OOC: During the course of this takeover, I will be integrating multiple characters of mine
in the same post. Thos characters are JediGhost (Logan), Admiral Griff, and Wade Vox. Just a heads up so there is no confusion.

IC:

Wade Vox smiled slightly as he approached the planet Onyx in the Unknown Regions. The planet was every tourist’s dream vacation spot. With lush forests, open grasslands, beautiful snow capped mountains, and large oceans it was a paradise.

The perfect place for an old man to retire.

Wade had never fully understood Admiral Joren Logan’s reasons for retireing from military service to the New Republic. But on the other hand the man was nearing sixty years old. And he had spent roughly thirty years in military service. First to the Almanian Defense Force, then to the New Alliance, and finally to the New Republic. But certain things were happening in the galaxy that required Logan’s expertise.

Wade glanced over at the man in the in the copilot’s seat. His name was given simply as Aeon. He was an agent for the secretive Black Hand group lurking somewhere in the outer-rim. Aeon had contacted Wade personally for this mission. He was given no details but they needed Logan for something. And since Wade was a Jedi Knight and an old friend of Logan he was an ideal emissary. Or so he was told. The Force was giving him vague hints that this had some ulterior motive. But so far Aeon had done or said nothing to implicate him in any wrongdoing.

“Engaging repulsorlifts” Aeon said next to him as the ship descended into the atmosphere.

Wade gave the control board one final look and then sat back slightly as the autopilot took over for him. He closed his eyes, felt the Force penetrate him, giving him strength…
He reached out with it, and tried to sense any danger coming from Aeon…in fact he couldn’t sense anything about him. It was almost like the Force didn’t exist in him. Very disconcerting.

“They are quite beautiful” Aeon remarked next to him, snapping him out of his trance.

Wade opened his eyes to see what Aeon was referring too. And then he saw them, the distant snowcapped Victory Mountains. They had been named that by Logan himself after their brief skirmish with the Onxyians, the natives of the planet. Wade winced instinctively as he remembered the causualty reports from that battle. But nevertheless, the mountains were, as Aeon had said, quite beautiful.

He looked down at the helm. “Were coming up on landing pad one one three eight of the New Alliance’s old HQ. Prepare to disengage the repulsorlifts.” In another minute the ship touched down softly on the pad. Wade unstrapped from his seat and stood up, Aeon doing likewise.

“Come, lets see the Admiral”

Aeon said nothing as they disembarked from the ship. Wade was not surprised when there was no one out to meet them. The New Republic had abandoned this world not so long ago. But the remnants of the New Alliance’s presence were not gone. The New Alliance had established a garrison here and the New Republic had created one of their own a little north. Wade had just landed the ship on an long unused landing pad.

“Does Logan live in this old base?” Aeon asked as they unloaded the landspeeder.

“No. There is a settlement a kilometer or so south of here. Onyx is a beautiful place. An ideal retirement planet. Nevertheless there are only a couple thousand living here.” Wade replied.

“I see” Aeon said thoughtfully.

“Come on let’s go” Wade said as he stared the landspeeder’s engine and repulorlift.

It was only a short distance to the offworlder settlement, called Adar. Wade reached out with the Force and soon located Logan’s familiar presence. He guided the landspeeder to a large stone house and parked it in front of the house. He and Aeon got out after securing the landspeeder.

They both walked up to the door of the house and Wade knocked on it.





The door opened at Wade’s knock but there was no one to greet them, but Wade knew better.

“Mahk, it is me Wade Vox ,Jedi Knight. I have come here to see the Admiral.” Wade said into the silence.

No answer.

“Come on, I know you are there, stop playing your silent games and come out”

“They are not games, Jedi Vox.” A Noghri voice mewed in his ear, causing Wade to jump a bit.

The Noghri were renown among Jedi for their unique sense in the Force. It was like they were not there at all, very difficult to sense them through the Force.

“Fine” Wade said calmly, “Will you please get Admiral Logan for me?”

Before the Noghri could answer a well remembered voice spoke up from Wade’s left.

“No need. I am here. It has been a long time Wade” Logan said, standing in a doorway, a big smile on his face.

Wade also smiled.

“Yes Admiral, too long. May I introduce, Aeon of the Black Hand agency.”

A single eyebrow came up on Logan’s face. But that was all he showed.

“A pleasure Aeon. Please come in an let’s talk.”

Wade nodded and followed Logan to a comfortable lounge area.

“I trust you are well, Wade?” Logan asked.

“Yes Admiral. I have been on several special missions for the Jedi and others. I have recently returned from a planet called Kamino.”

Logan did not ask what the missions were about he simply nodded and turned to Aeon.

“And where are you from? “ Logan asked him.

“Oh…around” Aeon said, not really answering the question.

Logan smiled slightly and shook his head.

“I guess that is all that I will get out of a Black Hand Agent. Oh and by the way, how is Admiral Griff doing lately?”

It was a casual question and it took a second to register with Aeon.

“Ah..who?” He said, a little off balance. Very few people knew about Griff even most of Black Hand. How did Logan, on a distant hidden world enjoying retirement know about him?

“Admiral Griff. I assume your orders for coming here came from him did they not?” Logan said again, still smiling as if they were discussing the weather.

Aeon apparently realized the charade was now useless, “Yes sir”

“Good. Now I want to know what this is all about” Logan said flatly.

“I am here to extend an invitation to join Black Hand, at least temporarily” Aeon said.

“Why?” Logan asked.

“Black Hand has invested interest in certain places you are familiar with” Aeon replied.

Logan’s eyebrow’s lifted slightly.

“Wayland?”

“Correct. But that is not all. We are looking at other planets as well formerly owned by the New Alliance”

“I see” Logan said thoughtfully, “And I understand why you want me to help you. But my answer is of course, no”

Aeon frowned, as did Wade.

“May I ask why sir?” Aeon asked.

“I am an old man, and I want to enjoy my retirement. I have no interest in fighting your battles.” Logan told him.

“But sir-“

“Enough” Logan said, holding a hand up, “I have done all I can. My time is up and I want to be left alone, in peace. I do not owe anything to you, or Griff or anyone else. I want to be left alone.” Logan said firmly.


Aeon sighed.

“I understand sir, but I feel I must inform you that we have received intelligence that the planet wayland, the Noghri population specificly has been targeted by slavers”

Logan looked up at him, a mixture of surprise and shock on his face.

“What?”

“Yes. A Trandoshan slaver kingpin named Barsck has been planning an assault on Wayland. He intends to capture the Noghri children.”

“The children?” Logan asked, looking behind him at Mahk.

“Correct. He is currently at Sullust, gathering his forces. He will be leaving for Wayland in a day or so.”

“What does he intend to do with the rest of the Noghri?” Logan asked.

“They will be killed, as Trandoshan custom”

Logan closed his eyes and sighed. Long ago he had forged a deal with the Noghri. In exchange for their services he would provide them supplies, ships, and anything else they would ever need. After the New Alliance/New Republic merger it hadn’t changed. The New Republic had simply taken up the task. But now…

“Very well. I will assist. But only in this case. After we have defeated the slavers I will return here” Logan said.

Aeon nodded.

“Agreed” he said, I have an armada in orbit who will take us to Wayland and help us destroy the slavers”

He said it so matter-of-factly that it didn’t hit Wade Vox at first. After a few seconds he turned to Aeon.

“What!?”

“Yes. They followed us here from Kamino” Aeon told him.

“But…” Wade said uncertainly.

“Cloaked ships, Jedi Vox.”

Wade’s shoulders seemed to sink slightly. He could hardly believe he was duped so badly. But he let that pass and again he was calm.

“What type of ships?” Logan asked.

“You shall see. Now if you wouldn’t mind we do have a schedule to keep. When can you be ready?” Aeon asked Logan.

“One hour” Logan replied.

“Good. Wade and I will wait.”

The Guardian rose out of Onyx’s atmosphere an hour later. Wade immediately scanned for other ships in orbit but he found none. Where were these ships Aeon had mentioned?

“If you wouldn’t mind, Vox, our escort is waiting” Aeon said as he leaned forward and activated the comm., tuning it to a peculiar frequency. He then entered a series of identification codes before speaking into the comm. unit.

, this is Agent 311. You may decloak when ready”

Aeon then sat back and folded his arms across his chest as he waited. Logan, in the seat behind the copilot’s chair, leaned forward slightly as well.

And directly ahead of the, a dark black vessel shimmered into existence. It was slightly symmetrical. It had a cylindrical “body”, with two wings sweeping down on both sides and a short front mounted “neck” with a bridge capsule attached. It was 295 Meters long, roughly the size of a Nebulon-B Frigate. It was armed to the teeth for it’s size as well. It could easily hold it’s own against ships twice it’s size.

“It is a Ghost class Bird of Prey. And there are three more of them out there” Aeon said into Logan’s thoughts, “And with you commanding them, Admiral, Barsck does not stand a chance”

Logan looked at him.

“Me? commanding those?” Logan asked, surprised.

Aeon frowned.

“Yes. That is why you are here.”

Now it was Logan’s turn to frown. He had originally thought he would just help with negotiating with the Noghri. He didn’t think he would be commanding the force sent to stop the slavers. But then he saw the logic.The Noghri would only listen to the person who had actually commanded the force that had helped them. Not just a guy on the sidelines.

And taking another look at the Bird of Prey, he thought this might actually not be that bad. Maybe even a little fun.

The next day Logan was in his cabin, studying the schematics of the Silencer when there came a knock on the door. He got up from his seat and nodded to Mahk, who allowed the door to open.

And Admiral Xander Griff walked in

“Hello Joren” Griff said, smiling as he glanced at Mahk. What was it with Logan and the Noghri? Their debt to him had ended long ago. But yet the small grey-skinned warrior still stuck with him, still carrying out his duty. And the Noghri were a part of Griff’s plans. They were part of the reason he had involved Logan in this.

Only part.

He had met Logan some time before. He was commanding a freighter for Outer-Rim Trade Inc. on a shipping mission to Ceti Prime in the Cirus Sector. Logan’s ship, the Keerow was on patrol and caught Griff’s freighter and detained it for inspection. They had found, of course nothing out of the ordinary, and let Griff be on his way. Unfortunately for the New Alliance, he had also been carrying contraband as well. And had gotten away with it.

He smiled at logan and offered his hand


Logan took the other’s hand and smiled back.

“Hello Xander. Been a long time”

“It has” the other replied.

Logan sighed as he sat down, suddenly feeling very tired. He needed peace from all this.

He also remembered the incident on Ceti Prime years ago. And he also knew about Griff’s contraband cargo. The cargo itself had been food shipments to natives on Ceti Prime that were in rebellion to the government. The Ceti government had outlawed all outside support to the rebels. Logan sympathized with the natives and had ordered the food to be left alone.

But now, in his small cabin onboard the Silencer he sat back on his chair, and shrugged off the memories. Turning to Griff he decided to ask the question that had been nagging at him.

“Xander, why am I here? And what do you really want?”


Griff smiled. He had been expecting this question.

“Two things. One, the Noghri” He said, casting a glance toward the door where Mahk was lurking.

“I need them for my plans to move forward”

“What plans?” Logan asked.

Griff smiled again.

“All in good time. But I will tell you the other reason.” He took a deep breath. “The New Alliance acquired certain technologies that I need”

“Name one” Came Logan’s ready answer.

“Just how did you acquire cloning technology?” Griff said.

“We didn’t exactly.” Logan replied. “We recovered a badly damaged Spaarti cylinder from the wreckage of Mount Tantiss. I ordered it to be taken to Almania for study.”

“And what became of it?”

Logan smiled.

“All in good time” Logan said with amusement. “As soon as the Noghri are safe on Wayland will I help you any further.” He said.

Griff’s face was blank for a moment and Logan thought he was going to object. But Griff’s face cleared and he nodded.

“Agreed. Then I have your cooperation after Wayland is secure?”

Logan nodded reluctantly.

“Good. Thank you my friend. Now, if you will accompany me to the bridge, we have a battle to plan.”

“Report Ensign” Griff said, walking onto the bridge and addressing the man at the helm.

“Scanning…there is no one here sir…wait I am detecting three vessels one is in orbit of Wayland, another at a safe orbit of the sun and another with all systems powered down approximately eight hundred thousand kilometers from our position”

“Get Ids’s on all of them” Griff said.

“Do not bother”, Logan said from behind Griff, “They are Noghri watchers in stealth ships that The New Alliance provided them”

The helmsman spoke up again.

“Even with the best sensor equipment, they cannot see us. We are cloaked”

“Good” Griff said.

Turning to Logan, “Admiral Logan. I must now inform you that I will be leaving the Silencer. During our transit here I received a message from Aeon and I must leave. But before I go I want to talk to you about that thing we discussed earlier”

Logan smiled slightly, “As you wish. The conference room?”

“Yes” Griff replied.

Logan followed Griff back into the conference room again, but this time he did not sit down.

“Alright Logan. Tell me where on Wayland the cloning tanks are” Griff said, wasting no time. Apparently he was in a hurry.

“The cloning technology is not on Wayland, but in a safe place”

Griff’s eyes glittered dangerously, “You will now tell me where it is” He said flatly.

“No” Was Logan’s cheerful answer.

“Logan…”

“Did you really think I was going to let you drag me all the way out here to Wayland and ask me where I is? No. Not until the Noghri are safe and properly taken care of will I devulge that information. Not before. Do we understand each other?” Logan said angrily.

“Yes” Griff said in a voice that could’ve shredded durasteel.

They were interuppted by the beeping of the comm.

“Sir, our scouts report that the slaver fleet is approximately twenty minutes away”

“Understood Ensign Hannis” Griff said.

“Now Xander” Logan said conversationally, “I will need you to inform your crew’s that I am in charge of the fleet before you leave”

“It will be done, Joren” Griff said again.

Ten minutes later Logan watched as Griff’s small shuttle disappear into hyperspace.

A minute later Wade Vox’s voice came through comm. unit on the arm of Logan’s command chair.

“Sorry I cannot stay and stick around for the party” Wade said. “But I am being recalled to Naboo”

“I understand. Have a safe journey and may the Force be with you” Logan replied.

“Yes. May the Force be with you” Wade echoed and then the comm. was silent. Wade’s YT-2400 freighter drifted away from the Silencer and in a minute was gone as well.

Leaving Logan, again alone.

He had four brand new Ghost-class Birds of Prey under his command, with something bigger on the way. And was about to save the Noghri on Wayland, again.

Why did fate always pick on the retired folk? Logan thought bitterly.

It doesn’t matter anymore though. He was doing what he did best, what he loved to do. It was for the better.

“Admiral, I am detecting enemy ships exiting hyperspace on a vector of one-one-three-oh-eight. They are angling to enter orbit.”

His XO, Commander Cage looked up from his control board, “Orders Admiral?”

“We are going to catch them just as they enter orbit. I want the Intruder to slip behind the enemy fleet. Then, the Razor’s Kiss is to flank the enemy on the starboard side. And the Executor will enter position in front of them. We will move in several hundred kilometers on the port side of the enemy formation. Have all ships prepare to launch fighters and tell me the second they all report ready”

Commander Cage, with a grin on his face relayed the orders to the rest of the fleet.

Ensign Hannis spun around, a triumphant smile on his face.

“Sir I have another ship on my screen. It is the Victory-class Star Destroyer Claw and it is signaling ready for your plan”

Logan smiled as well.

“Good. I want you to send the Claw this message:

“This is CEO Joren Logan of the ComTech Incorporated vessel Dealbreaker. You are ordered to cease all activities in the Wayland system and are ordered to leave immediately”

Hannis frowned but did as he was told.

The Claw also followed it’s given orders and relayed the message to Barsck. To the slavers it was as if Joren Logan just entered the system aboard the Claw[/]. They also had no intention of obeying. Still in perfect formation they slowly climbed out of orbit to engage the .

And as they were devoting all their energies to climbing out of orbit while in formation, Logan sprung his trap.

“Order the Intruder, Razor’s Kiss, and Executor to decloak, launch fighters and engage the enemy.” Logan said.

To the slaver commander Barsck, he was sudden pinned down on three sides. He only had one option available left to him, and that was to swing hard to port and gun it until they could catch their breath and defend themselves properly.

And just as Logan predicted, Barsck’s slaver force swung hard to port and attempted to blast their way out of the ambush.

“Perfect” Logan said. “Decloak and launch fighters” Logan said.

Suddenly, the Silencer had appeared in Barsck’s path, blocking his way forward. As the enemy fleet had burned out of orbit, the Intruder who had been attacking the enemy from the rear, dropped aft of the enemy fleet and pursued from behind. This again left an escape route to port. Logan wasn’t entirely convinced that Trandoshan would use the same move twice.

His fears proved to be groundless as he enemy again swung to the port and gunned their engines, trying to escape the massacre.

And Logan smiled sadly as the Claw, who had been drifting off to the enemies’ port side and had now found themselves directly in the slavers’ path, came in with it’s eighty concussion missle tubes blazing.

The enemy force’s momentum instantly collapsed as they were effectively boxed in by Logan’s ships.

And in an hour It was all over. Logan could not remember the last time he had been in such a short battle. But he also couldn’t remember when he had commanded new advanced cloak-equipped ships before. It was easier than he had thought it would be. Perhaps too easy.

“Commander Cage” Logan said, “Prepare a shuttle for me. I wish to talk with the Noghri about all of this. They already saw the battle, they had watchers in ships the whole time. I believe it is time we got their impressions of the battle”

“Understood Admiral. I’ll fly the ship myself.”

“Excellent”

OOC: Blackkon, I no longer have AIM, and I do not know when I will get it back. If you want, go and post at the Black Hand OOC Forum and I will give you access to a private forum where we can talk, or you can reach me at lightsider1@yahoo.com

IC:

A short while late he and Commander Cage were gliding gracefully of the Wayland treetops. Logan’s eyes were distant as he remembered the trip to this world all those years ago. That trip, and the information he recovered started this whole thing with Griff. He did not trust Griff. The man was cold and calculating, with an unquenchable thirst for information and victory. Logan had had a similar thirst, though not as profound as Griff’s was. Griff was single minded, focusing so much on one goal that he forgot about everything else, it would play a part in his inevitable downfall. Logan had thought he was untouchable as well…

Brief anger rose in him as he remembered the past. Memories he would have to live with for the rest of his life.

“Mount Tantiss is coming into view sir” Cage reported from the cockpit. Logan was sitting in the lounge area with Mahk, and did not want to be in the cockpit. He regarded Mahk thoughtfully after Cage keyed off the comm. in the cockpit.

“What do you think Mahk?”

“I do not question you, my lord” Mahk said, carefully avoiding the question. Apparently he did not wish to reveal to Logan just what he thought.

“That’s not what I asked” Logan said pointedly.

Mahk hissed softly.

Logan raised an eyebrow. “Mahk you have been my faithful companion for many years, I consider you to be one of my closest friends. I greatly appreciate your advice.”

“I do not see the wisdom in this alliance” Mahk said after a long silence.

“Nor do I” Logan replied.

Mahk gave him a look of surprise.

“Then why have you done all of this?” He asked.

Logan sighed. “Because when I told the Maitrakh that I would protect, aid, and supply the Noghri on Wayland, I meant it. It was not some ploy to gain your service to the New Alliance. I really do care about your people. And I have not been doing that. Griff has provided a way for me to do that. You have served me faithfully for a long time, never straying from your duty. And I intend to do the same”

Mahk looked at him thoughtfully.

“I am proud to serve you, my lord”

Logan smiled.


A little while later, Cage landed the ship and lowered the ramp. Cage had also voiced his nervousness for not bring a couple squads of battle druids down just in case. But Logan would not permit it. He told Cage that he was here to speak with the Noghri, not kill them. Cage had grudgingly agreed.

Waiting at the bottom of the ramp was four Noghri. Two children acting as honor wardens standing on either side of an elderly Noghri male and an elderly Noghri woman.

“Maitrakh” Logan said as he descended from the ship. The Maitrakh was clearly surprised at seeing Logan. She had obviously had been expecting to meet with an ambassador from ComTech. Neverthelless as she saw Logan, she dropped to her knees and threw her hands out on either side of herself. The the Noghri male and the honor wardens did likewise.

“My lord” She said. “I am honored by your presence”

Logan smiled. “I am glad to be among friends” He said.

“My lord, my I introduce Dynast Kracktim of Clan Sto’vor”

“Dynast” Logan said, bowing slightly.

“Will you join us for refreshment?” The maitrakh asked.

“Of course, lead the way” Logan replied.

They walked to a small landspeeder which the Dynast drove to the dukha.

They went inside and sat down. A dark-skinned Noghri child came in and delivered a tray of drinks and plates of food.

“Why have you chosen to honor us today?” Kracktim asked politely across from Logan.


”My company, ComTech is interested in exploiting some of Wayland’s natural resources.” Logan answered.

“And what does that have to do with Clan Sto’vor?” The Dynast pressed.

“Two things. One, your permission to proceed with our mining operations.” Logan said.

Kracktim tipped his head to one side. “An Admiral hardly needs our permission for anything”

The maitrakh hissed softly and spoke to the Dynast in her own language.

Mahk whispered a translation to Logan. “She is warning the Dynast to be more careful with his words”

“I wanted to pay that respect to Clan Sto’vor. You were here first” Logan said diplomatically to ease the tension in the air.

The Dynast bowed his head. “Forgive me”

“No need” Logan said, smiling. “Anyway, the second reason is I wanted to begin supplying your colony here with foodstuffs and other things that you need”

The maitrakh drew back ever so slightly in surprise. Kracktim did likewise.

“Why?” The maitrakh said bluntly.

Logan turned serious. “I made a promise maitrakh, I intend to keep it”

“And in return?” Kracktim asked.

Logan frowned. “Nothing. I am in your debt”

The maitrakh drew back and let a long hiss escape her lips.

“No, it is I]us who are in your debt. We have been in great need of supplies. The shipments stopped recently all of the sudden. And we have been forced to survive on our own. We would greatly appreciate your help again. And we will return your kindness by repaying you with whatever we can”

Logan smiled. “I require only your friendship” ,He said.

“Then it is friendship you will have, and more!” Kracktim declared. “You are honorable. And you have protected us from foreign invaders”

Logan smile stayed on his face. “They wanted to enslave your children. I would not have that. And just what is that little favor costing me? Service to an organization that I do not like

The maitrakh was more withdrawn and thoughtful. “I suspect you have taken great pains to help us. It is our honor to repay you in kind.”

“I thank you Maitrakh. Let us hope for the continuing safety of the Noghri people”

The maitrakh nodded slightly, perhaps remembering the past.

A few days later, huge transport ships drifted down into the atmosphere with building materials for the new ComTech HQ. They brought mining machines and a great number of druids to do the work. As well as skilled foremen to supervise the operation. And lastly, they brought supplies.

For their new Noghri allies.

A few months later, Logan was onboard the Claw, in one of it’s observation rooms. The room had big windows that showed the blue-green sphere of Wayland. In his hand was a glass of juri juice.

“You have done well” A voice said from behind him. Logan did not turn.

“Thank you Xander. Forgive me for lack of enthusiasm”

Griff walked over to him and joined him in looking at Wayland.

“Understandable” Griff said.

“I trust your trip was a success?”

“Yes. I have made an arrangement that will make our list of allies grow. “

Logan frowned. “What ‘arrangement?’”

“You remember Aeon?”

Logan nodded. “The agent who brought me here”

“Yes. Did your Jedi friend, Wade Vox, tell you that he could barely sense Aeon through the Force?”

“He mentioned it” Logan said, his frown deepening.

“Well, the truth is, Aeon is a Shi’ido” Griff said, his eyes dead serious.

Logan turned to him slightly.

“A shapeshifter?”

“Correct. And he has provided us with information that has led us to a large and secret colony of them. My mission was to the colony planet to talk with their leader. Aeon is right now with them.”

“Have they agreed to an alliance?”

“Not yet. First they want to know if we have what I said we have”

Logan turned back to Wayland. “You want your Spaarti Cylinders of couse”

“Yes. I held up my end of the bargain. I have supplied the Noghri with supplies but it will not last unless you give me what you said you would.” Griff said.

“Of course. As I told you before, we only recovered one cylinder, and it was badly damaged. It would never work again, but I ordered it to be sent to a secure research facility on Almania. And it was examined closely by the best scientists the New Alliance had. And just before the merge I was told that they had created a workable prototype. But they had not tested it” Logan said.

“Why not?” Griff asked.

“Because the only way to do so was to create a clone”

“And did they?”

“They had started the process yes. They had also scattered ysalamari around so it would block out the Force, that way the clone would take only a two weeks to mature”

“And?” Griff prompted.

Logan turned to Griff.

“And that was the last I heard of it. But soon I had bigger problems”

“I see. But do you know where the project was?”

“Of course”

“Tell me” Griff said.

And Joren Logan turned back to Wayland and closed his eyes.

This was it.