The news was not so much pleasant as it was unexpected. I glanced at these duncs: a human, a Zabrak, an Aqualish, a Gand, and a Sullustan. Well, Shaak, well, Ti… now you've done it. What am I supposed to do with these potential corpses? I remembered they all died here on Jabiim. Only, there had clearly been more of them in thecomic… Wait. The same Aubrie was with theMaster at first, and then she ended up in the same squad. It is possible that others will come to me, but later. My memory was failing me, but I clearly remembered that there was that red-skinned Falleeni and another young man. Plus Skywalker. No, I'm not attracted to such prospects.
Maybe it's a joke? Although no—unlikely.
With a sorrowful sigh, I resigned myself to reality. Okay, we'll find a place for them. Maybe we can save a couple of these guys. Hutt, what am I thinking! Here, for starters, at least save myself.
***
Meanwhile, that clone, Puck, chuckled.
"General, it seems you've been promoted. Now you're a babysitter."
"Keep joking, and I'll put you in charge of this 'Padawan Pack,'" said Vikt.
"Over my dead body, sir," he retorted.
The Jedi demonstratively stroked the hilt of his sword.
"Don't tempt me."
The Jedi's gaze stopped on the Togruta.
"What?" she perked up. "I'm just standing here, keeping quiet, not bothering anyone. And don't look at me like that, Master. You've been given a task, so get on with it."
"Traitor," the Jedi sighed resignedly.
Turning to the Padawans, he said,
"Well, brothers, I will teach you how to love your homeland. Puck, take them to our location."
Zule bowed her head. Still, they're a little crazy.
***
Obi-Wan Kenobi caught the attention of everyone present.
"So, friends, here's the plan. We are here now—this is Handuin, one of the two continents of the northern hemisphere. Our base, the Shelter, is also located here."
The Master explained his plan over a large tactical table.
"Here, we need to establish another fortified point—the Cobalt Base. Masters Leska and Sirrus will take care of that. And this is Arlessar, the second continent. On the isthmus that connects these two landmasses is the capital of Jabiim, the city of Choal. There are two bases there: Basalt, under the command of Master Norcuna, and Marble, under the command of Master Jis-Ilova."
After catching his breath, he continued:
"The general plan is as follows. We must occupy all the important points in this hemisphere, including the cities of Choal, Daireen, and Zelad. Anakin and I will take care of the capital, Masters Leska and Sirrus will join us later. Norcuna will attack from the south, while Jis-Ilova will take the city of Zelad on Arlessar, assisted by Knight Diath. That leaves Daireen, located on Handuin. Master Glaive will take care of it. Knight Vikt, you should assist him—after all, you already have experience. Is everything clear to everyone?"
"Yes."
"Then let's begin preparations."
***
The shuttle shook as it entered the planet'satmosphere. Ventress glanced at her companion. Durge's huge figure, even seated, loomed opposite her. In the distance, within the cargo compartment, were three dozen IG-series assassin droids—the personal assistants of this psychopath.
Before departure, she had managed to obtain some information about this mercenary. Durge belonged to the Gen'Dai race. Information about them was rather scarce. The Gen'Dai were a virtually immortal species with a unique anatomical structure. Their bodies consistedalmost entirely of blood vessels and nerve cells and had no skeleton. Due to the absence of vulnerable organs such as a brain, heart, or lungs, Gen'Dai could survive even the most severe injuries—even being cut into small pieces. If a Gen'Dai suffered serious damage, it would fall into a state of suspended animation for a time, during which it would fully restore itself. Killing a Gen'Dai was extremely difficult.
A serious and dangerous opponent. However, Durge himself was an extremely atypical representative of his race—most other Gen'Dai were peaceful and non-aggressive.
"What are you looking at, Sith?" Durge asked. Yellow eyes flashed through the slits of his helmet.
"What do those marks on your armor mean? Those squiggles? And why do you have the Mandalorian symbol on your chest? Are you a Mandalorian?"
"These are the marks of those I have killed."
Ventress looked at the armor in surprise. Thousands of marks covered it.
"How many have you killed?"
"Many."
"There will be Jedi where we're going. Aren't you afraid to meet them?"
Durge laughed, and his laughter made the Dathomiri uneasy.
"You know, Sith, I've been alive for two thousand years. I've been killing for about the same amount of time. I've killed all kinds of creatures: Humans, Zabraks, Duros, Neimoidians, Hutts… I've fought Jedi in battle and fought alongside them. I've killed Jedi and Sith. Once, I was buried alive for sixty years—but even that didn't kill me. I always defeated my opponents. See this mark?" Durge struck his chest. "It's the mark of Mand'alor. I killed him one hundred thirty-two years ago. I hate Mandalorians, and I'm willing to kill them for free."
"Get ready, we're landing," announced the pilot droid.
Soon, the shuttle's landing gear touched the stone landing pad. Ventress stepped onto the ramp. Slanting rain lashed her face.
Finally, I'm here. Soon—very soon—I'll find you, you bastard.