Hope Reborn - Chapter 23

Lord Revan centered himself as the ship dropped out of lightspeed. He had taken a smaller vessel and left a droid acting as Darth Vader behind in case it was needed. It had been fed countless reports of his behavior to reference as well as his own specific instructions. There shouldn't be an issue even if the droid had to deal with Palpatine. It had been rather easy to construct something that was an exact replica of his old suit.

His main choice for a genetic donor had been found on Aquilae Sullust. The planet had been under Imperial control until recently. They had dropped contact in the chaos of destruction of the Death Star. Now, they had purchased the protection of Mandalorian led by one Bo-Katan Kryze. Using a human female as a genetic donor had a couple of benefits as opposed to another species, or even a male human. First, contraceptive measures were simpler. While in active duty, they would have a hormone-based birth control that could easily be administered. Once they had served their time, they could simply stop with taking the hormone if they wished to start a family. Second, if the clones did decide to have children, there would only be so many born at a time. Unlike a male who could potentially sire multiple children within a couple of weeks. Lastly, humans were one of the easier species to clone.

The X-91C Phantom-Class starship was a sleek silver ship that had inspiration from Naboo Royal Cruisers. It wasn't as shiny with a more industrial look. The ship had been originally meant for Republic Intelligence Agents and came with a suite of stealth and counter-surveillance hardware. Stripped versions of the ship were sold in mass at the end of the war.

His loyal troopers had swapped out the Stormtrooper armor for something a little more ambiguous. They looked more akin to a mercenary company now with matching matte-silver chest pieces and helmets that covered the top half of their head. A mouthpiece would slide into place if things escalated and under suits had plates of armor strategically places around their bodies. Lord Revan himself had opted for a stylish black suit with silver trim. He had forgone a cloak and had a blaster on his hip rather than his saber. His blade as hidden in his boot. The knee length leather boots were armor plated so that the weapon blended in nicely. He had also put a more obvious knife strapped to the other one to draw attention away.

Fifteen Mandalorians greeted him as he stepped out of the ship. Bo-Katan stood among them. He hadn't seen her much, Obi-Wan dealt with the Mandalorians more often than he had. His troopers marched out behind him and took up defensive positions. Both sides had their weapons at the ready, but no one had made a hostile move yet.

"Lord Revan." Bo-Katan's voice came out modulated through her helmet. "Interesting name."

"Lady Kryze." Revan gave her a small smile and inclined his head. "It's good to encounter someone with an appreciation for history."

"Revan was one of the few Jedi across history to earn the respect of the Mandalorian people." Lady Kryze replied. "That means you're a Jedi, or you're a historian. I'm not sure which I'd prefer."

"That doesn't matter." Revan had to still the fire that burned inside him at being called a Jedi. "What matters is that I am a client and would like to hire your services."

He scanned the Mandalorians that stood beside her. It didn't escape his attention that there were multiple squads positioned around the hangar. They were outnumbered to a ridiculous extent. Lord Revan held up a hand and motioned to his security. They moved back into the ship on his command.

Lady Kryze cocked her head to the side.

"I'm not going to sacrifice my men for a foolish last stand." Lord Revan rolled his eyes. "I would appreciate their safe passage if negotiations happened to turn sour."

"And then they return with more numbers." Lady Kryze sighed.

"I'm the one paying them." Revan shook his head. "They aren't employed if I'm dead."

"And you're fine with that?" Lady Kryze shook her head. "Of course, you are. Kriffing Jedi."

"I am not a Jedi." Lord Revan barked.

The Mandalorians snapped their blasters centered on him.

"Are you sure?" Lady Kryze let out a dry chuckle. "You've got the dramatics down."

Revan closed his eyes and took a calming breath. Anger and hatred burned hot and left everything in ashes once it faded. He wasn't about to buy into the No Anger, Only Peace nonsense, but he would not allow his emotions to control him again.

"I have history with the Jedi, and the Sith." Revan said through gritted teeth. "I would caution you to making that comparison again."

Lady Kryze crossed her arms. He didn't need to see her face to know the look she was giving him. What did this lone man think he could do against a ship full of Mandalorians? They did not know that man that had been Darth Vader stood before them. His body had been returned to him and it had only solidified his power in the Force. Part of him wondered how he would fair against the Mandalorians gathered on the ship. He hadn't the opportunity to really stretch his muscles yet. His hand itched to summon his saber and find the answer.

"I'm here with a proposal." Lord Revan pushed on. "I need a genetic donor for a Clone Army."

A wave of confusion washed over the collected Mandalorians.

"A Clone Army?" Lady Kryze repeated. "How do you expect to keep that hidden from the Empire?"

"I don't." Lord Revan gave her a feral smile. "I plan to destroy the Emperor and his holdings."

Lady Kryze studied him for a long moment. "Jango Fett was the last donor for a clone army. There have to be a few of them running around the galaxy. Use them."

"I need a fresh source." Revan explained. "The pay is good and all you have to do is dive into a bacta-tank for a few days."

"That easy, huh?" Lady Kryze shook her head. "If it's that simple, why don't you do it?"

Lord Revan waved his hand. A crate big enough to hold a star-fighter lifted effortlessly into the air and settled back down with hardly a sound.

"Force Users complicate the process." He focused his gaze on her.

"Should have known." Lady Kryze muttered. "Have your men relax. This is going to take a while."

She motioned for Lord Revan to follow as she turned away. The squad of Mandalorians faded away to return to various tasks. He released the tension in his body as he started to follow. She led him to a private office.

Lord Revan paused as he stepped inside. There was Force echo in the room. Strong enough to feel fresh even after some time. He reached out in the Force to examine it closely. A small smile played at the side of his lips at the familiarity. He had only encountered his son for a brief moment, but he had revisited the memory many times as his body was rebuilt. Luke had been here.

"Take a seat." Lady Kryze offered as she sat in a high-backed office chair.

He explored the echo as he sat. It wasn't a skill he had developed. He knew there had been Jedi who could practically walk through memories as though they were there. Being present in the moment was more important in the middle of a battle.

Lord Revan couldn't make out the details, but the vague imprint of emotions was enough. Luke had come here searching for something. He hadn't been alone either. There was another Force User with him, but their signature was faint. Someone with experience in masking their imprint. He turned his focus to the woman who sat opposite of him. Luke's echoes were thick around her.

"Care to tell me what a dead man is doing on my ship?" Lady Kryze asked.

The question pulled him out of his thoughts.

"Anakin Skywalker." She tapped the side of her helmet. "I ran your face through the data-base the moment you stepped out of your ship."

Lord Revan gave her a flat stare.

"Please, Lord Vader." Lady Kryze had a smile in her voice. "Enlighten me."

He raised his eyebrows at that. Not many people knew Anakin Skywalker was Darth Vader. He narrowed his eyes at her as a wicked smile crossed his face.

"As I said." Lord Revan leaned back in his chair. "I need a volunteer to provide genetic material for a clone army. In my experience, they are superior to Stormtroopers."

"If I say no?" Lady Kryze asked. "Are you going to kill me and my men? Will the sky fill with Imperial Star Destroyers?"

"If you refuse, I would thank you for your time, and return after you had given birth to my grandchild." Lord Revan chuckled. "Family is too valuable to throw away for something as simple as a business deal."

Lady Kryze froze.

"The offer still stands." Lord Revan continued. "I do not believe the pregnancy is far enough along to cause an issue the gathering process. The genetic material will already require alterations."

The Mandalorian snapped open a panel on her gauntlet. Her fingers flew along the panel. After a moment she leaned back in the chair.

"Dank ferrik." She chuckled. "Oh, well. It was worth it."

Lord Revan let a small chuckle escape his lips. It was the first time he could remember laughing in ages.

"Well, grandpa." Lady Kryze shook her head. "Let's talk payment."