Private Operation Cutter

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Qina System, Zuma sector, Outer Rim Territories

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Tag: Maeve Linahan

A Corellian light freighter came out of hyperspace near the asteroid field. It seemed to be flying away to the eastern side for a gas giant. For the next few minutes it continued on course when suddenly a pair of ancient TIE interceptors painted with green stripes soared out of the space rocks, firing warning shots. Another duo spread to encircle their prey that attempted to flee, making a hard left turn. Yet the attackers swarm around firing more, lowering the shields.

Subsequently a sadistic voice declared through the comms.

"Attention unknown vessel you are in Lord Taan's realm, future and rightful lord of this sector. If you value your lives you will cease any further attempt to escape and surrender the cargo and yourselves into our custody."

The freighter made a stop and a woman's voice seemingly begged.

"Please don't shoot anymore, we're simple merchants! Nothing more!”

Laughter erupted back from the pilots who continued to swarm around their new prize.

"All the better. Our master will decide your fate. Now come and behold his greatness."

Surrounding the freighter in a square formation the interceptors escorted the transport into the maze of asteroids.

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Inside the cockpit of said freighter Minerva snorted in contempt and some amusement.

"So arrogant. Let's see how long they keep laughing when we're done."

Turning to his 'co-pilot' Minerva paused momentarily.

By now she had met a few Jedi but this one gave an air of cold determination. It was almost Mandalorian like Minerva silently admitted. Maeve Linahan didn't strike her as one to share jokes during a mission so the armored warrior instead remarked.

"My team will be ready once we dock as I imagine you will be as well. If ya have anything to add or ask now would be the time."

 

[Maeve Linahan]

Maeve watched the scene on in silent amusement.

She'd underestimated Minerva. Part of her had thought Mandalorians were brutish warriors who dove headfirst into conflict, and when she accepted this mission and partnered with her, she had expected that the moment they leapt out of hyperspace, Minerva would start blasting at whatever ship crossed their path. Instead, she'd lured them in. Acted weak. Then, let them lead their ship on to the heart of Lord Taan's base.

It was a good plan, and one the Jedi Shadow appreciated.

"I've nothing more to add," she said, rising from her seat. A monument of composure, back straight and hair tied in a warrior's braid, she was the very model of a Jedi Knight. One look in Minerva's direction, she nodded once. "I can only hope we don't end up walking into a hangar full of soldiers. Not that I worry about our odds, but the last thing we need is to give Lord Taan an early headstart to escape."

They couldn't afford to let the warlord slip through their fingers. His freedom and survival posed as a serious threat to the Galactic Alliance, and Maeve had no intentions of letting the man leave either unshackled, or with his head still attached to his shoulders.

As she checked her gear one last time and the lightsaber on her hip, she had to admit, a bit of her preferred the latter option.

"Anything else that I should know, Minerva?" she asked carefully.

Minerva Fhirdiad​

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[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Tag: Maeve Linahan

"That will depend on how the scum will react. If it is so we will improvise." The Mandalorian replied to the Jedi's remarks.

Yes they had orders from command to catch Taan dead or alive. Preferably the latter so he can be put on trial for his numerous war crimes against the Chiss and Alliance citizens. Killing him here would be more simple and satisfying for her but Minerva by now understood why such a trial was wanted. To show the galaxy that any surviving Mawite leader can face public justice even with the war's end. Of course that's depending if they catch the would be tyrant or they're forced to assassinate him instead.

Whatever the case be she will not flinch from this fight. Minerva kept her heading, maneuvering out of the way of the broken three haves of a once mighty asteroid with the interceptors staying in escort formation. At Maeve's question the Mandalorian considered her answer before quickly giving it.

"Remember that in this mission we're a team. My squad and I know the risks and accept them. We will back you up and we in return expect the same from you Jedi, no more, no less."

She had no quarrel with Maeve despite the bloodstained history between her adopted ancestors and the Jedi Order. Didn't mean that she was going to worship at their feet either. It wasn't too long before the mining station was coming closer in view than before. The place certainly has seen better days, she thought. Without looking back at Maeve she added.

"Ya better go ahead into the back. I'll catch up."

In the event the Jedi knight does so she would be greeted by the sight of the squad mates finishing their final preparations. A Klatooinian sat on a crate sharpening his short blade with a whetstone. While being mostly in Alliance combat fatigues he wore a maroon bandanna with a black Nexu skull tattoo on his right arm hinting at a likely criminal past. He didn’t pay her much attention, focused completely on his immediate task. Next to him was a Sullustan female who had a gray cloak with added camouflage paint and dark pants and brown boots checking sights on her carbine before acknowledging Maeve with a friendly smile.

"Come on Stitches, I'm not a kid!"

Groaned a blond haired freckle-faced human male wielding a scatter gun as he customized his green uniform with yellow Corellian bloodstripes on his pants. Simultaneously a indigo colored Chagrian in red uniform with a medical shoulder patch checked the former's vitals with a scanner. The latter rolled his eyes in weary annoyance.

"Then stop acting like one Rhon. Being Corellian doesn't make you invincible contrary to popular opinion."

Before Rhon could retort he spotted Maeve and his eyes widened somewhat. Blushing slightly he straightened up causing Stitches to look back, noting the knight as well. After a quick stoic appraisal the medic went back to work, nudging Rhon to do the same. There were others further back amongst the cargo containers gearing up or inspecting each other's weapons.

 

[Maeve Linahan]

Maeve paused and offered Minerva a curt nod. "Noted."

With that, she turned and moved for the ship's cabin. Although Minerva had every reason to ask that she work with her as a team, Maeve had always been a lone wolf, as most Jedi Shadows were, and she tended to rely on no one but herself. Only in rare cases, with fellow Jedi, did she serve closely at their side. But with Mandalorians? Mercenaries and special forces? Not so much.

They'd take some time to getting used to, but she would try.

Leaving behind the cockpit, Maeve surveyed the squad before her—the former Klatooinian criminal in the corner, the Sullustan, the Chagrian medic, and the freckled boy with the scatter gun. It was a motley crew. Not what she hoped for, but Maeve had been assured they were some of the best soldiers the Defense Force had to offer, even if they didn't really look the part, besides Minerva and some other soldiers in the back.

Although they'd already received their briefing and knew who she was, Maeve figured introductions were in order. But she didn't bother. If what she'd heard about Lord Taan and his numbers were true, then half of the men in this shuttle were probably not going to see the end of the day. No reason bonding.

It wasn't like she ever bonded with anyone anyway.

Retrieving her own gear, Maeve holstered a spare blaster and checked herself, sloughing off her robes to reveal silver mail and armor plating. As if on cue, the lights of the cabin flickered to red, signaling their approach to the hangar bay. She was ready. The real question was, were they?

Minerva Fhirdiad​

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[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Tag: Maeve Linahan

She's very guarded. Well there is little time to dwell on it since we're making our approach.

Nearing the station more and more Minerva proceeded to set the freighter on autopilot. Getting up from her seat, the Mandalorian exited the cockpit. Strolling, she noted the team was pretty much ready. Irni the Sullustan sniper did a two finger salute while most of the others nodded. Looking at the Klatooinian corporal who just finished with his knife she asked.

"Everyone all set Gakot?"

"More or less boss. Even little Miss Jedi is dressed for the occasion."

Answered Gakot with a snort while pointing sideways with a thumb toward Maeve. Titling her helm at the knight Minerva agreed with her second in command. At least their Jedi companion is taking this seriously. As for what happens in combat she see if Maeve can work with them.

"Good. Alright Talon Squad we should be docking in a few minutes. Remember we're facing a Sith here with his minions. While he's not high on the food chain like his former superiors were but still dangerous all the same. Back up Maeve here and we'll get this sleemo one or another."

Determined Rhon punched his right fist into the left palm while the Sullustan sharpshooter remarked with a bowed head.

"May the force be with us."

Despite not being force sensitive, Irni did believe in the will of the entity. Minerva had come to respect her comrade faith for it was sincere and gave her extra focus. In a way it reminded the warrior of her own dedication to the Mandalorian ways. Then everyone felt the ship stop with a loud clang as it docked.

"While everyone gets into position as we planned, we draw them in here first."

Reminded the Talons spread going into various hidden positions on the corridors and crates. Most of them drew vibro-blades for what was to come. Minerva got on top of one crate laying on it and pulled out her Kal dagger. Soon enough they heard violent knocking outside before she lowered the ramp for them to keep act that this was only frightened merchant crew onboard.

Moments later seven men and women in salvaged gear and armor ran up inside. One of them, a one eyed Nikto cackled.

"Come out, come out wherever you are."

There was no answer and Mawites pressed onward into the cargo. As soon as they were in the middle of it Gakot sprang at the Nikto guard from the side, instantly grabbing and twisting his neck. Then Minerva leaped on a human, slamming him to the floor and swifty jabbing her blade through his neck. He could only gasp and spit out blood before dying. All around the boarders were attacked, taken completely off guard.

 

[Maeve Linahan]

Maeve pretended not to hear the 'little Miss Jedi' comment as she stood on the other side of the cabin, her face a mask of calm and control. She rarely cared for how strangers viewed her: rigid, or headstrong, or gruff. She'd worked with countless mercenaries and marines, all of whom had seen her as little more than the 'Jedi on duty,' and it never bothered her a bit. That was the point, wasn't it? To be the Jedi that the most difficult missions required.

As Minerva relayed the plan to them one more time, Maeve nodded. She had no qualms about what laid ahead. She'd studied, prepared, and dressed for the occasion. Killing Sith was just another day on her calendar.

"May the Force be with us," she repeated after the freckled boy in uniform, Rhon, and then strode away, finding her position in the cabin as the lights dimmed to green. They had arrived.

Rather than slink back into the dark or hide behind a crate, Maeve simply closed her eyes, focused, and vanished. Force Cloaking had been a technique she'd been practicing since Master Noble had taught her months previously, and she had finally reached a point where she was comfortable enough to fade in and out of thin air, turning invisible on a whim. Even if it was just Sith thugs boarding their ship, better to be safe than sorry.

Lurking, Maeve watched as Lord Taan's men boarded the shuttle. They mocked and scanned the cabin, driving in deeper, and deeper, and it wasn't until she caught the signal that she stepped out of hiding, a wraith in the night, and plunged one of her knives into the heart of the most rear guard. Many of them didn't even have a chance to scream as they fell. Against them? They hardly stood a chance to begin with.

As Minerva and the rest of the crew dispatched with the boarders, Maeve took a quick look outside from the lowered ramp, making sure no one else had noticed. She turned to Minerva and nodded. "I can clear out some of the guards in the hangar," she said. "You and the others can leave through the cockpit hatch and circle around. Sound like a plan?"

Minerva Fhirdiad​

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[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Tag: Maeve Linahan

Wiping some of the blood off her blade with a swift arm wave Minerva got up to her feet. Their arrogance got them killed. Glancing up to Maeve she briefly considered the force user’s plan. On a personal level she usually preferred to enter the fray first but in this situation…

"Yes. See ya on the other side, Jedi."

Snorting in amusement Corporal Gakot said to Maeve.

"Save some for us."

Minerva signaled the squad to follow her and they did, Irni the Sullustan sniper nodded good luck to the Jedi Knight. As for Rhon he would remark while sprinting away.

"Wow she disappeared then reappeared! That’s my kind of Jedi."

Maeve would then hear the team medic groan at his fellow soldier before slapping him on the back of the head, causing the latter to wince and complain in a whisper. Reaching the cockpit Minerva gestured to the squad to by standby as she placed her on the hatch control. They could see some marauders moving about outside unaware of what happened. Fortunately the freighter's cockpit screen was designed to make sure no one outside could see what's on onboard. They'll find out soon enough.

 

[Maeve Linahan]

Maeve was almost glad to be rid of the others. The Mandalorian and her squad were efficient, but she worked best alone. The moment she made it off the ramp of the ship, she vanished again, making her way slowly towards a patrol of engineers and soldiers on the far side of the hangar. She ducked and weaved between crates and fueling equipment until she was within striking range.

Then, with practiced grace, she sprang from her hiding spot and slashed at the heel tendons of the soldier at the back of the formation. The guard shrieked as he went down, Maeve snatching his falling blaster as she bolted for another cluster of crates. The man's companions whirled to see what had become of their companion, but she was still out of sight.

"You," the leader of the formation said to one of the engineers. "Get to the comm unit. Request backup immediately."

The engineer nodded and took off in a sprint. But she never made it to her destination. Maeve caught her as she ran by, covering her mouth to muffle the engineer's scream. Her knife found the woman's heart, and she waited until she was still to move again.

This time, she emerged from around the other side of the crate pile, throwing off her invisibility just in time to shoot the formation leader in the face with his own soldier's blaster. As he fell, Maeve leaped onto him like a nexu, his back absorbing the shot from the man right behind him, allowing Maeve to shoot him too. As the body she was holding hit the ground, she rolled forward, aided by the Force, and ducking another shot, before springing up and shooting the last engineer.

In the end, only the man whose tendons she'd cut was left alive. One crack across the temple with the butt of her blaster put him into a deep, pained sleep. And then it was done. Four dead, one unconscious; but she had made good on her promise to clear the hangar of guards, at least for now.

Minerva Fhirdiad​

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[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Tag: Maeve Linahan

They watched Maeve go to work from their vantage point. Rhon whistled but before he could say anything he was speaking the rookie was slapped in the head again by Stiches.

"Oh come on, I didn't say anything!" The Corellian complained only for the medic to retort. "I don't need force powers to know what you were thinking."

"Alright, you two that's enough. Time to go to work." Minerva ordered just as their Jedi ally finished off the guards. With the flip of a switch the cockpit opened and the team jumped out. They rushed forward to meet up with Maeve.

Noting that one alive Minerva gestured for Rhon to bring in the handcuffs and he did so. Locking the arms to the back Rhon readied his weapon while his comrades secured the position from various angles. Once satisfied Minerva then declared.

"Rhon, Tevin and Irni stay here and hold positions. We'll need this route clear until it’s time to leave.”

"Copy that sarge." Tenun, an olive skinned human replied. He held a light repeater and set it up amongst the crates to use as a barricade. For once Rhon didn't complain while he and Irni flanked their gunner.

To the rest of the team she gestured with a hand signal to advance toward the entrance. They and the Jedi have an appointment to keep after all.

 

[Maeve Linahan]

Maeve rejoined with Minerva and her crew once the hangar was cleared. She wiped the blood from her knife with a cloth and cast it aside. She had no qualms about killing, especially when they involved the Sith. Whoever these people were, be it guards or dockworkers, they served Lord Taan willingly, and servants of the Dark Side rarely deserved her mercy.

Side by side with the Mandalorian, Maeve nodded. "You run a tight ship, Minerva. Let's hope it's enough to sail us through these waters."

Uncharted. Unknown. She had no idea what waited for them behind the blast doors at the hall's end, but as she clutched her lightsaber, she inhaled a sharp breath and prepared. When she swiped a keycard stolen from one of her victims at the security panel, the doors opened. She let Minerva and the rest of her team take point. It was their chance to shine.

Problem was, what waited on the other side was not what they expected.

Bodies crowded a room heavy with fog and heat. Not dead bodies, but moving ones. Men and women, some half-naked and others not. They lounged about carelessly, smoking spice and rusted hookahs, and on the far end of the room sat none other than Lord Taan, surrounded by scantily-clad women on velvet cushions and silk pillows.

Maeve's expression soured considerably. Was this part of the plan?

Minerva Fhirdiad​

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