Showing Dominance

Four days later, Dageer, Brain, and Three-four were sitting at a table in one of the many bars outlaws liked to go. Metal, Cell, Tech, Dab, and Ragout were somewhere else.

For those last days, they had stayed quiet, and not caused any ruckus. However, they still had to hear anything useful. Until now.

Although he was looking in the other direction, seemingly engaging in a conversation with his companions, Dageer was actually paying attention to two Mandalorians that were sitting at a table near them. Their famous armor was painted red and black, and with a drawing somewhat similar to a skull. Death Watch.

"I'm tired of waiting! Those scums are all high and mighty on their fancy buildings while we have to stay here with those rats!"

The Mandalorian wasn't making any effort to lower his arrogant voice, and received more than one angry glare from nearby customers. However, once they saw who they were, they decided to stay quiet.

"You know the orders. Arta doesn't want any more trouble. Kryze hunting us is more than enough. So keep your mouth shut!"

The first Mandalorian scoffed, and got up. In doing so, he bumped on a large Kaleesh behind him. The reptilian species snarled, and pushed him away. Dageer could feel that was all the Death Watch member wanted. An excuse to make some noise, and vent his anger.

He pulled out his blaster pistol almost as fast as a clone would, and put it against the Kaleesh's chest. Without hesitation, he pulled the trigger. Instantly, all noise in the tavern died down, all eyes focused on him.

"Anyone want some? Or are we good now?"

No one answered, and the Mandalorian muttered 'cowards' under his breath before leaving. His companion sighed, and followed him.

"Let's go."

As soon as they exited the bar, Dageer told his two brothers to get up. That was the first palpable lead they had in days, and they had to follow them no matter what.

Unfortunately for them, now that the two Death Watch members were gone, the customers of the tavern seemed a lot more unrestrained. No sooner than they got up, Brain barely touched someone - they had to push people aside to walk, since it was so crowded - and was rewarded with a growl.

A Quarren tried to punch him, but the drunkard was far too slow for a veteran like him. Brain dodged and continued walking, as if nothing had happened. They had very specific orders to avoid trouble, and they couldn't lose sight of the Mandalorians.

But the Quarren wasn't satisfied, and, with his friends encouraging him, grabbed Brain's shoulder. Dageer's second-in-command frowned under his helmet, and prepared to grab his pistol. Clones weren't used to these kinds of places, and, rather than entering a brawl, it would be much quicker to solve everything with a laser. Anyway, everyone there was a criminal of one kind or another, so the trooper had no qualms about killing them.

But Dageer was faster than him. With a swift move, he unsheathed his vibroblade, and severed the Quarren's arm above his elbow. Green blood spilled out as he screamed, but the three clones didn't even look at him, and left the bar. This time, no one dared to block their path.

They got out just in time to see the two Mandalorians turning around a corner. The clones might not be too good with social interaction - preferring to solve their problems through violence, as Dageer showed - but they were good at tailing others, having done it countless times.

Dageer briefly contacted Ragout to tell him what they were doing, and split from Brain and Three-four. Three people together attracted more attention than three on their own.

After about half an hour, and several twists and turns, the Mandalorians entered a big complex, having no idea that they were being followed. Dageer joined with his brothers, and kicked open a door that led to the roof of the building in front. From there, they could monitor the movement around the building without anyone noticing.

"All right. Three-four, stay here, eyes open. I want to know how many people enter and leave that building, and if any of our targets are among them. Brain and I will meet with the others, and decide on a plan."

"Roger that, sir."

...

"That's how it is, general. Three-four have been reporting that several people, including our three targets, and what seems like a bunch of high-level members of Death Watch, have entered the building for the last two hours. About ten minutes ago, people stopped entering, and nobody came out yet."

Ragout acknowledged it, and was thinking when Three-four's voice came through the comlink.

"Scratch that, sir. Someone else is entering... That is... It's Pre Vizsla himself!"

Everyone stopped talking immediately when they heard Three-four. If before they thought it was just some sort of meeting, now they knew it was a lot more.

"What do we do now, general?"

They all looked at Ragout, waiting. That was a chance they might not have again. They could take out not only their targets, but many others, including Pre Vizsla. That was their shot at crippling Death Watch once and for all.

The Togruta hesitated for a long time, deep in thought. He didn't doubt that Hell Squad could do it, only whether they should or not. They had very clear orders of only touching Arta Spnil, Thhert Kilrr, and Vlaz Vizsla. But then again, neither the Jedi nor the seven clones had many problems with... Bending their orders if it suited them. Not a very clone or Jedi-like behavior, but they also weren't normal clones or Jedis.

"Okay, then. Three-four, keep an eye out until we get there. Any vantage points for Dab?"

"No, sir. All windows are closed and blocked."

"We all go in together, then. Dageer, your vibroblade. I don't want to be recognized in case someone escapes."

Dageer nodded, and threw his weapon to the Jedi. Any sign of an unauthorized Jedi in Mandalore could ruin the relations between the planet and the Republic, which weren't good to start with.

...

Two hours later, when they arrived at Three-four's post, there was still no sign of the meeting ending. Ragout looked at Dageer and the others, who nodded reassuringly, and put on a mask. The chances of him being recognized were slim, since most of his missions were the same as Hell Squad's, secretive and unofficial. The records about who he was, and his face, were few and well hidden in the Jedi Temple's archives. Still, better safe than sorry.

There was no need to ask if Hell Squad was prepared. They always were. Metal and Brain stepped forward, and kicked the doors wide open, surprising two Mandalorians guarding it. Before any of them could react, Ragout had already slashed forward, finding the small crevices between their helmets and their armor, and sent their heads flying in the air.

Meanwhile, dozens of Mandalorians sitting around a table looked at them in surprise, anger, and shock. After a few seconds, lasers started flying.