Legacy of the Shadow of the Jedi | REMAKE |

24. The Extinction of a Culture

|| Location: Corusca Sector, Coruscant system , Coruscant||

|| Timeline: 44 BBY ||

The hangar was abuzz with activity as I made my way toward the staging area. My mind was a whirl of thoughts—of the Council's decision, of the task ahead, of the weight of history pressing down on us. The echoes of the past were loud in my ears, but I knew better than to let them distract me. The present demanded my full attention.

Isaac was already there, running through the final checks on his equipment. He looked up as I approached, a grim smile on his face. "Master," he greeted, his voice steady despite the tension that hung in the air. He had grown so much since our early days together, no longer the uncertain young Initiate I had taken under my wing. Now, he was a Jedi Knight in his own right, strong and capable—though I could still see the traces of the boy he once was in his eyes.

"Isaac," I replied, nodding in acknowledgment. "Are you ready?"

He gave a small nod, his gaze sharpening. "As ready as I'll ever be. But this... it feels different, doesn't it? Like something bigger is at play."

"It is," I said, my voice low. "But we must stay focused. The Mandalorian won't hesitate to strike if they sense any weakness. We need to be prepared for anything."

Etrisu joined us a moment later, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to the storm of thoughts raging in my mind. Etrisu had always been a steady presence, his mastery of Niman giving him a balance that few could achieve. His apprentice, a quiet young Nautolan named Selka, was at his side, her eyes wide with a mixture of determination and nervousness.

"Master Kodo," Etrisu greeted me with a slight bow. "We are ready to move out."

I nodded, appreciating the calm confidence that Etrisu exuded. "Good. We need to go over the plan one more time before we rendezvous with Master Dooku."

The Special Tactics troopers who had served under me for years were gathered nearby, their faces hidden behind their helmets, but I could sense their readiness. They were the best of the best—loyal, disciplined, and highly skilled. They had been with me through countless missions, and I trusted them with my life.

We gathered in a circle, the hum of the hangar a distant background noise as I began the briefing.

"Master Dooku's task force will be handling the main assault on the Mandalorian base," I explained, my eyes moving from face to face, gauging their reactions. "Our role is to flank them from the north, cutting off their escape routes and neutralizing any reinforcements. We'll need to move swiftly and with precision. The Mandalorians are fierce fighters, and we can't afford any mistakes."

Isaac spoke up, his tone thoughtful. "What kind of resistance are we expecting?"

"The Mandalorian will have fortified their positions," I replied. "Expect heavy weaponry, traps, and possibly even aerial support. But we're not going in blind. Master Dooku has provided us with intel on their defenses. We'll adjust our tactics as needed."

Selka, Etrisu's apprentice, hesitated before asking, "And if they try to negotiate? Should we engage?"

I looked at her, remembering what it was like to be in her position—eager to prove oneself, but unsure of the path ahead. "If they offer negotiations, we'll assess the situation, but do not lower your guard. The Mandalorians are cunning, and they may try to deceive us. Trust in the Force, and trust in your training."

Etrisu placed a reassuring hand on Selka's shoulder, his presence a comforting one. "We'll be fine, Selka. Just stay focused, and remember your training."