Chapter 11

(Year 34 BBY)

More than a year has passed since we started operations from Nar Sheda. The property we received from Grakkus consisted of four large landing pads, two of them large enough to hold ships of 800 meters of length. He gave these to us because they didn't have any traffic and was in disuse. Well they weren't being used by the Hutts.

(Flash Back)

When we arrived, this area was under the control of a local gang. I should have guessed as much. The Hutt was not only rewarding us, but also using us for pest control. I had two options Exterminate or integrate. I decided to try option 2 before option 1.

Me, Doth and Vanzii stealthed up. Sneaking into the compounds was easy. These kids were disgustingly untrained. This was more like a collection of rabbles. If we were to attack, we would go through them like a hot knife through butter. I had Subail, ZEM, HK and the droids do the same, they would sneak in take over multiple location on my signal. Some would be on overwatch.

As we make our way through the buildings, we see the reason why they were lacking. These kids weren't the usual type of gang we would encounter. There were kids of all ages huddled up in these buildings. Looks like a street rat gang. I could make use of them. "Guys try and take them all alive. On my signal round them up. Use stun rounds. Janak bring the ship over and be ready to airdrop additional troops" I ordered over the coms.

We come to a large room, there were a few of the older members, presumably the leaders of this little outfit. They were older kids around 15 or16. They had apparently received word that Grakkus had handed over these facilities. Currently they were arguing on their possible course of action. Some of the more hardline kids wanted to fight, while others wanted to negotiate.

As far as I could see, they survived so far because these properties weren't of any use to the Hutts. They would make them no profit.

After a few minutes I got pings from all my units that they are in positions. Well there wasn't much of a need to wait on these kids. I gave the order to attack. All the so-called gang leader in the room got knocked out within seconds. We could hear yells and shouts throughout the area, but soon everything became quiet. I couldn't help but smile.

I ordered every little rat be gathered in the warehouse.

(POV Mathew)

We had created this gang of street rats to protect each other. And we chose this disused landing pad and surroundings so that we don't cross the Hutts.

But all that changed today as word was sent from Grakkus's palace that these lands have been handed over to someone else. And from what I heard they received it by killing a Jedi. Apparently, the new owners had an army of droids at their backs as well. We stood little chance, we had to negotiate if we are to survive. But, some of the hard liners wanted to fight to the end.

As we were arguing on our course of action, everything went to hell. Stun rounds started flying around and the next thing I know is numbness all over my body and darkness.

As I slowly regain consciousness, I could hear murmurs all around. I was lying on the floor, as I slowly sit up and look around, I realize we are in the ware house. Everyone was gathered here. Then I notice that there was an army of droids surrounding us, blasters at the ready. As I slowly look around, I finally notice them, Five heavily armed and armored Mandalorians. Maybe I can still negotiate.

Then one of them steps forward. He was giving of an ominous and primal vibe. The grey skull painted on his helmet makes him look and feel like the personification of death itself.

(POV Thrunn)

As we sit and discuss our future plans, the kids start to finally awaken. We turn our attention to them. They were scared shitless as they should be, but atleast four were staring daggers at me.

"Now that you all are awake; I will introduce myself. I am Nomad of The Ghosts. All these properties belong to us from now on. As for you lot, I don't like harming children so I will give you options. First option is that, you may leave right here and right now. Go find a hole somewhere else to crawl into. You other option gives you much more opportunities. You may join us. Those younger than 15 will be sent to Mandalore to learn our ways and train in our techniques. Once you complete that, you will be part of a clan. Those who are older and those who don't want to become Mandalorian, will have another route. We will provide you training for skills you will need and you will work as our agents on Nar Sheda and later beyond. It's up to you to choose. Step forward if you have any issues" I said after stepping forward.

"Can we really become Mandalorian?" a small weequay girl in the front asked.

"Yes, anyone can become Mandalorian as long as you have the spirit and will to become one, and the fortitude and loyalty to your brothers and sisters, to remain one. Mandalorian isn't a race, it's a creed, it's an ideology, it's a brotherhood" I answer her. I could see the fire of determination burning in her eyes. She would make a fine Mandalorian.

The kids start murmuring and making their decision. Just then one of the kids that were glaring at me stands and walk up to me. "You think you can just walk in here, take away everything we built and make us join your little army?!" He then spits at me. "No matter what I will destroy you".

"George don't." one of the kids in the crowd shouts.

"Even after I said all this? *sigh* Anyone else who has the same feelings as him step forward now" I said. Three more kids step forward, all around 15.

"So, no matter what, you guys will kill me?" I turn to my squad "That sounds like a challenge to me, doesn't it?" they start laughing

"Give them swords" I ordered. Four of my droids step forward handing them each a sword. "When you challenge and threaten a Mandalorian with his life, you must be ready to pay the price. Here is your one and only chance to kill me. COME!". I say. I don't even take out Gra'tua. They don't deserve the dignity to die by her blade. If they spit at me when I show them kindness, I will show them what true ruthlessness looks like.

The four looks at each other and run at me swords swinging. I kick the first guy and send him flying into the others, even when the others stand up, the one that got kicked doesn't. His chest is caved in and he lays there dead. I don't wait for them to move. I jump and knee the head of one, a togruta, to the floor. His head is smashed in and dies on the spot. The other two try and stab me, but I grab their hands and brake them like twigs. They start screaming, but not for long, as my hands find their throats and crack their necks.

The whole warehouse is silent "Never mistake kindness for weakness. Or let kindness be one. Be loyal to your fellow Mandalorians, look after those who serve us and crush those who stand against us. This is your first lesson. Now choose your path."

Majority of them chose to become Mandalorians, I had them discretely shipped of to Mandalore. My uncle will whip them into shape. For those who remain we will provide training to utilize their natural talents to the maximum.

(Flash Back ends)

We had these pads repaired and also fitted with refueling, repairing and maintenance facilities. The attached building included a large warehouse and two medium building and three large buildings. One of the medium buildings was across the street, away from the rest of our structures. We walled of the area around the landing pads and the buildings with thick reinforces walls and multitudes hidden sentry turrets all over the walls and within the compound. There were also turbolaser batteries and ion canon batteries present to make any ship born assault costly. There was only one entry point, and everyone had to go through a series of scanners and droid guards. We even had scanners and cameras watching the drains. We converted half of the warehouse to a factory to produce, repair and maintain droids of all kinds. Mainly large amounts of protocol and service droids, which will be later sold throughout the galaxy, even on the black market. They had a subroutine built into them, that is gathering intelligence for us. We even produce a small number of small arms like sword, pistols and carbines. We also created a working relationship with the bounty hunters' guild. We provide them with cheap weapons, droids (Mainly protocol and service droids, but we also 'refurbish' and provide trade federation battle droids and other security droids, ofcourse with the espionage sub routine built in) and sometimes information. They provide us with information and sometimes on the ground support. And most importantly we don't step on each other's toes. The base was also protected by strong ray shields and had multiple shield and power generators.

I had ZEM take the YV-929 and bring back two regiments of skytroopers, about 80 droidekas and 100 19STs, in multiple waves. This force of killbots will be my base security force on Nar Sheda. They will be complemented by legions of modifies B1s, who will be the main front line. Speaking of the YV-929-armed freighter it was already a beefy ship, with two double turbolasers, two chin mounted ion canons, two triple blasters and two concussion missile/ ion torpedo launchers. I only had to add as much mods into it as possible to increase shield and armor rating as well as overall speed. It was also moded with every illegal ECM and dampener mods available. I renamed it the Black Box. Well the damn thing was shaped like a flying brick. I also had it repainted to our colors and had our insignia painted on its front.

What Grakkus didn't realize is that I was slowly carving out my own turf on the lower levels of Hutt town. Even if he realized I am sure he wouldn't care, as long as we don't cut into his profits much. Our presence also deters other undesirable factions from setting up shop. And to streamline the functioning of the outpost, I installed a two-core droid brain in an underground fortified bunker bellow the buildings. Add to that the droids, the auto turrets and the shields I essentially created a mini fort.

As for the building across the street, I converted the lower floor of the building into a large cantina, with the entrance on one side. The upper levels were converted into a hybrid pub/gentleman's club with an entrance on the opposite side. I had even hired a lot of exotic dancers, escorts and bartenders for the establishment, they were also given a mini espionage course. This place will act as a source of revenue and information. The protection was handled by my droids.

One of the buildings within the compound was converted to a training facility for the kids that decided to stay back. They are being trained in all sorts of skill including CQC, espionage and everything in between. We also started taking in orphans and other street rats and giving them the option, wither head of to Mandalore to join us or stay back and work under us.

The first month there were some local gangs that tried to cause trouble. But gunning them down in the street and burning their bases sort of scared away any other trouble makers. We essentially controlled and protected a large section of the lower level with our little base as the center.

Another thing I had repaired and modified was HK-55. I gave him the same weapons and armor package as ZEM. Now I have a super assassin droid to accompany my other super assassin droids.

We had spent all that time fortifying our base and boing bounties here and there. But it was now time to make a splash in the galaxy. Well a bigger splash. What we planned to do was wipe out a large group of pirates. And after searching through the holonets' bounty lists. I came upon something, something that brought back some memories. I had chosen our target as the flesh monger pirates. If I timed this right, I might get another jedi to ransom, well maybe.

The target planet was Botor. It will take us two weeks to get there. And this time I am bringing a full complement of droids. The Shev'la was filled with 200 Skytrooper droids, 50 19STs and 30 droidekas. The Box was filled with 100 Skytrooper droids, 10 19STs along with 10 droidekas.

My little army would lay waste to the pirate forces.

(Two weeks later)

We are in the orbit of Botor. The Kyr'am was running full stealth and ECM suits were active. The box too was silent and had ECMs and dampeners running. If the pirates scanned this area of space, they wouldn't even pick up the Kyr'am and the Box would only give of very faint signatures if any. I had the Shev'la do a high-altitude pass and scan of the base.

Then I gathered the squad (ZEM and HK are considered members of the squad) around a hollow table in the conference room in the main deck. Athena is connected to the rest of the droids to pass on the plan.

"Alright this is going to be how we do this. Scans show a large landing strip with a few pirate ships already there. the rest of the compound is divided into three main area of interest the storage and armory, the main building and the holding cells. The Box will do a fast insertion on the landing strip while taking out its defenses. Once the troops are unloaded the box will provide CAS. The unloaded troops will first secure the landing strip and ships quickly, while simultaneously pushing toward the storage. After securing the landing strip you are to form a perimeter and make sure that no one escapes or interferes. This group will be assigned call sign Bravo, ZEM you are in charge of this group. The Kyr'am will do a low pass dropping the Skytrooper droids and 19STs along with the squad in a low altitude air drop. This group will focus on attacking the main building and taking over the holding cells. Then the Kyr'am will then do a quick touch down on the strip and unload 20 of our droidikas. they will push forward along with Bravo and link up with us. The Ones attacking the main building will be Alpha one and the ones attacking and holding the cells will be Alpha two. Subail you are in charge of Alpha two. you have Vanzii with you, along with 100 Skytroopers and 10 19STs. You will make the first drop. Meanwhile I will lead Alpha one with Janak, Doth and HK, and will take the rest of the troops with me. Once all groups have made land fall, the Kyr'am will join the BOX in CAS. Any questions?" I give out the game plan.

"What are we going to do with the salves or prisoners?" asked Subail.

"Try and hold them in their cells till we have control over this base. If they try making trouble for you neutralize them. But try not to kill them. We don't know if there are any HVTs among them. As for the rest, lethal force is authorized". I stated "If you find someone of interest try and capture, while the pirates can just be killed" he nods in confirmation.

"These meat bags won't know what hit them master" stated HK in his jovial deathbot manner.

I just smile sinisterly at his comment.

"Gear up and prep for mission launch in one hour, we will strike in the dead of the night. That is when most of them will be in the main building eating dinner or generally sleeping." I gave a final order. Everyone dispersed to get their preparations done before we drop.

(1 Hour later)

The Black box dives through the atmosphere followed by the Kyr'am one minute behind. The Box and Kyr'am launched strikes against emplacements while still on approach. As it reaches just above the airstrip my troops start air dropping all over the place. The Box makes a quick touch down and releases all of its droidekas. who move in pairs all over the air strip and towards the storage. Shortly after the Kyr'am passes slowly over the holding cells and drops Alpha two all the while unleashing hell on the defenses on the ground with its multiple turrets and missiles. And then it drops Alpha one over and around the main building. Then it proceeds with the plan.

The pirates didn't even have time to put up a proper resistance. It was essentially raining death.

When we land, we saw a large number of them running from the main building towards the armory. Unfortunately for them they were surrounded by us, and we unloaded into their ranks. In a few short minutes none of those runners were left standing.

After we cleaned out all the pirates and slavers in the surrounding, we surrounded the buildings and started moving in.

"This is Alpha one, status report, over" I said over coms.

"This is Bravo, Air strip captured and perimeter set. Pushing through storage and armory now master." Came ZEM in with his report.

"This is Alpha two building perimeter secure, now clearing room by room from multiple directions." Reported Subail.

"Roger that Alpha one is breaching the main building now" I said to the other teams. "HK you and the STs go through the roof, Rest of us take the lower floor, multiple entry points" I passed out orders for my team.

We all stacked up on doors and walls, that will soon be doors. "Breach in three. Three… two … one. BREACH …." I time the attack through coms.

Multiple explosions go off, and we burst through the entrances. We mow down any pirate we come across. The fire fight lasts fifteen minutes. It was fighting from room to room. When I reach the main chamber, I see Alorg slumped at a corner, he was already shot up and dying.

I walk up to him "Who are you? Why attack?" he stutters, while coughing out blood.

"We are the Ghosts and we are your death. As for why, you are just a stepping stone" I say menacingly and put him down with a bolt to the head.

"All units spread out and secure the base. HK take the STs and search for anyone that might hiding somewhere. ZEM ask components from Bravo and Alpha one to commandeer the ships on the strip. Wrench and shredder take a detachment of skytroopers and comb through everything. Find everything of value and load it on to the freighters there". I give out orders. "Deadeye speak to me; do we have any HVTs we can ransom" I ask Subail.

"Surprisingly there aren't many prisoners. But there are some of interest, A force sensitive youngling, apparently, they were already going ransom him off to the jedi. The jedi are supposed to arrive tomorrow. There is also the son of an executive from Fondor, they were holding him hostage, for what reason I don't know. Most probably to threaten him into doing things for them. While the rest are local city leaders who raised their voice against the pirates. What do you want us to do" reported Subail.

"First of all, give everyone a thorough medical. Then release the locals into the city. As for the force sensitive child. I don't think we can coerce the Jedi coming to get him, without suffering loses. Plus, we don't want to antagonize them too much" I passed on my orders.

"Athena contact Fondor and tell them we have destroyed the entirety of flesh monger pirates. And tell them to send someone to verify the bounty. Also tell them to bring the credits for the bounties as well as the 'fees' for saving their executives son. And tell them it's non-negotiable" I passed on the task of notifying the authorities to Athena.

Later that day I went to check on the loot. Apparently, one of the freighters the loot was stored in was a VCX-100 freighter. Who would have thought.

All the dead bodies were later gathered together in neat rows in the large warehouse.

Now we wait.

The next day the first group to arrive were the law enforcement agents from Fondor. They quickly did their rounds and came back confirming the bounties. I also sold them the extra ships. We got a total of 500,000 credits for this little trip, which includes the bounty and the 'fees' for saving the executives son.

They left by mid-day. We then burned the warehouse down with the bodies.

The force sensitive boy's name was Lo. Apparently, he finds our company much more comfortable than those of the pirates. He was just sitting around talking to Vanzii. He was a nice kid all things considered. We were all loaded up and the engines were spooling up for our departure, if the jedi didn't come in the next hour, we are heading off. They can come collect the kid at Nar Sheda. As the last flight check of the freighters were completed a little green Jedi fighter comes lands about 50 meters away from our ship.

When the cockpit opened, a little green gremlin comes out from it. I ordered everyone else to board the ship and walked over to Yoda accompanied by Lo.

"Thought the boy to be imprisoned, I did. Apparently wrong, I was. What need you for exchange for the boy…hmmmm…" asked Yoda.

"Wrong group Yoda. The ones you were looking to trade with were the flesh monger pirates." I stated.

"Indeed" came a curt reply.

"Well as you can see, the pirates are no more. And if you are asking if I need ransom for this one as well. Then no, we made a more than hefty profit from this venture. The boy is free to go with you" I stated. And motioned Lo to go to the little green goblin. "But if you ask me if I need something, just don't take offense to me killing any Jedi that comes after me or gets in the way of my missions. Ofcourse, I know moderation. And now if you will excuse me, I have other places to be". I turn around and board the ship. I could hear the signature Yoda 'hmmm' from behind me.

As soon as I enter the ramps close and my little fleet takes off.

(POV Qui-Gon)

Me and my apprentice were summoned by Yoda to retrieve a youngling, which he had left to rescue. Apparently, we were heading to a pirate stronghold, which if I am honest makes me a bit apprehensive.

As we near the co-ordinates. Smoke plumes enters our sight. The pirate strong hold was burnt down.

"Master, you are seeing this as well right?" asks Obiwan

"Yes. Yes I am." Is all I could think of saying at the moment.

We landed near Master Yoda's starfighter. As we approach him, we see that there is youngling sitting near him.

"Come you have, finally. Take this youngling you must, to the temple he must go. Gone through too much he has." Mater Yoda says.

"Master Yoda what happened here? It looks like a war zone." Asked Obiwan.

"Our acquaintances, The Ghosts, raided this place they have. Liberated prisoners and claimed bounty they have. Destroyed whole pirate group they did. Gathered here the entire pirate army was, in anticipation of my arrival" answered Master Yoda.

"They seem to be efficient and from what I can gather, they work almost like a trained army. From all the intelligence we were able to gather they have set up shop in Hutt town's lower district on Nar Sheda. And from what I hear they show no mercy to anyone who hinders their missions. And they only accept missions they find acceptable. Atleast three Jedi have died by Nomads hands so far for obstructing them." I stated.

Information on their group is sparce, if any. No one knew who they were. All we gathered so far was they always go by code names and no known holo of their faces have been taken. They are very secretive, and so far, they have lived up to their name of Ghosts.

"Why not send a jedi strike force after them? After all they have killed Jedi" asked Obiwan.

"Our enemy they are not. Dislike our ways Nomad does, Not as people. Jedi killed regretful might be, by attacking them we create enemies where there are none. Hunt jedi actively they do not. Find Nomad unique I do. Presence in the force he has not. Bends around him does the force, a walking wound in the force, he is." Said Master Yoda.

"I have felt the same master Yoda. And from what I have seen and heard they always work following a modified version of the Super commando codex. They show ruthlessness, yet honor, which very few bounties hunters show. Plus, I get the feeling Nomad atleast respects some of us as people or warriors, but he dislikes, if not hates what the order is or has become" I also give my input.

We talk for a little while more. Then master Yoda feels a disturbance in the force calling to him and leaves. While me and Obiwan take the young Lo back to the temple.