The Ascension Of Darth Rasmus- The Rise of the New Sith- Book 1 (Fanfiction)

Chapter IX- Disturbance of The Dead

The eight-person cargo shuttle dropped out of hyperspace above the light brown planet of Korriban. Jai'ir and those who followed her took in the planet before them. Jai'ir had never been this deep into the outer rim before and was surprised at the popularity of the system. An entire galactic blockade was stationed just above the upper atmosphere. Jai'ir's jaw dropped at the sheer size of the ships that were before them. The hailing beacon chimed alerting the crew that someone in the blockade was attempting to contact them. Dax reached out and opened the comm channel, a strict militarized voice sounded out around them.

"This is Captain Vance of The Galactic Cruiser Executioner. Cargo shuttle, identify yourself or prepare to be fired upon." The captain's voice rang out. Jai'ir and Dax looked at one another in surprise, they hadn't factored in an entire Galactic blockade into their plan to rescue Jaden. Jai'ir needed to think quickly.

"What would Jaden do?" She said partially to herself and partially to Dax. He was useless as always in these situations and said nothing. Then she got it. Jaden was a part of the New Jedi Order and Luke's army of students now attacking Korriban, she could simply say she was a transport shuttle carrying reinforcements for the battle on the surface. She stopped herself before committing though, the Jedi were sworn enemies of the Galactic Republic and they would be shot on sight. Rethinking her idea, the comm chimed again.

"Shuttle Identify yourself this is your last warning." She needed to think and think fast. She nodded to Dax telling him to open the channel in response.

"This is supply shuttle delta, arriving to restock the Empire's troops, there are folks hungry and thirsty on this desert planet, you're not going to deny them their rations, are you?" She asked, half-jokingly half-serious. There was a silence from the captain and then permission came through.

"Supply shuttle delta you're cleared for landing, go bring our boys their dinner." After this, the comms channel closed and all was silent once more, save for the humming of the shuttle's engines. Jai'ir let out a heavy sigh, one that she had seemed to be holding in ever since they dropped out of hyperspace. She looked at Dax and then broke out laughing. Amazed that her quick thinking had actually come through for once. She sat back in her chair and prepped the landing cycle to start upon the entry into the lower atmosphere.

"Nylice, are there any clear LZ's near the City of The Sith." She called back to the Mandalorian that sat just behind the two pilot's seats. She heard the tapping of some icons on the viewscreen and then the familiar chime of a recommended site. How she had known the name of the place the battle was taking place she had no idea, but she didn't dare question a gift like that, in fear her luck would run out.

"Only place is a wide space just in front of the western entrance to the valley behind the city. Everything else is hot, occupied, or too small for us." Nylice responded.

"That'll work, take us in Dax." She said transferring command to his superior flying skills. This low to the surface she would be no use. She stood and headed back to check on Alek.

The wounded Mandalorian was stretched out along a row of benches on the right side of the main seating area of the shuttle. He had been strapped in with restraining belts and there was a small travel pillow beneath his neck. From his measured breathing, Jai'ir could tell he was asleep. Taking a seat across from him in the center row of seats she cleared her throat in an attempt to wake him. After three tries Alek finally stirred, she saw his head lift slightly and turn towards her.

"Where are we?" Alek asked his voice groggy and hoarse. He had probably not received water for some time, so she ordered the maintenance droid to bring them a pair of refresher bottles it beeped in acknowledgment and hovered off. Once it returned Jai'ir passed the second bottle to Alek. Clinking the necks of the two glass bottles as an ancient symbol of good luck among many other meanings.