But finally, our flight was over. Upon entering Randon's orbit, we requested a landing corridor. The polite dispatcher showed us the route to the palace complex where the local government was located.
The hangar was quite spacious — large enough to accommodate four more ships like ours.
Entering the corvette's bridge, I briefed O'Connor and the crew.
"Keep shields ready and be prepared to leave at any moment."
"General, how should we respond to possible acts of aggression?" asked the corvette's captain.
"At the slightest threat, open fire immediately. I'll take full responsibility."
After that, I joined the delegation of senators, who were already chatting with the local administrator acting as our guide. We headed deeper into the complex. We were accompanied by six clone commandos. For this mission, they had chosen light, inconspicuous weapons — mainly pistols and grenades. Still, there was some heavier gear as well: a couple of rocket launchers and rotary cannons were in the arsenal of the space marines who had discreetly taken up positions around the ship.
Although I had imagined the building to be crowded, I didn't notice anyone except for a couple of guards, though I could sense the presence of many intelligent beings through the Force.
My premonitions grew stronger with every step. Scanning our "guide" through the Force, I detected fear and apprehension. Finally, when we stepped into one of the central corridors — one side of which opened onto the main atrium, separated from it by a low carved railing — I couldn't take it anymore. I stepped up to the official, grabbed him sharply by the neck, and pressed him against the wall, waving my other hand in front of his eyes.
"There's no reason to panic." Time to play Kenobi and the Stormtroopers.
"There's no reason to panic," the man obediently repeated. Wow, it worked!
"Knight, what are you doing?" Organa demanded indignantly.
"Shut up," I don't have time for you, Hutt burp.
"Tell me what you're going to do." Again, I waved my hand in front of the "object's" eyes.
"We're going to capture the senators and demand a ransom from the Republic. Two battalions of guards are already waiting in ambush. Randon is on the side of the Separatists," the steward replied obediently.
"What were you going to do with the Jedi?" I continued the interrogation.
"Count Dooku promised to send someone to deal with him. That witch is already here."
"A witch?" Ahsoka asked skeptically.
If it's who I think it is, we're in trouble.
I was about to knock the official out but decided to ask one last question:
"What are you going to do with Senator Amidala?"
"Nute Gunray will pay well for her head."
Behind me, the senators gasped in unison.
"Well done. Now go to sleep," I said, knocking the hapless man out cold.
"Okay, the situation just changed!" I announced, activating my comlink at the same time. "Bravo Team, alert! O'Connor, prepare the ship for takeoff!
OOM-DF-2356, 'Bucket,' execute the Zerg Rush protocol!"
Hehe. During the flight, I had instructed the commander of the B-1 modification OOM, who had received his new call sign from me, about unforeseen situations. Upon receiving this order, the droids were to leave the ship through the cargo ramp and attack all hostile targets within a two-kilometer radius. The clankers were supposed to distract the enemy and give us time to get away. Five hundred combat droids — now that's a compelling argument.
The senators exchanged uneasy glances.
"Knight, what is going on?" Amidala demanded.
Of course, how could I forget about this Amazon? For her, such incidents are par for the course.
"Don't you get it? Your negotiations are over before they even began. They've decided to use you as bargaining chips. Now, if you'd be so kind, please proceed to the ship."
Suddenly, on the edge of my perception, I sensed a new threat.
"Are you still here? Ahsoka, take the senators and leave immediately! Run!"
The senators hurried after the clones, who had already readied their weapons and surrounded the senators, following my orders.
"Master, what about you?" The Togruta paused for a moment, giving me a pleading look.
"Don't worry. I've got a date here."
"A date?"
"Commander Tano! Go after the senators — ensure their safety, and don't let a hair on their heads be harmed. Wait for me on the ship!"
The last of the clones disappeared down the passageway. I put on my helmet and pulled up the hood of my cloak. The sound of footsteps faded until it finally died away.
Well, that's it. Now the droids will leave the hold and move through the corridors, killing everything alive — which will give the senators and Ahsoka time to reach the Isaribi.
Behind me, I heard the familiar hum of a transformer. Or rather, two transformers. The Force was thick with the Dark Side. So that's what it feels like. Brr, it gave me the creeps.
Why do my premonitions always come true, huh?
I turned around. Ten steps away from me stood Asajj Ventress.
Dry your oars.
(End of Chapter)
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