~Your POV
"We've succeeded in landing on the planet, my Lord." Commander Havok reported.
"What about that Neimoidian?" you asked with rage still lingering inside your heart.
"There were no traces of him, we assume he was able to flee before we arrived on his ship."
"Coward. Prepare everything for my arrival." you ordered.
"Yes, Lord (S/N)."
Commander Havok's hologram disappeared, and your gaze fell upon Barriss training in front of you.
"Watch your feet. You need to synchronize their placing with the movements of your hips to get more power into your strikes." you corrected her.
"Like this?" she asked after following your instructions neatly.
"Acceptable at most, but still not refined enough. Practice what you've learned so far until I come back."
"Where will you be going, Master?" Barriss asked curiously.
"Nowhere you must know of, now resume your training."
"Yes, Master (S/N)."
"Do I need to worry?" Bo asked, leaning in the doorway.
Your gaze wandered over your shoulder to Barriss and then returned to Bo.
"You should know by now that I'm only training her." you reminded her.
"For what purpose?"
"None you must know of at the moment."
"But-"
"There is no need to worry about her." you interrupt Bo and continue walking.
A ship was already waiting for you in the hangar and left as soon as you and Bo set foot on it. You looked out of the window as the ship reached the outer atmosphere. In Nathema's orbit you placed an experimental dockyard, where a new type of ship was produced.
"Is that your new project?" Bo asked climbing over you to get a better look.
"The Odyssey, yeah. It will be equipped with a new type of jammers and an ion cannon, inspired by the plans we got from the CIS, just slightly improved." you explain.
"Improved?" Bo asked confused.
"You will see, once it's complete." you answer simply and place her back into her seat.
"Mysterious aren't we today?" she asked mockingly.
You spend the entirety of the flight in silence and as you arrived you as well saw the massive blockade in front. There were a few smaller ships near the Destroyers, that looked like they were repairing some damages.
"How do you plan on dealing with them?" Bo asked, looking concerned.
"I don't." you respond simply, "Contact the enemy and tell them that we are with the Nathema forces."
You order the pilot and after he does as he was told; the blockade opened a pathway for you to pass through.
"They learn quickly." you state as the ship slowly flies through the blockade.
The pilot quickly located the location of Commander Havok and his troops and landed near them. The ships were arranged in an avenue that you could walk through, while the soldiers stood firmly on each side. The instant your feet touched the dusty ground of Ryloth all of them fell to their knees and shouted synchronous:
"Lord (S/N)!"
Commander Havok was standing in the middle of the avenue, waiting for you to reach him. Proud you flounce through them with your head held high.
"Report." you order the Commander as soon as you reach him.
"We've set up our basecamp and are ready for advancement, my Lord. We couldn't get in contact with the local resistance group, led by Cham Syndulla so far but our scouts are working on that."
"Have your senses really become that dull, Commander Havok?"
He looked at you with confusion, that was visible even through his black visor.
"They already know of our arrival here." you said while pointing at a small hill.
Some soldiers instantly tried to rush there to catch the scout, but you stopped them.
"Let them know that we are here, not to harm them, but to help them. Commander, gather a squad of your best soldiers, and accompany me to meet with the local resistance leader," you commanded.
"Yes, my Lord," Commander Havok acknowledged, relaying your orders to his subordinates.
As the soldiers hurriedly organized themselves, you turned to Bo, who had been observing the scene with a mix of curiosity and concern.
"Bo, stay here and coordinate with the rest of our forces," you instructed her. "If things go awry, I need someone capable at the command centre."
Bo nodded, her determination evident in her eyes. "Just be careful, alright?"
"Was I ever not?" you replied with a faint smirk, before turning to join the squad that had formed at your command. The soldiers were battle-hardened and disciplined, a testament to your training methods.
Together, you and the elite squad made your way towards the hill where the scout had been spotted. The terrain was rugged and uneven, but your soldiers moved with practiced ease, their weapons at the ready. As you reached the top, you found the scout—a Twi'lek woman—kneeling on the ground, her hands raised in a gesture of surrender.
"You have our attention, Lord (S/N)," the Twi'lek said, her voice carrying a mix of caution and curiosity.
"Stand," you ordered, your tone authoritative yet not overtly threatening. "We are here to aid your cause."
The Twi'lek slowly rose to her feet, her lekku twitching in a mixture of nervousness and wariness. She studied you and your soldiers, clearly assessing the situation.
"I am Eleni Syndulla, of the Ryloth resistance," she introduced herself, her gaze steady as she spoke.
"Bring us to your husband, Cham Syndulla." you said, your voice holding authority.
Her eyes widened for a moment in shock.
"How do you know of my husband and his position?" she asked with a hint of hostility.
The squad behind you instantly rose their weapons, pointing them at the Twi'lek. At the same moment you signalised them to lower their guns as there is no danger.
"Let's just agree that I did my research before coming here instead of just rushing things. Will you now bring us to him?"
Both parties relaxed for a moment and Eleni then signalized you to follow her. She led you to a nearby cave with an unimposing entrance. Inside there were a few young men and women which carried weapons. They looked unorganized and their equipment varied. A ragtag bunch of Twi'lek that share a common goal but not necessary the same beliefs. A weakness that could easily be exploited with the right measures. Amid all those fighters and believers, there were also playing children and caring mothers. Simple people that got robbed off their lives and are now forced to live a life of fear and desperation. Your squad couldn't help but feel nostalgic at the sight of those Twi'leks. Even though it is less extreme, then what happened on Nathema, it was still hard for the Twi'leks.
Eleni then led you into a bigger room of the cave, where her husband stood among other fighters, seemingly discussing something.
"Who are you!?" Cham screamed the moment he noticed you standing in the entrance.
"I'm Lord (S/N), ruler of Nathema and before you ask, we are here to help you free Ryloth." you state.
"And why should we believe your words?" another Twi'lek questioned.
"If I wished to fight you, then everyone in this cave would already be dead by now. View it as a gesture of generosity." you responded with authority dripping from your voice and fear overcame the Twi'lek the moment your eyes met his.
"Enough!" Cham interrupted you, "What is in for you? I highly doubt, that an individual like you would help us free Ryloth simply because they took pity on us."
"I didn't know that we were close enough so that you would know me so well, Cham Syndulla." you responded, your voice still holding aggression, "While you are not fully wrong, it was not my will to liberate Ryloth, but the will of my people."
"And that is something we should believe?" Cham questioned.
"Believe it or not, that are the circumstances. If you don't need our help, that I gladly keep the soldiers and resources I would've spent on you and return to Nathema."
Cham hesitated for a moment but realised, that his people needed help as quick as possible and that this deal with the devil was his only option at the moment.
"The CIS have some heavy artillery in the city Nabat. We tried to get more information, but our scouts were all caught." Cham informed you.
"The artillery consists of multiple HAG Fire Droids that make it difficult to approach the city with a large number of troops on land as well as from above. The CIS also dispatched the techno union to oversee Ryloth, since they are a part of the Separatists. Our scouts said that they're plundering Ryloth's resources for their own gain, unconfirmed reports also speak of Twi'leks being abducted and probably sold off as slaves. With Nabat being the first city to record such losses, the capital Lessu and many other cities following. Nabat is a first fortress after a strategic good landing spot for invaders, that's why the CIS fortified it to this extend. The best procedure would be to infiltrate with a squad of five people at first to scout direct routes right before the enemy lines with the rest of our troops following behind in small companies with eleven soldiers each." Commander Havok added.
Cham looked confused at you both.
"How could you possibly know that in such detail? You haven't been here for half a day." he asked out loud.
"As is said, I did my research before coming here." you repeat yourself and turn back to your Commander, "Anything else noteworthy?"
"The Droids seem to be using the Twi'leks as living shields to hinder any long-ranged attack or strategies that include massive destruction."
"Since we are now allied with the Twi'leks, we can't resort to such means, can we, Mr Syndulla?" you ask provokingly turning to Cham.
He instead was still stunned by the amount and detail of information you've gathered beforehand and in the time your troops landed on Ryloth.
"A war is won by those who know the most, whether it be about their enemy or themselves. Information is the key to victory." you stated and headed back to your basecamp.
"Do you really think we can work together with them, my Lord?" Commander Havok asked with doubt residing in his voice.
"Ryloth is now in an unstable state, and we cannot let this opportunity slide to strengthen our empire. Whether it be through an alliance with the Twi'lek or through subduing them with our military. Ryloth will be mine."
"Yes, Lord (S/N)."
A few moments later you arrive at the basecamp with a curious Bo Katan already waiting for you.
"How did it go?" she asked.
"At the very least, they will not disturb our plans." you answer.
"I thought our plan was to make them our ally?"
"Ultimately yes, but if they aren't able to handle our presence then they are not worthy of our aid. We can always install a fake government after we took over the planet."
Your words were cold and calculated and a flicker of concern rushed over Bo's face but vanished in the same instant.
"If you say so." she said and continued what she was doing before.
"Prepare the troops for battle, we will move according to plan. Moveout is in 1 hour." you ordered Commander Havok.
"Yes, my Lord." he responded and went off.
About half an hour later a scout of yours informed you that Cham Syndulla along with a few of his followers were on their way to the basecamp.
"Prepare a good welcoming for them." you ordered.
A few moments passed before Cham arrived at the entrance and was aw struck. In front of him was an impressive sight that he couldn't have possibly anticipated. An avenue was formed by Nathema's soldiers, each one clad in their sleek black armor. Their formation was impeccable, their discipline evident in every step they took. The soldiers stood at attention on each side of the avenue, creating a path that stretched into the distance. It was as if a corridor of power had been carved through the dusty terrain, lined with soldiers who radiated an aura of controlled strength.
Along the sides of the avenue, Cham saw neatly organized ships and supplies, meticulously arranged to ensure optimal functionality and efficiency. The vehicles were all of advanced design, bearing the marks of advanced technology and strategic planning. It was clear that this force was unlike any he had encountered before, a force that operated with precision and purpose. But what truly caught Cham's attention was the figure standing at the end of the avenue. You exuded an aura of dominance and absoluteness that was palpable even from a distance. Your body language spoke volumes—confident, unyielding, and fully in control. It was a presence that commanded attention and respect, without the need for words.
"Welcome, Cham Syndulla," your voice resonated, carrying an air of authority that sent a shiver down Cham's spine. "We have much to discuss."
Quietly he followed you inside the commanding centre of the basecamp. Inside were soldiers placed in each corner and a holotable in the middle. It displayed an undetailed map of Nabat with the already confirmed movements of CIS troops within the city and their artillery in the centre. Commander Havok then began the briefing.
"As you can see, Nabat is heavily fortified," Commander Havok began, his gloved hand manipulating the holographic controls. "The droids are strategically placed throughout the city, covering crucial points and creating a dense network of defenses. Our scouts have also reported the presence of Techno Union overseers who are supervising the operations and resource extraction."
Cham Syndulla studied the holographic display intently, his brow furrowed in thought. "Our own attempts at infiltrating the city have been met with heavy resistance. The droids are equipped with advanced weaponry, making it difficult to approach them head-on."
"Indeed," you interjected, your tone measured. "That's where our alliance comes into play. With our resources and your knowledge of Ryloth, we can develop a strategy that will give us the advantage. Our forces will provide the necessary support, but we need your insights into the local terrain and the droids' vulnerabilities."
Cham nodded, his gaze shifting from the holographic map to you. "I'm willing to cooperate, but I won't put the lives of my people at unnecessary risk."
"I assure you, we have no intention of squandering lives needlessly," you replied, your tone steady. "Our forces have been trained for precision and efficiency. We'll strike with a combination of tactics—diversion, sabotage, and targeted assaults—to weaken the enemy's hold on Nabat."
Cham considered your words, his gaze shifting between you and Bo. "What guarantee do we have that you won't turn on us once the city is liberated?"
"You have none." you answered simply and continued, "As Commander Havok already explained, my forces will move in small companies of ten people with each having a Twi'lek as guide with them. The first scouting squad will consist of five people including Cham, Bo and myself. Commander Havok will stay at the basecamp and coordinate the backup troops if needed."
"Yes, my Lord." he agreed while Cham stayed quiet for the moment.
"Let us take back a city." Bo cheered and headed out alongside you, while throwing a smirk to the Twi'lek.