FANFICTION FROM A 12-YEAR-OLD DECKILLER

From 2000-2003 - basically, from 6th to 9th grade - I wrote a boatload of absolutely godawful Star Wars fanfiction. Then I grew out of Star Wars. I recently developed a relapse of Starwarsholsm and went on the wayback machine to find my old fanfics. Here are some compelling excerpts piles of dog fecal matter:

Edit: I will smack anyone who thinks I'm proud of this.

FEEL FREE TO SHARE BAD FANFICS FROM YOUR OWN CHILDHOOD!

Chapter 1
The Rising Factions

After 60 years, the Galactic Empire had finally healed itself.

Empress Jessira Palpitine, great granddaughter of the evil Emperor Palpitine, had formed a massive fleet within the sectors of Wild Space. A distant threat to the New Republic, indeed.

Dozens of years ago, the New Republic, with a mere thirty attack cruisers and only a few dozen fighter squads, had obliterated Darth Vader's personal Imperial fleet- led by the largest ship the Empire had. Not to mention, the most powerful superweapon ever created- the Death Star.

Vader's personal flagship, the SSD Executor, had crashed right into the Death Star, which forced the ships to retreat to the Inner Core systems , but not before the Rebels managed to eliminate the Death Star; along with the Emperor.

Several leaders stepped up to the plate for the Empire after that; all big failures. Leaders such as GA Thrawn, Captain Pellaeon, and Admiral Daala were now dead.

Finally, another Emperor, or rather Empress had taken over. The Imperial forces, now known as the Reborn Empire, swiftly stroke at several New Republic bases, including Bilbringi, Coruscant, and everywhere within Wild Space. But, a suspicious Imperial corporation leader could have fueled the entire war. Time would tell.



Baron Adel Lucavi stepped into the HoloCam chamber on his ISD II "Thrawn". Nearly 2 kilometers long, the ship was one of the best Kuat Drive Yards had to offer.

Lucavi was even smarter than Thrawn, even though his now dead father knew Thrawn personally. He had plans up his sleeve, and did not tolerate failure.

Immediately, Lucavi smiled, seeing the Jessira Palpitines face. A young leader, she was also a bit...too peace-loveing. Lucavi would fix that problem. He was smarter than she was.

"Ah, Jessira Palpitine, my Empress." Lucavi said. Why do you wish to make PEACE with some of those lesser groups other than the Rebels, such as the Hapes and Dictatorship of Chorios?"

"I am not like my grandfather, Lucavi. Peace is a good objective when you want to take over planets." she said, suspicious.

"I'd hate to bust your bubble, but I, as a Grand Moff and commander of over 100 Star Destroyers, will eliminate you if you do not surrender your throne to someone...more suitable."

"Control yourself before I kill you! My men are more powerful than just a lowly corporation leader like you." Palpitine said.

"Ah," the Baron remained calm. "You know little of your own Grand Moff. Goodbye." he cut the transmission.



It was nighttime where Jessira Palpitine was at her base located at Byss. She was ready for her evening meal right after that small talk with Lucavi.

She quickly sat down at her table and tied her napkin around her neck. The cooking droid came out and served her Mon Calamarian Calamari, as odd as the name sounded. It was dripping in a zesty juice.

"Smells good." she said, taking a bite.

"Mmm." she said again, just before collapsing to the floor, dead.



Adel Lucavi immediately contacted Mike Palpitine, Jessira's cousin. He was younger, but a more capable leader. Adel had plans for him too.

"Once the New Republic hears abut this, we will be embarrassed. Let's go take some Rebel targets. But I'm no emperor." he responded to Lucavi.

"Well, I will give you ten minutes to think it over. If not, I will take over the Empire." Lucavi said.



After ten minutes, Mike became the official Emperor of the Reborn Empire, appointing Adel as his second in command.



On the other side of the galaxy, James Youngwood stared out at his elite Hunters of his organization- the United Bounty Hunter's Federation. He now had thousands of troops, along with dozens of elite Hunters. The Federation itself controlled Mandalore, and Youngwood had military power of the entire Dryden Sector.

Lately they had been doing business with the Kuat Drive Yards. The KDY provided the private group with an Imperial Star Destroyer, along with dozens of fighters and defensives.

The UBHF base itself was a massive castle, with conference rooms, weapons lockers, private bedrooms, large War Rooms. Well defended, the UBHF base was almost impenetrable- if nothing happened to James Youngwood.

"Fellow bounty hunters. Our day has come! We have people wanting jobs in Sienar Fleet Systems, the Hutts, even the Kuat Drive Yards!"

"I have sent one of our best hunters, Hoshi Eingama, to Kuat. She is prepping her ship as we speak. Baron Adel Lucavi wants another hunter though. He says he will pay a couple thousand a week. Anyone want to go?" James looked at the collection of hunters in the conference room.

The bounty hunter Drossk, one of the best, didn't even think about it. He hated Lucavi. Nin Kraskig, the sith Bounty Hunter, spoke up. "I would like to take this job, but I want some action."

"Trust me," James said. "With Adel Lucavi, action follows him around."



Hoshi Eingama was probably the hottest bounty hunter in the galaxy. She made the Hapes look terrible. She thought this was another reason why the sith Nin Kraskig wanted to come.

Another reason was that she wanted to find who killed her parents when she was young. She would kill that person in a heartbeat.

They were en route in the STORM BLADE to Kuat. "ETA, 1 day." Hoshi has announced.

"Good," Nin Kraskig said. "We wont miss any "action". Youngwood better be right. I ain't just in it for the money."

"For what I know of this Adel Lucavi, he is mysterious. It seems only few people know his secrets." Hoshi said, prepping the ship for Hyperspace.

"Like Youngwood." Kraskig said.

Hoshi pulled the Hyperspace lever, and the stars expanded into starlines, faster than the speed of light.

"We better get some rest." Nin said. "Even though this will be a simple task."



Michael Raven, Adel's Fleet Admiral, sat down at a long table of the KDY and Cygnus Spaceworks leaders.

When Adel Lucavi took the company, Raven was shocked. The KDY was no empire! It was an Imperial group, yes, but still.

Raven commanded 64 Imperial Star Destroyers, nearly a quarter of the fleet, and all of Adel's forces. From his Star Destroyer Termination he had won many battles. But now he would give a scare Adel would never forget. He just needed some time.

"That will be all. But, one small announcement, my Bodyguards will be arriving any minute now, so don't be tempted to shoot their ship out of the sky" Lucavi said.

Raven left with the others, while Lucavi stood, thinking.

"This Hoshi Eingama...I wonder how she looks." he said to himself. He wouldn't dare having sex with her, since he was freedom Kuat. But...he could inseminate her....

"Hmm...."



The STORM BLADE arrived at Kuat just a few hours later. Adel Lucavi was there to meet his new bodyguards.

"Ah, welcome to Kuat Hoshi, I have a little thing to discuss with you. You may like it." he said immediately, than signaling his guard. "Bring Nin Kraskig to his quarters. This young lady and I have an issue to discuss."

"Lets talk over lunch." Hoshi said.

"Indeed." Adel replied. "There is a cafe a half a block away."

As they walked, a man stopped Hoshi.

"Hey, chick. What to you charge, 200 creds for a throw?" he laughed

Immediately, Hoshi got out her blaster, aimed, and shot the man in the head. He fell to the floor. "Been working on my aim," Hoshi said, smiling.

"Ah. I see." Adel said, grinning.



"You want me to carry your child?!" Hoshi yelled out loud. "Are you crazy?"

"Control yourself! I will bring James Youngwood here to see what he says about it. Perhaps we can think about a nice little deal, a larger one than that discount I gave him on his ISD."

"You and him PLANNED this?!" she said. Now she had second thoughts about Youngwood. And you."

"Dont worry, I will not have sex with you. I wouldn't dare. Besides, you will only be pregnant a month. I will take care of him."

"No." Hoshi said.

"How about double your salary, plus 10,000 credits under the table." Adel said.

"We will see when Youngwood gets here."

"Indeed," Adel said. "He will most likely agree."

"Lucavi, he is smart for a bounty hunter leader. Dont get your hopes up."

author=InfectionFiles
Okay, maybe it's because I LOVE Star Wars, but I really liked this. :P
Waay better than anything I was writing at 12 years old.
Wish I saved any of it to share, just to show you the magnitude of how much greater this is, haha.

Maybe that goes to show how bad some of the Star Wars novels are :O Hehe

New Jedi Order breaks the mold.

Obi-Wan Kenobi looked down at the world Kegan, a grim expression on his face. Obi-Wan had had a feeling that him and his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, would be back to that mysterious world again. Obi-Wan was correct.

Kegan was becoming a beautiful planet, and had recently joined the Republic. Three years ago, however, Kegan had been a planet of simple life. Keganites has believed in a way of life pathetic and primitive to most people. Two people who had created this fanatic religion had called themselves "Benevolent Guides" and tricked the people slowly into making their planet of just a guiding democracy to a harsh dictatorship, slowly. The planet had had an illusion of democracy.

These two people were called V-Tan and O-Vieve. They said that men would have a "V" in front of their name and women had an "O" to "contribute to the General Good." When Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had visited Kegan with another team, Adi Galla and Siri to pick up a baby strong in the force, named Lana, they found themselves trapped. The baby's parents had explained what was going on to Qui-Gon and Adi, but Obi-Wan and Siri were imprisoned in a harsh school known as the Learning Circle.

At this Learning Circle, the children were taught lies about the galaxy and mistreated, and some were sent to a Relearning Circle...to never be heard from again.

Obi-Wan shuddered at the memory...that Relearning Circle, with it's dark, dank halls and prison cells without bathroom facilities....

However, Adi and Qui-Gon came in as Obi-Wan and Siri were trying to break out with an imprisoned Lana and their new friend, Davi. Once all six were out of the Learning Circle, they told the whole planet the truth of what was going on to their children and what was happening secretly. V-Tan and O-Vieve were exiled and a true democracy was formed. Kegan also opened heavy relations with the Republic and joined it.

The old, primitive way of life had been taken away, the General Good religion disbanded. A fair government had been formed on Kegan....until now.

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon received a message from Yoda soon before, explaining that Kegan was falling apart. Tan and Vieve were starting a rebellion to bring back Kegan to it's old style under them.

Yoda ordered them, along with Siri and Adi, to go back to Kegan and help the government. If Tan and Vieve took hostile action, the Jedi were ordered to help out to protect Kegan. Yoda also said that Tan and Vieve were brainwashing the children. Obi-Wan knew they had to act fast.

"Obi-Wan." Fourteen year old Siri called from behind. Siri was two years younger than Obi-Wan, but just as powerful. She had long blonde hair and a powerful frame. "Are you okay?"

"Fine." Obi-Wan said as he sat in the copilot's chair on their ship, heading towards the Spaceport Circle. Kegan still kept it's old city layouts; circles and quads, which really made life easier on the planet. "Just thinking about out old mission here."

"Keep your mind focused on this mission. The past can get in the way when you think about it." Qui-Gon told the Obi-Wan.

Adi added to Siri, "This mission shall be tough, but we will be able to meet old friends. However, protecting them is a big priority. Lana's parents are now on the Keganite council. They have power, and I am sure Tan and Vieve will try and attack them."

The Jedi landed on Platform 5 in the Spaceport Circle, one of the newer sections of the now massive capital city. As they walked outside, they saw familiar faces.

"Siri! Obi-Wan!" a boy in his early teens came running up to them. "I knew you would be back!"

"Hello, Davi! You have grown. How is Nen and Melie?" Siri asked.

"We are doing great, besides the recent issues." Nen and Melie said together as they walked up to the four Jedi. "How have you been?"

Qui-Gon turned to the couple. "Since we came here, we stopped two planets from starting a Civil War, and just recently all four of us stopped a scientist who wanted to know the truth about the Force. Most of our other missions were just small ones."

"Great. I am sure you have heard of our problems. However, first we should talk. I'll show you all around Kegan. It has changed in the past three years." Nen smiled.

All of the battered landspeeders were gone, and the move modern ones made on Coruscant replaced them. Qui-Gon and the rest of the Jedi followed Davi, Nen, and Melie into one of them. As they sped from the Spaceport circle, Obi-Wan saw children outside playing and parents smiling and going about their work. But this time, they were true smiles. All of the false things Tan and Vieve has said were gone.

The landspeeder continued moving along as they passed the much larger marketplace. It was ten times larger than it was three years ago, and the food stands had plenty of delicious foods and drinks. Restaurants and shopping centers were everywhere. New ones were under construction.

In addition, Melie pointed out all the statues and artwork, among other wonders. Adi looked at it all, and with a sudden pang she remembered the planet Naboo. At least, Kegan was Naboo under construction.

"Kegan is indeed wonderful. But what about Tan and Vieve?" Qui-Gon asked.

"They are still trying to rally support. We have no idea where, though, but we know they are not taking hostile actions. Which is why we have time to discuss everything you want to know and take our time" Melie said.

"What is the situation with the schooling?" Adi asked.

"Long story. Most of the teachers and workers at the Learning circle were shocked when they found that everything they were teaching was not true. Every single one of them admitted that they did not agree with the way the kids were treated, but they had to treat them that way or they would be shot. There is not a circle for schools now, but there is one school for every twenty quads in the Dwelling Circle. Each Quad has five homes and an average of 8-10 children altogether," Nen explained.

Melie continued. "Children start school when they are six and leave at the age of fifteen. After fifteen, the child chooses where he or she wants to work, whether it is the Animal Circle," she smiled at Davi, who let out a small laugh, "or the Tech Circle, et cetera. They become an apprentice, much like the Jedi, to someone in that Circle until they are eighteen. Then they can begin that job. Or, once they are fifteen and feel they want to leave Kegan, they go to school until they are 18 at a college. It is a working system, but we are getting there."

"Sounds like a working progress to me. What happen to the teaching guides?" Obi-Wan asked.

"They are regular teachers at the schools now. Oh, there is one teacher who wants to speak with you." Nen grinned. "Ah, here is Dwelling Circle 5, where we live. With more people coming to Kegan and our privacy increased, we have dozens of Dwelling Circles, each holding about 1,000 people, or a hundred quads each. Most are still under heavy construction. It's only been three years, after all."

As they all approached Nen and Melie's house, they noted how different it was. Before, all the buildings were connected, but now each quad was like a city block with regular houses.

"It's amazing how you managed to transfer this planet so quickly!" Siri said.

"Ah, we are not done yet. Everyone on Kegan and beyond have pitched in, and with the new technology, we have made the planet's houses much like the others in the Republic," Nen explained.

"Obi-Wan, is it me or does that lady look familiar?" Siri asked.

A female of about thirty, perhaps a bit older, was standing next to the dwelling. She waved at the group.

"Isn't she that teacher, Bin, that thought we were punks?" Obi-Wan had to laugh. "If she can change, anyone can."

Bin approached the group. "I am truly sorry of the treatment you received on Kegan a few years ago. The way we were forced to treat children...was not right. But our lives were in danger. We were forced. However, we did believed what we tough."

The Jedi bowed. "You are on the Keganite council, as head of the School divisions, right?" Adi asked.

"Yes, I was forced to be a teacher by Tan and Vieve, but now that I teach the truth, I enjoy it." Bin said.

Suddenly, blaster fire erupted all around them, barely missing Nen. The Jedi activated their lightsabers immediately ad ten armed men came out of buildings, firing as they went.

Three of the guards ducked back into the building as the Jedi deflected the guards' fire back at them. The seven remaining guards kept trying to blast Nen and Melie, but they had ran back into their house with Davi and Bin.

Two guards had shields, but Qui-Gon jumped over them and slashed the shields in half. The two guards dropped their weapons and ran as the five others kept on firing at Obi-Wan and Siri. They did not see Adi come up from behind and cur their blasters in two. Those guards ran off the street, back into the building, too.

"What was that all about?" Siri said, keeping her saber activated like everyone else.

"Tan and Vieve are behind this. Note how they wore those old Guide uniforms." Adi said. "Qui-Gon, we should have Siri and Obi-Wan head back to protect Melie and the rest of them. We should find those guards in that building."

"Fine. Good luck, Padawan." Qui-Gon said as they parted.

Inside the dwelling, Adi noted how is reminded her of the older Kegan dwellings. "Odd..." she said after a large pause. The two of them entered a long hallway.

"Look out!" Qui-Gon said as blaster fire zoomed from the end of the hallway they were in. Adi was quick and deflected it.

"Seeker droids." Qui-Gon said grimly. "Three of them."

One droid came charging at them, but Qui-Gon cut it cleanly in half. The other two fired from the end of the hallway, but Qui-Gon and Adi force-pushed them against the wall, disabling them.

"Hmm ...I feel a disturbance in the Force.....I've felt it before....in the presence of....Ona Nobis!"

"That bounty hunter is dead!" Adi said sharply.

"It could just be me-" Qui-Gon caught a glimpse of a pink whip. "Let's go."

Ona Nobis, a powerful bounty hunter that Qui-Gon has locked horns with many times before, smiled and said out loud. "Well, well. Qui-Gon Jinn. I miss you."

She was taunting him. All four Jedi, before, had been after Jenna Zan Arbor, who imprisoned Jedi to study the force. She had hired Ona Nobis to be her hunter to track down Jedi. However, Siri and Adi helped Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon to bring Zan Arbor to justice, and Ona Nobis had fallen off the tall Capital palace on the planet of Belasco. She had to be dead!

Qui-Gon put his thoughts aside and lunged forward with Adi. Ona Nobis lunged forward at the same time with her whip, and the sabers and whip connected.

Adi knew that they needed to get behind Ona Nobis and trap her in the narrow hallway, but that would be hard to do in such a small area. So she and Qui-Gon made short jabs to try and drive the hunter backwards...with no success.

The hunter held her ground, confident. Qui-Gon knew that she had the advantage as his lightsaber connected with her whip time after time. Adi and Qui-Gon tried two different directions, but Ona Nobis was staying on the defensive, until she finally took out a blaster on her other free hand.

It was a thermal detonator.



Chapter Two

Ona Nobis pressed a series of buttons on the detonator and grinned. The jedi wasted no time in running back out as the hunter threw the detonator Nobis knew that the jedi wouldn't be caught in the blast, but she would enter the picture with a bang. Ona Nobis quickly ran another way out of the house.

Adi and Qui-Gon came dashing out of the house and made it to the quad across the street right when the thermal detonator blew, taking half the house with it. It was the afternoon, and most people were in the market or at work, so no one was hurt on the streets or in that dwelling.

"I think this is worse than we thought. Contact Tahl and Yoda. Tell them Ona Nobis is back." Qui-Gon added, "Tell them to send more Jedi."

///\\\

Tahl received the news and sent it to the Jedi Council. The council agreed that more Jedi teams should be sent.

"I recommend Bant and I." Tahl said to the council. "This would be our first mission. I accepted her a few days ago, as you all know."

"I do not think that would be a good idea, since your knowledge and research abilities aid Qui-Gon enough here at the Temple." Mace Windu said, his piercing blue eyes studying her.

Mace and Master Yoda looked at each other. Mace nodded. "We will send three Master-Padawan teams, along with a full New Republic investigation team if we can convince the Senate. If these problems continue, we will make a temporary base on Kegan. Then we will send a council member or two, and you can go along."

Tahl bowed, and left the room.

///\\\

When the problem was addressed to the Senate, only 10 senators objected sending a full Republic investigation team. However, the Senate agreed by an overwhelming majority to send a small army to help the Kegan Government in lieu of a team after Qui-Gon sent another report about new attacks.

Supreme Chancellor Valorum talked with the Jedi Masters about the army issue as soon as the votes was tallied.

"Master Yoda, this small Republic army we are sending should be sub stantonal to help the Kegan army eliminate this pocket of resistance to Kegan," the Chancellor said to Yoda.

"An army would not be such a good idea until our two Jedi teams investigate more," one council member said.

"Be careful, we must." Yoda said softly.

After some arguing, the Chancellor and council agreed that three-hundred solders and twenty starships would be sent to Kegan. Tahl agreed to go with the group to Kegan, along with three Jedi Knights and their padawans. The force would leave once Qui-Gon confirms the exact situation.

///\\\

Back on Kegan, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Siri, and Adi were speaking to Nen and Melie about the situation.

"We must find Tan and Vieve's cells; the places they are operating from." Qui-Gon said. "By the way, what happen to the old Learning Circle?"

Nen replied quickly, "It was abandoned, and is a restricted zone. If anyone goes there that are unauthorized, they will receive 5 years in the brig. After a fair trial, though."

"Perhaps we should go check it out. But you two need to be protected." Qui-Gon said.

Nen smiled. "We will have plenty of elite sharpshooters and bodyguards around our area. We may be a peaceful world, but we do have some defense troops that can be called a small army."

"Agreed," Qui-Gon said. "Let's go."

///\\\

Vieve paced back and forth in a small, fairly lit room with Tan. They were both near sixty, and knew they had little time in their lives to retake Kegan, and resurrect the false Brotherhood of the General Good.

"Where is she?" Vieve asked finally to Tan.

"The 'General Good' only knows." Tan chuckled. "Such a nice scheme had to backfire on such a planet. We were supposed to keep a low profile until this year, when we get our payoffs from OFFWORLD. At least her bounty hunter has arrived. But she is late....."

Vieve smiled. "Once OFFWORLD takes control of this planet, we will get our millions of credits, and go back to Belasco. Even though we are old, we can retire nicely. Or, to be safe, how about we go to a world that isn't in the Republic? Anyway, Kegan is rich in minerals, just what OFFWORLD wants. Such a nice plan it was, this General Good. It kept everyone on the planet and rebellion stopped. But those damned Jedi are back again. Ona Nobis has already had a run-in with them and failed killing them."

"Wait...." Tan said, smile turned upside down. "Didn't she want the Jedi...? She asked for those Jedi, according to this message sent from her. Something about studying them. This wasn't in the original plan 30 years ago when we devised this scheme. Must be a hobby for her. I don't like this...."

"Don't you remember a thing about her? She wanted to know the ways of the Force. She was caught, and exiled. Ona Nobis, who almost died, went to rescue her secretly. Of course she wants revenge on those Jedi punks!" Vieve said. "Are you on glitterstim? Do we need to keep on reminding each other?!" (Alshimers, no doubt)

Finally, a figure entered the room. A shadow was on her face, but it disappeared as she entered the light.

A beautiful woman, about thirty-one or thirty-two. She had a mixed expression on her face as she entered, seeing the twosome.

Jenna Zan Arbor.

Arbor spoke. "OFFWORLD is paying you big bucks, you know this. However, if I do not get those damned Jedi, I shall take the deal back."

"Jenna, our agreement was that we would take control of this planet until OFFWORLD was ready. We would then give control of Kegan to OFFWORLD so you could mine all the spices and ore that this planet is rich in. Dammit, Shakira Deckiller, the head of your group before Xanatos, even said, when she became OFFWORLD leader, that she would not have us get involved in Jedi business!" Tan exclaimed.

"For thirty years we controlled Kegan. When Xanatos took command, he treated us just as well. But then he died, and those Jedi ruined everything, and now you make us deal with those bastards again!" Vieve finished.

"Are you done? I hope you are, because you are 5 seconds away from being killed!" Zan Arbor said. "I am altering the deal, pray I don't alter it any further....deal with it!"

Vieve felt an eerie sense of de déjà vu. In one of her images, a dark man said that to a leader of some city deep in the sky......

"Now, shut up and answer my questions, or I will slit your throats!"

Vieve and Tan went silent.

"Better. Now, have you been brainwashing people yet?"

"Soon, once the government leaders are assassinated," Vieve said.

Zan Arbor sighed, then nodded in agreement. "I want this complex to become a fortress. Train common Keganites into servants of your "cause." We shall call this place the 'Re-establishment Complex' or something along those lines. Do it immediately."

///\\\

The Learning Circle was a large, abandoned complex of low-dome buildings on top of Kegan's highest plateau. As the four Jedi piloted their craft closer and closer, they could make out the buildings better and better.

"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon called. "Look at the walls. I sense that there are AA lasers placed around the circle. The walls are an odd, uneven shape, as if there are small turrets there or a battle took place."

There was a nearby lake that a river poured into. The river led to the mountains which were a few kilometers in the distance. Siri took a look at the clear water, and made out something underneath.

"There is something under that lake, Master Adi. It looks like a....gunboart, or a houseboat." Siri announced.

"Yes, I see it," Adi said aloud. "Looks like a houseboat to me."

"Land the ship about twenty meters from the lake, but stay out of range of the Learning Circle's walls. I think there are missile sites and AA turbolasers there for some reason." Qui-Gon ordered Siri. Adi rarely let her padawan fly, unlike Qui-Gon, who let Obi-Wan do at least 80% of the piloting.

The cruiser landed closed to the lake, and with a quiet hum the boarding ramp was lowered. The four jedi companions strolled out with breathers and other water equipment.

"We should only send one team in, with another team on guard." Qui-Gon suggested.

"I agree. Siri and I will stay here. I feel a disturbance in the Force, and we must be on alert." Adi said.

"I know, I feel the disturbance also," Qui-Gon said. "Let's go."

///\\\

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan entered the water and started swimming towards the figure deep under the lake. As the two companions got closer, they nodded to each other as best as they could underwater. It was a houseboat.

The two jedi inspected the outside of the houseboat. It was about 30 meters long; a fair size. It's position underwater appeared as if it came down the river, into the lake, and attempted to get to shore.

Obi-Wan showed Qui-Gon some black scorch marks on one part of the boat; around the blown-out engine systems. They looked like heavy blaster marks to Qui-Gon. It seemed the attackers wanted the ship disabled.

Qui-Gon went deeper into the houseboat first, followed by Obi-Wan. The passengers were gone. The water was not deep enough to crush or harm the bodies. Most of the equipment and furniture on the boat that was not secure was gone. Qui-Gon noted a security box in the bridge, secure to the floor, was open and empty. Obi-Wan came next to Qui-Gon and made a signal to head up. Qui-Gon checked his breather. Yes, it was time to head to the surface.

///\\\

"Did you see anything special?" Siri asked when the two men swam to shore.

"It seems as if the boat was disabled. The people on the boat were missing, and scans didn't show any others in the lake, so they must have been captured." Qui-Gon said grimly. "I think the ship was raided, because most objects in the boat that should have lasted underwater were gone. The attack was fairly recent, from the looks of it."

Adi sighed. "Could Tan and Vieve have been behind this?"

"We will have to investigate. The ex-Learning Circle is fortified for some reason. I have a feeling it must be a base of operations for Tan and Vieve. That could explain the attacks." Qui-Gon said.

Obi-Wan added, "Perhaps the people were impressed or forced into fighting for Tan and Vieve? Could they also plan on brainwashing people if necessary, too?"

"Don't jump to conclusions yet, Padawan. I am sure the real issues are not upon us yet. We need to check out the Learning Circle first." Qui-Gon said dryly.

Adi whispered to Qui-Gon. "You also jumped to a conclusion just a few seconds ago, my stubborn friend." Adi smiled and Qui-Gon sighed.

Siri sighed. "Are we going to go on foot from here?"

"Yes," Adi turned to Siri. "If Qui-Gon is right about those odd-looking shapes being gun emplacements, we better stay on foot, using stealth. Let us contact Nen and Melie with the new issue."

///\\\

After alerting Kegan to the new problems, the Jedi quartet quietly snuck though the defenses and into the old complex.

Jedi has uncanny silence when it came to sneaking around and avoiding guards.One man on Coruscant, one of Qui-Gon's pals, even complemented Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon on their skills.

The jedi companions slipped into one of the low domed buildings, making sure they did not get spotted by anyone. Qui-Gon was right. There was several turrets and guards in and around the complex. The sign on the low-domed building had been changed. It now read something different.

T H E R E - E S T A B L I S H I N G F A C I L I T Y

"What in stars name could that mean? Siri asked as they quietly entered the halls of the building.

"This place has been converted into a boot camp, probably for Tan and Vieve's men." Qui-Gon said grimly. "Let's enter this room over here."

As the jedi entered the large room right next to the entrance, they saw several helmets. Obi-Wan remembered them with a shock.

Trust the guides...Kegan is dedicated to the General Good......Inner Worlds are dangerous....

"Those are the same things the guides in the Re-Learning Circle had us wear. They are used to brainwash. I almost fell for it." Obi-Wan whispered dryly.

"Hmm..." Qui-Gon inspected the devise. "Help me put it on. I want to see exactly what it does."

"Only someone else can remove it, so signal when you want us to take it off." Siri said. "But it is a foolish idea. We could be wrong...."

Qui-Gon put the helmet on. Immediately, he heard voices booming into his ears.

"Trust the guides...trust the General Good....you have been mistaken...the General Good is the true truth.....trust all guides..trust V-Tan and O-Vieve...."

Qui-Gon blinked and signaled for Obi-Wan to take it off. Obi-Wan did.

"Yes, Obi-Wan. It is used to brainwash people. It talks all about the General Good and the guides. It seems Tan and Vieve have found a good way to retake Kegan." Qui-Gon turned. "Alert Nen and Melie of this. Also, send a message to the Jedi Council. Tell them to send a full army and navy here. Kegan is in trouble."

"But this was so easy and obvious. Why didn't anyone alert Kegan of what this place has become?!" Siri exclaimed.

"Your wondering why others did not find that they were operating from here sooner? It seems that this now-fortress has shot down anyone who has come near this place." Obi-Wan said, then laughed. "It seems so foolish on their part, but when you think about it, many have not dared to come here, which is another reason."

"One things for sure, padawan." Qui-Gon said grimly. "The Republic must be warned. We can nip this in the bud."

///\\\

A small camera in the room the Jedi were in alerted Tan, Vieve, and Zan Arbor that the Jedi now knew what was going on inside of the complex.

"I shall send for heavy OFFWORLD reinforcements before the Republic can. We must have Kegan. Meanwhile, trap those Jedi and brainwash them in any way possible. Get them to be completely obsessed with your false religion. Then torture and kill them." Zan Arbor ordered. "Move all plans forward 48 Keganite hours."

"Are you sure you can stop the Republic? If you take this planet, the Republic will still send fleets to destroy OFFWORLD!" Tan pointed out.

Zan Arbor smiled. "Ah. First of all, our headquarters is secret. Plus, once this planet is brainwashed, they will refuse and accept OFFWORLD control. Don't worry, it will play out. Now, as I said, move the brainwashing operation forward 48 hours!"

"Yes, milady."



Chapter Three

The Re-Establishing Facility went on alert immediately after Zan Arbor gave her commands. Around Obi-Wan and the other Jedi bright red lights flashed on and off and a shrieking noise filled the room and corridors. Bodyguards and officials; Offworld and Keganite, were patrolling the compound in even larger numbers now.

Qui-Gon whispered to the other Jedi. "I am sure they have sealed the doors."

"We do not want to kill innocent Keganites who have just been brainwashed by Tan and Vieve. Fighting out way out is not an option, unless the security forces are non-Kegan." Adi said.

"What in the universe are we going to do?" Siri asked as Obi-Wan sat, thinking, next to her, right as the noise of footsteps could be heard.

"Tan said they are in there! Move in!" a man said, running into the room with five other men following suit.

Qui-Gon peeked behind the boxes. He noticed a small patch with a planet and ship, taking the appearance of an eye. Below the design were the words OFFWORLD CORPORATION.

"Offworld guards." Qui-Gon whispered.

"Let's go." Adi said softly.

Qui-Gon and Adi jumped on top of the crates, followed by Obi-Wan and Siri. Lightsabers activated, the quartet assaulted the Offworld men.

Siri deflected blaster fire coming from the lead guard, which bounced back and hit him dead in the chest, killing him instantly. Obi-Wan did the same for the guard on his right who was armed with two DH-17 blasters.

Qui-Gon whirled and slashed one officer's blaster in half, and rebounded a barrage of pulse blaster bolts from another man's powerful pulse cannon. The pulse bolts hit him on the shoulder and hit another guard in the head.

Adi was being attacked by two guards that tried to form a pincer movement on her. All four jedi trapped the men with the same strategy, killing both. The wounded pair of men died right on the floor before being able to send for reinforcements.

"Time to move." Adi announced.

As the group exited the equipment room, they saw a figure at the other end of the mall.

Ona Nobis.

///\\\

Ona Nobis lunged forward, her powerful whip on laser mode. She had two holstered blasters, and a light repeating blaster strapped to her back. Nobis' bald head gave her a fierce appearance, as usual.

Qui-Gon's saber tangled with the whip as Ona Nobis took out one of the blasters with her free hand. She aimed it at Adi.

Obi-Wan rushed to help Adi deflect it as Siri lunged at Ona Nobis, who broke free from Qui-Gon's lightsaber. The pink whip clashed with Siri's weapon over and over. The fairly small hallway gave the four jedi a disadvantage over Nobis.

Siri broke free and stepped back when Ona Nobis' blaster was knocked out of her hand by deflected shots from Obi-Wan and Adi's sabers. While flailing her whip at the jedi team, she pulled out her light repeater and fired it.

The blaster almost caught Obi-Wan by surprise, but still did it's job. He fell to the floor as a bolt painfully skimmed his leg. Qui-Gon protected his padawan's flank from the ongoing flow of shots.

Meanwhile, Adi and Siri were launching an offensive to knock Ona Nobis' whip away. Ona Nobis was distracted by fighting Qui-Gon and a crippled Obi-Wan that she didn't notice them, even in the small corridor. Nobis accidentally, in hesitation, hit the setting button on the whip, taking the laser protection off.

Adi slashed the whip in two before Nobis had a chance to react.

Taking out the second blaster with her left hand and the light repeater in her right, Ona Nobis backed away, firing continuously.

The four companions were too busy deflecting the last attempted offense that they did not push forward, but backed towards the blast doors that lead to the exit. Nobis grinned as she turned and ran down the hall.

"Go! Cut through that door!" Qui-Gon roared.

Obi-Wan, Siri, and Adi started to cut through the durasteel blast doors while Qui-Gon covered them. Two more offworld guards were killed by Qui-Gon. Finally, Obi-Wan kicked the door out and a large hole in the blast doors was made.

"Hurry!" Adi said.

One by one, the jedi ran out of the building and towards the walls.

"We need are cables to scale the wall, Adi. The Force will not propel us high enough." Qui-Gon said, looking up at the wall.

The team launched their cables and began to scale the wall, right when two floaters came zooming around the corner of one of the buildings.

At the same time, three probe droids were hovering towards the suspended jedi group.

"Hurry!" Qui-Gon said, activating his saber. "I'll hold them off while you get up there!"

A suspended Qui-Gon easily deflected the droids' fire back at them, blowing two into smithereens as the other one floated away at tremendous speed.

Adi, Obi-Wan, and Siri made it over the walls edge and leaped down as Qui-Gon followed. The floaters' blaster fire was just starting, but Qui-Gon jumped quickly onto the ground next to Obi-Wan to avoid it.

"Obi-Wan, Siri, go to the ship! We'll follow! The floaters are on their way." Adi instructed.

The floaters came up over the wall and fired at the jedi. However, the knights deflected and dodged every attempt.

"Ram them, Lt. Keiko! We need the extra pay." one of the floater pilots yelled to the other.

Both floaters accelerated and tried to crash into the jedi. Siri rolled to avoid one, and Qui-Gon unleashed a spin attack with his saber as the second floater zoomed by, heading for Adi.

The other floater targeted a dashing Obi-Wan, but the young Jedi activated his blue lightsaber and deflected the blaster shots back at the floater.

The counter attack missed, but the floater's pilot, Keiko, was paying too much attention to Obi-Wan that she forgot about the other jedi. Siri, Qui-Gon, and Adi waited until the floater turned around to start another run at Obi-Wan

Ten seconds later, the second floater was nothing but a smoldering heap of junk. Keiko and his officer would not be getting any more paychecks.

///\\\

The Jedi made it to their transport, relieved that it was still in one piece since it was well-hidden. Qui-Gon contacted the Jedi Council and asked for a fleet to be sent to protect Kegan the planet wasn't defended as it was.

Yoda told the jedi that the senate wanted to send one in the first place, and they would not hesitate to.

As the ship took off, Obi-Wan noticed three small black dots approaching them from the Re-Establishing Facility.

"Fighters, master." Obi-Wan said calmly. Calmness was the best thing when in a situation. Obi-Wan had learned that firsthand.

"I see them." Qui-Gon said. He turned to Adi, who was piloting the ship.

"What do we have for weapons?"

"Two blaster cannons and a quad gun." Adi said.

"I'll go to the Quad Gun." Obi-Wan announced.

"Good, Obi-Wan. Siri and I will man the two cannons while Adi controls the ship." Qui-Gon said, nodding.

Seconds after everyone was in position, the fighters' blaster cannons began pounding on the transports' shields as the Jedi fought back, the Force guiding them.

One fighter was hit by Obi-Wan's Quad Gun and spun out of control, barely missing the fighter below it. That fighter zoomed up at the transport and began to attack again, but the Jedi's forward blaster cannons made short work of the ignorant fighter, who did not notice the small cannons.

More fighters were approaching, and the third fighter, one of the new Headhunters, launched torpedoes at the Jedi transport, now with it's shields down around 60 percent from the volley. Adi was surprised of the range of the fighters and underestimated it at the beginning, but her fancy flying paid off. Adi took the ship into a controlled spin, avoiding the nasty torpedoes while Obi-Wan fired the Quad Gun again, again using the Force.

It paid off. The Headhunter was hit directly and exploded in a fantastic explosion, which by now, for the jedi, was a common occurrence on Kegan.

By now, the other pair of Headhunter reinforcements that were approaching were taking a beating from the forward laser cannons. Qui-Gon's cannon easily destroyed one of the Headhunters while Siri tried to line up the second one in her line of fire.

"Adi, move a little so I can...." Siri didn't finish as Qui-Gon annihilated the second fighter.

Siri looked mad. "Those offworld folk are total idiots! The can't even bother to send an entire wing of fighters."

"Calm down, Siri. Jedi must not act reckless and impatient. Offworld may not have the manpower...yet."

Adi! Look ahead! Hidden tractor beam turrets are popping up!" Qui-Gon said aloud.

Obi-wan's voice came from the Quad Gun. "I can get four of them, but the other two are out of our reach, Master."

"If we can't get them all, we must prepare for another fight." Adi said, turning again to Qui-Gon. "There are a pair of secret ground doors opening up below us. It looks like it leads to an underground docking bay."

"Get your lightsabers ready. This could be an intense fight," Qui-Gon said to the padawans when Obi-Wan came back.

//\\\

"Milady, we have them."

"Excellent," Jenna Zan Arbor said as she walked into the room. "Tan, Vieve, kill them once they land. Let them think they have a chance."

Tan spoke up. "Is Offworld on it's way?"

Zan Arbor smiled. "Yes, very soon, Offworld will be here. Once these Jedi are taken care of, you can begin your brainwashing."

Vieve looked at Zan Arbor. "We are ready, but you said to move up 48 hours, not 72. I think we should have these extra 24 hours to....brainwash the Jedi?"

"I want you to do it sooner because Offworld will be here in less than 2 days. The Republic fleet will be here in 3-4, so it's better if we have the planet under your control sooner rather than later."

"I understand," Vieve said, taking out her comlink. "Nobis, kill those damned jedi!"



Chapter Four:

A Republic fleet was gathering around Coruscant during the time the four Jedi were captured. The armada consisted of twenty Republic Dreadnaughts, One-Hundred smaller frigates and warships, and hundreds of support craft and fighters.

Their goal; to defend and, if necessary, liberate Kegan.

Command of this fleet, and the many squads of crack commando paratroopers and tanks with them, fell to a man called Zorin Deckiller.

Deckiller was a mediocre-built man, fairly intelligent and wealthy. His rank was Admiral, which was not unusual for a fleet commander and someone of Deckiller's skill. However, Deckiller was also an exiled prince, which was unusual, since he had gotten himself back up as an important man.

Zorin Deckiller was prince of a world called Cubania. The world itself was fairly large, with a population of 16 billion people. Some said this was the headquarters of Offworld Corporation, but Deckiller proved it was not by having a very technical search of the entire planet.

However, Deckiller was exiled 10 years ago, being accused of embezzlement.

Bullshit, Zorin thought. He had plenty of creds to begin with, why get more? Cubania could be a stubborn planet.

But alas, is has been 10 years, so Offworld could have moved operations there, as was suspected.

Zorin's brother, Jason Deckiller, was not a man to be fully trusted. He had had dealings with Jenna Zan Arbor, now suspected ruler of Offworld.

But Zorin's goal is to exterminate Offworld resistance and defend Kegan, not investigate where their base is located.

And now, as he stood on the bridge of the Dreadnaught Bilbringi, preparing for lightspeed, he couldn't help but think of what in the hell's really going on.

///\\\

Obi-Wan, Siri, Adi, and Qui-Gon were trapped on their ship.

However, just as boarding was about to be done on them, Qui-Gon noticed something.

"Hmm...a Republic fleet has just entered Hyperspace, according to Yoda. It seems only a matter of time now."

Obi-Wan nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. If they died, at least Kegan would be free.

But they would not die here, in a small docking bay.

Four jedi against a docking bay full of guards. No sweat...hopefully.

Moments later, the hatch to the ship opened, and five guards rushed in, firing at once.

The four jedi deflected the shots easily back at the Offworld guards. The grunts fell one after another, until all five were down.

Another trio of guards were at the bottom of the ramp, easily taken out by the Jedi. However, across the docking bay, a pair of people were standing there, smiling.

The huntress, Ona Nobis, and Zan Arbor.

Just then, the jedi's transport closed up and was sealed.

Zan Arbor spoke, "Come on, charge at me. All four of you can take on Ona Nobis. I am basically unguarded, besides her."

"Why are you here, you should be on a desert planet, exiled." Qui-Gon said sternly.

"Qui-Gon Jinn...Qui-Gon. I miss you, I miss torturing you, and studying you. I'll spare your life. But I guess I will tell you. There is a New Republic fleet on the way to dispose of my friends and Offworld."

"I know that, get to the point."

Zan Arbor continued. "Offworld....you've noticed by now that Offworld is pulling Tan and Vieve's strings. True, very true. But where do I fit into this? Why Qui-Gon, I replaced Xanatos. I am Offworld."

So, the jedi's guesses were true. "You will be killed or captured by that fleet, there is nothing you can do." Adi said sharply.

"Offworld has a massive navy of more than just freighters. We have one hundred fifty warships and thirty squadrons of fighters on the way. In addition, Tan and Vieve will bring back their old brainwashing skills to make this planet agree to Offworld being in control of this planet."

While the conversation was continuing, Obi-Wan and Siri looked around the hanger carefully, so it would not be obvious. Obi-Wan spotted another transport, unarmed, about twenty meters away.

Master, there is a ship over there, Obi-Wan said to Qui-Gon via the force.

Make a run for it when I say, Qui-Gon said, responding quickly.

Jenna Zan Arbor stepped back into a turbolift behind her. "Now, Jedi, you shall feel the true power of Offworld. I shall kill you to get my revenge. I have decided just now to kill you also, Qui-Gon. Guards!"

Ona Nobis charged forward at the jedi as several doors opened throughout the bay. Twenty guards emerged and began to fire at the jedi.

All four of the companions ran towards the other transport, deflecting fire as they went and staying ahead of Ona Nobis.

It was tough, but the two teams made it on the ship and started her up before Nobis could get on.

Siri spotted two Offworld thugs who were setting up heavy repeating cannons. "Watch out!" she warned.

Adi began to accelerate up and out of the docking bay as the guards continued to take potshots at the ship.

"Almost....there......" Adi pulled up as fast as possible and managed to clear the bay doors before the repeating blasters could fire.

"Yes, we made it!" Siri exclaimed.

Obi-Wan looked behind them, expecting more headhunters to come after them.

Nothing.

"I think Offworld's current strength here is weaker than we thought," Obi-Wan said, shaking his head.

"Then if they are going to brainwash people, they must have some communications center or a machine, because it would be impossible to do it person to person." Adi said, thinking aloud.

The jedi piloted their craft to orbiting space stations, investigating each one for anything suspicious. Nothing.

"Contact Nen and Melie. Tell them to conduct large scans on the city, preferably, the entire planet." Qui-Gon said to Obi-Wan. "I will tell the fleet to get a move on. They should be two-thirds of the way here by now, but still have some 10 hours to go."

Adi turned from the piloting station to Siri. "Siri, go in back and see what's on this ship. Try to find something related to Offworld, we should have done this hours ago. Qui-Gon, we should be in Kegan City in 3 hours."

"Excellent."

///\\\

On the bridge of the Dreadnaught Bilbringi, zooming through hyperspace, Deckiller checked his watch. Five more hours to go.

"Have the fleet go to red alert as soon as we get out of hyperspace. Have EVERY weapons and scanning system up beforehand." Deckiller ordered.

"You've already said that, Admiral, twice," an officer reported.

"Hmm..." Deckiller continued to pace the bridge...over and over.....

///\\\

Jenna Zan Arbor came stampeding into Tan and Vieve's office, Ona Nobis behind her.

"Begin it in two hours!" was all she said.

"Uh...okay, sir..uhm...ma'am." Tan stammered. "The CIPs to the skyhoppers are ready to go. They will send the automated skyhoppers throughout Kegan and begin the process. But couldn't the Jedi or others shoot down the skyhoppers?"

Vieve spoke to Tan quickly. "Don't worry, the skyhoppers will do their job when anything comes within range."

"Do it now! We lost the jedi, and that means everything they know will be sent to Coruscant. Their fleet is five hours away. The sooner, the better." Zan Arbor was very impatient and angry.

"How do we know that this is the truth, or the fact that you are the chosen one?"

Chosen one....Jenna Zan Arbor sighed. She pulled up the sleeve of her jumpsuit. A small tattoo was visible on her upper arm. A broken circle overlapping a full one.

OC.....standing for OFFWORLD CORPORATION

Vieve and Tan nodded. She was definitely Xanatos' chosen one.

Zan Arbor spoke. "Yes, the mark of Xanatos' lover, and future leader of Offworld. There's your proof, pals. I'm surprised you didn't ask you it sooner."

"With your latest crazed acts..." Tan shut up when Zan Arbor glared at him.

///\\\

"...And the CIPs will control the brainwashing, according to this sheet." Siri finished reporting.

"So, one is located back at the Establishing Facility, and the other one in the city. But where...?" Qui-Gon left that last question in the air.

That question was answered when the jedi returned to to Kegan City, where the skyhoppers were hovering about.

"No! They've been activated!" Adi exclaimed.

Twenty skyhoppers buzzed throughout the city, delivering very unpleasant noises of the General Good religion that no one, even the jedi, would resist. The jedi group pulled down, and ran to the safe room where Melie and Nen would be waiting...hopefully.

///\\\

Deckiller waited with tremendous impatience. Ten minutes remained until his fleet arrived. Ten damn minutes.

Deckiller, was impatient ever since the ship entered hyperspace over a day ago. The Bilbringi was ready. Everyone's fingers were on the FIRE or LAUNCH buttons. All of the fleet's paratroopers were ready, all fighters were fueled and manned.

Nine minutes came...then 8 minutes......7 minutes.

By the third minute, Zorin had the tactical screen up and ordered the ship on Yellow Alert until the time to exit lightspeed came.

Zorin stood up. "Helm, stand by...NOW!"

The Bilbringi. jumped out of lightspeed with a flash and silent roar, all other ships in close formation behind it. Kegan was dead ahead, but...

...There was no Offworld fleet. As a matter of fact, NO ships were in sight.

"Red Alert! Shields, stay up. All ships, prepare to enter standard orbit around Kegan." Deckiller ordered.

///\\\

In a small safehouse that was soundproof from the outside, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, Siri, and Adi were talking to Kegan's leaders. If they went outside, they would succumb to the odd pitched noises that were brainwashing the Keganites.

"We must do something!" Nen and Melie said to the jedi together.

"If we can block out the noise, we can get out and destroy the skyhoppers," Qui-Gon said. "However, getting to the ships and weapons means going outside."

Adi sighed. "Most of Kegan's residents are now being controlled by Jenna Zan Arbor. At least her fleets are not here yet. We can send a message to our own fleet to stay at Red Alert before the planet is jammed, they just arrived."

Obi-Wan and Siri were looking outside with the wired cameras. One was already down by a mod of Keganites that tried to break in, but failed. However, Siri could make out another armada besides their own in the heavens.

"I think they are already here, you guys." Siri said grimly.

///\\\

"Sir!" the tactical officer reported. "Fleet exiting hyperspace, dead ahead!"

Deckiller got out of his chair. "Comm, are they hailing?"

"Yes, sir."

"On the viewscreens." Deckiller said. Moments later, a human man appeared, replacing the images of the hundred or so gunships staring at them several hundred kilometers in the distance.

"I am Admiral Zorin Deckiller of the Republic. We ask you to surrender and leave. Kegan is a Republic planet, and no mining company shall have it." Diplomacy was never Deckiller's strong suit.

"We ask you to surrender, Admiral Deckiller. But you won't, so...goodbye." the captain smirked, and cut the transmission.

Deckiller sighed. "Tactical, automatic lasers for the moment. Fire on my command....shields at maximum. We will give those bastards the first shot."

The lead gunship, about 200 meters long, opened fire on the Bilbringi. The shots hit the shields spectacularly.

"Shields down to 91 percent. SBD okay." Tactical reported.

"Tactical, fire!" Deckiller ordered.

Every ship in the fleet then fired all of it's turbolasers at their desired targets in a beautiful display. Most of the shots met their marks, and 10 gunships were destroyed right away, five more damaged. Both sides continued to exchange fire.

"Good hits, team!" Deckiller whooped. He turned to his Science/Scanning officer. "How many ships are we dealing with?"

Scanning reported quickly. "150 gunships, plus several squadrons of fighters not released yet."

Deckiller grinned. "Every ship is now on it's own. Tactical, have our three squadrons of headhunters launch on the double. We are going after those three gunships to the left over there."

"Will do," the busy Tactical officer replied.

Deckiller sat back in his chair. Offworld s. the Republic. He liked the odds.

However, Offworld was stronger than any of them thought.

TO BE CONTINUED . . .