down. It would take months at the earliest to get things in production. Weapons haven't rolled off that factory since after Endor, and the place was essentially razed of technical data before Jakku." Leo pondered, at Cal's question. "Maybe, but who knows. It might mean we have to become an official member state. I don't think anyone is ready to make that call yet."

Cal grimaced, but he gave Fey a nod. "Speaking for myself, I'd be all in favor. That factory's brought Noventa nothing but trouble, and as long as it's gonna be making supplies for war, it's gonna make the whole planet a target for war."

He pursed his lips. "I heard there was a New Republic representative here, or somesuch. Don't suppose they'd be interested in sending by a little flotilla, takin' that star destroyer out?" He shrugged. "If not, well, it's like you said. A lot of this have done this before. We know how to go to ground." His brow creased. "Suppose I didn't have a bar last time, though."

"Too loud, too obvious," Fey shook her head as she considered the possible use of a proton mine. So far that group had been all about stealth, so it seemed unlikely that they would blow down a door like that.

"If they want what's inside, why not destroy what's inside?"

"It's pretty well a fortress against small arms, and breaking in is pretty difficult." Leo mused for a moment. "If they bring a proton mine, that could knock the door in." Shaking his head, he sighed. "It all depends what comes to bear. If there's a Star Destroyer in orbit, odds aren't good at stopping them. At least, without help. The firepower just a lone one brings is daunting, and if they have support craft, then all the worse." There was a sense of bitterness in his voice, as he watched the pair.

"Doesn't mean we'll roll over. I've been the underdog before, I'll be one again, if I have to. If we have to."

"Sure thing." Cal said easily. "And we're not done yet, either. We'll keep after them. Sooner or later, they'll slip up, make a mistake. And when they do, we'll be there."

He frowned. "Sounds to me like you're worried that we can't stop them. I'm thinking we can. Just have to figure out what they're here for." He pursed his lips a moment. "I can't say for sure, but I'd stake my savings on the Sienar factory. D'you think that thing could get any more secure?"

Leo looked thoughtful, taking in the news. "Special Ops, likely as good, though not better, than our old ARC Troopers. Being disguised in uniform is a smart move. I doubt they will be hanging around the barracks, but it does mean staying on top of rotations will be paramount, and keeping an ear out for odd soldiers being in places where they shouldn't." He sighed again, shaking his head. "But spreading panic and losing the trust of the militia is just what they'd want, as well. I'll make sure to issue standing orders to secure patrols, and keep our eyes peeled." Leo ran a hand through his short cropped hair, stepping away from the window, heading towards the pair.

"Both of you, you've done us a great service, and I hope you will continue to do so. I'll do what I can to lend you aid, to keep our eyes peeled. I just hope we aren't too late."

"They worked with skill and precision, and since monsieur Cal brought up the name of one Admiral Verlasso... I've been thinking more about the scenario. L'admiral would've sent her best on a job like this." Fey shifted a little in her seat. "I know some admirals, moffs and higher-ups would have some elite commandos for this sort of thing. Considering the situation, I think it is likely that is what we're up against."

She couldn't outright say that Jelna had seen it was a Deathtrooper leading the group, but hopefully the Clone at least would get the picture of what she was hinting at. Military-types knew this sort of thing, right?

Cal shot Fey a quick glance. "We're both none too fond of the Empire ourselves." He said. That was as much as he was willing to say about Fey's past. "Did my part in the Rebellion. But more than that, well, Noventa's my home. I was born here, you know." He smiled. "Probably die here, too. But not before I do my part to give any two-credit wanna-be warlord who thinks she can push us around a good kicking."

Once again, he glanced over at Fey. "Anyway. Reason we're here is because we've got some pretty specific info. When they hit the armory, their first target was uniforms. Then other things. But they clearly had a plan, and a list. Things they need, starting with uniforms, and then makin' a mess of things to hide it. And if their plan starts with lookin' like militia, it's got me worried, let me tell you." He gave the older man a firm nod.

"I have indeed." That accent was famous, recorded in numerous news holos over the course of the Clone Wars. Some called it Concordian, a distant similarity to Mandalorian, but for most, it was just how Clones spoke. Leo took the offered hand, gripping it firmly, but without a need to prove superiority. This was a sign of two beings showing each other respect. "And the raid on the armories is of my top concern. Especially if it's a bunch of bucketheads trying to cause some problems here." He turned slightly, looking out his window, the tapping of heavy rain leading to a swift staccato. "Both of you, I appreciate your help, and am glad to have you on board. Maybe, we can at least muddy up the works for these spies. Maybe not, but if it's too late..." He turned again, looking to the two.

"... Good Soldiers follow orders, and I was always a good soldier. My last orders? Stop the Empire. That's what I'll do."

Fey paused a little at the strange unfamiliar face, feeling suddenly a little uncomfortable. Or maybe it was just the terror that seemed to have come in with that horrible weather. "Ah... hi. I'm Fey." She nodded, uncertain if she should salute or shake hands like Cal seemed to be more inclined to.

Though she did let Cal do the talking for now. He was the deputized one, and she was not.

"Commander." Cal offered a hand; he'd never really gotten into the habit of saluting. "Pleasure to meet you. Cal Arcton." He paused a moment, before pulling aside the front of his thermal cloak. Beneath it, pinned to his jacket, was a silver triangle. "Here on behalf of the Sector Rangers."

He waited for Fey to sit before being seated himself. "My associate here and I-" he gave a quick nod to Fey, "-have been looking in to the matter of the drop pods. It's sorta blossomed from there, with infiltrators, and raids, including on a militia armory." He grimaced. "Don't suppose you've already read a report on all that, have you?"