Project Ares Gold Edition

Chapter 23 - Bodyguard

Republic Military Complex - Coruscant

Receiving a demotion from a Special Forces Captain down two ranks to a Sergeant Gold Class, Chief still retained his Special Forces status and thus inert from being ordered around by the usual command structure. However, he was no longer an officer and had pretty much the same level of input as an ARC trooper, not that it was small, but now Chief wouldn't be able to command on a larger level and utilize his strategic mind to its fullest potential. In addition, despite his words in the proceedings about wanting to serve on the front lines, Palpatine gave the sentencing and thus made a small tweak to the charges.

Not only was the Master Chief demoted, but he would no longer serve on the front lines. Instead, he would remain on Coruscant as an Executive Protective Agent, similar to that of the Senate Commandos. How did Palpatine put it? Oh yes; "A soldier of your calibre cannot be wasted in a prison cell or on the front lines. You are hereby placed among Coruscant's Executive Protection wing."

Recently there were talks among senators that the Intergalactic Banking Clan was offering reduced interest rates for the Separatists and increasing rates for the Republic. In response, Senator Padme Amidala was tasked by Chancellor Palpatine to travel to Scipio and investigate the matter personally. Due to the neutrality of the banks, Republic and Separatist troops alike were not permitted within the central financial district. If troops entered it would cause the balance of neutrality to come into question.

Because of this mission's sensitivity and Senator Amidala's apparent knack for trouble, Palpatine paired the recently demoted supersoldier and senator together for the assignment. Chief's primary goal was to ensure the protection of the senator but some secondary objectives were also outlined. These included observing and collecting as much intelligence as possible and investigating any possible CIS interference on Scipio.

Though he was not pleased with the assignment, Chief relished the opportunity to get off Coruscant and as far away from Palpatine and Tarkin as he could get. He would be meeting with the senator in an hour but he first had to obtain the appropriate weapons for the mission. Because he was no longer part of the Republic Security Agency, 117 was limited to the selection of blasters and explosives he could take with him. Going into the armoury and talking to the armourer, Chief convinced the trooper to allow him access to some of his old weapons. This included his assault rifle, pistol and vibroblade. However, he was limited to one pistol and per the mission's parameters, wasn't allowed to take any detonators. Instead, Chief opted to take with him a trio of EMP grenades that he could use in case of a droid encounter.

Thanking the officer and leaving the armoury, Chief met up with Commander Thorn and a small contingent of Coruscant Guard troopers that were going along for the mission. Because of the investigation's importance, the IBC allowed the Republic to send a security escort for the senator, though they would have to remain outside the city gates. They did not know of course, that the Republic's best operator was also coming and would be entering the city on his own terms. "Commander Thorn, what is the security looking like for this mission?"

"Besides the two of us, we'll be taking two squads along for the mission. For vehicles, we have the cruiser and six escorts. We'll set up the cruiser as an F.O.B. whilst we are on the ground." From what Chief had gathered from Fordo and Rex, Thorn was hard as nails and had a cunning ability to think on his feet. Though he wasn't as loose with protocol as Chief or Fives, he wasn't nearly as uptight as the other officers he served alongside.

"Copy that Commander, I'll go meet with Senator Amidala now and rendezvous with you on the main Senate landing pad." Chief replied before heading over to a speeder that was taking him to the Galactic Senate. Boarding the transport, Chief gave the signal for the pilot to depart and fly over to the large dome in the middle of the city.