Chapter 1
“These clones are perfect.”
“Yes. They will do well if it comes to war.”
Lira Thell-Ellis and Kwest Omarrin walked alongside the training clone army with pride and pleasure. Especially Kwest, whom the clones were created after.
“As you can see, our clones are trained to endure the toughest of battle,” Kwest Mangú, who liked to be called Kue, proudly explained.
“You did well cousin,” Kwest Omarrin said.
“Thanks.”
Suddenly something buzzed on Lira’s belt.
“Oh, it’s Cere,” Lira said pulling out her holopad.
An image of an young man in his early twenties appeared.
“Lira. Kwest. Hello. We need you back here on Zorrac. To discuss some things, you know. Business,” Cereien Gilm explained.
“We’re on our way Cere,” Lira replied, shutting off her holopad.
“Well looks like we have to go, Kue,” Lira said.
“Okay. The battalion of troops you’re taking is in hanger 34. Should I have them follow you out?” Kue asked.
“Yes, thanks,” Kwest answered.
“See ya, Kue. Keep up the good work,” Lira said.
“I’ll see you both later!” Kue said taking out his comlink.
~--~
The S-15 Skycruiser, the Dagger, flew from Shepard 2 with Eclipse-class Troop Carriers and Lonar Starships carrying a battalion of troops behind. Inside the Dagger Lira Thell-Ellis and Kwest Omarrin received the coordinates of the planet Zorrac from the navcomputer.
“Get ready for the jump to hyperspace,” Kwest said over the comm to the following starships.
“Roger that,” the other pilots said.
With that, all six starships flew into hyperspace.
~--~
The headquarters of Zatship Drive Yards was located on the planet of Zorrac, in the Omega Solar System. The entire terrain used to be an ocean but then a storm of meteorites fell on the planet and, over time, formed vast islands. The Dagger, along with the five other battle starships, came out of hyperspace with a clang.
“We’re approaching Zorrac,” Lira said.
As the ships approached Zorrac, they received a transmission.“This is Zorrac Security, please identify yourselves.”
“This is Zatship presidents Kwest Omarrin and Lira Thell-Ellis. We have just brought some newly built ships with us,” Kwest answered.
“Okay, welcome back Presidents Omarrin and Thell-Ellis,” the communications officer said after a pause.
~--~
The Zatship Drive Yards Headquarters were stationed on the East side of the planet, upon and island named Galaptillos. This enormous area was the design station, factory, and base and training station for the clones.
A variety of buildings were scattered along Galaptillos. They included from design, living quarters, factories, bases, stations, garrisons, and warehouses. The main building, which housed the meeting rooms, had Lira’s and Kwest’s living quarters.
Kwest and Lira sat at the two ends of a large table, with a holoprojector in the center, waiting for the arrival of Zatship officials and other important leaders. After waiting a few minutes, the door opened and Cereien Gilm, along with guards and other important members of Zatship Drive Yards strode in.
“Welcome back, old friends,” Cereien said as he walked towards them. Kwest and Lira rose and walked over to shake Cereien’s hand.
“I trust your business went well with Kue and the army,” Cere said.
“Indeed it did,” Lira said.
“We even brought back more clones and security,” Kwest added.
“So I’ve heard,” Cere said, sitting down.
Lira, Kwest, and the others sat down as well. Two security guards stood on either side of the door. Even though the Dark Empire didn’t know about a rebellion, “security would be nice,” Cere had said.
“So you said that we need to come back for business,” Kwest said.
“Well I only said ‘business’ because the Imperials could be listening in. What I actually called you back for is to talk about what some of our spies have heard,” Cere explained.
“Okay, shoot,” Lira commented casually.
“Well, actually that’s why I have brought with me my trusted companion, Elbea-Jorak. You asked me to concoct a spy organization, and she is at the head of it,” Cere explained further, pressing a button on the pad in front of him.
The door slid open and a tall Diocyedian stepped in. Diocyeds are tall, furry aliens, with long, sharp (and retractable) claws and fangs. They come from the planet Darcyed, close to Shepard 2.
“Greeting, Presidents,” Elbea-Jorak said. Kwest and Lira were startled to hear that she could speak Basic, because most Diocyeds never learned; only growled in their native tongue. Both concealed their surprise, however.
“Well hello, Elbea-Jorak,” Lira managed.
“Please sit,” Kwest put in.
“Thank you.”
“Elbea-Jorak and her spies have found information vital to us,” Cere said.
“Yes. My organization has discovered that in the next few days, the Dark Empire is planning to deploy their droid army to more planets outside the Core. That means Zorrac,” Elbea-Jorak explained.
“I see, so they will detect us,” Kwest said.
“Yes, but they still don’t know about the army and everything. That secret is still kept,” Lira added.
“We thought of that too,” Cere said, “but we have come to the conclusion that they will find out eventually.”
“So what are you saying?” Lira asked.
“We are saying that even though our organization is large we can’t fight them on every planet,” Elbea-Jorak said.
“We have allies, but they aren’t really anyone we trust,” Lira said.
“Yes, we need more allies, too,” Kwest said.
“We do need more, but the more we get, the easier it is for someone to betray us,” Cere stated.
Lira nodded and looked at Elbea-Jorak, “Did you find anything else?”
“Not much,” Elbea-jorak conceded, “We do know that the Emperors’ have very heavily guarded Galeon and Asmacore, but that is obvious. If yoou want to get more allies, you would have to go to the capital, where the politicians and leaders are,”
“That’s quite true,” Kwest said. “We should go.”
“It’s too dangerous and risky!” Cere said.
“Risk is a part of everyone’s life now. And danger,” Lira pointed out. “Kwest and I should go.”
“Well if you want to,” Cere said. “I’ll stay here and keep things looking normal.”
“Good. Thank you for the information, Elbea-Jorak,” Kwest said.
Elbea-Jorak bowed and left. “Anything else?” Lira asked.
“No,” Cere said. He looked thoughtful. “But I do have one thing to say.”
“Yes?”
“This isn’t just the rise of a rebellion. It’s the rise of the freedom alliance.”
try "young man" or "man", neh?
