For 3000 Years, They Ignored Our Calls for Help | SSC Dominion of Jabiim

[Naamah Aesham]

(26)

Location: Unknown


"It's amazing how easily a human brain can be manipulated. Or humanoid in this case. You know that, don't you, Elara?" The voice was cold and more than a little mocking. The Twi'lek shuddered when she heard footsteps.


The position the abducted bureaucrat was in was commonly called Kaasian Hanging. The woman's hands had been tied behind her back and rope had been tied to her wrists so that she hung from the wall. Her kidnapper had pulled at the ropes until her victim was hanging from her arms. Since the hands were tied behind her back, this caused intense pain and would probably result in dislocation of the arms.


It felt like her kidnapper was stretching her from all sides. Her torso was twisted and her shoulders felt dislocated from their joints. In addition, she'd been forced to wear a rather claustophobic black bag over her face The Twi'lek coughed when the abducter finally pulled off the bag, letting her breathe freely. The light was too bright, but she could not avert her eyes.


"A top secret MoD memo authorising enhanced interrogation techniques. Including Kaasian Hanging, which you are currently enjoying," the kidnapper declared, thrusting an official government document into Elara's face. The trembling, sweat-covered Twi'lek finally got a good look at the person...who no longer looked like her driver.


No, she was staring into the face of a petite woman with short-cropped blonde hair that was worn boyishly short. Her eyes were grey. She looked like a hungry predator who loved to toy with her prey before pouncing and sinking her teeth into it. "Whose signature is on it? Why, it's yours."


"Please...water..." How long had she been here? She could not tell, but she really needed something to drink.


"Sorry, not allowed," the crazy woman said in an almost pitying tone and shrugged. "Unless you tell me everything about your government's use of slave labourers and repeat it in a live net broadcast."


"Lady, I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm a government civil servant, I do as I'm told. I sign documents, I don't read them or make the decisions. And the government of Handooine doesn't use slaves. Please, for the love of the Maker, let me down."


"If you tell me what I want to know."


"I have no idea what you're talking about."


"Were you there when Minister Alcibiades met with the Lythian Nawab?"


"Your accusations are insane...aaargh," at this point the blonde dropped the document and produced a taser and held it at the bureaucrat's throat. Screams, shaking and spasms ensued when she activated it and a strong electrical shock surged through Elara.


"What do you want, thug? Money? If you know what's good for you, you'll met go. People will be looking for me," the Twi'lek snarled, though her breathing had become laboured. She was struggling to maintain composure.


"Probably," the torturer said indifferently. "But do you think they'll be fast enough to make sure your daughter still has her mother?" Her smile was cold and cruel when she saw the shock on Elara's face.


"She's, what, nine right? The same age you were when your mother died. All the stress gave you high blood pressure. You were so angry and hurt. You grew up motherless, and you suffered for it. Have you wondered how all those kids feel in your government's factories? No mother, no father, no childhood...no life. Just a boot stomping upon their face. Good thing your little one isn't one of them," then she activated the taser again. This time the shock was a lot stronger and was directed against her lekku. Elara howled in pain.


"You know a lot of people have died in police custody after being tasered. Over five hundred in your capital. You know what the most common cause of death is? Hypertension."


"You want to kill me go ahead. Spare me the threats."


She expected the blonde to strike her, but she only smiled cruelly. "I'm not threatening to kill you, I'm going to kill you. Not yet though. Not for a while. As a matter of fact, I'm going to make the next couple minutes the longest in your life, until you do what I want. Because if you don't, the minutes will turn into hours, then days and I'll just make you suffer," her tone was icy and chilling to the bone.


She lowered the taser and turned around, walking towards a table that contained various tools. When she came back, she held a pair of pliers. "Those nice nails of yours never got dirt under them, right? Time to make you feel what it's like to be powerless," she placed the pliers under Elara's nail and with a hard yank, ripped her fingernail clean off. An agonised scream ensued, the scene faded to black.

 

[Jessica Med-Beq]

Location: Jabiim
Objective: Locate the derelict prison ship (bring-your-own)
Allies: SSC
Enemies: Lythians
Post: 22/38

Amid these thunderstorms, safely getting the ship not to be hit by them was a challenge in its own right. And now taking off from Jabiim was tricky, but the weather was almost always foul on this planet: rain and thunderstorms were par for the course. The ship didn't even have cap drains or de-ionizers, and activating the shields was not a good idea, despite alusteel not providing any more protection against ion weapons than durasteel would. Sure the hull would be affected little but it fries the internal systems. As far as they knew, ion storms were to be dangerous to make them depart Jabiim for. The Tormentor's schematics safely stowed beneath the seats of their custodians, with the evidence locker in the galley, they were ready to depart this Force-forsaken planet. Charzon was the best pilot of the gang and hence she was the one piloting the ship back to Ringo Vinda.

"Could you please shut off the datapads and the non-essential electronic devices? They will make us more likely to be hit by thunderstorms!" Marcia pleaded to the other two, especially Jessica.

"Roger, roger"

"Don't forget to deliver the contents of the evidence locker to the SSTSB office upon arrival!"

 

[Bubák]

Jabiim Mission 3


It did not take much.

Alaki simply gripped the Vader’s-like lightsaber hilt in both hands, pointed its tip towards the momentarily obscured sky and pressed the big ignition button with her thumb. A beam of brilliant amber plasma snapped to life, effortlessly sliced through the tank’s plating and remained there long enough to burn a searing circle around itself. Furious hisses came from the muddied water in a reaction to a soft touch of molten metal that lazily oozed from the tank’s bottom. Whatever conversation was happening inside between the crew, the sight of an angry blade protruding into their heavily armoured vehicle elicited screams and the beast sped up, a long orange line carved across its belly.

Left defenceless to the rain’s heavy bombardment, the Chiss happily stayed in the crater, by no means foolish enough to poke her head out and take a peek across the battlefield. Once the ground shook, bombs fell, entire buildings crumbled and vehicles got torn apart alongside with their drivers, the only thing the fallen Jedi could do was to curl up and cover her ears. Soon enough, the first guest visited her hole – a decapitated head, burned to crisp. It just fell into the water and floated towards the covering Chiss, who pushed the helmeted object away with her foot as gently as she could.

What a sight to behold, affirmatively dismantling any and all tales starring members of her order.

On the other hand, the government forces definitely proved to be professional soldiers, fighting with leonine vigor.

 

[Naamah Aesham]

(27)

Location: Unknown


She had used razors, sharp glass and pliers on Elara. Even a hot iron when she was being particularly uncooperative. She'd denied her food and water. She'd forced her to stand in chains for hours on end or left her hang from the wall. In the end, time and hopelessness had broken the bureaucrat.


The Clawdite felt no pity for her. Truth be told, what bothered Naamah the most was that the treatment she subjected the woman to did not bother her at all. It was ironic, but it was a fact that Chaos had made her a better Inquisitor than she'd ever been. Her past self had lost herself in the fulfillment of her sadistic urges. Now she was focused and precise, like a vibrodagger.


She wiped the quivering Twi'lek's lekku and forehead with a wet cloth, before letting some of the water on it drop into her mouth. The alien was so docile that she made no attempt to bite her tormentor's hand. Rather she opened her mouth and greedily lapped at the few drops, for she was close to dehydration.


"Are you ready to cooperate?" Naamah asked, though she knew the answer by now.


Her captive did not disappoint. "Yes...y-y-es, I am. I'm...not a big fish...but I'll tell you everything. I'll tell you about the slave factories, about the Omega Protocol to clean house...about the president's deception measures. I-I made recordings you can use. J-just end this."


"Good girl. I'll get you something to drink and some bread. Then you will telll me." And so the Twi'lek began to spill the beans. After she'd been cleaned up and made presentable, she would repeat what she'd said before a holocamera. The recording would end up on Galaxytube. Many would dismiss it, but the resistance would be emboldened. Perhaps someone higher-up would take notice. It would be a big embarrassment for Handooine's president and the Jabiim junta.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Location: Jabiim
Objective: Navigate the Historic Muddy Plains

(2)

​

Now the Rangers and Théo are faced with crossing the marshy plains. Before them an amazing sight, of causeways meandering in no set direction formed over countless years, there are small fountains of flames fed by natural gases making the place look eerie and uninviting and yet the unit would move forward. Théo checked the co-ordinates provided by intel, the location of their target area some twenty kilometers to the east but they would not be able to form a direct path to it, it was going to take a long time to reach it. Not to mention the expenditure of energy from everyone. At least Théo had to force to assist him in this regard, the Rangers however, had a life time of experience and know how.

They had decided to break up, it seemed like a good idea rather then walk as a unit in single file, although there was no outward sign of any dangers, and Théo could not sense any threat forward of them, one never knows what might lurk within the environment. He would keep vigilant however. By now his boots are soaking and muddy and the initial discomfort gone, his attention focused on the task and boots can be changed once the mission is completed. Like his fellow Rangers, Théo sported a rifle which was slung over his shoulder as they pushed on. The smell of the Plains was heady with organic matter rotting and decomposing forming a thick peat, no doubt this was the source of the gases, it was almost choking.

He turned to look at the second group heading parallel to the one he was with, they moved across the causeway scanning the area for anything unique or unusual to trigger concern, but nothing showed on the scope. It was quiet, too quiet even the lightning in the sky had vanished for the moment.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

(28)


Far away on Tygara, the Firemane corporate building was a hub of activity. It was an impressive structure, and there was a constant bustle of people back and forth the corridors. "What's the situation on Jabiim and Handooine?" Siobhan asked when the turbolift opened and she limped out, holding her cane.


"The rebel forces have made progress in their offensive on Jabiim's capital, but government troops resist fiercely. Our arms shipments have arrived though. There's been a surge on terrorist attacks on Handooine since that vid went on the 'net'. Of course, the administration is denying any wrongdoing," Maerys Medea informed her, checking some information on a datapad.


"Predictable. What's the Coalition doing? Last I heard, some Jedi were fighting alongside the rebels." Siobhan's opinion of Jedi needed a parachute these days.


"Uh, I haven't heard any more of those. According to my information, the Silver Grand Master's son is...exploring historic muddy plains on Jabiim."


Siobhan stopped. "What?! Innocent people - children - have been enslaved and sent to work to death. The people are rising up in rebellion against their fascist government and the son of the Grand Master and Master of the Order goes sightseeing on that very planet? Absurd. What a noble 'guardian of peace and justice', but then it's long been plain to me that the Jedi don't care about common people."


"That is why I'm happy they have no temple on Tygara," Maerys added. She did not want a rant, but as an Eldorai she disliked Jedi, too. "On the positive front, we have plenty of surplus gear that we're sending to the rebels. Stuff that will come in handy for them, along with instructors."


"Good. Now, you said my 12 o' clock was waiting for me?" Maerys nodded and Siobhan smirked cruelly. "Good, let's not keep him waiting, shall we?" So she walked towards the meeting room and opened the door.


Inside, a finely dressed official was waiting for her. Clearly an upper class type who'd never wanted for anything. "High Lady Kerrigan, it is an honour to meet you," he said sycophantically and immediately arose from his chair. "I thank you for your hospitality and for seeing me on such short notice. I am Roman Soleri, Special Emissary of the Democratic Republic of Handooine. I am here on behalf of the President to..."


"Negotiate a contract to purchase arms for your dirty war?"


The representative was more than a little taken aback. "A war on terrorism, mi'lady. Surely you saw that ghastly video. We're fighting beasts. Our government is taking drastic measures to wipe out the illegal syndicates that used slaves without our knowledge. We're providing assistance to our brothers on Jabiim to...


"Keep the morally bankrupt, incompetent fascist regime in power. I don't drink tea with war criminals."


"Our nation is..."


"In need of new management. Which is why I made a substantial donation to the insurgency." The representative's hand suddenly went to his throat when Siobhan began to choke him. He dropped down to one knee, gasping for breath as oxygen failed to reach him, for her grip was as strong as a droid's pincer.

 

[Jessica Med-Beq]

Location: Jabiim
Objective: Locate the derelict prison ship (bring-your-own)
Allies: SSC
Enemies: Lythians
Post: 23/38

The foul weather forced Charzon to soar despite the risk of increasing its cross-section to thunderstorms, especially at a high altitude. On level ground, thunderstorms would strike at the highest object in its vicinity but at high altitudes, a thunderstorm will hit the nearest conducting object. But with Jabiim's atmosphere being what it is, flying the Neimoidian Yacht in a corkscrew fashion with 20-30 degrees of pitch until they reach an AGL altitude of about 12-13 kms, it took them a couple of minutes before they are clear of the cloud layer. Charzon had no idea whatsoever of hat was going to await them, and no basis to ancitipate the SSTSB's response. Perhaps the SSTSB would not be interested in the slightest about the Tormentor's fate, perhaps the SSTSB will forward the materials to some historical society, but Marcia and Jessica were too busy inspecting the schematics to actually be worrying about that particular thing. Maybe some administrative assistant would do the legwork beyond what Marcia or Charzon would do personally.

"Phew! Now we can rest nice and easy while we go back to Ringo Vinda..."

"Now we know that Jessica's copy and mine both match almost entirely, we can begin design work on how would modern components even work on that ship"

"Marcia, rumors that the Mandalorian Clans may be ordering a psychiatric hospital would probably be worth considering. But Cathul is the only one actively pushing for that; I believe she pledged to take command of said psychiatric hospital ship if the Mandalorian Clans actually ordered it"

"Mandos? That would be a major surprise if they actually did that: the Alor'e Council rebuffed Cathul's requests for additional mental healthcare resources on Mandalore proper" Jessica commented.

"Lightspeed to Ringo Vinda!"

"That was too easy getting out of a planet's gravity well..."

 

[Bubák]

Jabiim Mission 3


Time meant nothing when one spent it completely separated from the rest of the world. It could have been hours or minutes she had remained in the muddy hole, motionless, cowardly waiting for the battle to move forward and leave her behind. She saw the sky, no longer showering the battlefield with water. First sunny rays pierced the gloomy clouds, casting beautiful ornaments over the devastated city. Tomorrow would be a new day for the capital and the entire Jabiim. The sounds of revolution started to die out, already on the move deeper into the loyalist territory, leaving death and burned out houses in their wake. For several more minutes, Alaki continued to sit, giving the resistance enough time to drive the army out. Only then her head finally glanced over the crater’s edge. It looked just as bad as she had imagined; earth completely soaked with blood and water, strewn with motionless ribbons.

An audible grunt found its way past her lips as she climbed out of the slippery prison, no better idea than to start searching for her lost lightsaber. Where was it?! Both eyes let out several tears and scanned the chaos. Every single emotion that’s been locked away during the conflict suddenly re-emerged, driving her absolutely crazy. The weapon hilt merely served as an excuse to swear in a very un-Jedi-like fashion when she stepped, climbed and crawled over the bodies, crying and furious, clearly suffering another breakdown. First flags supposed to welcome the new Coalition rulers shyly peeked from a window here and there, barely noticed by the Chiss Padawan. Some men across the street washed their hands free of dirt and blood, giving Alaki the same amount of ignorance as she displayed towards them.

Fortunately enough, the teenage Jedi would not be on Jabiim much longer, ready to return to the temple and report her success.

If she could only find that lightsaber…

 

[Naamah Aesham]

(29)

Location: Handooine
Objective: Closure


The location? A room on the high level of a building on the terribly mislabelled Freedom Square, built adjacent to the House of Parliament. That name was a lie as well, for though the political system of Handooine had the trapping of democracy, elections and so on, it could not be considered a free state with a rule of law.


Naamah crouched, gazing through the scope of her sniper rifle. The presidential motorcade had landed and now the man himself was striding towards the steps of Parliament Building, flanked by bodyguards dressed in fancy suits. Drones were in the air, scouring the street for assassins. Unsurprisingly, he was greeted by a throng of journalists, who were attracted to him like moths to a flame.


"Mr. President, what is your opinion on the collapse of the Jabiim loyalists?"


"Is it true that your administration collaborated with pirates and enslaved children?"


"Do you believe the Coalition will allow you to continue in office?"


"Have you seen the tape?"


Bodyguards tried to create a path for the Head of State, and saw no need to be gentle. The grey-haired President tried to keep his composure, but was red with fury. Rather than just walk inside, he stopped and confronted the reporters.


"All these accusations are slander. The Democratic Republic of Handooine never trafficked with slaves. Rogue elements abused our democracy, but they've been flushed out. I will be conferring with my advisers on the Jabiim situation. If it's true that the junta sold its own people to pirates, then it's deplorable regime. Nonetheless, we must not forget that the rebels spread terrorism across not only Jabiim, but also our world. As for that horrific vid, my poor Chief of Staff made this absurd confession after being horrifically tortured."


"Does this mean you will not resign?"


Naamah squeezed the trigger and fired her sniper rifle. The Shadow Rifle was a lovely piece of Atrisian technology. A specially designed barrel disrupted the sound of the blaster bolt when it was fired, making it difficult to pinpoint. Moreover, the shot was invisible. Redirection crystal would ensure Security would be directed to an entirely different building.


"The President has been hit!"


"Assassin!"


"Get an ambulance!"


No emotion crossed her face and she fired once more. Two shots in his centre of mass, he was down. Chaos and pandaemonium broke out. Calmly, the Clawdite set the timer for the rifle's self-destruction mechanism, put it down and left the room. By the time she was out in the streets, she was wearing an entirely different face. Killing one powerful man would not bring an end to a corrupt, morally bankrupt system, but it was a start. So the former Inquisitor vacated the scene.


FIN

 

[Bubák]

Both cylinders clanked down, still attached to the sturdy leather belt, followed by the rest of her admittedly very dirty clothes.

While the resistance drowned in rivers of blood and fought for every inch of land, Alaki shamelessly stepped into a refresher, one of the many luxuries she did not have during her time with the One Sith. Hot water worked wonders on the Chiss’s body. The Padawan could definitely see why they called the room a refresher! She giggled upon sensing the purified liquid’s gentle, cleansing touch upon her skin – though under all the battle grime and filth still pestered the undeniable corruption that could not be washed away as easily. The moment her eyes spotted the fresh bruises, nasty and bloody wounds adorning her unnaturally pale skin, all enjoyment went down the drain, just like the dark crimson liquid dripping from freshly opened injuries.

Truth to be told, Alaki had lied to herself about feeling joy, a vain attempt to hide her pain and loneliness.

She wanted to laugh for not being one of the countless new martyrs, praise the Force that others have died in her place, cry that cowardice was the questionable quality responsible for her survival. Jedi should be different – she should be different.

Still, the fallen Padawan felt better about herself for tearing that contact card apart to stop the Dark Side’s tempting offers. That was a good sign. It had to be.

Leaving the refresher and putting on fresh clothes, the Chiss made the infirmary her next stop. Fortunately, physical harm could be treated by several days of floating inside a bacta tank. Also a much needed task.