Saga of the Bridgers-Year 7

Chapter 30: Sullustian Gamble

September 4, 2227.

Bacta never ceased to amaze him. Even though his Legionnaire body already had a quicker regeneration than regular humans, even Jordan should have needed a few days before his strength completely came back, and yet, a couple of hours inside that tank had made him anew.

After all, he was badly needed for the upcoming mission, as commander of the strike team. His Spectre codes had been recreated from scratch and now Edrix wanted him leading the squad of Legionnaires that was to escort Luke and Leia to meet with the resistance movement and sabotage any imperial defense they could find.

That was the objective he reported to the squad of 20 Legionnaires that was standing firmly in front of him inside the shuttle hangar of the Palaven.

"That's it, gentlemen. Remember, the imperials do no expect us so soon, but their fleet is most likely on our tail, already. We need to hit fast and hard, is that clear?"

"SIR, YES, SIR!" the armored super-humans yelled in chorus.

"Good to see you're so eager to fight again, Spectre Bridger."

The voice was that of Leia, who walked toward them while accompanied by Luke.

"There are good men and women bleeding on Ringo Vinda to give us this opportunity. I can't just sit around at this moment." Jordan replied sternly. A statement that reminded everyone just how pivotal the battle in front of them could turn out to be.

The alarm then suddenly blared. The PA announced that they were coming out of hyperspace and all hands had to prepare for battle.

"All right, everyone to the shuttles." Jordan ordered.

The fleet left hyperspace, and found only a small imperial naval squadron to defend the orbit. Obviously, most of their fleet was back on Eriadu, either reorganizing or already en route to chase the Coalition force. Edrix quickly sent a skirmish force to engage those scattered vessels, and they were quickly decimated and forced to retreat.

"Captain Bridger, you're clear to depart. We will start the orbital bombardment, momentarily." the Admiral reported into the comlink.

Jordan quickly relayed the order to the pilots. The two Kodiaks fired up the engines and levitated out of the hangar before heading at full speed toward the planet as the dreadnoughts opened fire with their light cannons toward a few isolated military installation they had already detected. The barrage, however, was more intended to mask the approach of the shuttles, rather than actually cripple the defenses of the Empire.

Overall, the tactic seemed to work. Perhaps because the garrison on Sullust had had no heads-up from Eriadu, given the fact that the fleet's AIs were blocking all communications with efficiency.

And speaking of AIs, Jordan remembered something important. He reached hist belt and took out a small chip with his right hand.

For a moment, his mind lingered on Jinx. Taking up a new AI so soon after he had destroyed his lifelong one felt somehow wrong, but there was no place for sentiments, in a war where they needed every possible advantage.

After indulging his nostalgia for a moment, Jordan put it aside, lit up his omni-tool and allowed it to absorb the chip.

Soon enough, six new processors appeared on the omni-tool, integrating with the device until the AI connected completely, at which point a blue figure came out of his forearm. A figure in the shape of a young woman with a bob hair and a navy uniform.

"Hello, Captain Bridger. I'm ARMA." she said in quite a merry tone.

"Hello. What does your designation stand for?" Jordan asked a little curious. Overall, he found the tone of that AI pleasant: it reminded him of his daughter when she was younger.