SWCW: A 501st Story: Brothers in Arms

Chapter 4: The Titan

The LAAT shuddered to a stop within the cavernous hangar bay of the Venator Star Destroyer "Tank." Yeldog, his scarred visage set in a determined expression, disembarked alongside Tempaah, now a newly minted Captain, and a somber Yoelajn. The air hummed with the distant sounds of activity, a stark contrast to the quiet urgency within their small group.

"Commander," Tempaah began, his voice laced with concern, "are you sure about this? Admiral Tanks's reputation precedes him, even amongst high command."

Yeldog nodded curtly, his gaze unwavering. "We have no choice, Captain. Fives is critical, and the Admiral holds the key to his survival." He looked at Yoelajn, whose young face displayed a mixture of fear and defiance. "Stay close, trooper. This might get messy."

Their journey to the bridge was tense, the sterile corridors filled with whispers and curious glances. Finally, they stood before the imposing figure of Admiral Tanks, his gaze as cold and calculating as the steely grey walls around them.

"Greetings, Commander," Tanks said, his voice a low rumble. Yeldog saluted, his grip tight on his blaster. "It's an honor finally to meet you, sir."

A humorless smile flickered across Tanks' lips. "Cut the formalities, Commander. I know why you're here. The Umbaran mission, yes? A costly victory, wouldn't you say?"

Yeldog felt a prickle of unease. The Admiral's words held an underlying meaning he couldn't quite grasp. "We did our duty, sir, at a heavy cost," he replied cautiously.

Tanks leaned forward, his eyes glinting with an unsettling intensity. "Indeed. And that is precisely why your 501st has been called upon. Not just for Umbara, mind you, but for something far greater. Something that demands... sacrifice."

Yeldog's heart hammered in his chest. "What are you talking about, sir?"

"Patience, Commander," Tanks chuckled, a chilling sound that echoed in the sterile silence. "First, a reward for your service. For the 501st's unwavering loyalty and... ingenuity," he drawled the last word, his gaze lingering on Yeldog, "I hereby promote you to Marshal Commander. Bear this honor well, Yeldog, for the tasks ahead will test your mettle."

Yeldog could only manage a stiff nod, the weight of the newly bestowed rank heavy on his shoulders. But the unease gnawed at him. This wasn't just about Umbara, he knew it. There was something more, something dangerous lurking beneath the surface.

"Now," Tanks continued, his voice turning sharp, "bring me Karno. I have... questions for him."

Yeldog hesitated, a wave of apprehension washing over him. Karno's enigmatic nature and rumored connection to the Sith were no secret, but delivering him to the Admiral felt like walking into a trap.

"Sir, with all due respect," he began, only to be cut off by Tanks' icy glare.

"This is not a request, Marshal Commander," Tanks snarled. "Bring him, or face the consequences."

Yeldog swallowed his fear, the image of Fives pale and injured flashing in his mind. With a heavy heart, he contacted Karno, the unspoken threat hanging heavy in the air.

As Karno's holographic form materialized, Yeldog saw a flicker of defiance in his eyes. "The Admiral wants to see you," he said, his voice betraying none of the turmoil within him.

Karno's gaze narrowed. "I thought I was done with his games."

"This is different, Karno," Yeldog pleaded, urging him to understand the urgency. "Trust me, we have no choice."

Karno hesitated, the weight of unspoken secrets and suspicions swirling around him. Finally, he nodded curtly. "Very well. Tell him I'm on my way."

As Karno's image faded, Yeldog felt the first tremors of a storm brewing. The Admiral's motives were unclear, his intentions shrouded in secrecy. But one thing was certain: the 501st, thrust into the heart of a dangerous game, was about to face a threat that could shatter their loyalty, their honor, and potentially, their very existence.

The hologram flickered out, leaving Yeldog staring at the empty space with a knot of worry tightening in his gut. Karno wouldn't walk into this willingly. He knew too much, had seen too much. Yet, Yeldog's hands were tied. Tanks held Fives' life in his grasp, and disobeying could spell disaster.

A low sigh escaped him. "Tempaah, Yoelajn," he said, his voice heavy, "keep an eye on the infirmary. I need to find Karno before he does something stupid."

Tempaah, ever the dutiful soldier, saluted. "Yes sir. Be careful, Commander."

Yoelajn, however, remained silent, his young face etched with concern. "Sir, what if..." he started, but Yeldog cut him off with a reassuring smile.

"We'll be alright, trooper. Just stay put."

With a last nod, Yeldog disappeared into the labyrinthine corridors of the Venator, fueled by a mix of apprehension and determination. He knew Karno's usual haunts, the secluded training rooms, the rarely used meditation chambers. Every step echoed with the weight of his predicament, the fate of his brother and his entire legion hanging in the balance.

Finally, he found him. Karno stood silhouetted against the viewport, gazing out at the vast expanse of space with a cold intensity.

"Karno," Yeldog called out, his voice resonating in the quiet room.

The figure turned, revealing a face etched with a mixture of defiance and resignation. "Commander. How... convenient."

"Don't make this harder than it has to be," Yeldog pleaded. "The Admiral wants to see you. Just answer his questions and--"

"And what? Hope his intentions are pure?" Karno scoffed. "Don't be naive, Yeldog. He knows what I am, what I can do. This is no mere interrogation, it's a power play."

Yeldog clenched his fists. He knew Karno was right, but they had no choice. "Fives, Karno. He's still fighting for his life. Tanks has the best medical facilities and... resources."

A flicker of pain crossed Karno's eyes, betraying the deep bond he shared with their injured comrade. "So that's his leverage. Pathetic."

Yeldog stepped closer, his voice firm but laced with understanding. "We can't leave him, Karno. Not like this."

Karno stared at him, a battle raging within his eyes. Finally, he let out a long sigh, the tension visibly draining from his shoulders. "Alright, Yeldog. You win. But if anything happens to me, or Fives... you'll answer to me."

Relief washed over Yeldog, but it was quickly replaced by a surge of caution. "Deal. But don't underestimate him, Karno. He's playing a dangerous game, and we're just pawns."

Together, they marched towards the Admiral's office, a united front against the unknown threat that awaited them. As they reached the imposing door, Yeldog placed a hand on Karno's shoulder, a silent gesture of camaraderie in the face of uncertainty.

Inside, the Admiral awaited, his predatory gaze fixed on Karno. The air crackled with tension, the fate of the 501st suspended in the balance. The truth awaited them, veiled in shadows and secrets, and the choices they made would determine the path they walked, a path leading either to triumph or oblivion.