But finally, our flight was over. Upon entering **Randon's orbit**, we requested a landing corridor. The polite dispatcher guided us to the palace complex where the local government was located.
The hangar was spacious—large enough to accommodate four more ships like ours.
I entered the **corvette's bridge** and briefed O'Connor and the crew.
"Keep shields ready and be prepared to leave at any moment," I ordered.
"General," the captain asked, "how should we respond to possible acts of aggression?"
"At the slightest threat, open fire immediately. I'll take full responsibility."
Visenya attached a small camera to my chest and clipped a voice speaker so I could record the meeting for her. I did it mainly because she was… cute. And Zeltrons, when treated right, were among the most loyal beings in the galaxy. Also, in case things went sideways, I'd have proof for the record.
After that, I joined the delegation of senators, who were already conversing with the local administrator acting as our guide. We headed deeper into the complex, accompanied by six clone commandos. For this mission, they had opted for light, inconspicuous weapons—mostly pistols and grenades—but a few heavier weapons, including rocket launchers and rotary cannons, were discreetly positioned around the ship.
Although I had expected the building to be crowded, I noticed only a handful of guards. Still, through the Force, I could sense many more intelligent beings nearby. My premonitions tightened with each step. Scanning our "guide" mentally, I detected fear and apprehension.
Finally, as we stepped into one of the central corridors—its opposite side opening onto the main atrium, separated by a low carved railing—I lost patience. I stepped up to the official, grabbed him sharply by the neck, and pressed him against the wall, waving my other hand in front of his eyes.
"There's no reason to panic," I said, projecting calm authority. Time to play Kenobi and the Stormtroopers.
"There's no reason to panic," the man echoed obediently. **Wow. It worked.**
"Knight, what are you doing?" Organa demanded indignantly.
"Shut up. I don't have time for you," I muttered.
"Tell me what you're going to do," I said, waving my hand again in front of the official's eyes.
"We're going to capture the senators and demand a ransom from the Republic. Two battalions of guards are already waiting in ambush. Randon is on the side of the Separatists," the steward replied without hesitation.
"What were you going to do with the Jedi?" I pressed.
"Count Dooku promised to send someone to deal with him. That witch is already here."
"A witch?" Ahsoka asked skeptically.
If it's who I think it is… we're in trouble.
I was about to knock the official out but decided to ask one last question.
"What are you going to do with Senator Amidala?"
"Nute Gunray will pay well for her head."
Behind me, the senators gasped in unison.
"Well done. Now go to sleep," I said, knocking the hapless man out cold.
"Okay, the situation just changed!" I announced, activating my comlink.
"**Bravo Team, alert! O'Connor, prepare the ship for takeoff! OOM-DF-2356, 'Bucket,' execute the Zerg Rush protocol!**"
During the flight, I had instructed the commander of the B-1 modification OOM—who now carried the call sign "Bucket"—on contingencies. Upon receiving this order, the droids were to exit the ship via the cargo ramp and engage all hostile targets within a two-kilometer radius. The clankers would create chaos and distractions, giving us time to escape. Four hundred and fifty combat droids—**now that's a compelling argument.**
The senators exchanged uneasy glances.
"Knight, what is going on?" Amidala demanded.
Of course. How could I forget about this Amazon? For her, such incidents were just another day.
"Don't you get it?" I said. "Your negotiations are over before they even began. They've decided to use you as bargaining chips. Now, if you'd be so kind, please proceed to the ship."
Suddenly, on the edge of my perception, a new threat manifested.
"**Are you still here? Ahsoka, take the senators and leave immediately! Run!**"
The senators hurried after the clones, who had already readied their weapons and surrounded the group, following my orders.
"Master, what about you?" Ahsoka paused, giving me a pleading look.
"Don't worry. I've got a date here."
"A date?"
"Commander Tano! Go after the senators—ensure their safety, and don't let a hair on their heads be harmed. Wait for me on the ship!"
The last of the clones disappeared down the passageway. I put on my helmet and pulled up the hood of my cloak. Footsteps faded until all was quiet.
Well, that's it. Now the droids will move through the corridors, killing everything hostile—which will give the senators and Ahsoka time to reach the **Isaribi**.
Behind me, I heard the familiar hum of a transformer. Or rather, two transformers. The Force was thick with the Dark Side. **So that's what it feels like. Brr.**
Why do my premonitions always come true, huh?
I turned—and ten steps away, standing in the shadows, was **Asajj Ventress**.